Amazingly, we find ourselves in a very strange period where to become President you only have to do two things: profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and profess your love of hunting.

I find it interesting that the Christian right has risen in dramatic power as this country has gone into decline. Our manufacturing jobs (the lifeblood of the middle class) have all but disappeared. Our engeneering, medical and scientific jobs are fast being turned over to foreigners as well. Our international standing has been crumbling for some time. All we have left is celebrities and Jesus. In the past people wrapped themselves in the comfort of invincible american might. We were the biggest and the best. Now that there are cracks in the foundation people are turning to something else to make them feel like they're the best. Intollerant, extreme Christianity fits the bill.

I'm afraid "President Huckabee" is a very real, and very scary, possibility. When faced with a Democrat who bases their campaign on the tough issues (and tough solutions) facing the country, or someone who sets up phantom enemies (immigrants and gays) and promises that Jesus thinke we're the best...well I'm afraid alot of people will pull the lever for Jesus telling us we're the best if we just deal with the spicks and fags.

As far as Mitt romney and his Mormonism goes, why is magic underwear and a special planet and sillier than burning bushes, virgin births or rising from the dead? Its all nonsence.

But she didn't say it was like The Sermon on the Mount, so it must have been a slight disappointment.

George Bush famously turns on the Texas twang when he needs to reconnect with the "I'd rather have a beer with him" crowd. Hillary Clinton has let a southern accent creep into her speeches when she needs to (her husband could really crank it up if needed). This is just the show business part of politics.

Obama is actually getting a two-for-one deal with Oprah. As we saw in SC she can attract a huge black crowd, but look at the audience of her TV show: middle class white women. She can help Obama with African Americans and women.

I'm no fan of Winfrey, but I'll certainly give credit where credit is due. She's turned herself into a force of nature. The easiest, and safest, thing for her would be to remain nuetural, but she's taking a risk on this one. I have to admire that.

Interestingly, Oprah and the younger Hollywood crowd are going for Obama. I think most people assumed Clinton would have had Hollywood all to herself.

...gets caught with his legs thrown over Mike Jones' shoulders?

This is the same rube who tried to take the furniture from from the governor's mansion when he left office. The sad part is: watch his poll numbers go up after this media attention on his anti-gay statements. This is exactly the sort of thing that resonates with the Republican voter. Homophobia, bigger than Oprah.

Huckabee's comments have been getting quite a bit of media attention. If (when) his poll numbers continue to rise watch for gay-bashing by all of the Republican candidates to swing into high gear...and watch for the Democrats to stay silent.

I'm always suspicious of these people who rise quickly on the evangelical circuit, and Huckster certainly was on the fast track before getting into politics. His pandering to the most uneducated and infantile element of the Christian movement (Adam and Eve were real people), his mean-spirited homophobia, that all tells me he's a first class panderer.

A piece right here on Salon pretty much paints a pretty clear picture of Huckster:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/11/13/huckabee/

Like George Bush, I'm guessing "Jesus" for Mike Huckabee is an open door to the rubes who can move him to the next level. I don't know if its just me, but whenever I look at him all I see is a phoney.

I'm no Oprah fan, but yesterday when I read about her appearnces I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Seeing the footage of it last was a completely different story. Same old Oprah. That woman is completely without talent save one: self promotion. I don't think Obama did himself any favors. He certainly didn't look presidential kissing her queenly ass. Not a good move.

Obama has a real shot to get the nomination and win the election. He really didn't need Oprah. My guess is that she saw a great opportunity to hitch herself to his wagon then wrap herself in the credit if he's successfull. She looked self serving and contrived.

I know the Christian right is a formidable force in our social and political systems, but it is not a dominant force. I can't help but think this sort of hideous religious vaudeville will only marginalize them. Healthcare, global warming, energy independance, Iraq, Iran, outsourcing jobs, the mortgage crisis...I'm not sure silly fables are high on the minds of most people right now. This sort of discourse just makes the Republicans look tragically and frighteningly out of touch. My only hope is that the Deomcrats will stick to the issues and refuse to be engaged in this nonsence.

The Christian right has always screeched about abortion, but the majority of the public are to some degree or another pro choice leaning. They've gotten much better traction with gay bashing, but if this rediculous bickering over loony religious fairytales is the direction the campaign is going...well they're in big trouble. Huckabee is a certifiable oddball, and Romney stepped right into his trap.

I'm fully expecting stained glass and delegates in pews at the Republican convention. this could be VERY entertaining.

but can they substitute a baked potato for the rice pilaf?