(Photo: AP / Damian Dovarganes)Republican Presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee takes question about the death penalty, as he hosts a media availability prior to a private fundraising reception in Los Angeles, Monday, Dec. 17, 2007.
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Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee stood steadfast by his new ad in which he wishes American voters of all faiths a "Merry Christmas."
In the ad, the former Baptist preacher wears a red sweater and stands before a Christmas tree as “Silent Night” plays in the background. As he speaks, a cross-like image, which he explains is just bookshelves, seems to glow behind him.
“Are you about worn out by all the television commercials you’ve been seeing, mostly about politics? Well, I don’t blame you,” says Huckabee in the ad. “At this time of year sometimes it’s nice to pull aside from all of that and just remember that what really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ and being with our family and friends.”
“I hope you and your family have a magnificent Christmas season. God bless you and Merry Christmas.”
The former Arkansas governor has been criticized for the ad by some for going too far with mixing religion and politics.
“What he’s trying to say to the evangelicals in western Iowa [is]: I’m the real thing,” said Catholic League president Bill Donahue on Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends.” “You know what, sell yourself on your issues, not on what your religion is.”
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Huckabee has rocketed to the top of polls in Iowa and South Carolina largely riding on evangelical voters who find a kindred spirit in their fight against abortion and same-sex “marriage.” Supporters are also attracted to his ease in citing Bible verses and speaking about his faith.
On Tuesday, Huckabee, who was in Texas for a fundraiser, defended his new campaign ad, which does not address other religions.
“If we are so politically correct in this country that a person can’t say enough of the nonsense with the political attack ads could we pause for a few days and say Merry Christmas to each other, then we’re really, really in trouble as a country,” Huckabee said, according The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Romney launched a new TV ad Monday attacking Huckabee for commuting the sentence of 1,033 criminals – including 12 convicted murderers, according to Fox News. The former Arkansas governor responded that he also carried out the death penalty 16 times, more than any other governor in his state’s history.
“That’s hardly soft on crime when you make that tough decision and actually carry it out,” defended Huckabee, according to Fox.
However, the Arkansas Republican appeared to want to shift his party from political fighting to the holiday spirit.
“I think the country could use a little good will and peace on earth a little more than they can some tit for tat in the political arena,” Huckabee said.
The ad began airing in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina on Tuesday.
