Setting Ann Coulter Straight on Huckabee

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Ann Coulter ran a column today attacking Huckabee on the issues of immigration and smoking. Particularly, she took issue with his comments about a smoking ban in public workplaces and his opposition as Governor of Arkansas to a bill that would deny state benefits to the children of illegal immigrants.

There is (surprise, surprise) a lot Coulter misunderstands. The purpose of this post is to equip folks with the truth behind the false accusations.

First, on the topic of the smoking. Many people misunderstood statements Huckabee made at the Lance Armstrong Forum on cancer and thought that he had voiced support for a federal smoking ban. Huckabee clarified this in a conference call over a month ago:

Blogger: There’s some concern about your statements regarding tobacco regulation from the Lance Armstrong forum. As a Public Health Professional, I fully support any and all tobacco regulation, but others felt your comments meant you would be building big government and forcing behavior on individuals. Could you clarify your views on tobacco regulation?

Huckabee: Certainly, I don’t believe that we as a government have a right to tell people what to do or not do. The issue is one of workplace safety … the same reason that the government regulates the exposure of radon and other toxic gases in the workplace. In Arkansas I signed a bill that banned smoking in certain public areas and businesses, but not in bars/restaurants, because those were places consumers could more easily choose to go to or not. So, in the workplace, if we regulate smoking, it is an issue of worker safety. The responsibility initially lies with the states of course. The only way this would be a federal responsibility is for it taking on that roll as part of OSHA as it regulates other work place safety.

HT: One Mom

Next, immigration. Of course, anyone who has actually read or heard Huckabee's positions on immigration know that Huckabee is solid. Here's the reason for Ann's fuss:

The thing people are up-in-arms about is the fact that Huckabee takes the position that the children of illegal immigrants don't deserve to be punished for the sins of their parents. Because of that, as Governor he supported prenatal care for the unborn children of immigrants and in-state tuition eligibility for Latino children who successfully graduated from Arkansas high schools.

Let me make this clear: Huckabee is strong on immigration. I've heard him explain his stance on paper, on the screen, on the stage, and face to face. His first priority is to secure the border. He has always favored the deportation of immigrants who are found here illegally. He does not support amnesty.

So let's recap: The thing that has caused Coulter's knee-jerk reaction is the fact that Huckabee's firm pro-life beliefs cause him to support prenatal care for all unborn children. And because the Arkansas constitution dictates that all children, regardless of legal status, be provided with public education K-12, he supported in-state tuition rates for children who successfully graduate and are academically eligible.

You can also check out this transcript of a great (old) interview with Huckabee — where he discusses immigration near the end.

Now you know. Go and spread the truth. A big hat tip to the original Huckabee blogger who addressed this issue over two years ago. He has a great post on the topic, including a story in the MSM that further supports the wisdom of the Governor's position. Check it out here.