Huckabee On Evolution

by tristero

Here’s Mike Huckabee lying about his views on evolution:

Huckabee said he has no problem with teaching evolution as a theory in the public schools and he doesn’t expect schools to teach creationism.

‘We shouldn’t indoctrinate kids in school,’ he said. ‘I wouldn’t want them teaching creationism as if it’s the only thing that they should teach.'”

Y’see, he’s a sensible nut job. Huckabee says creationism shouldn’t be the only “theory” taught in high school biology.

But that’s a lie. In fact, his behavior demonstrates that actually, he wants to eliminate evolution from the public high school classroom. PZ Myers found this report on Huckabee’s disgraceful record as governor of Arkansas when it comes to educating children:

During Huckabee’s tenure as Governor, evolution education in Arkansas languished in an environment of general hostility and insufficiency. Two anti-evolution bills were introduced in the state’s House of Representatives; textbooks in the Beebe, Arkansas public high school carried disclaimer stickers denigrating evolution; the state’s science curriculum earned a grade of “D” overall and an abysmal “zero” for its treatment of evolution; a creationist “museum” enjoyed state-funded advertising; and evolution was systematically and broadly squeezed out of schools and other educational institutions across the state. Huckabee did nothing to deter any of this – in fact, some of his public statements might indicate his tacit support.

Tacit support is being far too cautious. From his statements, it’s clear Huckabee has no clear notion of consensual reality. And that, as we’ve learned in the 21st Century, is downright dangerous in a president.

Here Huckabee – that nice “aw shucks” likeable Gomer everyone talks about – gets downright hostile when asked about evolution. And he thoroughly evades the question for as long as he can:

Notice: He was asked about the evolution of life. He answers with a non-sequitur, about the creation of the universe, which Darwin and evolutionary theory never addresses. (And note that Blitzer falls for the bait and switch.)

His answer, of course, was carefully constructed and memorized gobbledy-gook he vomits up whenever the subject of evolution is broached. Here he again uses that variant of Soapy Sam’s hoary line in his debate with Huxley:

…after evolution came up in a debate earlier this year, Huckabee said in a conference call with reporters, “If you want to believe that you and your family came from apes, that’s fine. I’ll accept that. I just don’t happen to think that I did”

And here he repeats his opening gambit from the debate

I’m not sure what in the world that has to do with being president of the United States.

This is the only thing Huckabee’s said which I completely believe. He simply has no idea why being knowledgeable about a subject and grounded in reality might be useful in a president.

Sadly, neither do a lot of Republicans who have catapulted him to serious consideration as their nominee for president. And, in some ways even worse, neither do the denizens of the sober, serious national press, who have colluded with Huckabee to give him national stature.

Folks, this is what you call a litmus test. If a presidential candidate doesn’t have a steady grasp on reality, they have no business being even considered for president. Huckabee doesn’t. Not only that, he doesn’t think it’s important.

Forgive me. I understand Huckabee is a laughable clown. But I don’t find this funny in the least.