Mike Huckabee compares actions of ISIS to abortion

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee discussed the importance of the Iowa caucuses while espousing his socially conservative values at two campaign stops on Wednesday.

In Decorah, Huckabee equated the terrorist actions of Islamic State to what he described as the immorality of Planned Parenthood and abortion.

After talking about ISIS, he said, “let us not be too smug in this country. Because we have sins to answer for.

“Since 1973, 60 million unborn children have died in their mother’s womb. If I’m president I will invoke the Fifth and 14th Amendment of the Constitution and protect unborn life.”

He then added that merely defunding Planned Parenthood wouldn’t be enough.

“What we need to be doing is doing with abortion, and the destruction of innocent human life, what Lincoln and the early Republican Party did with slavery 130 years ago, and that is bringing abolition to it.”

Earlier in the day, Huckabee affirmed his commitment to the retail politics of Iowa at a meet-and-greet in West Union on Wednesday.

Recounting his caucus night victory in 2008, Huckabee told the group of 30 that he values the personal nature of Iowa campaigning and plans to win the same way he did eight years ago: by going to all 99 counties.

“When I come to Iowa I’m reminded of the fact that I’m talking to people who singularly have more to do with electing the next president than anyone else in America,” the former Arkansas governor said.

“You actually have more power than some of the big donors who can write multiple million-dollar checks to candidates,” he said, adding that in 2008, he was outspent 10-to-1.

Asked if he senses a difference in this campaign compared to the last — before the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling on campaign spending — he said it makes money a “big factor,” but he reaffirmed his confidence in the caucus process.

“[Iowa voters] are not easily fooled or impressed that someone has a real nice, clever TV commercial. Because they want to meet you. They’re going to ask you hard questions, they’re going to look into your eyes and they’ll know if you’re real or not,” he said.

Crowds at both campaign stops were supportive of Huckabee.

“I think he’s awesome. I like the fact that he’s a Christian man, he was a minister, and I think he’s a really wonderful person,” said Nancy Flores of West Union. Flores supported Huckabee in the past and is planning on supporting him this election.

“I thought he did quite well. A fellow with his experience is what we need there,” said Wayne Wangsmess, a farmer from Decorah.

At the event

Settings: Huckabee first spoke at Gus & Tony’s Town House Cafe in West Union. His next stop was at Chase the Adventure Hunt & Gun Club in Decorah.

Crowds: There were about 30 at his stop in West Union and 70 in Decorah.

Reception: Both groups were very supportive, applauding and laughing a number of times throughout.

What’s next: This was the second day of a three-day swing through the state. He will be at Sisters Mainstreet Cafe in Spencer at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Then he will go to Prairie Queen Bakery & Restaurant in Sheldon at 11:30 a.m.