One other point about Thompson’s criticism of Huckabee’s willingness to support a federal ban on smoking in public places: It was one of several Thompson made in an effort to illustrate “the direction” Huckabee “would take us in” as president. Others included Huckabee’s willingness to bring enemy combatants from Guantanamo to the United States, where they would “find their way into the court system.” As he went through his points against Huckabee, the only reference Thompson made to his rival’s years as Arkansas governor came in this grammatically challenged sentence: “[Huckabee] believes in taxpayer-funded programs for illegals, as he did in Arkansas.” When asked to respond, Huckabee ignored what Thompson actually said and mounted a defense of his gubernatorial record – as though that’s what Thompson had attacked. Some “debate” this was! No issue was ever joined! Two ships – er, candidates – passed in the night! But now, finally, they’ve met up: For on whether we should have a federal law prohibiting lighting up in public places, the No Smoking in the Workplace Huckabee agrees substantially with Federalist Fred.
