It was wrong of Huckabee to attack Romney over the details of Mormon theology.
It was (in some ways) worse for him to pretend that he did not know the details. His comment was too specific to be based on total ignorance (which his educational background argues against in any case) and too general to be worthy of a response.
It is the perfect low blow, but there is no moral low blow.
There is no “context” that would make such an attack better. If he said it, then he was wrong.
There is an easy way to fix this. Huckabee could apologize and get on with his campaign. He was an able Republican governor, is a decent man, and does not need this sort of tactic to advance his cause.
Without an apology, how can a decent person vote for Mike?
I know at least two very decent men (whom I admire greatly) who are voting for Huck and am curious about their reaction. If this is not a bad tactical and moral move, then what is?
Does Huckabee want to invite the Noah’s Ark retort? (”Oh. . . and do you believe Noah went a boat with a bunch of animals?”) Where will the “weirdness card” end?
Playing with people’s instinctive, irrational, emotional reactions to new ideas is neither prudent nor right.
(To be clear on my religious views:
Mormon theology is not traditional Christian theology.
I think Mormon theology wrong.
I also do not think it relevant in a vote for President.)
Addendum: Huckabee has made an apology.
It appears he apologized to Romney.
Well done.