Playing with Fire
The above clip is a Romney campaign internet spot that highlights the differences between Mike Huckabee and his favorite surrogate, Chuck Norris. Credit where it's due - at least Norris, unlike other "team members" that Huckabee erroneously laid claim to like John Bolton and Frank Gaffney, is indeed part of Team Huckabee.
There's been some question in the blogosphere whether or not this ad is actually a product of the Romney shop because the spot lacks the standard "I'm Mitt Romney and I blah blah blah" disclaimer. Having just spoken to their internet guru, I can unequivocally assure you that Team Romney produced the ad. The lack of the McCain/Feingold mandated statement of approval is because McCain/Feingold apparently only requires the ridiculous verbal boiler-plate for radio and TV spots. Happily, some cracks and crevices of free speech escaped the reformers' notice.
So why do I suggest that this spot is playing with fire? Romney can handle an angry Huckabee; Huckabee's recent coup of a campaign consultant hire, Ed Rollins, told the Washington Post of his strong desire "to knock out" Mitt Romney's teeth (presumably in a kind-hearted and generous manner that his boss would approve of). And yet Romney's pearly whites still inhabit his broad grin.
But incurring the wrath of a vengeful Chuck Norris is a considerably more perilous undertaking.