Tired of those manipulative campaign ads “mostly about politics,” as Mike Huckabee puts it in this clip? The Republican preacher-politician radiates empathy in this toasty-warm Christmas greeting. But to think that Team Huckabee, or any other candidate’s camp for that matter, would miss a chance to reach out to key demographics in any kind of TV spot is pure folly.

Watch closely and perhaps hit “pause” right around the time Huckabee says, “What really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ … ,” and — presto — a Christmas miracle! Or maybe just a camera crew well trained to use lighting, camera angles and seemingly “incidental” backdrops (or, as the photo below from a speech Bush made at Mt. Rushmore early in his presidency demonstrates, not-so-incidental backdrops) to enhance and amplify a politician’s message.

Watch the clip:

ENTER_ALT_TEXT

Your support matters…

Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.

You can help level the playing field. Become a member.

Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.

Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG