COLUMBIA, S.C. – Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee carved out a corner of South Carolina's biggest annual sporting event Saturday, drawing a throng of supporters to a college football tailgate appearance with former pro wrestler "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair.
"We're going to have some fun throughout the campaign and I think that's what will help us to win when it's all over," said Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor who also has been endorsed by actor Chuck Norris.
Huckabee, speaking alongside his wife and former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley in a stadium parking lot before the University of South Carolina took on Clemson, touched briefly on foreign policy and taxes before posing for pictures and shaking hands with supporters.
Huckabee said he thinks the next terror attack on the U.S. will be "postmarked Pakistan" but said he believes that nation will continue to cooperate with American anti-terrorism efforts. Still, he added, "If there is an imminent threat to the American people, then I think it is the responsibility of a president of this country to do whatever he has to do to protect you, me and the rest of us standing here."
The Southern Baptist minister also took a swipe at GOP rival Mitt Romney when asked about the former Massachusetts governor's opposition to abortion.
"He's come along. Even if he's a little late, better late than never," said Huckabee.
Flair, known for his "Whooo!" yell, said Huckabee has the best vision for the country. "He likes to see people enjoy life," Flair said.
Huckabee brushed aside questions about which South Carolina team he was backing, preferring to focus on his Arkansas Razorbacks' upset win Friday over No. 1 Louisiana State University.
Referring to the Razorbacks' rallying cry, he said, "Just remember that the first part of 'Whooo, pig, sooie!' is 'Whooo!"'
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