Huckabee's Heimlich Maneuver May Have Saved Man's Life

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee put the squeeze on a politician at the North Carolina Republican Party convention, but in a good way.

The former Arkansas governor performed the Heimlich maneuver on Robert Pittenger, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, at a lunch Saturday.

Pittenger said he was laughing when he choked on some food.

"I stood up and the governor came over and did the Heimlich and got the relief," Pittenger said. He said the food dislodged when Huckabee applied the trademark Heimlich squeeze to the midsection.

Pittenger added, "In fact he called me in the car as I was driving home to make sure I was OK."

Phone messages left for Huckabee on Saturday were not immediately returned.

Comments

[ImlayinMyRearViewMirror]

I am not a Republican and I would have a hard time voting for Mike Huckabee, but I think the world is better because he has lived. First, when his new bride came down with cancer in the first year of their marriage, he didn't run and hide as many young men would have. Instead, he did all that he could to support her and help her do what was required to come back to a healthy physical state. Now he has likely saved a man's life by acting decisively when no one else rose to do so. In my opinion, Mike Huckabee is a real man.

[Bluejay00234]

He's still a despicable person.

[mooph]

From wikipedia:

"Due to the forceful nature of the procedure, even when done correctly it can injure the person on whom it is performed. Bruising to the abdomen is highly likely and more serious injuries can occur, including fracture of the xiphoid process or ribs."

Somehow, I think this event is (at least partial) political exploitation -- a "Jesus Huckabee Saves" promotion for the Republican vice-presidential nomination.

Maybe I'm wrong, but ....

[chebontenitkee]

Mmmm.....
Actually, and despite the fact that he's a Republican, I think that Mike Huckabee is a decent man and a good Christian. It is sad that because of the radical freaks, the term "Christian" is a pejorative. He did what anyone should do in this situation; as opposed to the folks in Hartford Connecticut who saw the 78 year old hit and run victim and did nothing.

[realpolitic]

If only Huckabee can give the Heimlich to the McCain campaign. It will soon be dead.

[dadw5boys]

Unlike the Rescue Squads who save lives all the time Huckalberry gets headlines.

[tameszu]

I'm very fairly confident that the establishment GOPers hate Huck too much for McCain to make him VP, which is a relief, as he's the most charismatic national figure they have right now.

Also: saving a guy's life with the Heimlich = much more impressive than shooting a guy in the face.

[pros54]

I happen to like Huckabee. I believe he has personal discipline and is a compassionate human being unlike somebody who was running for the democratic nomination despite his crazy stand on a womans right to choose and his gay/aids stupidity.

[NoahVail]

Republicans certainly have nothing to laugh about. Many of them will be choking on their own words this Fall. Maybe their staff should bone up on the Heimlich.

[getoffmedz]

Fried squirrel gets caught in the windpipe every time.

[ObserverinVancouver]

Would you be that petty if it was your life he had saved?

[kristin]

LOL till I choked.

[DocJerome]

Hilarious.

[Flagal]

excellent

[iburl]

I bet that's the sound that came out of the man he heimliched. "Huh - huh - huh - HUUCKABEE!"

[puffhost]

Stop! Still laughing (with milk shooting out of my nose)!

[Scoutxx]

rini said: "he's not as stupid as the voters he catered to."

No, actually he is... but he did a good job here.

[mcfried]

What is it about this man - his policies are despicable and I still can't hate him, every time I see him he makes me smile .... kind of like Elmer Fudd.

[Sloan48]

I can easily say I disagree with just about every position Mike believes in, I can't say I dislike the man personally. He did a good deed and should get kudos for it.

[MissKaren]

LOL

Maybe he can make McCain look alive against a green background. Now THAT would be a miracle.

Seriously, everyone should know how to do that lifesaving maneuver and it is very good that Huckabee had the skill and the presence of mind to act rather than pray.

[robXdion]

Was this staged? Since his Obama shooting joke ruined his name for the Veepstakes I wouldn't put it past him. Huckabee has nothing to go home to.