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Political wisdom of Chuck Norris

By Patrick Day, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer "It's a new age of terror that requires a new breed of warrior.... The stakes are more than pride, more than honor, more than justice. Because they are fighting to save American lives." Is it a quote from a speech by George W. Bush? No, it's the narration from the trailer for Chuck Norris' 1986 anti-terrorist action-fest "The Delta Force." And if you're looking for some insight into Republican candidate Mike Huckabee's out-of-nowhere Iowa caucus victory, you only had to look at the bearded mug hovering over his shoulder during his victory speech. Many credit Norris' endorsement with helping to boost Huckabee to victory. But was it the man or his action hero persona that helped seal the deal? Assuming Iowans were responding to Norris' big screen alter-ego, we wondered what sort of political messages these "Chuckabee" voters were gleaning from the films. We found a few possibilities.

By Patrick Day, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

“It’s a new age of terror that requires a new breed of warrior.... The stakes are more than pride, more than honor, more than justice. Because they are fighting to save American lives.”

Is it a quote from a speech by George W. Bush? No, it’s the narration from the trailer for Chuck Norris’ 1986 anti-terrorist action-fest “The Delta Force.” And if you’re looking for some insight into Republican candidate Mike Huckabee’s out-of-nowhere Iowa caucus victory, you only had to look at the bearded mug hovering over his shoulder during his victory speech.

Many credit Norris’ endorsement with helping to boost Huckabee to victory. But was it the man or his action hero persona that helped seal the deal? Assuming Iowans were responding to Norris’ big screen alter-ego, we wondered what sort of political messages these “Chuckabee” voters were gleaning from the films. We found a few possibilities.  (Tannen Maury / EPA)

Mike Huckabee, Janet Huckabee, Chuck Norris

On the Vietnam War:

“And so as history slowly places it into some kind of perspective, a few things about the Vietnam War have become clear. It was a war that never should have begun, and a country we never should have entered. And as thousands of victims died without really understanding why. Mainly because the reasons for the war were beyond any rules of logic. On Wednesday we’ll sing patriotic songs and pretend I said none of the above.”

From “Good Guys Wear Black” (1978)  (Cheryl Senter / Associated Press)

Chuck Norris, Gina Norris

On threats to America’s national security:

“Running from your fear is more painful than facing it.”

From “The Hitman” (1991)  (Cheryl Senter / Associated Press)

Mike Huckabee Campaigns In New Hampshire

On dealing with Congress:

“When I want your opinion, I’ll beat it out of you.”

From “Code of Silence” (1985)  (Darren McCollester / Getty Images)

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Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee campaigns in Iowa

On Social Security fears:

“Sleep tight, sucker.”

From “The Delta Force” (1986)  (Tannen Maury / EPA)

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