Mike Huckabee wants you to know that he wasn’t criticizing actress and single person Natalie Portman when he suggested in a media interview that her pregnancy was glamorizing the idea of having children outside of marriage.
“I did not ‘slam’ or ‘attack’ Natalie Portman, nor did I criticize the hardworking single mothers in our country,” Mr. Huckabee said Friday via a statement on his Facebook page.
Possible 2012 presidential candidate Huckabee went on to say that he had talked about Portman – who is engaged to her baby’s father – in the context of discussion of his new book, “A Simple Government.”
IN PICTURES: Will these Republicans run in 2012?
The first chapter of that book is titled “The Most Important Form of Government is a Father, Mother, and Children.”
“My comments were about the statistical reality that most single moms are very poor, under-educated, can’t get a job, and if it weren’t for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death,” said Huckabee on Facebook. “That’s the story that we’re not seeing, and it’s unfortunate that society often glorifies and glamorizes the idea of having children out of wedlock.”
Raising children with two parents is hard enough. Single mothers have an even tougher time of it, for sure. But is Huckabee right about the demographics of single motherdom there?
Well, there are a number of different ways of measuring that statistic, but it appears that most single moms are not, in fact, poor.
According to a Census Bureau study issued last November, 29.9 percent of families headed by a single mom have incomes below the poverty line. Of families headed by a single father, 16.9 percent live in poverty.
That’s a lot, but it is far from a majority.
However, the poverty rate for families headed by a married couple is only 5.8 percent, according to the same study. So it is true that single mothers are much more likely to live in poverty than married counterparts.
Perhaps Huckabee meant to refer to unwed teenage mothers, instead of single moms in general. Two-thirds of families begun by young unmarried moms are poor, according to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
Mike Huckabee wants you to know that he wasn’t criticizing actress and single person Natalie Portman when he suggested in a media interview that her pregnancy was glamorizing the idea of having children outside of marriage.
“I did not ‘slam’ or ‘attack’ Natalie Portman, nor did I criticize the hardworking single mothers in our country,” Mr. Huckabee said Friday via a statement on his Facebook page.
Possible 2012 presidential candidate Huckabee went on to say that he had talked about Portman – who is engaged to her baby’s father – in the context of discussion of his new book, “A Simple Government.”
IN PICTURES: Will these Republicans run in 2012?
The first chapter of that book is titled “The Most Important Form of Government is a Father, Mother, and Children.”
“My comments were about the statistical reality that most single moms are very poor, under-educated, can’t get a job, and if it weren’t for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death,” said Huckabee on Facebook. “That’s the story that we’re not seeing, and it’s unfortunate that society often glorifies and glamorizes the idea of having children out of wedlock.”
Raising children with two parents is hard enough. Single mothers have an even tougher time of it, for sure. But is Huckabee right about the demographics of single motherdom there?
Well, there are a number of different ways of measuring that statistic, but it appears that most single moms are not, in fact, poor.
According to a Census Bureau study issued last November, 29.9 percent of families headed by a single mom have incomes below the poverty line. Of families headed by a single father, 16.9 percent live in poverty.
That’s a lot, but it is far from a majority.
However, the poverty rate for families headed by a married couple is only 5.8 percent, according to the same study. So it is true that single mothers are much more likely to live in poverty than married counterparts.
Perhaps Huckabee meant to refer to unwed teenage mothers, instead of single moms in general. Two-thirds of families begun by young unmarried moms are poor, according to The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
Fox News host Mike Huckabee claims Oscar winner Natalie Portman is a bad role model for America -- all because she got knocked up before marriage.
Huckabee went on a radio show Monday and said, "One of the most troubling things is that people see a Natalie Portman or some other Hollywood starlet that boasts of, hey look, we're having children, we're not married, but we're having children and they're doing just fine."
Portman is engaged to her baby daddy -- co-star Benjamin Millepied.
Huckabee -- a Republican who could make a run for the White House -- added, "There aren't really a lot of single moms out there that are making millions of dollars each year by being in a movie"
"I think it gives a distorted image that not everybody hires nannies and caretakers and nurses. Most single moms are very poor, uneducated, can't get a job, and if it weren't for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death and would not get healthcare."
So far, Portman has yet to respond.
Fox News host Mike Huckabee claims Oscar winner Natalie Portman is a bad role model for America -- all because she got knocked up before marriage.
Huckabee went on a radio show Monday and said, "One of the most troubling things is that people see a Natalie Portman or some other Hollywood starlet that boasts of, hey look, we're having children, we're not married, but we're having children and they're doing just fine."
Portman is engaged to her baby daddy -- co-star Benjamin Millepied.
Huckabee -- a Republican who could make a run for the White House -- added, "There aren't really a lot of single moms out there that are making millions of dollars each year by being in a movie"
"I think it gives a distorted image that not everybody hires nannies and caretakers and nurses. Most single moms are very poor, uneducated, can't get a job, and if it weren't for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death and would not get healthcare."
So far, Portman has yet to respond.
Mike Tomlin is only 38. That fact cannot be stressed enough. The man is a pup compared to other coaches yet he is one of the winiest since he took over the reigns in Pittsburgh in 2007. Tomlin was taking over for the well liked Bill Cowher.
The pressure never seemed daunting to the ever cool Mike Tomlin. He went about his business and won the Super Bowl in 2009. Now, just four season into a head coaching gig, he is taking the Steelers back to the Super Bowl.
In a day and age where Rex Ryan and Bill Belichick get all the media hype, it is Tomlin that is quietly forming a dynasty for the good people in Pittsburgh. Well it is time that we stand up and recognize his talent.
Mike Tomlin is only 38. That fact cannot be stressed enough. The man is a pup compared to other coaches yet he is one of the winiest since he took over the reigns in Pittsburgh in 2007. Tomlin was taking over for the well liked Bill Cowher.
The pressure never seemed daunting to the ever cool Mike Tomlin. He went about his business and won the Super Bowl in 2009. Now, just four season into a head coaching gig, he is taking the Steelers back to the Super Bowl.
In a day and age where Rex Ryan and Bill Belichick get all the media hype, it is Tomlin that is quietly forming a dynasty for the good people in Pittsburgh. Well it is time that we stand up and recognize his talent.
A Heisman Trophy winner as a Trojans running back in 1965, Garrett returned to USC in 1990. As athletic director, he oversaw the rise of the school's football and men's basketball programs, only to see them penalized for violations of NCAA rules.
It was only six months ago — before the NCAA hit USC with a string of penalties — that Mike Garrett sat in his office and dismissed any notion of stepping down.
The athletic director had come under fire for numerous, serious violations that occurred under his watch, but said there was more he wanted to accomplish.
"I'll tell you when I'm finished," he said. "Then you can talk about retirement."
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Those plans changed Tuesday with news that former quarterback Pat Haden will replace the 66-year-old Garrett. It was the latest twist in a decades-long relationship with USC that has spanned Garrett's career from Heisman Trophy winner to controversial administrator.
Though Garrett was not available for comment on Tuesday morning, he recently spoke about the highs and lows that have marked his career.
As a star athlete at Roosevelt High in Boyle Heights, he dreamed of playing for UCLA but the Bruins considered him too small.
After legendary coach John McKay offered a scholarship, Garrett found himself amid a privileged USC student body that did not welcome minorities on fraternity row in 1962. And there was another reason to feel intimidated.
"I didn't read or write so well," Garrett recalled.
But the short, powerful tailback soon became a star in McKay's I-formation offense, winning the school's first Heisman in 1965. He also became a stronger student.
"USC changed my life," he said.
After college came eight years of pro football, including two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, before Garrett walked away from the game at 29.
He tried real estate and construction, went to law school and worked for the San Diego district attorney. He twice ran for public office in San Diego, losing both times. In 1988, he took an executive position at the Forum.
"I watched 'SC from afar, and we weren't doing very well," he said of a period when the Trojans struggled in football. "I remember commenting one day to my wife, 'That doesn't make sense.'
"And she said, 'Why don't you quit complaining and become the athletic director.' "
The university asked Garrett to return as an athletic department assistant in 1990 to help with budget matters. Three years later, he was promoted to the top spot.
It was not an entirely popular move. Some considered Garrett unqualified and gruff and, from then on, he cut a polarizing figure.
His supporters point out that, during his 17 years, graduation rates met NCAA standards and the department raised $375 million in gifts and donations.
Just as important, the football team returned to glory and the university finally made good on a long-delayed promise to build its own basketball arena.
But with a personality variously described as shy or arrogant, Garrett did not make many friends.
Fans criticized him for the messy firing of football Coach John Robinson in 1997. They blamed him for the failure of the next guy, Paul Hackett, and for hiring a basketball coach, Rick Majerus, who backed out of the deal a few days later.
Much of the goodwill he earned for subsequently choosing Pete Carroll and basketball coach Tim Floyd evaporated with the NCAA violations that occurred under both men.
"My job is to take the hits," Garrett said wearily last January.
Still, the embattled athletic director remained determined in the face of rumors that his job would be in jeopardy when university President Steven Sample retired this summer.
Garrett talked about what he had accomplished as athletic director and hinted that he had one more big project in mind, saying: "Give me six months to a year and I'll tell you about my mission."
On Tuesday, his time ran out.
A Heisman Trophy winner as a Trojans running back in 1965, Garrett returned to USC in 1990. As athletic director, he oversaw the rise of the school's football and men's basketball programs, only to see them penalized for violations of NCAA rules.
It was only six months ago — before the NCAA hit USC with a string of penalties — that Mike Garrett sat in his office and dismissed any notion of stepping down.
The athletic director had come under fire for numerous, serious violations that occurred under his watch, but said there was more he wanted to accomplish.
"I'll tell you when I'm finished," he said. "Then you can talk about retirement."
Get news and stories direct from our Sports desk to your inbox with our daily L.A. Sports Connection newsletter. Sign up »
Those plans changed Tuesday with news that former quarterback Pat Haden will replace the 66-year-old Garrett. It was the latest twist in a decades-long relationship with USC that has spanned Garrett's career from Heisman Trophy winner to controversial administrator.
Though Garrett was not available for comment on Tuesday morning, he recently spoke about the highs and lows that have marked his career.
As a star athlete at Roosevelt High in Boyle Heights, he dreamed of playing for UCLA but the Bruins considered him too small.
After legendary coach John McKay offered a scholarship, Garrett found himself amid a privileged USC student body that did not welcome minorities on fraternity row in 1962. And there was another reason to feel intimidated.
"I didn't read or write so well," Garrett recalled.
But the short, powerful tailback soon became a star in McKay's I-formation offense, winning the school's first Heisman in 1965. He also became a stronger student.
"USC changed my life," he said.
After college came eight years of pro football, including two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, before Garrett walked away from the game at 29.
He tried real estate and construction, went to law school and worked for the San Diego district attorney. He twice ran for public office in San Diego, losing both times. In 1988, he took an executive position at the Forum.
"I watched 'SC from afar, and we weren't doing very well," he said of a period when the Trojans struggled in football. "I remember commenting one day to my wife, 'That doesn't make sense.'
"And she said, 'Why don't you quit complaining and become the athletic director.' "
The university asked Garrett to return as an athletic department assistant in 1990 to help with budget matters. Three years later, he was promoted to the top spot.
It was not an entirely popular move. Some considered Garrett unqualified and gruff and, from then on, he cut a polarizing figure.
His supporters point out that, during his 17 years, graduation rates met NCAA standards and the department raised $375 million in gifts and donations.
Just as important, the football team returned to glory and the university finally made good on a long-delayed promise to build its own basketball arena.
But with a personality variously described as shy or arrogant, Garrett did not make many friends.
Fans criticized him for the messy firing of football Coach John Robinson in 1997. They blamed him for the failure of the next guy, Paul Hackett, and for hiring a basketball coach, Rick Majerus, who backed out of the deal a few days later.
Much of the goodwill he earned for subsequently choosing Pete Carroll and basketball coach Tim Floyd evaporated with the NCAA violations that occurred under both men.
"My job is to take the hits," Garrett said wearily last January.
Still, the embattled athletic director remained determined in the face of rumors that his job would be in jeopardy when university President Steven Sample retired this summer.
Garrett talked about what he had accomplished as athletic director and hinted that he had one more big project in mind, saying: "Give me six months to a year and I'll tell you about my mission."
On Tuesday, his time ran out.
On Thursday, word started bubbling about a new feature -- Great Hope Springs -- which had a pretty apt title for the feelings this project should elicit. Written by TV writer Vanessa Taylor, the project is close to closing deals that will have Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges come together as a couple unsure about their 30-year marriage. Instead of the It's Complicated route with jerky exes and romantic triangles, the pair "attend an intense counseling session over a weekend in order to decide the fate of their marriage."
At first, it was getting a killer third party -- Philip Seymour Hoffman -- as the doctor. However, word has it there are scheduling issues that have the cast down one doc. However, there's a bright side. They might be up one hell of a director.
As deal-making on the feature continues, The Wrap has learned that Mike Nichols has begun talks to helm the feature. Right now, it's an unconfirmed bit of news from "an individual familiar with the project," and representatives for the main players wouldn't confirm the negotiations. This is, of course, understandable as talks continue. Only days ago, Jessie Nelson was linked to the job. While she's been writing over the last decade -- films like Because I Said So and Fred Claus -- you might remember her last directorial stab, the 2001 drama I Am Sam.
While I'd love to see a two-woman team behind the scenes crafting a great film with Streep and Bridges, Nichols has a wonderful talent for making sentimentality grounded and honest, rather than sweetly saccharine, and I'd just love to see what he does with this duo. Of course, he has worked with Streep on a number of occasions in the past, but along with Bridges, this should open up a whole new world.
Now for the doctor. Would it be wrong to hope for a reunion with Dustin Hoffman?
On Thursday, word started bubbling about a new feature -- Great Hope Springs -- which had a pretty apt title for the feelings this project should elicit. Written by TV writer Vanessa Taylor, the project is close to closing deals that will have Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges come together as a couple unsure about their 30-year marriage. Instead of the It's Complicated route with jerky exes and romantic triangles, the pair "attend an intense counseling session over a weekend in order to decide the fate of their marriage."
At first, it was getting a killer third party -- Philip Seymour Hoffman -- as the doctor. However, word has it there are scheduling issues that have the cast down one doc. However, there's a bright side. They might be up one hell of a director.
As deal-making on the feature continues, The Wrap has learned that Mike Nichols has begun talks to helm the feature. Right now, it's an unconfirmed bit of news from "an individual familiar with the project," and representatives for the main players wouldn't confirm the negotiations. This is, of course, understandable as talks continue. Only days ago, Jessie Nelson was linked to the job. While she's been writing over the last decade -- films like Because I Said So and Fred Claus -- you might remember her last directorial stab, the 2001 drama I Am Sam.
While I'd love to see a two-woman team behind the scenes crafting a great film with Streep and Bridges, Nichols has a wonderful talent for making sentimentality grounded and honest, rather than sweetly saccharine, and I'd just love to see what he does with this duo. Of course, he has worked with Streep on a number of occasions in the past, but along with Bridges, this should open up a whole new world.
Now for the doctor. Would it be wrong to hope for a reunion with Dustin Hoffman?
As Dario Franchitti was closing in on victory at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, Mike Conway was closing in on Ryan Hunter-Reay. The big difference was that while a full-of-adrenaline Franchitti went on to win the world's biggest race, Conway went to the hospital after a horrific wreck with an out of gas Hunter-Reay.
"I had nowhere to go," Hunter-Reay said after the race. He was also involved in an earlier incident with Scott Dixon in the pits, causing torn ligaments in his right thumb that will require surgery Monday.
With no fuel and no power, Hunter-Reay's car was essentially a sitting duck, unable to get out of the way to avoid a collision with Conway, whose car struck the left side of Hunter-Reay's car, sending the 27-year-old Conway's car airborne and virtually upside down into the catch fence, disintegrating into hundreds of pieces that littered the track.
While Conway suffered an injury to his left leg in the spectacular crash that required he be airlifted to nearby Methodist Hospital, he never lost consciousness and the injury was not considered life-threatening.
As Dario Franchitti was closing in on victory at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, Mike Conway was closing in on Ryan Hunter-Reay. The big difference was that while a full-of-adrenaline Franchitti went on to win the world's biggest race, Conway went to the hospital after a horrific wreck with an out of gas Hunter-Reay.
"I had nowhere to go," Hunter-Reay said after the race. He was also involved in an earlier incident with Scott Dixon in the pits, causing torn ligaments in his right thumb that will require surgery Monday.
With no fuel and no power, Hunter-Reay's car was essentially a sitting duck, unable to get out of the way to avoid a collision with Conway, whose car struck the left side of Hunter-Reay's car, sending the 27-year-old Conway's car airborne and virtually upside down into the catch fence, disintegrating into hundreds of pieces that littered the track.
While Conway suffered an injury to his left leg in the spectacular crash that required he be airlifted to nearby Methodist Hospital, he never lost consciousness and the injury was not considered life-threatening.
HOUSTON — Nolan Smith scored 29 points and Duke returned to the Final Four for the first time in six years by beating Baylor 78-71 on Sunday in the South Regional final, ending the Bears' charming run to college basketball redemption.
Jon Scheyer added 20 points for the Blue Devils (33-5), the only No. 1 seed to advance to Indianapolis. It is their 11th trip to the Final Four under coach Mike Krzyzewski.
In the national semifinals for the first time since 2004, Duke will play East Regional champion West Virginia on Saturday night. The Blue Devils have won 11 of their last 12 regional finals under Krzyzewski, but haven't won a national title since 2001.
Smith and Scheyer helped Duke offset a poor game from junior forward Kyle Singler, who was 0 for 10 from the field and made only five free throws. It was the first time in his college career he failed to hit a field goal.
LaceDarius Dunn had 22 points and Ekpe Udoh scored 18 for the Bears (28-8), whose program was in shambles when coach Scott Drew took over in the wake of murder and scandal less than seven years ago.
After tying the game for the 12th time on a free throw with 3:36 left, Smith missed his second attempt. But Lance Thomas grabbed the rebound and quickly passed the ball right back to Smith, who hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to put Duke up 64-61.
Scheyer extended the lead to six with his fifth 3-pointer.
Tweety Carter and Quincy Acy had 12 points each for Baylor.
HOUSTON — Nolan Smith scored 29 points and Duke returned to the Final Four for the first time in six years by beating Baylor 78-71 on Sunday in the South Regional final, ending the Bears' charming run to college basketball redemption.
Jon Scheyer added 20 points for the Blue Devils (33-5), the only No. 1 seed to advance to Indianapolis. It is their 11th trip to the Final Four under coach Mike Krzyzewski.
In the national semifinals for the first time since 2004, Duke will play East Regional champion West Virginia on Saturday night. The Blue Devils have won 11 of their last 12 regional finals under Krzyzewski, but haven't won a national title since 2001.
Smith and Scheyer helped Duke offset a poor game from junior forward Kyle Singler, who was 0 for 10 from the field and made only five free throws. It was the first time in his college career he failed to hit a field goal.
LaceDarius Dunn had 22 points and Ekpe Udoh scored 18 for the Bears (28-8), whose program was in shambles when coach Scott Drew took over in the wake of murder and scandal less than seven years ago.
After tying the game for the 12th time on a free throw with 3:36 left, Smith missed his second attempt. But Lance Thomas grabbed the rebound and quickly passed the ball right back to Smith, who hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to put Duke up 64-61.
Scheyer extended the lead to six with his fifth 3-pointer.
Tweety Carter and Quincy Acy had 12 points each for Baylor.
DENVER -- The Denver Broncos and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have agreed to part ways.
Nolan becomes the third member of coach Josh McDaniels' inaugural staff to depart following a disappointing 8-8 finish. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison left for Houston's staff and longtime running backs coach Bobby Turner was reunited with Mike Shanahan in Washington. Both Dennison and Turner were holdovers from the Shanahan era.
"I can't say anything other than Josh and I mutually agreed to part ways," Nolan said on Monday, according to The Denver Post.
Before the split, Miami sent in a request for permission to interview Nolan, sources close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Nolan now will talk to the Dolphins about becoming their defensive coordinator.
Nolan, who engineered the Broncos' switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment, was McDaniels' first hire. McDaniels lined up Nolan to help revamp what had been a deplorable defense.
McDaniels said in a statement released Monday by the team: "I have great respect for Mike and wish him success in the future."
As a potential replacement, the Broncos already are discussing former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who worked with McDaniels in New England, sources told Schefter.
DENVER -- The Denver Broncos and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have agreed to part ways.
Nolan becomes the third member of coach Josh McDaniels' inaugural staff to depart following a disappointing 8-8 finish. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison left for Houston's staff and longtime running backs coach Bobby Turner was reunited with Mike Shanahan in Washington. Both Dennison and Turner were holdovers from the Shanahan era.
"I can't say anything other than Josh and I mutually agreed to part ways," Nolan said on Monday, according to The Denver Post.
Before the split, Miami sent in a request for permission to interview Nolan, sources close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Nolan now will talk to the Dolphins about becoming their defensive coordinator.
Nolan, who engineered the Broncos' switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment, was McDaniels' first hire. McDaniels lined up Nolan to help revamp what had been a deplorable defense.
McDaniels said in a statement released Monday by the team: "I have great respect for Mike and wish him success in the future."
As a potential replacement, the Broncos already are discussing former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who worked with McDaniels in New England, sources told Schefter.
Country music sensation Carrie Underwood appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Wednesday afternoon, and she revealed if she plans to move in with her boyfriend, Mike Fisher.
When asked if the pair plans to shack up together, Carrie prefaced her answer by saying, "Call me old fashioned."
"The next guy I move in with will be my hubby, whoever that is," she told Ellen. "I'm not saying it's going to be him."
She said the relationship with the Ottawa Senators hockey player is the "the longest relationship I've had."
The blonde beauty also said the she was initially put off by the idea of dating a hockey player who lived so far away (Canada), but added, "We see each other more than people think we see each other. We don't go out…but we do get to see each other."
Country music sensation Carrie Underwood appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Wednesday afternoon, and she revealed if she plans to move in with her boyfriend, Mike Fisher.
When asked if the pair plans to shack up together, Carrie prefaced her answer by saying, "Call me old fashioned."
"The next guy I move in with will be my hubby, whoever that is," she told Ellen. "I'm not saying it's going to be him."
She said the relationship with the Ottawa Senators hockey player is the "the longest relationship I've had."
The blonde beauty also said the she was initially put off by the idea of dating a hockey player who lived so far away (Canada), but added, "We see each other more than people think we see each other. We don't go out…but we do get to see each other."