The Huckabee campaign announced last night it would air a new TV spot in Iowa today. The theme? Huck's tough new stand on Border Security, of course. Ever since his ill-advised defense of a "scholarships for illegals" program in the CNN/YouTube debate in Florida, Huck's been trying to regain his conservative credentials on today's #1 hot button issue.

To see the ads (if you're not lucky enough to watch local Iowa TV), check out the Huckabee website. When you've finished viewing the ad, I recommend you read some of the comments by the Huckabee faithful. Almost unanimously positive which I guess isn't too surprising. But don't get the idea that every conservative is now solidly behind Huckabee (as the constant press coverage of the recent Business Week poll would have you believe). To see what I mean, check out some of the comments appearing below the very same ad on the YouTube site.

If you're like me, you'll amaze at the divergent reactions to Huck's persona on illegal immigration. Something's obviously going on here--and it isn't just that all the crazies blog and comment at YouTube these days.

After viewing Huckabee's "border security" spot, I was surprised how short it was on specifics. I know, it's only a sound bite. But still, my sense is it will leave undecided voters, in Iowa as elsewhere, wondering how this new "get tough" rhetoric jibes with Huck's poorly-received (by conservatives, at least) "scholarship for illegals" defense in the Florida YouTube debates.

Here's my friendly suggestion to anyone in the Huckabee marketing department who might be reading this post. Why not take the obvious passion from the "border security" ad and build it around 2-3 points from Huck's new Secure America Plan. At least, that would give voters somewhere to go to find for themselves whether the ad is to be trusted.

My favorite talking points from the Secure America Plan would be (1) Enforce the Law on Employers, (2) Ensure Document Security (esp. Mexico's infamous "matricula consular" card), and (3) Modernize the Process of Legal Immigration (to soften the ridiculous liberal charge of "racism" and "bigotry" on the issue). By showing the multifaceted nature of the immigration problem and it's solution, Huck would go far to achieve one of his announced campaign goals: educating the American voter on the critical issues of the '08 elections.

What do you think? Use the Comments link below to let me know whether you agree or disagree with my observations.