Repubs who broke the "unspoken code" against criticism -- George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole

[Lobster Martini]

Huckabee criticized Carter for a statement he made to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for a Saturday story in which he said: "I think as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history."

That comment, Huckabee said, "violated an unspoken code that you don't make personal attacks on others who currently hold the job. You just don't."

About that “unspoken code" (emphasis mine):

Former presidents critical of Clinton

Thursday, September 24, 1998
BY MIKE FEINSILBER
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Within 24 hours, two former presidents -- Jimmy Carter expansively, George Bush most reluctantly -- breached a longstanding custom of the presidency that says once you've occupied the office you don't publicly criticize those who follow.

Neither offered much in the way of aid and comfort to a besieged Bill Clinton, although Mr. Bush said he had no desire "to be out there carping away."

<snip>

Mr. Bush, 74, who lost re-election to Mr. Clinton in 1992, was far more circumspect. Throughout an interview Wednesday on NBC's Today, he said he was reluctant to criticize or second-guess Mr. Clinton. "He's got enough critics out there now," Mr. Bush said. Finally, pressed to comment on whether Mr. Clinton had "diminished" the office of president, Mr. Bush said, "I'm afraid, for now, it has been diminished." But he quickly added that the office is strong, "bigger than any one person."

Beyond that, he said, he did not want to say what may be "in my heart" out of fear of putting his sons on the spot. Jeb Bush is running for governor of Florida and George W. Bush is seeking re-election as governor of Texas and may become a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination in 2000.

<snip>

Mr. Clinton's 1996 opponent, former Sen. Robert Dole, does not have to abide by the rules of the ex-presidents club since he never made it to the White House. In a radio interview on Tuesday, Mr. Dole was asked if Mr. Clinton was morally fit for his office. "I think it's a close call," he replied.

<snip>

As Huckabee said, "...you don't make personal attacks on others who currently hold the job. You just don't." Unless the President's last name is Clinton.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070522/ap_on_el_pr/on_the2008_trail;_ylt=AsvqvxOQpELL32ng1gGdZYuyFz4D

http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1998/09/24/loc_clcarter24.html

[eleny]

1. Roosevelt ran against Taft

So there had to be some criticisms expressed.

[TwilightGardener]

2. Hucka-who? Is he even running? Just another GOPer who tries

to get in good with the "base" by attacking one of the usual targets.