By Mark Silva
At the doors of the Conservative Political Action Convention, young people handed out glossy dark blue placards lettered in white: “I LIKE MIKE!”
On the stage of the Washington hotel ballroom where CPAC is wrapping up a three-day convention and cattle-call for the Republican Party’s dwindling field of presidential nominees, Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and an ordained Baptist minister, reminded some of his party’s most conservative members what is missing this year.
What’s missing, among many, is a certain fervor for their party’s apparent front-runner, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. He stood here this week, declaring himself to be “a proud conservative.’’ But not everyone in this hall was convinced – not the way in which Huckabee convinced them about his core beliefs. Not the people carrying signs that stated: “Stop McCain’s amnesty’’ – an allusion to immigration reform.
“I know there is some speculation that I would be coming here to’’ drop out, Huckabee told the hundreds of people assembled here this morning. “Am I quitting?’’ he asked. “Well, let’s get that settled right now,’’ he said to cheers. “No, I am not. ’’
“And the reason is simple,’’ Huckabee said, alluding to the title of a book by Phyllis Schlafly which inspired him as a younger man.
“Let others join the me-too crowd,’’ Huckabee said. “But I didn’t get where I am today… by simply echoing the voices of others. I did it by staking out a choice, fighting for that choice… It’s better to be right, and even to not win, than it is to be wrong.
“They say the math doesn’t work out,’’ Huckabee said, pointing to the primary elections remining. “Folks, I didn’t major in math. I majored in miracles, and I still believe.’’
Huckabee, who has carried Iowa’s caucuses and several Southern states in primary voting, including his own home state, has attracted many – though certainly not all – of the party’s evangelical Christians.
For Huckabee, and his supporters, the question is how long this conservative base will carry him in a continuing contest that seems all but finished. Praying for “a miracle,’’ Huckabee remains in this race, after Mitt Romney has left it, Rudy Giuliani has left it, Fred Thompson has left it and after others have left it. Ron Paul of Texas remains in the running, too. And Mike Huckabee.
“It is sometimes asked of me, why is it that I am a conservative?’’ Huckabee said.
“I get asked all these God questions in the debates, and I guess in a way it is appropriate, because my conservatism is rooted in my understanding of the Scriptures,’’ he said, citing Ecclesiastes on a wise man’s heart directing him to the right.
“I came from the little town of Hope – I know you’ve heard of it before,’’ Huckabee told the crowd. “As I’ve often said, give us one more chance, folks.’’
The crowd was quiet, riveted really, as Huckabee opened in his conversational, Sunday-morning-in-the-pulpit style, with a story-teller’s sermon. They laughed at his standard, campaign-trail joke about growing up in a mechanic’s household, with Lava soap, and not learning until he got to college that a shower wasn’t supposed to hurt.
“I grew up believing that no matter where you started in this country, it wasn’t where you had to stop,’’ Huckabee said. “Our freedom was attached to our own individual souls. It was a gift from God, not from our government… It was instilled in me that, because freedom is individual, personal responsibility is also individual – and I could not expect government to do for me something I could do for myself.’’
“I realize that it is not politically correct, what I am about to say,’’ said Huckabee, and this is where the crowd-stirring got started here. “The reason that America is a great nation is because America is a special nation, and the reason it is a special nation is because it was founded by people who were first on their knees before they were on their feet…. We are a special nation, and we are a special nation because throughout our history we are people who have made choices rather than listening to echoes.’’
Huckabee struck all the standard chords for this crowd, starting with his unwavering opposition to abortion and his unrelenting support for the war on terror. “We must win, they must lose. Islamo-fascism must disappear from the face of the earth.
“It is right to believe in a government that gives to us lower taxes,’’ he said, delivering one of his farthest-reaching promises, the elimination of the federal tax code.
“We like Mike,’’ they chanted.
“I want to be the president that puts the IRS out of business,’’ said Huckabee – to cheers of, “Come on!’’ – as he tore up some tax forms at the lectern.
“Mothers and fathers raise better kids than governments do,’’ said Huckabee.
“Life is sacred… and should be elevated,’’ he said. “I believe that the sanctity of human life is rooted in who we are as a culture and a civilization…. We leave no man on the battlefield, and even when a Boy Scout goes missing in the woods in North Carolina, we go looking for him, because we believe that every life matters.’’
He spoke of securing the borders, and up went the McCain amnesty signs (only a smattering of them in the hall, truth be told. Far more, I Like Mike, signs.)
“I had a boyhood pastor who told me, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything,’’ Huckabee said. “I’m the only person who has run against the Clinton political machine and beat it four times…
“I stand in this race… not to be a fly in the ointment,’’ Huckabee said. “There are only a few states that have voted. Twenty-seven have not… People in those states deserve an election, not a coronation…. Everywhere in America, everywhere there is a vote to be cast, I’m still standing.’’
And the hall stood up, chanting “We like Mike, We like Mike.’’







Comments
I've been listening to Huck speak at cpac. He is once again pandering to the "religious". My problem isn't that I am unfamiliar with religion, it's that I am all to familiar with religion. I have spent years with those religious people who once they leave the church and begin their talking about people behind their backs and against blacks and immigration and anyone else who they dislike. I know atheists that live a more moral life than the religious. The great loop hole they put in to make them feel better? You don't have to live a christian life, you just have to believe. Wow...how wonderful. They create religion because they fear death and can't come to grips with that. That is why they stand on the right. Fear is such a great motivator.
Posted by: bill r. | February 9, 2008 9:49 AM
Wow. Awesome speech. This is what has been lacking in the Republican race - someone to inspire and lead. Why hasn't Huckabee been given more attention? The establishment is going to have a lot to answer for. The establishment picked Romney!!!??? Bad choice. You all backed the wrong horse. What were you thinking? We have a chance to win in November with Huckabee. He inspires and conservatives will vote. McCain is blah. Conservatives probably won't vote - at least not in the numbers he'll need to beat Hillary/Obama. Sigh. We're doomed unless we have a miracle and nominate Huckabee.
Posted by: tina | February 9, 2008 10:38 AM
Governor Huckabee simply speaks honestly about his faith. I used to be under the misguided idea that religious people are just all crazy, fearful and try to convert everyone under the sun. That's painting with a broad brush, don't you think? I'm happy to say I outgrew that way of thinking. It is to simplistic. It's also easier for some to throw people in general categories, stamp them with a label and toss them aside as screwy people.
Most religious people I know are humble and put others before themselves. They give to charities and sacrifice their time and money to better humanity. These 'radical ideas' stem from their faith.
"Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself"
"What you do to the least of these, my bretheren, you do unto me."
Yea... that's simply utter nonsense right?
I don't hate all muslims because a handfull of them are fanatics and killed 3300 of us on 9/11. They really are a religion of peace. I wished folks would practice the same kind of tolerance when they blab about some religious 'hipocrites' who talk about people they don't like "behind their backs". Give me a break, there are intollerant people in all walks of life. Not just religious people.
Faith and spirituality is a personal, life-long journey. People are at different stages and understandings of it at different times in their lives. And believe it or not, folks are free to not even participate in the journey.
Mike Huckabee is a decent man. He bases his judgement and humility from his faith. That's all. God forbid a polititian have humility, and put others befor themselves!
Perhaps it's not fear that you see that motivates them... it's simply their humble respect for others, and the 'miraculous' creation that has given them life.
Posted by: Freddie | February 9, 2008 10:38 AM
Huckabee does a great job connecting as usual. But he should have just re given his speech from the Defending the American Dream Summit. He has already the social conservative movement in tow, now he needs to grab Romney supporters who care about fiscal issues.
Anyways, Huckabee was a great Governor who would make a spectacular President.
Posted by: chukmaty | February 9, 2008 10:40 AM
I'm voting for the progressive candidate this election. I like their stance on reform!
Posted by: CJ | February 9, 2008 10:42 AM
"bill r."
I'm sorry that proclaimed Christians have been such poor examples of Jesus' teachings. Truth is, one DOES have to live a Christian life. This "you just have to believe" stuff is not found in Jesus' teachings, nor His apostles. "Faith without works is dead" says the New Testament book of James.
If you ever want to chat about Christianity, the Bible, etc., I can be contacted at:
john-morris@att.net
Posted by: John Moris | February 9, 2008 10:47 AM
Bill,
It is certainly true that a lot of religious people are hypocrites. Warped religion has long been a tool for the abuse and manipulation of people whether it be Islamo-fascism or a twisted counterfeit of Christianity. However, as a church leader, Huckabee led the way in racially desegregating and developing unity in churches in his denomination. He has gained the support of numerous prominent black leaders. I do not believe that Huckabee is a participant in the hypocrisy of which you speak. He is a real uniter and a real conservative. I believe that he is our best choice for President and I believe has has a better chance of winning against the Democratic candidate than McCain.
Posted by: Rick B. | February 9, 2008 10:48 AM
It never occurs to these religious people that they don't get elected because they're not very much liked. I think Americans are sick of being preached to, and in light of what this country has suffered in the name of religious moral certitude (Islam) another version of it just rings hollow. Why elect a leader for the whole nation who can't get 8% of the vote north of Virginia?
Posted by: Max | February 9, 2008 11:04 AM
Bill give me a break, I think you heard what you wanted to. I don't think speaking about putting the IRS out of business is pandering to any religion.
Posted by: Marcus | February 9, 2008 11:09 AM
He's right. People deserve a choice in order to make their voice heard even if their candidate loses.
Posted by: Polly A, AR | February 9, 2008 11:13 AM
Bill, I have spent my entire life around "christians." What you say is true of many, but please don't think that just because someone calls themself a "believer," that makes them one. Sitting in a church no more makes you a christian than sitting in a garage makes you a car. You can hang a cross or a Beamer emblem around your neck and neither one chnages you internally. Huckabee's record of a Gov. is clear. He forced religion down no ones throat. He, as a Baptist, understands the separation of church and state more than anyone in religion, because it was the Baptists that fought and won the battle with James Madison for true freedom of religion, when so many religions wanted America to be like England, and have a state church...their brand of course. Rodger Williams, a banished Baptist, founded R. Island, the first place/government in HISTORY established with true religious freedom for all, even atheists! If you would listen to the man, he has said over and over that he respects a consistent atheist more than a disingenuous "christian." By the way, the type of "loop hole religion" you describe is found nowhere in God's Word, only in the empty professors of broken systems of man made religion.
Posted by: John | February 9, 2008 11:15 AM
Most Christians I know don't fear death as you state.They will embrace it when their time comes-they expect to be with the one who gave them life.
Posted by: bcrider | February 9, 2008 11:23 AM
I cannot see, for the life of me, why conservatives do not see that Mike Huckabee is the ONLY man to vote for! He has been for some time. He is everything that social conservatives have been asking for and it doesn't get much more fiscally conservative than eliminating the IRS! He has proven himself to be a wise governor and a man committed to "We The People", not the powerful few in DC. This speech should prove that there is no reason to "live with" a moderate in the White House like John McCain. Vote for Mike!!!!
Posted by: Victoria St. Gelais | February 9, 2008 11:23 AM
Mike Huckabee's CPAC speech surely made some McCain supporters step back and take a second look. It ceratinly is a shame the MSM got behind the wrong candidate intially, and has done so again. Huckabee is the only candidate who stands a chance in a race against Clinton and Obama.
Posted by: dixie d | February 9, 2008 11:33 AM
I watched that CPAC Speech, and I was impressed. I honestly like the WHOLE Mike Huckabee package, and I'm not a "religious" person.
Mike has MY vote in May!!!!
Jane Hall
North Carolina
Posted by: Jane Hall | February 9, 2008 11:33 AM
More experience running a govt than any other candidate. Voted one of 5 best governors by Time mag. Inspirational leader. He's not just an empty politician exciting the religious right - he's the real deal! Dems should be glad the Republicans are settling for McCain.
Posted by: KD | February 9, 2008 11:33 AM
What a great speech Mike Huckabee made this morning. It was a real barn burner. One thing is clear, no other Republican candidate can articulate his vision for America as Mike Huckabee can. He is a very gifted speaker and a great conservative. I think he proved that quite clearly this morning in this CPAC speech. I hope he wins the straw poll.
Posted by: bobrocky | February 9, 2008 11:35 AM
This nation, this year, has given us the opportunity to vote for a true, God-fearing, conservative who respects and honors the constitution, and the foundation upon which this nation was built. Gov. Huckabee is a man we can vote for and know that he honestly means what he says and says what he means. There's no pandering to gain political favor. We have a clear-cut choice in Gov. Huckabee. Let's not squander it. Not since 1980 have we seen such a man, had such a choice!
Posted by: Reta Tharp | February 9, 2008 11:36 AM
You're right, there are lots of bigots in churches, just like there are in any area of society. Whatever your beliefs, they don't make you quit being human, and some make some pretty stupid statements. Some of the most bigotted statements I have heard have come from atheists about people of any religion. Please don't start taking any moral high ground based on your atheistic beliefs, and I won't on my Christian ones. I believe that the individual needs to answer for their own behavior.
Posted by: Laurie | February 9, 2008 11:36 AM
What speech was bill r listening to? I watched Huckabee's entire CPAC speech and found myself on my feet shouting "Yes!" in the middle of my den.
I am far from a social conservative, but Huckabee's religious references did not turn me off because they were in context. He was warm, funny, inspirational and persuasive. A leader is someone who gets out in front and people fall in behind in great numbers. I believe we have just found a leader.
Posted by: Lynn Robb | February 9, 2008 11:43 AM
Mike Huckabee is a man of character. America needs a President that stands honorably for the principles he believes in. Mike has consistently walked the same way that he talks. Bill R. mentioned talking against minorities. Everyone knows Mike is not a racist. He took a stand in his church in Arkansas for blacks. There is a huge difference between legal and illegal immigration. Mike is not for amnesty because that rewards breaking the law. Mike wants immigrants to come here legally so they can hold their heads up high.
Don't count him out of this race. He doesn't' have to get enough votes to win the nomination. He has to get enough votes to keep McCain from winning. This will cause a brokered convention and still give America the chance to elect a consistent conservative that knows the importance of moral values as well as fiscal responsibility. The government isn't supposed to support its citizens. Government support is a socialistic and communistic form of government. Citizens are supposed to support themselves. The government needs to promote productivity and not penalize it. Jobs are created when the government doesn't steal money from those creating the jobs or those working at those jobs.
We the people want to take America back from the Washington elites. Mike Huckabee listens to and wants to lead us. He says the people are the bosses and the politicians are the servants.
Vote for Mike Huckabee so your voice will be not only heard; but also heeded.
Posted by: Donna | February 9, 2008 11:50 AM
One reason why Huckabee is resonating with voters is NOT because he's "religious". He is a man with integrity--not one that walks around judging his competitors or anyone else for that matter. To say he's like those who "judge" or like those who are hypocritical is arrogant and unfairly presumptuous. He's genuine. He's the most equipped with executive experience, and he's got the best ideas for our future.
Posted by: Vicky Ehceverria | February 9, 2008 11:51 AM
Bill r.,
You aren't talking about Christians; you are talking about hypocrites, and, believe me, I have met many of them in my life. Some are members of a church; others profess no religion. All are (as you have said) despicable. I wouldn't be so quick if I were you to cast off all Christians because of your limited experience with a few. Even more important than Christians, however, is the Christ who truly has delivered those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Bill, you live in fear of death, too, whether you acknowledge it or not. I am glad you see that Christ is the answer to death. You must admit that you have no solution for it. Death is real and must be answered. Thanks be to God, he has triumphed over death in Christ Jesus.
Posted by: Gregory | February 9, 2008 12:00 PM
To: Bill R.
Some people are afraid to vote for Huckabee thinking he will try forcing his religion on others. Huckabee didn't do that in Arkansas and he won't in Washington. Huckabee has said the Constitution gives us the freedom OF religion; which gives us the choice of which religion we want to practice or NONE at all.
Huckabee says the people are the ruling class and politicians are the serving class. Huckabee wants to serve the people.
If you are tired of Washington telling "we the people" what to do; vote for Huckabee.
Posted by: GrannyT | February 9, 2008 12:02 PM
MIKE HUCKABEE IS GOING TO TAKE 99.9% OF THE REMAINING VOTES TO BE CAST!
THEN WHAT IS EVERYONE GOING TO SAY WHEN HUCKABEE IS PUTTING A STOP TO THE HILARY OR OBAMA CAMPAIGN!
OTHER CANDIDATES HAVE PULLED VOTES FROM HUCKABEE, BUT NOW THEY SEE THAT THE RADIO AND MEDIA TRICKED THEM.
WE ARE ALL GOING TO GET UP, GET OUT, AND LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD.
WE WANT GOVERNOR HUCKABEE TO LEAD OUR NATION.
Posted by: Dan Campbell | February 9, 2008 12:03 PM
To all the Romney and Paul supporters…
I consider myself an Independent-Christian Conservative… or should it be a Christian Independent-Conservative? At any rate, what this means to me is that I am a Christian believer that leans right and votes for whom I please. My first vote was for Ross Perot (even while being an avid listener to Rush Limbaugh at the time) Maybe that will give you a clearer picture.
This election year I didnt really get interested until I heard that Fred Thompson was going to jump in. I waited…and waited…and waited…till he finally did. Well, we all know how that went…lol Talk about flat. I looked at Rudy, although I wasnt really leaning towards him but I was measuring him up. I already knew that although there are two things I like about John McCain (his record on fighting pork barrel & trusting him with National Security issues including Iraq) to me voting for him would be like voting for Hillary, and just thinking about that makes my stomach turn.
I started looking at Mike and Mitt. (I didnt even know there was a Ron Paul until the debates) I was drawn to both Mike and Mitt for different reasons. I always wanted to see a businessman in the White house one time just to see if THEY could clean up the mess. (which is one of the reasons I voted Ross)
Then all the hubbawalloo started about Mitt being a Mormon… So, as I thought about it, because I definately do not agree with his theology, I decided that I wasn’t a one issue voter. Even if his beliefs aren’t in direct alignment with mine (and even among Baptists there are many) I could vote for him regardless of that. My line of thinking was this… he has a great family and it shows… and he still holds the basic morals and values AS A WHOLE as I do, so yes, I need to seriously consider him. I did the same with Mike. Although I was leaning more towards Mike because of catching him on C-Span doing more than just a sound bite, I still hadn’t decided between the two. The reason I was leaning towards Mike at this point was that Mitt had recently changed his positions on gay marriage and abortion. It reminded me of how Bill Clinton changed from pro-life to pro-choice to get the liberal vote.
Then it started. My conservative talk show hosts and Fox news that has maligned other networks for years about pushing people to vote for someone was doing the same thing. It was so blatanly in my face, you couldnt miss it. At the same time this was going on Mitt was doing the phone bank calls telling people a vote for Mike is a vote for McCain. I cannot tell you how insulted that made me. Especially being a Perot voter, I think voting is a precious thing and although I may try to persuade someone to vote for my guy I would never tell anyone you are wasting your vote. You have to remember that as passionate you are for your guy, we have been and are for ours.
I am not Anti-Mitt, or Anti-Paul…Im just Pro-Huckabee! It is as simple as that. If it would of been Romney or McCain…oh believe me, I would of voted Romney!!! But it isn’t. Its my guy this time.
To the Paul supporters… I think you guys have been terribly mistreated by the press and it didn’t go unnoticed. I was especially upset at how badly some of the mediators treated him at the debates. It was disgusting!
Mike does still have a chance people. Don’t let the media control your vote…Ignore the sound bites and visit his site. Look especially at the blog and you will find many people who have the same attitude as me : )
Posted by: Storm | February 9, 2008 12:03 PM
I recommend that you go visit Mike’s web site, and especially take note to the blog where people like you and me are posting.
He has support from all kinds of people. It is NOT limited to the evil (ooohhh) evangelical right. He has jewish people because of his stance on Isreal.
He has small business owners because of his support for them.
He has gun owners.
He has many people that want Fair Tax.
He has support of the Republicans for Black Empowerment. I believe he appointed approximately 300 Blacks to positions while Govenor for 10 years. (an no Im not PC, your black, Im white and we are all americans!)
He has many from different religions… yes even Mormons (oh my)
He has people that are for energy independence and even explains that Nixon signed a pledge to achieve that, and look how far that went.
He is in very much support of Arts in school. (probably because he has his own band) lol
He even has people that state they are not religious (oh my goodness…could that really be true?)
If you look and read through the blogs… at what other Americans are saying… Rich and poor, northerners and southerners, rednecks and stuffed shirts…lol You will see that he attracts from all of America not just the ‘evangelicals’!
Example… I was born and raised in NY for 18 years. (wow he even has some yankees…what about that?)
We are a bunch of mixed up Americans that are not single issue voters and are supporting him for a variety of reasons.
We DO agree that there has to be a choice other than McCain and we DO agree that it is Mike.
Join us! : )
Posted by: Storm | February 9, 2008 12:05 PM
Could this man be different? Why not look at his over 10 year record in Arkansas. I read his book from Hope to Higher Ground. Mike is a unique individual that can lead this nation with integrity. Can the others say that? Vote your choice but mine is for a man of God who loves America with all his heart like me, Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Posted by: capt ben marler | February 9, 2008 12:07 PM
Mike Huckabee speaks the language of faith. His detractors, the naysayers, are proficient at speaking the negative language of doubt and skepticism. I'd rather look to a president to be one who inspires not only word - but also in deed. That's why Mike Huckabee has what it takes to be a great president. He walks the talk.
Posted by: petee | February 9, 2008 12:08 PM
Question for moderator:
Why was my prior comment not posted? It was on point and well within your parameters. You have my email. Please reply.
Posted by: Rick B | February 9, 2008 12:15 PM
I want 8 years of hearing Mike give speeches! He is the best communicator- and America needs a person who has a plan for the USA and communicate with the people. I loved the speech... and, like the Huckabee sign still standing after tornado winds- Huckabee is still standing and I will continue to listen to his positive and insightful message.
Posted by: Janelle Stephens | February 9, 2008 12:15 PM
Bill,
It is certainly true that a lot of religious people are hypocrites. Warped religion has long been a tool for the abuse and manipulation of people whether it be Islamo-fascism or a twisted counterfeit of Christianity. However, as a church leader, Huckabee led the way in racially desegregating and developing unity in churches in his denomination. He has gained the support of numerous prominent black leaders. I do not believe that Huckabee is a participant in the hypocrisy of which you speak. He is a real uniter and a real conservative. I believe that he is our best choice for President and I believe has has a better chance of winning against the Democratic candidate than McCain.
Posted by: Rick B. | February 9, 2008 12:16 PM
The problems with the secular progressives, the media and the pundits is that Mike Huckabee is talking directly to the American people, - not pandering to the politicians. They don't know what to do with him, so they malign him. Probably the only Republican that connects with the people, like Obama connects with the people on the left. He is refreshing to me. McCain is a politician. Same ole stuff coming out of a different mouth.
Posted by: Nancy Hofman | February 9, 2008 12:22 PM
moderator: sorry about that, some sort of lag/refresh issue, it finally popped up in the middle.
Posted by: Rick B | February 9, 2008 12:23 PM
Huckabee is THE THING THAT WOULDN'T GO AWAY!!!
A biggot, a crook, and a lier. There is nothing about this man that is admirable.
He is however proof that there are allot of stupid people in America!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 9, 2008 12:47 PM
Mike Huckabee needs to be in the White House!
If McCain gets the nod, he doesn't stand a chance in November against the dems. His wins are mostly in blue states today. Do you think blue states are going to go RED for MCCAIN????? No chance of that. And red states will turn out in paltry numbers, many just staying home out of disgust.
McCain has done honorable service for our nation. So have many other heroes. Doesn't make 'em Presidential material.
Read up on his record. He's more conservative than the dem choices, but compared to Mike??? Well, there's no comparison.
Next, take a look at communication skills. Mike again, in spades (and diamonds, and clubs, and hearts!!)
Look at the passion and commitment of supporters - McCain? I don't think so. I never heard of McCain's Army - but I've sure heard of Hucks Army. We're all over the news, because we care!
Mike's in this to win, and so are we.
Posted by: Mary | February 9, 2008 12:59 PM
I can connect with Mike growing up poor, but God Bless American I really didn't know it. I watch and listen to citizens looking to put someone in the Presidential seat that would reflect who they are, and unfortunately, I've heard some of the most shallow reasons..."I like Obama because he is black and I am black first before a woman" - Opra Winfry, and women saying, "I like Hillery because she is a tough woman". I think these reasons are the most shallow reasons. People shouldn't look at their matching skin color or same gender for a President. What kind of message are you sending our kids? We need to value what is really the most important quality and that is what is inside of a Presidential Candidate. You can see clearly the deep unmoving values that Mke Huckabee was reaised on, that he is thoroughly inside and out the most qualified character for the Presidential seat!
Posted by: Jessica Flair | February 9, 2008 1:03 PM
Huckleberry is dilusional.
Posted by: Never for Huck | February 9, 2008 1:06 PM
My comment is short and sweet...In the 10 1/2 years that Mike Huckabee served as governor of Arkansas, that state never became a Theocracy :) Any talk of Gov Huckabee wanting to force his religious belief system on others is nothing more than froth, in my opinion. However, I do relish the thought of a President who would allow his deep beliefs to act as his strong moral compass in his decisions making...What's so wrong with "Loving your neighbor as yourself?" "Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you?" Have we reached the point where we are actually calling evil "good " and good "evil"? Duh! Wake up people!
Posted by: Lisa | February 9, 2008 1:38 PM
Mike Huckabee is the ONLY choice. Our economy is in trouble, and McCain has admitted he doesn't know much about economics. He always brags about his experience as it relates to National Security, yet he says we need to be in Iraq even if we are there 100 years. That doesn't sound like much of a plan to me. So if he doesn't know how to manage economics and he thinks we could be in Iraq for 100 years, how could anyone want him for president. That will also cause us to lose the White House to the Democrats this time. I do not see any way McCain can beat Hillary or Obama in November. Mike Huckabee has already beaten the Clinton political machine 4 times. He has proven he can reach out to all people. Arkansas is a heavily democratic state, and yet he united the politicians there to make things happen. When Mike Huckabee left as Governor, he left behind a $400 million dollar surplus. He can do the same thing for America. This isn't about Huckabee's religion. It is about what he has already proven he can do - balance the budget and beat the Clinton political machine. Mick Huckabee is the only choice if we want to continue a Repubican White House.
Posted by: Kim D | February 9, 2008 1:49 PM
I'M from Canada and have been watching your election for President each day. I am disgusted with how CNN,Fox, etc. are treating Mike Huckabee. I think they're afraid that he will win. Maybe they wouldn't get their scandal news stories about him because he is a good man, a honest man and your best choice for President. I long for Mike Huckabee to be your President. If I was an American I would be working on his campaign. As it is I am constantly telling my friends and family to listen to Mike Huckabee. He is awesome. It looks like we'll soon be having an election in Canada. I wish I had a great man like Mike Huckabee to vote for for our next Prime Minister. WAKE UP AMERICANS, YOU FINALLY HAVE A REAL CHANCE FOR A GREAT PRESIDENT - ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS LIKE ABE LINCOLN.
Posted by: nancy wallace | February 9, 2008 1:59 PM
Huckabee's race is not about religion--it's about AMERICA.
Posted by: Sandra | February 9, 2008 2:15 PM
The count was complete in Topeka, KS before I left and announced. I am pleased to say that Mike Huckabee was strongly supported, gathering votes at the rate of better than three to one over John McCain. Whoever is left standing on the Republican ticket, will be supported, I personally am praying for Mike all the way.
Posted by: Mike, KS | February 9, 2008 2:58 PM
Anyways, Huckabee was a great Governor who would make a spectacular President.
Posted by: chukmaty | February 9, 2008 10:40 AM
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has taken to calling himself a “fiscal conservative,” but who ever heard of a fiscal conservative who raised taxes and spending through the roof while governor of Arkansas? Mike Huckabee is also calling himself “a different kind of Republican,” but that’s just a codeword for a big-government Republican who wants to cover up his tax-and-spend record with folksy talking points and one-liners. Sorry Tax Hike Mike. No dice.
http://www.taxhikemike.org/
1. He doesn’t believe in evolution: Yep, Huckabee is a supporter of the “intelligent design” theory. He has claimed that this issue shouldn’t matter in the presidential election, but why in the world would we want a president who cannot come to objective conclusions based on present information?
2. He is a scaremonger: Huckabee has called Islamofacscism the greatest threat we ever faced. I think he needs to read a few history books and see that a few terrorists in the Middle East are hardly presenting America with greater threats than those faced in its war for independence, a civil war that tore the nation apart, a world war against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, and a Cold War against a nuclear-armed USSR.
3. He thinks AIDS patients need to be isolated: Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could “pose a dangerous public health risk.” When recently questioned by the media on this view, he defended his previous statements.
4. He puts rapists on the streets: As governor of Arkansas, Huckabee personally demanded the release of a convicted rapist who had been put in jail under Bill Clinton’s governorship. After the man was released on parole, he promptly raped and murdered a young woman. Huckabee has tried to play down his role in the parole of the criminal, but those involved have confirmed that Huckabee was far more involved than he now claims.
5. He claims to be a “fiscal conservative,” but he is lying: Huckabee raised taxes and spending while governor of Arkansas, revealing that he is a free-spending big-government Republican.
6. He thinks God wanted the American people to re-elect George W Bush: At the 2004 meeting of the Republican Governor’s Association, Huckabee put on a performance in which he received a cell phone call from God in with the almighty endorced George W Bush’s reelection campaign.
7. He supports torture: Huckabee will continue the Bush Administration’s policy of torturing detainees if elected president.
8. He wants to give illegal immigrants drivers’ licenses: Thought that stuff he said about being tough on immigration in the youtube video with Chuck Norris was true? You’ve been fooled.
9. He holds extremist views on abortion: Even many pro-lifers would agree that a 15 year-old mentally retarded girl who was raped by her stepfather should be able to get an abortion. As governor of Arkansas, Huckabee blocked Medicaid funding of just such an abortion.
10. He doesn’t follow the news: When the newest National Intelligence Estimate came out revealing Iran was no longer developing nuclear weapons, Huckabee was one of the last people in America to find out about it. Does this guy ever pick up a newspaper?
11. He thinks God wants him to be president: Yes, Huckabee actually said that.
12. He doesn’t want us to know the truth about his past: Huckabee had computer hard drives used during his time as governor crushed at the end of his term in order to keep the information stored there from the public and the press. What are you hiding, governor?
http://www.who-sucks.com/people/12-reasons-why-mike-huckabee-sucks
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 9, 2008 3:38 PM
Huckabee is evil and this blogger has proven it pretty conclusively.
Posted by: John Evo | February 9, 2008 6:39 PM
This nation, this year, has given us the opportunity to vote for a true, God-fearing, conservative who respects and honors the constitution, and the foundation upon which this nation was built. Gov. Huckabee is a man we can vote for and know that he honestly means what he says and says what he means. There's no pandering to gain political favor. We have a clear-cut choice in Gov. Huckabee. Let's not squander it. Not since 1980 have we seen such a man, had such a choice!
Posted by: Reta Tharp | February 9, 2008 7:53 PM
Wrong: The "establishement" didn't pick Romney. Their daahling was the former mayor of NYC, the most liberal of all the candidates. Moreover, Mitt Romney was stabbed in Florida and mortally wounded by - yes - by the big guns: When it was obvious that their favorite from New York was sinking fast with his huge baggage full of waste material, they came out with heavy weight endorsements for McLame, coupled with lies in the last minute, in order to stop Romney. He was too decent, intelligent, energetic, accomplished and all around competent. He's not a back door dealing sleeze, like the rest of them. The country was robbed of the only candidate on both sides who had the stuff to be president and a respected leader on the world stage.
(That's why Romney was forced out, as reported by seasoned political columnists.)
The election is for a leader not a preacher ... fellow conservatives !!!
Posted by: Tom | February 10, 2008 3:30 AM
Gov. Huckabee
The Republican votes are in, you did a tremendous job with your staff and family getting your name out there. People have learned so much about you.
Mike don't give up or get discouraged, we need a man of your integrity and values.
Continue the fight, your day will come, and we will be better off as a Country for it.
God Bless
Posted by: Jerry | March 5, 2008 12:41 PM