I know that posting on such a boring topic as Veep Selections here at R’408 that I run the risk of being marginalized because no one wants to read or comment on these anymore, but I thought this one was well written.
Now I personally have stated that I am voting for McCain regardless of the VP, and whether he picks Huckabee, Romney, or the tooth fairy, it doesn’t matter to me. I am looking at 2008 and the potential damage that can be caused by such an un-vetted, inexperienced Marxist junior senator such as B. Hussein Obama. With that said, I thought this was a timely and somewhat well written argument for a Huckabee VP pick. I do not believe that Mike will be the VP pick, and I do not want to start the rantings and ravings of highly em-passioned supporters of either candidate. I rather want to get this word “out there” from an economist that I feel “Get’s it”.
Is Huckabee the economic wiz that will save the free-market capitalistic economy that we know and love? No. Is he the worst possible choice in this arena? I know some will say yes, but I disagree. It doesn’t matter how hard CfG or others attack Mike on economic issues, the fact remains that he is an economic Conservative. He governed conservatively in a highly democratic state. Dick Morris made some good arguments over here. And the source for the real cause for the Club for Growth attack can be found here.
Yesterday we heard about an independent Evangelical group in Michigan striving to be heard by the Republican Party, and then another group in Ohio had their voice marginalized, and I’m sure that there are others in the rest of the key swing states that want to be heard. These are voices that need to be listened to.
As for the original article, here are some excerpts:
McCain needs help if he is going to win. Huckabee is in many respects an ideal complement for the senator from Arizona – he is 52 to McCain’s 71; Huckabee, a Baptist minister, is solid with the evangelicals, who remain suspicious of McCain; Huckabee is a genial, folksy, guitar-playing personality who connects on the campaign trail, compared with McCain’s grating and inept performances (not to mention Romney’s power-point drone).
No I know some people LIVE for those PowerPoint’s – The cool fade effects, and the neat spinning transitions are pretty sweet, but they do not work for most of the non-white collar workers.
During his primary campaign, Huckabee was able to show the same sympathy for the plight of low-income workers as Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. And Huckabee — who at one point interrupted his campaign to deliver a paid speech outside the country because he needs to earn a living — was much more convincing than the multi-multimillionaire Romney or the married-to-an-heiress McCain. His whimsical ad about preferring to vote for someone you can work alongside rather than the boss said it all.
I’m sure that Metro will point to this as the EXACT reason to not vote for Mike, and God love him, he is entitled to that opinion, the fact is, it resonated well with the electorate on both side of the aisle.
But free-market policies may not be what voters in a distressed economy want to hear. In an election when many low-income white voters may be reluctant to vote for an African American with no track record, Huckabee offers a lifeline of economic support with solid social conservative credentials. What should McCain choose: 40,000 Club of Growth members or 80 million-some evangelicals? Hmmm.
That pretty much says it all. I know that all 80MM Evangelicals will not vote for Mike solely because he is on the ticket, but I know that most of them would echo these sentiments:
“It’s important that people sing from their hearts and don’t merely lip-sync the lyrics to our songs,” he said. “I think it’s important that the language of Zion is a mother tongue and not a recently acquired second language.”
Thanks for your time today, and if you do want to make a difference, and you want to get involved regardless of the VP pick, please join me over here at Stop Barack and get signed up for updates as we have work to do in the coming election to educate the voters just how bad Barack is and your help is needed.
h/t Debra Mantey
August 13th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
A VP Huckabee may indeed be the biggest electoral help to McCain, but McCain-Huckabee would, more importantly, be the key to the complete homelessness of small-government conservatism.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I’m so burned out on all the VP sepculation that even Huckabee is souding like a reasonable option. At least it would be an
indication that McCain is capable of making a decision.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
“It’s important that people sing from their hearts and don’t merely lip-sync the lyrics to our songs,” he said. “I think it’s important that the language of Zion is a mother tongue and not a recently acquired second language.”
What on earth does that mean? Is he talking about religion or politics?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’m a big Huckabee supporter, but after he pulled that stupid gun joke at the NRA… his chances are toast. I also think he and Romney are a bit too divisive right now…
McCain/Whoever ‘08 (I’d like Palin, though…)
August 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
McCain/Huckabee=Obama/Landslide
HUCKABEE MUST DIE¡
August 13th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I meant politically die.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
5
Another Huckabee-hatin’ Rombot… sigh…
August 13th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
#5, uhm, I know our tempers do get heated on this blog, but you might be crossing the line?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
“It’s important that people sing from their hearts and don’t merely lip-sync the lyrics to our songs,” he said. “I think it’s important that the language of Zion is a mother tongue and not a recently acquired second language.”
What on earth does that mean? Is he talking about religion or politics? I can never tell the difference.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
#5:
That is vile. For God’s sake that sort of Bull S*** is for DailyKos, not here
August 13th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I would rather vote for the tooth fairy as opposed to Romney or Huckabee.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Well, since Kavon/Aron will not post it, I guess i should tell you guys that today, John McCain hinted at Tom Ridge as his VP selection, in an interview with TWS.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/406glxpt.asp?pg=1
August 13th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
If if we didn’t need to appeal to Catholics, Huckabee might be an OK runningmate, for the reasons outlined above. That said, I think he’ll have a hard time appealing to moderates, uttering phrases, in earnest, like the “the language of Zion”. Objectively, Mike was the least conservative candidate in the race, but public polls consistently showed him rated as the most conservative. Despite his ample charm, not even Huckabee could overcome the scarlet “P” (preacher).
August 13th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Ridge is superior than either Romney or Huckabee. It would also allow McCain to totally disarm the abortion issue with the MSM. As long as the top of the ticket is opposed then the social conservatives have nothing to bitch about.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I understand the appeal of keeping with the partying line and choosing a pro-life VP, but don’t we all understand that McCain is 110% pro-life and that it will be he, not Lieberman or Ridge or Giuliani or even Powell, calling the shots on social policy and Supreme Court justices?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Anyone who looks at the battlegrounds this year such as Colorado, Michigan, Florida, Nevada knows that Huckabee performed horribly in those states. In my home state of CO (which apparently is headquarters of some big wig socon leader) Romney scored 60% and Huckabee 12%.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
“As long as the top of the ticket is opposed then the social conservatives have nothing to bitch about.”
Yeah they do – an abortionist heir-apparent.
And its not like McCain is some evangelical social crusader, he has, at best, a cordial relationship with the social conservative right – and that doesn’t just include evangelicals.
—-
I don’t like Huckabee, but, in fairness, as President, he might be movable on economic issues – he’s probably better than Ridge, Giuliani, or Lieberman.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Michael,
My thoughts exactly. McCain should go with what will help him in swing states, namely PA and OH. If he takes those two, game over.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Huckabee on the ticket will ensure that I will not vote. I was OK with Huckabee early in the race, but the moment he started Mormon-baiting and spurred on bigotry and fear against Romney because of his religion, he completely lost my respect.
Huckabee will ensure an Obama landslide!
Frankly, I wish he were the one shot at the Democratic office in Arkansas by that insane gunman today. The world would be a better place without people like Huckabee who spread religious hatred and bigotry. Shame on him.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
#17 – thank you Act for not just blowing up on this.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
“I understand the appeal of keeping with the partying line and choosing a pro-life VP, but don’t we all understand that McCain is 110% pro-life”
The problem is that social issues don’t seem to be a big issue for McCain – he’s conservative on them (though he has more than a few questionable moments) – you can’t pick a pro-abortion Veep for someone who called the Religious Right “agents of intolerance”
—
“that it will be he, not Lieberman or Ridge or Giuliani or even Powell, calling the shots on social policy and Supreme Court justices?”
It will be – but the problem comes with having a pro-choice heir apparent.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I’m not a Huckabee fan but don’t share the animosity towards him that many do on this board. He’s not my first pick for VP, but certainly not a dealbreaker. He has an uncanny ability to connect with voters that I don’t think any of the other VP potentials have, and he has Bubba’s “I feel your pain” thing down pat. He’s an evangelical, but not “scary” in the way that others such as, say, Rick Santorum are. The NRA comment was stupid, but probably not enough to remove him from competition. My only problem with a Huckabee pick is that it would set him up for 2012 or 2016, which I’m not ok with. But him as VP really would be fine with me.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Michael,
I don’t know if I’d call McCain 110% pro-life. He’s pro-embryonic stem-cell research. He’s said, in the past, that he didn’t support overturning Roe. He looks like he’s having an embolism whenever he’s forced to discuss the issue. I’m sure you could get McCain worked up into genuine passion when talking about partial birth abortion or BAIPA, but he’s never given any indication that he’s comfortable with fighting for more extensive restrictions. So I’m not surprised that some pro-lifers are worried about a pro-choice running mate. Just perform a small mental thought experiment: could imagine ANYONE getting worked up about as VP Ridge or Rudy if we had nominee Huckabee?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
#19 – “Frankly, I wish he were the one shot at the Democratic office in Arkansas by that insane gunman today.”
Seriously, knock if off. Like someone said above, this isn’t the DailyKos. We’re above that. It’s immoral and offensive.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
#21:
Act, would you be mollified if a pro-choice Veep took the Cheney route and simply declared that they would not
run for President? Leave no heir-apparent and let those who want the nomination work for it without having Pres.
McCain getting into it (much like Pres. Bush largely left the primaries alone).
August 13th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Ooops! Sorry, I was only referring to Huckster’s disgusting NRA joke towards/against Obama! He’s a truly despicable human being.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Huckabee = Republican Carter
August 13th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Get over it people. Huckabee is not good candidate for anything in this world. Yeah he can speak well but that’s not enough. He is an economic liberal, and not in a good way, he’s weak in national security (blame america first doctrine). I wouldn’t vote for any ticket that include Huckabee and i’d work to defeat such abomination.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Brett:
While I like the idea, I doubt he’ll be chosen. However, it would be nice to see the look on Falz’s face and the anti-Huckabee extremists.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Figure In Abramoff Scandal Raises Money For McCain
A Figure In Abramoff Scandal, Strategist Ralph Reed Now Raising Money For McCain’s Campaign
August 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Matt #23- Yea, I should not say 110%. Look, on a personal level, I am for stem-cell research and back the majority of pro-life positions, but do not believe that abortion should be completely done away with. I would say that this sentiment goes along with public opinion…I was just making a point that any notion (and there still seems to be some confusion among Conservatives) that McCain isn’t socially conservative is false. However,I think the American people may want their leader to come across as more of a secular figure who is not as passionate about issues like marriage and abortion as Bush or Huckabee are.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
“Act, would you be mollified if a pro-choice Veep took the Cheney route and simply declared that they would not
run for President?”
I guess, but there are other problems with that:
1) we don’t get to run on McCain’s coattails.
2) Republican primaries have a built-in advantage for moderates – the last thing we want is another McCain in four years.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
#17 (ACT) Explain to me how could Huckabee be a better President than Giuliani? a better campaigner, yes, a better President absolutly not.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Could McCain dilute the effect of a more or less pro-choice VP by announcing a strong conservative as Attorney General before the election?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Personally I think that social issues are way way overblown on both sides. With the razor thin margins in the house or senate (no matter which party is in power) nothing gets passed. Just all rhetoric and fuel for the fund raising newsletters.
Where it matters is the judicial appointments and I for one would like to see Federalists appointed, period. Smaller government, less government intrusion, that’s what I want.
The SoCons can put all sorts of pressure on the president to pick a reliably anti-abortion judge. But it will mean nothing if Obama wins.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
The problem was Huckabee went out and, not just disagreed with economic conservatism, but called it names and made fun of it.
Brett, can you imagine the equivalent… a pro-choice Republican making fun of pro-lifers, and expecting a place on the ticket?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Because Huckabee is more conservative. Yeah, he is something of a populist on economics, but economic policy is easier to change than anything else, and Huckabee can probably be “bullied” into a more Conservative position.
Giuliani, though more conservative economically, is more liberal socially, and it would be much harder to move him on that than Huckabee on economics.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
#37, see #36,
August 13th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I’m not sure you can bully anyone into being more conservative economically. Congress has a way of getting what they want for better or worse.
I would rather have a ticket where they were deficit hawks not doves we hope to convert.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
#36 – I do see what you mean. And I do not disagree of the importance of a fully credentialed economic Conservative.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
But the abortion is not the main issue of this country, never has been and never will. I understand why people feel this way about this thing but pick a President is a very serious matter. National security, economic, healthcare, etc., etc. are also very, very importants.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
#41,
but I promise you Falz,
that nothing gets people out of their seats and active in the streets for election day like the social issues. nothing.
Brett
August 13th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
McCain and Huckabee both have a history of working across party lines to get things done. Some people realize that unless laws change the government is responsible for education and infrastructure. The roads in Arkansas went from some of the worst to the most improved. Huckabee has 10 1/2 years of chief executive experience with a huge Democrat majority and was still able to lead Arkansas as fiscally responsibly as possible. Huckabee could add a volunteer army of grassroots supporters if McCain chooses him as VP.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
…as could Romney, and Romney can bring economic credentials that Huckabee doesn’t have.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
There is no way i would vote for McCain if Huckabee is on the ticket. I may even vote for Obama.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
“During his primary campaign, Huckabee was able to show the same sympathy for the plight of low-income workers as Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. And Huckabee — who at one point interrupted his campaign to deliver a paid speech outside the country because he needs to earn a living — was much more convincing than the multi-multimillionaire Romney or the married-to-an-heiress McCain.”
This is THE number one reason Huckabee should be the VP pick (though its very unlikely he’ll get it… Pawlenty has a similar appeal w/o the background as a preacher that– unfortunately– would turn off some socially moderate independents McCain needs to win).
August 13th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Tom Ridge or Lieberman would bring in about as many votes as Tommy Thompson and Tom Tancredo…….The one that wins is the one with the most votes….McCain cannot win with the votes he brings in alone…..He needs help……Huckabee is the only one that create any excitement……
August 13th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Fortunately, I believe there is almost zero chance of Huckabee being selected (and all other signs appear to indicate the same). Why?
Because, when all is said and done, I think McCain understands that there is an underlying question as to whether Huckabee is qualified to be President. Oh sure, he has been a politician longer than Romney, Thompson, etc., but it comes down to, for lack of a better word, “seriousness” (and that really doesn’t capture it). Peggy Noonan, the insightful conservative, said the same thing early in the Primary when she found Huckabee did not meet that test. Why? Perhaps it was Huckbee campaigning in Iowa that he was a “Christain Leader” (his words). It may have been that he said that it was time to amend the constitution to reflect God’s laws. For those not of his specific denomination, there is an uneasiness about such a candidate. While Huckabee was, of course, essential to McCain winning the nomination and they appear to have a good relationship (Huckabee staying in the race not withstanding), I believe that McCain (as much as I disagree with him on MANY issues), shares or understands that concern. While many other arguments can be made against his selection, I really believe that is what it comes down to and we we will get “Huckabee light” in Pawlenty.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
“…as could Romney, and Romney can bring economic credentials that Huckabee doesn’t have.”
As hard as it is for some of us Republicans that really value business credentials to grasp, the electorate will go more for someone who can speak about their economic struggles and “feel their pain” than someone with business credentials. Fairly or unfairly, the image of a rich CEO who turned around companies but laid off workers (he had to, i note) will not fly with the working-class/middle-class voters McCain needs to win over.
And running on Romney’s credentials brings up his poor governance of the Mass. economy (47th worst job creation in the nation). Romney may have turned around some private businesses, but he certainly didnt turn around Massachusetts. If he did, more people would vote for him.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Cool:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/best_of_the_blogs/pm_roundup/
We made Best of the Blogs.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Of course, the practical considerations are that too many republicans (including many conservatives) would abandon the party if Huck was selected. You can write as many articles as you want and get 15 or 20 votes on RCP — not going to change a thing. Huck is not going to be selected as VP.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
#48 I largely agree with you. Though Huckabee certainly had gaffes on the campaign trail (like Romney and Thompson and Rudy and McCain didnt???), he certainly has the experience to step in and be President from being a Governor for 10 1/2 years. I do admit though that to many voters, Huckabee didnt come off as serious enough, but he did have lots of innovative, substantive ideas, but he mixed that with some humor (unlike some other candidates).
August 13th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Keep in mind John Edwards was serious…….and I seriously doubt Peggy Noonan would get very many votes either…
August 13th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Keep in mind John Edwards was serious…….and I seriously doubt Peggy Noonan would get very many votes either…
August 13th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Keep in mind John Edwards was serious…….and I seriously doubt Peggy Noonan would get very many votes either…
August 13th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Keep in mind John Edwards was serious…….and I seriously doubt Peggy Noonan would get very many votes either…
August 13th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Huckabee would be able to target not only the social conservatives, but the Hillary Democrats and the independents. SUSA polling, showed that Huckabee was the best VP for OH, PA, CA, MA, NM, IA,OR,WI,KS, KY, AL. He was second in VA, NY and MN. Many of those are needed states to win the presidency.
Likeability is an important factor, and while many may not agree with Huckabee on policy issues, they like him and like the way he presents his views. He seems like a natural compliment to McCain. Plus as a man who needed to work during the primaries in order to pay his own bills, he can relate to the kitchen table issues that everyone is concerned about. He would be able to motivate the voters with his positive speaking abilities. He would be able to relate why people need to vote for McCain rather than just voting against Obama.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Though McCain doesn’t need a VP with LOTS of experience, as he has the experience factor down (esp running against Obama)… Huck certainly has more experience than some of the VPs Obama is considering… Kaine, Sebellius… and more EXECUTIVE experience than Nunn, Kerry, Biden and Clinton.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Also, you would think that Hucksters would have figured out by now that attacking Romney does not help Huck. You want to plug your guy — go for it. But taking out newspaper adds and essentially trying to intimdate or threaten the party’s nominee not to pick Romney does not ultimately help Huck. You want to ask McCain to pick Huck? Fine. But when you also bring up your opposition to Romney that REALLY antagonizes the other side. It also will continue to bring up the bigotry charge as otherwise it just appears irrational to have such opposition to another republican candidate who leads an exemplary family life and is the choice of many conservatives — all because you think he attacked Huckabee’s record?? Think how you would feel if you believed Romney had attempted to belittle your faith for politcal advantage?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Whether you agree with Huckabee’s positions or not, Huckabee really would be a great benefit electorally to the ticket. Huckabee relates to the people better than any other VP candidate out there. Unfortunately, I don’t believe he’ll be picked just because of the opposition to him from a very vocal minority in the Republican party. In reality, the few angry fiscal conservatives that sit out the election because of Huckabee as VP would be more than offset by the Reagan Democrats voting for McCain/Huckabee because Huckabee is able to communicate how a President McCain would help them. Huckabee would also send turnout of social conservatives soaring, along with the thousands that would volunteer for McCain.
Sure, Huckabee has negatives (like anyone else), but his positives outweigh the negatives. I’m not sure that this is true if he were the Republican nominee because people would tend to focus on his religious background and that would hurt him, but as VP he’s golden.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
“It also will continue to bring up the bigotry charge… Think how you would feel if you believed Romney had attempted to belittle your faith for politcal advantage?”
Of course, I’m a bigot because I didn’t support Mitt Romney. Sure, that’s why, lol. Let’s save the bigotry card for Obama and his supporters. Huckabee NEVER once questioned Mitt’s faith. if Mitt was a consistent conservative who could appeal to working-class/middle-class voters, I would’ve voted for him.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
If Huck is on the ticket I might vote for Barr.
What a joke this election is turning into. Every candidate stinks.
Who picked these people anyway?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
“Sure, Huckabee has negatives (like anyone else), but his positives outweigh the negatives. I’m not sure that this is true if he were the Republican nominee because people would tend to focus on his religious background and that would hurt him, but as VP he’s golden.”
Unfortunately, his religious background will be used against him even of he’s the VP. Some people would wonder if McCain “sold out” to the Religious Right. Unfair charge, but politics is like that sometimes.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
It would be nice, and you rarely see people address this here, if people actually touted who would be the best VP in office, not for electoral votes. Sometimes I read the comments and just think we are arguing over the best marketing plan, not who would best shape our naion for the the future. It’s like we arguing, what will sell more “The new coke” or “Coca-cola”? Maybe if we focused more on quality we might getter results.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
61. Huckabee NEVER once questioned Mitt’s faith.
where is this hole you live in and is there room for two? It would be nice to believe that.
The problem is Huckabee made war with Mormons to enhance his campaign. The LDS faith was a tool in his quiver to get him some traction, and it worked partially. Because of that, I could never give him any help since to do so would forever condone what he did.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
My opinion is Romney would be the best pick based on actual credentials.
He wasn’t a bad governor and I never understand why some people say that about him.
He did get 51% of the republican vote in the primaries.
Besides that slimy trick played by Huckabee and McCain in West Virginia
caused Romney to lose there.
Look at what MA has now for a governor – Obama’s
pal Deval Patrick who is probably the worst governor of MA ever
August 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
“Huckabee NEVER once questioned Mitt’s faith.”
Oh REALLY, I guess you never about the sly question to that NY Times reporter “Don’t Mormons believe Jesus and Satan were brothers?”. Yeah, Huckabigot NEVER questioned Romney’s faith.
Yeah, right! It actually wasn’t a question but rather a very sneaky comment meant to attack Romney’s faith disguised as a question.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Oops – I meant Romney got 51% of the vote in the MA primary.
How bad of a governor could he have been?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
#66, because we all know that if McCain and Huckabee weren’t around Romney would be the nominee, right?
Right.
Hello Rudy.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Well Brett I can’t say that romney would have been elected, but I don’t
believe that the Republicans chose McCain at all. I believe it was mostly the independents
who got him the nomination
August 13th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
#67 – It was a question. I had the same question and when I asked a Mormon friend of mine last year, he answered it. He didn’t freak out and run it up some flag pole. He just answered it. Move on.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Well Brett I can’t say that romney would have been elected, but I don’t
believe that the Republicans chose McCain at all.
I believe it was mostly the independents who got him the nomination
August 13th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I can say this – this has been the most interesting primary year I can recall, and I am glad to have made the friends that I have made – we are going to make a difference in this party, and in this race – We meaning all of us – Rombots, Huckanuts, McCainiacs, FredHeads, all of us.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I just heard that Colin Powell is speaking at the DEM Convention
The same night as the VP speaks? Any thoughts?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
ALL SERIOUS POLITICIANS RECOGNIZE THE HUCKABEE TYPE – A JUNK, HACK POLITICIAN AND CERTAINLY NOT A VICE PRESIDENT. LET THE DELEGATES AT THE CONVENTION CHOOSE THE V.P.!!!! (GUUESS WHO’S THE FAVORITE…..)
August 13th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I give up Copp
Tell me who is the favorite?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
#75 – seriously?
In Texas, at our Convention, Huckabee got FAR and ABOVE the most support. Not Romney, not McCain, noone surpassed Mike.
Your anger management classes are wearing then, arent they?
btw – press that key labeled “Caps Lock” (on the left of your keyboard) – you can then type in “little” letters like the rest of us.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Colin Powell is setting himself up for another embarrassing moment.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
“Oops – I meant Romney got 51% of the vote in the MA primary.
How bad of a governor could he have been?
Which means Mitt got a little over half the vote in a REPUBLICAN primary… Score, Mitt! I think Huckabee got like 70% of the vote in Arkansas’ primary.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Copp
I agree. I’ve always felt he was a RINO anyway.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Huckabee isn’t going to go over well in MI, CO or NH for that matter.
The states where Huck did well go to the Republicans anyway.
This election isn;t about religion and all I see whn Huck is on TV is a minister.
I don’t want a minister as president or VP
August 13th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
79
Go and take a look at the primary numbers and then tell me how many states Huck
would help McCain to win that aren’t going Republican anyway.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
“#67 – It was a question. I had the same question and when I asked a Mormon friend of mine last year, he answered it. He didn’t freak out and run it up some flag pole. He just answered it. Move on.”
Exactly. But all this proves one thing: neither Huckabee or Romney will or should be picked… too much division between their loyalists. I will support McCain if he picks either of them (though I’d be much happier with a McCain/Huck ticket than a McCain/Mitt ticket).
August 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
75
Not Ron Paul… not Ron Paul…
79
McCain and Romney got about 50%; Huckabee got 60%. If Romney was such a good governor, how come Huckabee (who “ruined the Republican Party in AR”) got a higher percentage?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
83
Right on. McCain/Whoever ‘08!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
61: I, of course, did not say that someone who does not support Romney is a bigot. You can try and play the victim all you want. There are Huckabee supporters who now understand that it is counterproductive for Huck to campaign against Romney. Why??
Fact, all the polls, even before the primary and not specific to Romney, as well as statements by evangelical leaders, acknowledge that there is a segment (10 or 15%) of evangelicals who would not vote for a member of the LDS faith. Period. You obviously can’t deny it. Call it what you want. Many, including the TV talking heads, call it bigotry. Does that mean that you are one of them because you didn’t vote for Romney. Of course not. I understand that some social conservatives can question whether Romney’s change of position to pro-life was sincere.
My point, probably poorly made, is that when others see what appears to be rabid opposition to another republican candidate who has now been leading the charge against gay marraige and stem cell reasearch, who has now been applauded by Right to Life, etc., the attacks will bring the ACCUSATION of religious bigotry. You really want to contest that fact?? Seems to me it has been proven during the last few weeks. I am simply saying that, given the acknowledged number of evangelicals that would not vote for a Mormon, combined with such rabid opposition to Romney — many people put 1 + 1 together and reach 2. Not saying it is true. But hey, do Huck a disservice and be sure to not only campaign for Huck but be sure to tell McCain how much Romney is unacceptable. That will really endure Huck to the millions who voted for Romney.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
NH Lady,
“Go and take a look at the primary numbers and then tell me how many states Huck
would help McCain to win that aren’t going Republican anyway.”
Well, North Carolina is a dead heat now, and so is Virginia. Huck would add a lot to both those states. He polled extremely well in the western and southern parts of Virginia, where McCain will have to win big. He would help a lot in Iowa, where he is well known and blew McCain’s doors off (and Romney’s for that matter….) He would help put Missouri beyond reach, and I think he has great potential to appeal to blue collar voters in places like OH, PA, and MI.
Sure it’s not Utah, but I think that’s a heckuva big contribution.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Seems like Romney is the choice of the faithful – like it or not. I can realy see McCain doing this if he isn’t settled on picking Lieberman. Romney is probably his other choice, and watching Romney win the popular vote of the delegates will shame the bigots into silence. As well as the tendency of the media to enflame anti-mormon bigotry due to their desire to keep Romney out of the public arena. If he wins in a public vote, they can’t continue to tell America he’s got coodies. I think if McCain decides to go with Romney, he’ll realize the validating imprimature a plebisite will give the Romney selection in the eyes of the general public. Mitt will be accepted at last. His Mormonism deemed not a problem to Americans. A childish and backward state of affairs it is, that Huckabee and the media have created for our country, and a convention vote on the issue will clear the air and work to cleanse the country of it’s sad and ugly recent fling: trying to ostrasize a religious group out of public participation in the nation’s affairs. (I’m catholic.)
August 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
And most of the states that Mitt won that are swing states were CAUCUSES (MN, ID, NV, UT, CO) and states with high Mormon populations (UT, NV) plus his HOME state of Michigan. Huckabee got like 45% in VA when McCain was virtually the GOP nominee. VA will be a true toss-up this year.
The key is not looking at states, but looking at demographics… Romney failed to win over voters making less than 50-75K a year as well as voters who were most concerned about the state of the economy.
The pick will be Pawlenty… Huckabee’s populist RHETORIC and working-class/middle-class appeal w/o coming off as the preacher candidate.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
COPP,
“Seems like Romney is the choice of the faithful ”
Let’s not turn this into another LDS debate, okay?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Macis,
“The key is not looking at states, but looking at demographics… ”
Good point. In fact, Huckabee did extremely well among women, and was strong among younger folks. Both are groups McCain is struggling with now.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
MWS:
You are right, Mr. Huckabee does better in key states and key demographics than most candidates. He knows how to connect with voters and he has the experience to govern.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
“Seems like Romney is the choice of the faithful – like it or not.”
Sure, a few supporters of Romney on this site constitute THE GOP FAITHFUL… there are just as many people within the GOP that are favorable toward Huck as there are those fav. to Mitt.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
“COPP,
“Seems like Romney is the choice of the faithful ”
Let’s not turn this into another LDS debate, okay?”
In all due respect, Copp meant the party faithful… nothing to do with religion.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
69.
If Rudy had won perhaps one electoral vote, I coud buy that. Rudy proved to be the worst strategist in this whole election. He spent nearly as much as mitt and was sitting like a fool in Florida the whole time. He finished with nothing to show for it. Mitt had the popular vote prior to 2/5 and finished with the second most delegates. Huck ended up a niche candidate, which is basically where he started.
Problem is, had Huck gained no traction in IA Romney would have won IA and then NH and then MI, and then NV and maybe a 2 or 3 in SC and then won FL. IT didnt happen, but to say Rudy would have somehow done something is really not suppoerted by the reality of what Rudy’s candidacy was.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
93. Not really, when Romney was in the running he had way more popular votes and electoral votes. Huck ONLY attracted evangelicals and fair taxers. And he didn’t even get a majority of Evangelicals.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
There are a whole gaggle of Reagan Democrats that are ripe for the picking this year. Huckabee doesn’t just speak “the language of Zion,” but speaks to blue collar voters as well. I think he could be very effective in assuring these folks that the GOP knows their concerns and is not going to leave them behind. There is a reason why Huck’s quip about not voting “for the candidate who looks like the guy who laid you off” stung. It rang true for a lot of voters. To many of them, Romney is just out of touch.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
MWS,
You mean we could get more votes by being more liberal? Well why didn’t you say so…
August 13th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
“Faithful” was used in jest, naturally. But my evidence is all the direct polling that’s been done on who the GOP faithful want. It’s Romney on top, Huck second (esp. when it’s all voters)….but it’s always Romney on top amoungst Republicans. You know very well allowing the delegates to make the selection would not give you Huck….nor Lieberman….nor Pawlenty.
That’s why McCain – unless he goes with the Lieberman old shoe experienced independent two for the price of one reinforcement concept (which actually will work – except that then he’s stuck with the dead hand of Lieberman sleeping on the v.p. job for 4 to 8 years wasting oxygen!) – that’s why McCain will go for the vote.
He’s assured of the Romney outcome anyway, it’ll be great fun and great to watch, it’ll show McCain is confident enough to let loose the reins – let the people speak … and it puts Romney on a better footing as being the people’s choice – and not just the Establishment’s.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
MWS,
You mean we could get more votes by being more liberal? Well why didn’t you say so…”
When is it ever “liberal” to speak to working-class concerns. Huckabee was referring to the REAGAN Democrats and working-class voters.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Jason:
I agree we should not be more liberal, but we also have to relate to the voters.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
“Huck ONLY attracted evangelicals and FAIR TAXERS.”
Well there’s some economic conservatives that were attracted to Huckabee– the ONLY candidate in the field to advocate NO TAXES on corporations… yeah some economic liberal, haha.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Exactly, since when is the Fair Tax and balancing the budget liberal? Jason, it seems like you want to pick and choose which issues are liberal.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Mitt is much stronger in the swing states. He won the SUSA Virgina poll, not Huckabee, and NC is right next to it. He is much stronger in MI, CO, NV, MN, NH, WI, and FL. He is about the same in Ohio & PA. If you don’t go back to ancient history, and look at the recent Rasmussen polls where 50% of Republicans choose Mitt Romney, and 50% choose everybody else put together, that SHOULD tell you something. The Zogby July 18th is even more telling. He increases Republican ‘more like’ by 33% NET, and Huckabee was next with 11%. And amongst Independents, a full 17% net increase in ‘more likely’ to vote for McCain. Noone else is even close….these are recent polls, not ancient history stuff.
Btw, Brett, I guess you’re way ahead of the gamblers…they still have Huck at 4.1 today…
August 13th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
C’mon guys…McCain appeals to blue collar folks for God’s sake. He doesn’t need a cracker like Huck to do it – HE does it. It’s what he’s always had going for him if nothing else: the roar of 50,000 Harleys. Huck’s got a FOX show starting like the week of the convention. Do you think he knows something about his chances?? You guys sound like those folks who are expecting the second coming over and over and over again. It’s over, boys. Your cute little bytton-eyed hate monger has moved on to his very own Oprah show. Watch it.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
McCain’s looking for a real vice president, not a glorified carnival barker.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
COPP, if Mr. Huckabee is such a Carnival Barker, how come Arkansas is in much better shape than MA?
August 13th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
COPP & others, I’ve not been very complimentary of Huckabee many times myself. I very much disliked somethings about him, and I don’t think he helps in key states like Mitt does. But, don’t you think it might be a good idea if we all at least tried a little bit to not be quite so devisive?
In the final analysis, if Mitt is the candidate, (as I think he should be) we want Huck followers to stay with McCain, and beating up on them is not a good way to do it.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
McCAIN-HUCKABEE
THE WAY TO STEAL THE CONSERVATIVES THUNDER!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Mitt may bring in the Club for Greed, but not many more. Huck or Lieberman will cement it with the Reagan Democrats like me. I only switched in 2004 and will go back if Mitt is the VP pick.
The problem with the Club for Greed types is that they have turned America into a socialist country. They have privatized the profits for the Wall Street guys and the bonus babes and socialized all of their losses. What a bunch of bloody hypocrites.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Where are the female choices? Would be a great way to grab those Hillary fans who WONT vote for BHO!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
#111
I’ll give you one.
Sarah. Palin.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Remember when Huckabee was asked if he considered himself ‘a foreign policy expert’ and he replied, “No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.”
He is such a comedian. And then that night on the late night show when he was not taking the hint when his time was over, was hilarious too. He’ll make a lot of money in life doing those kinds of things, working for Fox, or becoming a televangelist.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Does anyone have any idea how long it has been since we’ve had a pro-Romney front page posting? I know we’ve had 3 Pawlenty, several Ridge, several Huckabee, several Palin The last time I checked Mitt Romney is still the front runner for VP.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Huckabee compliments McCain. If you look at the exit polling, Huckabee did very well in the rural areas of the states. McCain did better in the Urban areas. McCain brings in the older/veterans while Huckabee brings in the younger/soccer Moms. Both worked well with democrats. Both are mavericks in their own way. Both are disliked by the republican elite of the party and the conservative talk radio hosts.
I think McCain will end up going with Pawlenty. Who seems like a good guy, but does not produce excitement, or engages your interest. He seems like a Huckabee lite.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Denver Jake:
I know that CFG and Wall street are not always as Pro – Free Markets as they claimed, but it is too simplistic to blame Mr. Romney for all of it. I realize further that he does not connect with Conservative Democrats. However, he is better alternative than Mr. Obama. It won’t be the easier thing for me to vote for a McCain / Romney ticket especially after putting up with various insults and distortions, but the alternative is to have a Socialist who does not promote our country’s interest. I thought long and hard before I made up my mind in the primary, but I do not have to think hard about preventing Mr. Obama from being President. I am still hoping that at least Mr. Pawlenty will be on the ticket, but realistically, it will probably be Mr. Romney. While this is certainly not perfect, consider the alternative.
Yes IllinoisGuy, with respect, it would be wise of you to hold some of your fire until 2012 or 2016 (the next round of the feud.) While I shall vote for the ticket, a few of my fellow voters might not take to kindly to a perceived trashing and could look for alternate tickets. Everybody has their limits. For me, I would have to hold my nose rather tight to vote for a ticket with Mr. Ridge on it. For others, Mr. Romney pushes their limit enough. If they see their candidate getting unfairly trashed by the Romney camp, their limits will really be tested.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Brett,
I don’t comment much, anymore. I spend most of my time shaking my head at the silliness that ensues when anyone mentions Romney. I especially enjoy watching the Huckabee supporters claim that he is that which he is not and deny that which they themselves are. I’m convinced that the majority of the Huckabee supporters spend more time tearing down Romney and his supporters than building up Huckabee. Understandable, but silly.
I do need to ask you for one bit of clarification. Why in the world did you feel the need to tag your attempt to put forward your candidate under the “Mitt Romney” tag. Even the most delusional Huckabee supporter surely realizes that doing so would do nothing more than ignite further flaming between the two camps. Surely, you don’t expect to “kiss and make up” at this late date, do you? If any of the Romney camp really had any interest in Huckabee, they could certainly click the headline in the Recent Posts. Otherwise, posting under the “Mitt Romney” tag (in addition to logical tags like “Veepstakes”) is simply a waste of cyberspace.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Maybe you should look at your own friends Irish Right, It is not Huckabee supporters claiming Mr. Huckabee is somebody he is not, rather it is Huckabee opponents claiming such. For example, it is down right wild that some of you guys suggest that the Fair Tax is a Liberal idea. Talk about claiming that something is what it is not. In a strange way, you can congratulate yourself for killing the Fair Tax and the economic growth that comes with it.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
The Huckabee guy who posted this economist’s “exerpts” (a guy who he tells us truly “get’s it”) is so impressed with the guy’s great thinking that he doesn’t even notice that he never names the guy or links to the original article. Very impressive. I looked for the name or link a few times. Maybe they escaped me.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Huckabee is a deal breaker. The West would go to Obama in a heartbeat. The fact that Huckabee was never publically called out on his bigoted campaign is a stain on the cowardly Republican Party. This is a wound waiting to kill the Party. The Republican Party has allowed the most narrowed minded of bigots to blackmail them with their bigotry. No one outside his very narrow circle, respects Huckabee. He ran such a dishonorable campaign. If Huckabee is the face of the Republican Party there are many many many many who will leave the party to it’s fate.
We are not bigots. We will change the Democratic Party from the inside. The Democratic Party will be up holding traditional values within one generation.
McCain does not have the courage to stand up to the Huckabites and refuse to meet their bigoted demands…he won’t pick Romney. I can live with that, political reality is what it is. But choosing Huckabee? That is the end of conservatism in the Republican Party. The West goes blue and good luck getting them to trust you in the future!
August 13th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
In response to the to the evangelicals claim that they would not support Mitt, look at this:
The McCain campaign will say officially only that the choice hasn’t been made and that the wealthy former governor of Massachusetts is just one of several options for the Republican ticket.
In conversations with The Times, several Republican officials close to the McCain campaign also played down anti-Romney sentiment among conservative evangelicals. They cited an online poll of evangelicals by 2000 presidential primary candidate Gary Bauer that found Mr. Romney is the top vice-presidential choice of born-again Christians.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Huckabee represents EVERYTHING (as in: EVERYTHING EVERYTHING EVERYTHING) that I dislike about the Republican Party. If Huckabee and his ilk are the future of the Party then I want nothing to do with it. I can stomach McCain and Romney and Giuliani and Jindal, but we need to do with Huckabee what Brownback wanted to do with our tax code.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Let’s face it, Huckabee did not have a serious campaign. He had some soundbites (I feel your pain) and that’s about it. As late as 2007, he flipped on amnesty and “borrowed” a 2005 National Review plan for immigration. He used the fair tax as cover for his horrible record on taxes. His policies were cobbled together and not the product of a thoughtful mind or of one committed to conservatism, but revealed a politican basically flying by the seat of his pants, and relying on anti-Mormon sentiment with some evangelicals. His whole campaign was based on appealing to people who want a pastor-in-chief, and who think having a Mormon president is the most dangerous thing imaginable.
Huckabee had a very limited appeal. He won the south over Romney by 1%, but failed miserably in every other region in the country.
Talking about him for VP is pure silliness. Like Rove said, Huckabee would double McCain’s troubles. That’s why he was not considered. The VP list included as many as 20 people, and Huck isn’t one of them for a reason.
August 13th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
A question for Brett:
How did the group in Ohio have their voice marginalized?
August 13th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Did a couple posters here say Huck help McCain in MI? The results of the primary don’t indicate that. Depsite a major pastors-for-Huck get out the vote effort, Romney won 39%, McCain 30% and Huck a paltry 16%.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:44 am
McCain Huckabee the key to stealing the Democrats thunder? Give me a brake!! Get this thru your thick skull Huckabee supporters….not only is your guy not going to be the VP, he is never ever going to be POTUS. End of story.
Mitt Romney hasn’t uttered a word about Huckabee since he left the race and my guess he probably hasn’t given him much thought either.
Conversely Huckabee and Huckabee supporters seem to be obessed, sickly so, with Mitt. Get some help and get over it.
Plus if McCain picks Romney, and it looks like it could happen, and you don’t vote because of that, then you will have had a hand in electing one of the most radically pro-abortion candidates. God help you then.
August 14th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Martha:
With respect, you show that you have no clue about Arkansas went you claim that Mr. Huckabee raised taxed without mentioning all the times he reduced them. Please tell me with a straight face, would you rather pay taxes in Arkansas or MA? While I can vote for a McCain / Romney ticket, I am not beginning to understand why so many Huckabee supporter cannot vote for such a ticket. They fear that they could be voting for a freaking idiot on the ticket. I just hope that Mr. Romney is more knowledgeable than some of his supporters. You guys appears to have no clue about many of the Southern states in our country. You claim they are bigots, but you obviously know little else about those states. Now I wonder if you people truly understand economics. While Mr. Huckabee was not perfect, please show me how he screwed up Arkansas.
It maybe silly to talk about Mr. Huckabee being VP, but some of the non-sense that you guys say about Mr. Huckabee is certainly more silly. Keep it up and see how far you get in the long run.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:48 am
“They fear that they could be voting for a freaking idiot on the ticket.”
Ohio, why would they think that? Mitt has conducted himself as an absolute gentleman throughout the process. I went over to the HUCKS army site a couple days ago for the first time. I absolutely can’t believe the number of those folks who are willing to give us our first Socialist President and one who will aid in keeping the millions of abortions per year, not to mention one who knows practically nothing else it takes to lead this nation.
Tell me one thing! Ridge and Giuliani are supposedly on the short list too, right? Why are they concentrating so hard against Mitt Romney and giving the actual pro-choicers a free pass. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Its extremely obvious, but people on here who I think are trying to be fair seem to be giving them a pass on this also; and I don’t understand that. I assume they wouldn’t have believed Ronald Reagan for his change of hearts, or GHW Bush either? Actually, I assume they would have; because I have long since figured out where these people are coming from.
Only four pieces of legislation came to Mitt’s desk regarding abortion, and on all four of them he came down on the side of life. Because he was in the state of Mass., that was all he could do, unless you just think that a conservative can never run for office in a liberal state.
August 14th, 2008 at 6:24 am
It looks like Huckabee himself is jumping on this bandwagon against Mitt:
“I think a lot of people, not just social conservatives, but a lot of the Republicans I know are not necessarily comfortable with Romney,” Huckabee told CBSNews.com. “But it has nothing to do with religion. It has everything to do with inconsistencies in positions he’s held, and that’s it.”
Notice his words do not reflect anything words like ‘perceived’ positions. I don’t see Huckabee doing a lot of campaigning for McCain if Mitt is picked; of course he hasn’t done that much anyway.
August 14th, 2008 at 6:54 am
First of all, I for one (I believe many others) do not believe that Mr. Giuliani and Mr. Ridge are actually on the short list. Frankly, at this point of the game, there are few if any people on the short list besides Mr. Romney and Mr. Pawlenty. So in reality, people are not giving a pass to a Pro-Abortion candidates. On a side note, why do you think that the first Mr. Bush choose Mr. Quayle; it was because some people refused to support Mr. Dole.
Yes, Mr. Romney has conducted himself well since existing the race and to be fair, most of his Mormon supporters have conducted himself well. However, some of Mr. Romney’s supporters continue to distort Mr. Huckabee’s record in Arkansas. I really think that many of them have a bit of an unfair view of not just Arkansas, but many southern states. So of course some of us fear a candidate who many of his supporters have a distorted view of Mr. Huckabee and many of the states where he did well. Fortunately, naively or not, I believe that Mr. Romney has more respect for some regions of this country than some of his supporters do.
To be sure there are reasons that some of us are not comfortable with Mr. Romney, and further some of these issues have nothing to do with his religion, his health care plan or even his social stances. However, I’ll hold my fire . You know full well that some of us have no choice, but to support Mr. Romney because our country is at war and because Mr. Obama is an extremist. You thus have the freedom to trash Mr. Huckabee because you know that some us us will support the ticket nevertheless. However, if this non-sense continues, I for one will remember this in 2012.
August 14th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Illinoisguy-I appreciate your support for Romney. I think the only reason it looks like the Huckabee supporters are only against Romney is because that is all the media are talking about. They-the Huckabee supporters-are very pro-life and pro-traditional marriage and want to fight for those values for our country. They have opposed Ridge, Lieberman, Rice, Powell etc for those very reasons. While Romney has said he is pro-life and pro-traditional marriage, he has had other views in the past. And so some are not sure how he would lead the nation on these issues. It seems like they are just against Romney, but it is only because the media, talk radio, NRO, Bush, Rove etc keeping pushing for him. If all of these outlets were doing the same for Ridge, it would be Ridge’s name they would fight against.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Texas:
I think you said it better than I could.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:53 am
FYI – I will support a McCain Romney ticket.
It makes no difference to me that several of his supporters here (Not IllinoisGuy – you have been thoroughly hospitable and polite lately) are raving lunatics. (Saying Huckabee must Die….) – and then all the ranting and ravings of the few bitter ones that will not accept a non-Romney Veep regardless of the pain in there foot from the shotgun blast.
We face a bigger challenge than Veep – that is the Marxist Candidate that we must unite to defeat.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:04 am
What a small mind it is that falls prey to the B. Hussein Obama label. While it may be the given name of said candidate, the real truth of it is the simplicity of a mind that whould focus on a name. What small minds; what small intellects. Glory be the day when the codeword dupes fall along the wayside yet again.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Well said Brett. We have to remember that clown like Falz and company do not represent Mr. Romney.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Independent: Quick using code words and say what you mean in plain English.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I love how everybody is talking about how much Mitt has been discriminated against because of his religion. The only blatant religious discrimination I’ve read is against Huck and his religion. Multpile posters have bashed Huck simply based on his religion, in fact I would say his religion was discriminated against more than any one else’s this entire election season. If Mormonism was ever mentioned words like “discrimination” and bigot were thrown left and right. Same with Obama and Jeremiah Wright. But no one has used any of those words when Huckabee’s religious views were bashed. And you can’t say Huck was shoving religion down our throats because Mitt and Obama have mentioned Jesus many times in the campaign too.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:35 am
You alls Hucksters are a bunch of whiners that don’t have any sense of humor. The opposition to Mike Huckabee is because his positions, his policies, his stupid populism, the fact that he released murderes just because their religion, etc., etc., etc.
I will not support any ticket with Huckabee. And yes:
POLITICALLY HUCKABEE MUST DIE!
August 14th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Noser, the only candidate who campaign like a “Christian Lider” and put ads with subliminares messages like the flying cross, oops, i meant the flyng shelf, it was Mike Huckabee.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Noser, the only reason why Huckabee had his religion bashed is because he used religion to generate his support–period! The “Christian Leader” label was from Huckabee, and yes, the floating cross!
He also said that we need to change the Constitution to meet God’s standards. I’m sorry, but when someone uses religion as the central means of support, he deserves to be scrutinized. Huckabee’s speech left the average person to reasonably believe he wanted to govern this nation as a theocracy. The fact that he used the old Mormon baiting to tear down Romney, only offended Mormons, who are like 95% republican. Mormons I know, never had a problem with Huckabee being a pastor. In fact, most of the Mormons I know respected him for that. But when he used religion to for his own political gain and generating fear and bigotry against the Mormons, that was the deal breaker. That’s when Romney supporters (LDS or not) began to despise Huckabee. There is a reason why there’s a separation of church and state, and Huckabee’s actions have clearly divided and wounded our party.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Falz:
Feel free to keep watching those floating crosses the next time you get high.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Brett said it well. We have a bigger challenge than VP, which is why I have contempt for the evangelical hostage-takers now threatening McCain over Romney. They should have no issue with his pro-life stand because Governor Romney has a perfect executive record on life.
It’s not about life, but his Mormon religion, and it is causing a terrible spirit of division in the party which is preventing us from uniting around McCain to keep the Lord if the Sea from taking over the White House.
Huckabee is the inspiration for all of it, if not the defacto ringleader. His comments yesterday and in the past prove he is the one sowing ill will toward Romney. He is doing nothing to help McCain and appears to be hoping for his defeat. His actions in the primary and continuing even today are nothing short of despicable.
These folks need to sit down and shup up for the good of the party. They are allowing Huckabee to lead them right over a cliff into the land of complete irrelevance if they’re not careful.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:18 am
OHIO – Ed Rollins admitted the floating cross ad and other Huck nonsense was designed to grab headlines. Personally, Huck can float as many crosses as he likes. What bothered me was the blatant repeated lies about it. You can trust this guy about as far as you can throw him. No integrity whatsoever.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I don’t care what Mr. Rollins says Martha, with respect, if you and your friends are so worried about a floating Cross, than I for one cannot help you. Do you seriously think that people voted for Mr. Huckabee because they liked that bookshelf? C’mon, maybe McCain / Romney can show an White bookshelf on TV, that will help us beat the Socialist Mr. Obama.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
OHIO I’m not worried about a floating cross, as I said.
What I don’t like are lies Mr. Huckabee so easily allows to pass from his lips. This is not the only one instance where he has been dishonest. His record is replete with excuses, lies and deception.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
You can call Mr. Huckabee a lier if you wish. I am certainly not going to defend by any means every single thing that he has ever said. However, this blog has certainly seen many things said against Mr. Huckabee that are at best half true. I thus think it is not good business to get into a contest about honesty. I can certainly understand you having disagreements with Mr. Huckabee, I do to, but to say his record is replete with excuses, lies and deception is extreme.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
OHIO – No, not extreme at all. I can come up with at least 5 right off the top of my head.
His role in the DuMond pardon.
Why he raised taxes.
The question to the NYT reporter.
Whether he knows what Mormons believe.
The floating cross denial.
These are just some of the lies. The excuses and the deceptions are far more numerous.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I guess you and I can go around around all day, but I will address one of your points. I find it interesting that you like to know why he raised taxes, but you do not like to know about the times that he reduced taxes. More to the point, I do not know what state you are from, but while there are certainly some states with higher taxes than Ohio. I think I would rather pay the taxes in Arkansas rather than Ohio. It appears that when you get into too much detail, you miss this real picture.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I live in Oregon. I don’t know everything about Arkansas, but I do know that overall Huckabee proved himself a tsx raiser by 500 mil. I know that he was more conservative in his early days, but after he won re-election the last time he immediately turned a sharp left and broke campaign promises – one of which was to not raise taxes. He’s made plenty of excuses for it, the most ridiculous being that they gave Arkansas children “hope”.
I’ll take a guy who turns right as time goes by rather than left any day of the week. Huck turned left on other issues, as well.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Here is Mike Huckabee himself stating that Romney’s religion is not a factor, nor should it be a factor. I hope you all take the time to listen to the whole clip. It also addresses Ridge as a VP and Huckabee wanting pro-life to be part of the republican platform.
http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3029109&referralPlaylistId=c985e69916535a2170b2b18ab0ab7eb60401f9bb
August 14th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
If Huckabee doesn’t believe Romney’s religion is a factor, why did he make it central to his campaign?
If Huckabee wants a pro-life VP, why did he say Ridge was acceptable on Hannity the other day?
Why is Huckabee continuing to divide the party with his endless anti-Romney comments?
This guy is playing to his base, evangelical fundies who will never vote for a Mormon. Thankfully, they are not representative of all evangelicals.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Martha:
Please consider the fact that Mr. Huckabee never said that Mr. Ridge was acceptable per se. If Mr. Huckabee’s religion was a central factor, why did non-Baptists like me vote for him? Maybe Mr. Huckabee is not unifying the party, but you are not doing a good job of uniting the party either today, Martha.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Martha, Mike Huckabee never said that Ridge was acceptable. Please listen to his whole interview on Fox today. He addresses the situation that has come up. And I might add, that it was his supporters who have brought it up, not Mike Huckabee himself. Please listen:
http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3029109&referralPlaylistId=c985e69916535a2170b2b18ab0ab7eb60401f9bb
August 18th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I live in Arkansas and Huckabee is a pro-life, social conservative…and an economic socialist. In ten years, he raised taxes net $500 million, opposed tax cuts, almost doubled the size of government and opposed school vouchers. Huck did this while dealing with a much less liberal, Democrat legislature than Romney did in MA.
If you want to see what a principled, non-RINO governor can do who is similarly situated as Huck was in Arkansas, just look at Mark Sanford in South Carolina.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Huckabee is the best choice for McCain, he’d have my vote, I know those who want Romney don’t like him, but we love Huckabee in the South
August 19th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Well, guess what Virginia Voter, most people in the GOP HATE Mike Huckabee because he has been the candidate to consciencious divide the GOP over religion, and has a liberal record on taxes, immigration, and keeping dangerous criminal locked up. He has a lot of baggage regarding ethical behavior.
It’s not just the Romney supporters that don’t like, its the GOP base. You can be sure that if Huck is selected for VP, the deal with McCain will be broken for many GOP voters, not to mention the Mormon voters who Huckabigot so willfully offended.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
#156 – Fred, that is not true and you know it.
Mike governed as a conservative. The NRO hates him, and CfG hates him, but Christian Conservatives, (80 million in America?) love him.
Use good math.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
If McCain picks any liberal, he loses. Huckabee is the best of the
available conservative field for a victory in November. This isn’t
about health care, education, social security and the like. It’s about the integrity and survival of America ( Both of which are
questionable at best ).
August 20th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
If Huckabee is VP candidate then McCain will lose all western states, except maybe Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming which are extremely conservative. But Mormons make up the biggest voting block in those 3 states, so maybe Huckster would be the vote killer in all the west. I think that McCain would even lose Arizona if Huckabee is his running mate.
August 20th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Dan, You put Romney on a ticket etc, and Obama pick’s Tim Kaine Obama will win, Gov. Kaine is a Christian he don’t believe abortion is right and he’s a man of his word. Huckabee is the only one that can beat him.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:39 am
Mike Huckabee is the man for the job! We need someone with morals in Washington. Without Huckabee the McCain campaign will not be energized. I am so worried that McCain is going to do something stupid like pick an unknown VP which will cause a big letdown and lack of interest in his campaign. Mitt Romney would be my second choice but I think he would better serve in a cabinet position. The Romney supporters are so hateful and angry at Mike Huckabee and his supporters that it is hard for me to embrace Romney as a VP. Mike Huckabee is a wonderful man – if you ever met him you would know why he is greatly loved and respected. Romney just doesn’t have the same appeal. If Huckabee is chosen John McCain will see the party become energized!