Huckabee, Give Me a Break
We seriously might be the more fickle party of the two. Right when it looks like we might, just might, have a fighting chance we are told to support someone else. Gov. Mike Huckabee is likeable. Sure. So?
Let’s take a look a Huckabee.
As a Conservative he has a troubled record. As a Governor he was a poor manager. As a debater he knows how to spin. As a President he would… well maybe be an excellent jogger?
The media has a hold of this election moreso than ever before. I’m going to go ahead and say it: Hillary v. Rudy is what producers find most appealing. On whatever level it is, there has been an effort to suppress the rest. I noticed that there was little attention when McCain, who started his comeback about a month ago, was endorsed by Senator and recent Republican Presidential hopeful Sam Brownback (R-KS), the Senate champion for the Pro Life movement, Social Conservatives, and the Religious Right. However when Religious Pundit, and half crazy, Pat Robertson, you know the televangelist who said that God did this and that including when the late Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon entered a coma, endorsed Rudy Giuliani the media went crazy. This was a somewhat understandable, because no one saw it coming, which is my personal belief behind Roberton’s motive. What was entirely suppressed were the Christians, Conservatives, Political Analysts, and Bloggers who were entirely outraged and came out strongly against Robertson and Giuliani’s media parade.
Now it’s Huckabee’s turn. He “surges” in Iowa… meaning he’s risen above his complete failure status now to glide to the top tier. So he’ll compete with Romney for the state’s little delegates but more importantly for media spot light.
Forget that! It’s already been given to Huckabee, who only entered the race upon the Media circulating his name well before 2007. Now the Christian Right might support this Pastor.
I’m sort of waiting too. Many of you know my original secondary educational roots: theology. I’m waiting for my friends and mentors in the power ranks of the Southern Baptist Convention to come out and tell the American people the truth about Huckabee.
See there was this huge battle in the SBC years ago, in which theological Conservatives waged war with the theological liberals (those who take from the gospel, deny Jesus’ divinity, and/or don’t believe in Biblical infallibility) led by W.A. Criswell, Paige Patterson, and Judge Paul Pressler. I won’t leak out the entire story out, but let’s just say Huckabee wasn’t a mover nor a shaker in the Conservative resurgence. The SBC was returned to people of the Word, without the help of this everything to everyone Pastor.
Huckabee’s fiscal record is about what you get when you have a man of little political conviction mixed with a dash of ignorant economic policy. I’ll give it to him - he did not put the taxes in place [by] himself, however he did not use his branch of the government to stop the legislature from raising taxes in his state of Arkansas. In fact, he welcomed it. He said it, not me! Oh, he went further to thank the State Legislature for the soon to be taxes.
Here’s the real kicker. He reasons off raising taxes by the major deficit Arkansas was in. So we know as an Executive he will not and cannot demand fiscal responsibility or spending cuts.
Even Rep. and fellow Republican Presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo (R-CO) had to point out the obvious: Huckabee’s got a solution or a program for everyone!
Here’s Huckabee’s idea of policy, which by the way his campaign has yet to produce.
Huckabee’s domestic policies relating to immigration on the state level were disgusting, providing tax payer’s money to pay for scholarships for illegal immigrants. Now he wants to close the border. Question: Who doesn’t Mike? But I bet you’re the only one wanting to pay for their college. Mitt Romney put it best: “Mike, that’s not your money!”
So it looks like we’ll nominate a guy of no substance or a liberal record. I’m standing with McCain still, however plan to support the Republican nominee regardless.
Red State Update put it best!
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:34 pm
The only thing that the Huckleberry has in common with Conservatives is that they are both aligned with the GOP. You don’t have to be a Republican to be a Conservative and you most definitely don’t have to be a Conservative to be a Republican. I personally am sick and tired of people throwing around the term “I’m a Conservative,” without knowing the very first thing about what being a Conservative means.
Mike Huckabee is indeed a Republican, but he is most definitely not a Conservative. There is a big difference between being “conservative,” which Huckabee is and being “a Conservative,” which the Huckster is not.
He is a socially conservative on all issues, making him a darling of the Religious right, as well as the Main Stream media who are salivating at the thought of him winning the nomination so that come general election time they can smear him as a crazy radical religious nut against Hillary.
He is George Bush’s so-called brand of “compassionate conservatism” (Which itself is not derivative of what it is to be a Conservative.) on steroids. He does not believe in the Goldwater/Reagan principles of smaller government — he instead believes that the biblical implications of “good works,” means that government should be used to push socially conservative values.
One big example of this, the Huckster has made mention in the recent past that he would be open to pushing a nationwide federal ban on public smoking. Because he thinks smoking is bad and believes the government should do the right thing.
That’s a far, far cry from the late great Ronald Reagan who during his first inaugural address said “Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem.”
As I wrote on my own blog a few days ago, Fred Thompson is the only true Conservative currently running. All of the other top tier candidates, with the exceptions of Giuliani who is a liberal and Paul who is a nut job as well as not a top tier candidate, are moderates, and in the Huckster’s case a Populist.
Ali, I know your are McCain guy, he’d actually be my second choice (I like Duncan Hunter but he don’t stand a chance) and if he were to get the nomination I’d support him with everything I’ve got. I just know that everybody is looking for another Ronald Reagan, there is nobody in the current crop of GOP candidates who can fill those, and its questionable that anybody will ever fill those shoes.
But there is one guy who comes the closest, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he is an actor too, but with the fact that when he opens his mouth and talks about ideas and potential policies — he is the only candidate who sounds like Reagan and the man who two decades before him sparked the Conservative movement in the GOP, Barry Goldwater.
A Huckabee Presidency would even have liberals longing for the days of George W. Bush.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:02 pm
I need to start proofreading before I post, I was talking about Fred Thompson at the end there.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:29 am
It sure looks like McCain wont get the nom. but we can still hope people wake up… And I also will vote for the Republican no matter who it is…
December 4th, 2007 at 12:48 am
I like him. I also think he would do well. Sorry. (BTW I’m a fan of Fred too). You can send the hate now. ;)
December 4th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Tax Hike Mike! =)
If he wins the nom the republicans are doomed.
December 4th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
You guys are funny. He wouldn’t destroy the Republicans. You speak as if he is like Hillary…hmmm. I wonder what will happen to all this hate when it comes time for the general election. What if the person you wanted was not the nomination? That’s why I don’t support bashing other Republicans…unless it’s Ron Paul (man that guy is dangerous.) ;)
December 4th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
That’s the point David: WE believe that Huckabee is dangerous.
Come time for the general election, it’ll be just like every other election my friend (history hmmm your subject) - we put up and shut up.
Americans LARGELY don’t vote for who they like, but who the don’t want. I don’t want Edwards…. so I’d choose Huckabee or a write-in.
I don’t support liars, people who pander to groups I dislike, or ideologues. That’s my right. That’s where my vote stands. I will probably write-in because I cannot morally vote for Rudy and not logically vote for Huckabee (however McCain’s surge of support might put an end to it all).
~Ali
December 4th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
OK, why to like Mike - he is the ONLY candidate to support fully the FairTax. That is what drew me in initially. He is the strongest on 2d Amendment rights as well, and staunchly pro-life. If we push the Fairtax thru, we won’t have to worry about the legislature messing with tax increases ever again.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Interesting thoughts from all of the above dictations. I also will bash Rupaul, because the guys got some screws loose in my opinion.I was sitting in the second row of the debate on the campus of UNH when he about came out of his skin when it was implied that he thought we should take our marching orders from القاعدة; I’m very glad he had a firm grip on his pen, or someone could have had an eye put out.
I live in Maine, and I work in NH. I have been volunteering for the McCain campaign doing the least glamorous things one could imagine, phone banks, helping to set up for town hall meetings, passing out fliers at polling stations during state and town election day, and I have done it for one reason: this great nation needs John McCain in the white house more than John McCain needs to be in the white house. He is running to serve the country, not to serve John McCain. He and his family have been sacrificing their lives for this country for damn near all his life. Thats commitment. Sentator McCain IS the man for the job.
Romney, he’s a good salesman, and he can raise lots of money. He’s also an arogant ass that wouldnt even apologise when he said some comment comparing soldiers in Iraq to his sons……in college I think. arrogant, like a good salesman needs to be. His good looks may have helped get him this far through life, but there comes a time when pretty doesnt get the job done.
Rudy, no real experience, yes he did a fine job immediatly following 9-11, and had done some good in New York. Thats what he was elected to do…….good . Not good enough to play ball with the leaders of the world, there are some heavy hitters out there.
Mike. also inexperienced, but young is also an asset, McCain as a mentor could bring out the best in Mike, and from what I’ve seen, there is alot of good in Huckabee.
The bottom line is this, we are all capeable of error, we are human. I want someone in the whitehouse who is man enough to take responsibility for his own actions, promptly admitt when he’s wrong, and make every effort to correct any such shortcommings. What I dont want is anyone who will at the drop of a hat start pointing the finger at this one or that one to take the heat off of himself. America has gotten to used to finding fault with others and not taking stock of our own personal inventory of values and actions.
God bless John McCain, and his whole family for all that they do for this great nation of United States. And God bless the men and women fighting and dying for the best system of rule in the world today, flawed as it may be. They deserve our respect and support, not by holding them back from doing their jobs, but by letting them DO their jobs. It shames me as a veteran to hear people say “I support the troops, but not the war.” That bullshit. I do not like war. I do support our troops, no if, ands, or buts about it. We need to get back to the concept of “a need to know basis.” if you have a NEED to know, you will be briefed, if not, you will remain ignorant to said situation. Sorry for the long winded-ness guys, I had no intention to run off like that.
McCain/Huckabee is the ticket I’d like to see…….
I am………. The Tree Hugging Republican, Peter
December 4th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
While I understand your stance and I know people vote against a person they wouldn’t want in office, I just don’t see how Huckabee is dangerous. Now, I’m not voting for him, but I’ll defend the guy. With respect, what major issues do you have with him? To me, the most important things are to win in Iraq, have a secure border, and avoid universal health care. Again, I’m not voting for Huckabee, but I can agree with his stance on all of these issues.
If you could please enlighten me, why would he be dangerous? I’m not being sarcastic, I really would like to know your thoughts.
Respectfully,
David
December 4th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
BTW - I’m a supporter of Fred Thompson despite people’s efforts to talk bad about him.
December 5th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Yep and than there is taxhikemike.com
December 5th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
I like huckabee he is a strong conservative who is anti gay, anti abortion anti terror and pro life seems conservative, he is a baptists minister so he will fight seperatino of churhc and state to the true meaning of it. Im voting for him he is more conservative then Giliani
December 5th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Josh. Huckabee is not anti gay. He’s is for defining marriage as one man one woman. Who isn’t anti terror?
Huckabee caved to the state legislature on tax hikes. You don’t think he will do the same with the federal legilslature?
December 7th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Huckabee has the experience of a Goernor and preacher and not much else. McCain has been in Congress over 20 years and was in the Navy for 22. He’s the best Commander-in-Chief we could possibly have–in a time of need. Prayer is fine for those who need it, but it’s not going to get us out of where we are now. IMH if we don’t get McCain nominated, we give the White House to the democrats. No one else has a prayer (sorry) of winning.
December 8th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Although an evangelical preacher may appeal to the religious right, they have to remember that he can’t beat Hillary. Now, I wouldn’t go so far with this logic then to endorse Giuliani like Pat Robertson did, that’s prosititution.
Perhaps a McCain surge will begin this weekend with Romney really falling quickly after the “I am Mormon” debaate. Or, sure I hear those of you calling for Fred Thompson, but he’s going to have to work a bit harder.
Here in our local market we have people like Fred, that are great people and would do a good job, but they just won’t campaign hard enough to get it.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Http://RonPaul2008.com
we raised 4mil in one day the first time 6 mil in one day on the 16th. Ron Paul for President
December 20th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
[...] Ali A. Akbar is a New Media Consultant and Blogger. He can be emailed at aliunt[at]yahoo.com « Huckabee, Give Me a Break [...]
December 21st, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I’m not a Southern Baptist or even a religious person. I find Creationist tenets or intelligent design axioms laughable. I find Huckabee’s FairTax plan laughable too. But you know what, the man is not laughable. I know you Republican-by-Birth types think he is Anti-Christ (or Anti-Reagan) incarnate. But look at the race, aside from McCain and Huckabee, there is no viable candidate that can win the race again Obama or Clinton. If you don’t believe me, sure, it’s your right. But believe me, Flippy-Floppy Romney lost what’s left of his credibility when he asserted that his father (figuratively - oh, how this single word changes the whole meaning of everything) walked with MLK. Romney, the best candidate for best hair - figuratively and not figuratively. Giuliani, you know is only a husk of a man if you take away 9/11. Even with 9/11, there are widows and orphans of the fallen firefighters who will claw at his political grave. You can’t fake that kind of genuine hate for a man. Fred? Are you kidding me? You think American people are gonna fall for another TV-dude with funny accent? Wake up and smell the funnies.
Clinton’s and Obama’s got destiny riding on their backs propelling them forward. What does Giuliani have? Shady business dealings and empty smile. Fred? “Didn’t I see this guy on Law and Order?”. That’s it, man. Nothing else. RonPaul crowd are like a band of rabid lemmings having their merry-ole’ party on a shrinking iceberg eating icicles. They have alienated so many people by their constant internet antics it’s not even laughable anymore. If internet was the election forum, yeah he’d be the great overlord by now. But alas we don’t elect presidents by internet, do we? Hah ha.
McCain and Huckabee should have been the race from the get-go. Everyone else should fade away in an ideal world. The winner, having weathered the storm, should emerge stronger and ultimately wrest Presidency from the claws of rabid democrats. Yeah, bloody likely right?
December 21st, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Wake me up when someone can explain to me how this magical “Fair Tax” would erase our national debt? I get hefty returns because of Bush tax cuts but I don’t want to bankrupt this country either (if it’s not already bankrupt thousand time over). I like Mike but I wish he would stop pandering to Anti-Immigration wing of Republican party and stop spinning yarn with this magical fair tax plan. TAX is not a four letter word. TAX when properly operated (collected and then spent properly) can lead to wondrous things like building best fighting force bar none and national infrastructure which is envy of the world.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
If it is Huckabee vs Clinton I’m voting for the Republican.
Hillary.
BTW my first choice is Thompson.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Obama vs Keyes ‘004
January 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Huckabee is for withdrawing from Iraq.
It is my contention that you don’t make babies or win wars by withdrawing.