Way to go!
SUPPORT MIKE!
Our original goal was $200,000!
Supporters like you surpassed that goal and have now raised:
$324,630.92
Goal for Oct. 31st: $450,000
Please make your most generous contribution using our secure Online Donation Center below.
You may also contribute by mail or over the phone by clicking here.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Is Huckabee the Next Reagan?
Is Huckabee the Next Reagan? By Cliff Kincaid October 21, 2007
Showing similar vision, Huckabee sees the Law of the Sea Treaty as a massive giveaway of U.S. sovereignty and resources that must be stopped. This was Reagan's position. Reagan refused to sign it as president.
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has seized on an issue―U.S. sovereignty―that could not only win him the Republican nomination for president but propel him into the White House.
The conventional wisdom is that the former Arkansas governor is starting to get traction because of his views on social issues. While that is undoubtedly a factor, it is also the case that Huckabee for several weeks has been hitting hard on the issue of restoring American sovereignty and resisting the advance of United Nations-led global government. Meantime, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain, and Mitt Romney have been tiptoeing around the issue, refusing to address or confront the problem that is on the minds of millions of Americans―the decline of America as a sovereign nation and the growing power of international institutions and foreign judges over our lives and destiny as a nation.
The Family Research Council’s recent “values voters” event in Washington, D.C. received extensive coverage. But Huckabee’s strong denunciation of the U.N.’s Law of the Sea Treaty, which is now up for Senate ratification, was generally ignored in the press coverage. He not only attacked the treaty and its provision for an international tribunal to judge America’s conduct on the high seas, but he urged the impeachment of any federal judge who recognized international law above the U.S. Constitution.
“Any federal judge who uses some international law as a precedent to make a court decision ought to be impeached,” he said to strong applause.
Among the attendees at the summit who voted in person, Huckabee came away with 51 percent of the vote. The runner-up, Mitt Romney, received just 10 percent.
Huckabee’s success is due, in part, to adopting the Reagan approach to national security matters. As a candidate, Ronald Reagan had established himself with conservative voters by opposing Jimmy Carter’s Panama Canal Treaty and urging the roll-back of Soviet-style communism. As President, of course, Reagan prevailed in the confrontation with the former Soviet Union. But many forget that the Senate ignored his warnings about the Panama Canal giveaway and passed the treaty anyway, with the result being that the communist Chinese today control the ports at both ends of the canal. Our nation should have listened to Reagan earlier and often.
Showing similar vision, Huckabee sees the Law of the Sea Treaty as a massive giveaway of U.S. sovereignty and resources that must be stopped. This was Reagan’s position. Reagan refused to sign it as president.
All of the liberal Senate Democrats will vote for the treaty, of course, but some Senate Republicans, citing the Bush Administration’s endorsement of it, are considering joining with Joe Biden, Harry Reid & Company and providing the 67 votes it needs for passage. It will be a defining moment, determining whether the Republicans of the future will be Bush Republicans or Reagan Republicans. By taking a firm stand against the pact, Huckabee has cast his lot with the former president. It is starting to pay big political dividends for him.
Among the other GOP candidates, Senator John McCain is considered likely to vote for the treaty, while Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney have yet to take a stand. If they remain silent and the Senate passes the treaty, they will stand accused of ignoring a major threat to our national sovereignty. That can only further damage their campaigns.
Another candidate, Rep. Ron Paul, has denounced the Law of the Sea Treaty. He also introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. At the Family Research Council event, he reiterated that position, calling for U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. and other international agreements and organizations. But his call for a quick withdrawal from Iraq and his tendency to blame U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East for the Islamic terrorist threat to America has hurt him with many conservatives. By contrast, Huckabee denounces “Islamo-fascism” and says “we cannot have the naïve idea that if we leave them alone, they will leave us alone. That will get us killed.”
While denouncing the Law of the Sea Treaty, Huckabee also warned the participants at the Family Research Council event to beware of the U.N’s children’s rights treaty. This is a measure that liberal Democrats would also like to bring before the Senate. The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child would authorize a U.N. committee to monitor and dictate how we raise our children.
Attacking the U.N.’s Law of the Sea Treaty has been a regular theme for Huckabee for several weeks now. During an October 19 appearance on the Glenn Beck show, he said the treaty was “the dumbest thing we’ve ever done. It’s like taking our sovereignty and handing it over to some international tribunal. What’s wrong with us?”
It’s a question that also applies to our media. Most reporters refuse to recognize the resonance of the issue. But this will change, especially if Huckabee continues to make progress by attacking the United Nations and its anti-American agenda.
On October 9, Huckabee had released a statement calling the Law of the Sea Treaty, also known by the acronym LOST, “one of the defining issues of our time.” He declared, “Are we in favor of increasing the power and authority of the United Nations and its subsidiaries at the expense of American sovereignty and vital interests? Or are we opposed to world government, particularly the one envisioned by LOST, charged with implementing a hopelessly outdated and counterproductive socialist and redistributionist agenda from the 1970s? Republicans―starting with their presidential candidates―should stand with Ronald Reagan in rejecting the Law of the Sea Treaty, its threat to our sovereignty and its socialist agenda.”
Reagan’s rejection of the treaty has been distorted by supporters of the pact who insist that his objections were somehow “fixed” by President Clinton and that it deserves to be ratified today.
In fact, as William P. Clark and Edwin Meese noted in an October 8 Wall Street Journal column, the problems were not fixed and Reagan would still reject the pact. Clark served as national security adviser and Meese served as Attorney General under Reagan. They said Reagan would see the treaty as an “effort to promote global government at the expense of sovereign nation states―and most especially the United States.”
By opposing this treaty, Huckabee is demonstrating that he has Reagan’s vision. Conservatives are taking note and rallying to his cause. The media will be forced to take notice eventually.
Showing similar vision, Huckabee sees the Law of the Sea Treaty as a massive giveaway of U.S. sovereignty and resources that must be stopped. This was Reagan's position. Reagan refused to sign it as president.
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has seized on an issue―U.S. sovereignty―that could not only win him the Republican nomination for president but propel him into the White House.
The conventional wisdom is that the former Arkansas governor is starting to get traction because of his views on social issues. While that is undoubtedly a factor, it is also the case that Huckabee for several weeks has been hitting hard on the issue of restoring American sovereignty and resisting the advance of United Nations-led global government. Meantime, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain, and Mitt Romney have been tiptoeing around the issue, refusing to address or confront the problem that is on the minds of millions of Americans―the decline of America as a sovereign nation and the growing power of international institutions and foreign judges over our lives and destiny as a nation.
The Family Research Council’s recent “values voters” event in Washington, D.C. received extensive coverage. But Huckabee’s strong denunciation of the U.N.’s Law of the Sea Treaty, which is now up for Senate ratification, was generally ignored in the press coverage. He not only attacked the treaty and its provision for an international tribunal to judge America’s conduct on the high seas, but he urged the impeachment of any federal judge who recognized international law above the U.S. Constitution.
“Any federal judge who uses some international law as a precedent to make a court decision ought to be impeached,” he said to strong applause.
Among the attendees at the summit who voted in person, Huckabee came away with 51 percent of the vote. The runner-up, Mitt Romney, received just 10 percent.
Huckabee’s success is due, in part, to adopting the Reagan approach to national security matters. As a candidate, Ronald Reagan had established himself with conservative voters by opposing Jimmy Carter’s Panama Canal Treaty and urging the roll-back of Soviet-style communism. As President, of course, Reagan prevailed in the confrontation with the former Soviet Union. But many forget that the Senate ignored his warnings about the Panama Canal giveaway and passed the treaty anyway, with the result being that the communist Chinese today control the ports at both ends of the canal. Our nation should have listened to Reagan earlier and often.
Showing similar vision, Huckabee sees the Law of the Sea Treaty as a massive giveaway of U.S. sovereignty and resources that must be stopped. This was Reagan’s position. Reagan refused to sign it as president.
All of the liberal Senate Democrats will vote for the treaty, of course, but some Senate Republicans, citing the Bush Administration’s endorsement of it, are considering joining with Joe Biden, Harry Reid & Company and providing the 67 votes it needs for passage. It will be a defining moment, determining whether the Republicans of the future will be Bush Republicans or Reagan Republicans. By taking a firm stand against the pact, Huckabee has cast his lot with the former president. It is starting to pay big political dividends for him.
Among the other GOP candidates, Senator John McCain is considered likely to vote for the treaty, while Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney have yet to take a stand. If they remain silent and the Senate passes the treaty, they will stand accused of ignoring a major threat to our national sovereignty. That can only further damage their campaigns.
Another candidate, Rep. Ron Paul, has denounced the Law of the Sea Treaty. He also introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. At the Family Research Council event, he reiterated that position, calling for U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. and other international agreements and organizations. But his call for a quick withdrawal from Iraq and his tendency to blame U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East for the Islamic terrorist threat to America has hurt him with many conservatives. By contrast, Huckabee denounces “Islamo-fascism” and says “we cannot have the naïve idea that if we leave them alone, they will leave us alone. That will get us killed.”
While denouncing the Law of the Sea Treaty, Huckabee also warned the participants at the Family Research Council event to beware of the U.N’s children’s rights treaty. This is a measure that liberal Democrats would also like to bring before the Senate. The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child would authorize a U.N. committee to monitor and dictate how we raise our children.
Attacking the U.N.’s Law of the Sea Treaty has been a regular theme for Huckabee for several weeks now. During an October 19 appearance on the Glenn Beck show, he said the treaty was “the dumbest thing we’ve ever done. It’s like taking our sovereignty and handing it over to some international tribunal. What’s wrong with us?”
It’s a question that also applies to our media. Most reporters refuse to recognize the resonance of the issue. But this will change, especially if Huckabee continues to make progress by attacking the United Nations and its anti-American agenda.
On October 9, Huckabee had released a statement calling the Law of the Sea Treaty, also known by the acronym LOST, “one of the defining issues of our time.” He declared, “Are we in favor of increasing the power and authority of the United Nations and its subsidiaries at the expense of American sovereignty and vital interests? Or are we opposed to world government, particularly the one envisioned by LOST, charged with implementing a hopelessly outdated and counterproductive socialist and redistributionist agenda from the 1970s? Republicans―starting with their presidential candidates―should stand with Ronald Reagan in rejecting the Law of the Sea Treaty, its threat to our sovereignty and its socialist agenda.”
Reagan’s rejection of the treaty has been distorted by supporters of the pact who insist that his objections were somehow “fixed” by President Clinton and that it deserves to be ratified today.
In fact, as William P. Clark and Edwin Meese noted in an October 8 Wall Street Journal column, the problems were not fixed and Reagan would still reject the pact. Clark served as national security adviser and Meese served as Attorney General under Reagan. They said Reagan would see the treaty as an “effort to promote global government at the expense of sovereign nation states―and most especially the United States.”
By opposing this treaty, Huckabee is demonstrating that he has Reagan’s vision. Conservatives are taking note and rallying to his cause. The media will be forced to take notice eventually.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Don't Miss Out! Be sure to catch the debate on SUNDAY!
"Watch Mike" Debate Party
FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio
Location:
Shingle Creek ResortOrlando, FL
Date:Time:
October 21st, 20078:00 pm – 9:30 pm
There will be two commercial breaks.
The debate will be moderated by Brit Hume.
There will be time limits to answers. 1:00 minute per answer, :30 per rebuttal.
There will be a sound effect and a visual cue when time has expired.
We encourage you to host a party or attend a party near you. We are using Meetup to help organize our Debate Parties.
If you cannot attend or host a Party but plan on watching the debate, we have created a number of ways for you to also participate the night of the debate.
On the Night of the Debate:
Join the free-flowing discussion on our Debate Hot Board before, during and after the debate.
Watch our live-blog of the debate. We have asked four bloggers for Huckabee to live-blog from the campaign blog.
Email us photos from your Debate Party at photos@explorehuckabee.com.
FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio
Location:
Shingle Creek ResortOrlando, FL
Date:Time:
October 21st, 20078:00 pm – 9:30 pm
There will be two commercial breaks.
The debate will be moderated by Brit Hume.
There will be time limits to answers. 1:00 minute per answer, :30 per rebuttal.
There will be a sound effect and a visual cue when time has expired.
We encourage you to host a party or attend a party near you. We are using Meetup to help organize our Debate Parties.
If you cannot attend or host a Party but plan on watching the debate, we have created a number of ways for you to also participate the night of the debate.
On the Night of the Debate:
Join the free-flowing discussion on our Debate Hot Board before, during and after the debate.
Watch our live-blog of the debate. We have asked four bloggers for Huckabee to live-blog from the campaign blog.
Email us photos from your Debate Party at photos@explorehuckabee.com.
Huckabee Gets NY Times Nod As Brownback Bows Out
Huckabee Gets NY Times Nod As Brownback Bows Out
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=54940
The race for the Republican presidential nomination is now one candidate lighter, and some believe Mike Huckabee could benefit the most.The former Arkansas Governor got another push Friday by one candidate dropping out and a columnist for the New York Times giving him the nod.Kansas Senator Sam Brownback's decision to bow out Friday left Huckabee, some analysts say, as the best candidate for the Christian conservative vote, which has played a big role in past elections.“Those are the folks that support Governor Huckabee," said press secretary Alice Stewart. "So, once things settle down, once Senator Brownback has a chance to get through this, those are people we'd love to have support us." "Brownback was perceived as the darling of conservatives, but even with less money, Huckabee made a showing in Iowa and pushed Brownback behind him,” said UALR political scientist Ann Clemmer.Less money for sure, about one tenth of that raised by the leaders, but Clemmer says Huckabee's relying on a strategic campaign involving a wealth of personality. “Mike Huckabee really hasn't made any mistakes and he's just so charismatic," she said.A quality appealing to voters and political pundits like conservative columnist David Brooks.In Friday's issue of the New York Times, Brooks cites seven reasons endorsing the former Arkansas governor's bid for the Republican nomination.He says Huckabee is a different kind of conservative, calling him, “the most normal person running for president. He's funny and engaging, almost umpossible not to like.”Clemmer says, “These are heavy hitters, being impressed by Mike Huckabee. This just gives him added credibility. This is almost a Jimmy Carter, come out of nowhere, 1976 campaign.”Huckabee's travels take him to the nation's capital Saturday where he's speaking at the second annual voter's values summit. From there, it's on to Orlando to prepare for Sunday's republican debate.
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=54940
The race for the Republican presidential nomination is now one candidate lighter, and some believe Mike Huckabee could benefit the most.The former Arkansas Governor got another push Friday by one candidate dropping out and a columnist for the New York Times giving him the nod.Kansas Senator Sam Brownback's decision to bow out Friday left Huckabee, some analysts say, as the best candidate for the Christian conservative vote, which has played a big role in past elections.“Those are the folks that support Governor Huckabee," said press secretary Alice Stewart. "So, once things settle down, once Senator Brownback has a chance to get through this, those are people we'd love to have support us." "Brownback was perceived as the darling of conservatives, but even with less money, Huckabee made a showing in Iowa and pushed Brownback behind him,” said UALR political scientist Ann Clemmer.Less money for sure, about one tenth of that raised by the leaders, but Clemmer says Huckabee's relying on a strategic campaign involving a wealth of personality. “Mike Huckabee really hasn't made any mistakes and he's just so charismatic," she said.A quality appealing to voters and political pundits like conservative columnist David Brooks.In Friday's issue of the New York Times, Brooks cites seven reasons endorsing the former Arkansas governor's bid for the Republican nomination.He says Huckabee is a different kind of conservative, calling him, “the most normal person running for president. He's funny and engaging, almost umpossible not to like.”Clemmer says, “These are heavy hitters, being impressed by Mike Huckabee. This just gives him added credibility. This is almost a Jimmy Carter, come out of nowhere, 1976 campaign.”Huckabee's travels take him to the nation's capital Saturday where he's speaking at the second annual voter's values summit. From there, it's on to Orlando to prepare for Sunday's republican debate.
Huckabee's Grand Slam
Huckabee's Grand Slam
October 20, 2007
David Brody
CBNNews.com - Talk about impressive. What Mike Huckabee did today in his speech at the Value Voters Summit Saturday was cement his reputation as a great speaker. Is he the next great communicator?
I've covered a few of Huckabee's speeches and he's always funny and clear. But he took it to another level today. He was as sharp as a tack. He came with a purpose. Three purposes in fact.
First of all, he started his speech talking tough on fighting terrorism. The whisper campaign against him is that he may not be up for the fight with radical jihadists. Huckabee's speech though was full of "we're gonna get them" talk. Clearly, this weak on terrorism perception has been communicated to him and by leading his speech with terrorism Saturday and speaking forcefully, he addressed it head on.
Then he addressed the electability issue. There's this idea that he's VP material or can't win a General Election. Huckabee riled the crowd up and said nonsense. They loved it and rose to their feet.
Finally, he came with a very straightforward purpose. He told the crowd that he's one of them. He is a value voter. The crowd gave him standing ovation after standing ovation.
The speech was part policy, part tent revival. He was in full Pastor mode throwing out the Bible references left and right. The people I talked to afterwards were very impressed.
October 20, 2007
David Brody
CBNNews.com - Talk about impressive. What Mike Huckabee did today in his speech at the Value Voters Summit Saturday was cement his reputation as a great speaker. Is he the next great communicator?
I've covered a few of Huckabee's speeches and he's always funny and clear. But he took it to another level today. He was as sharp as a tack. He came with a purpose. Three purposes in fact.
First of all, he started his speech talking tough on fighting terrorism. The whisper campaign against him is that he may not be up for the fight with radical jihadists. Huckabee's speech though was full of "we're gonna get them" talk. Clearly, this weak on terrorism perception has been communicated to him and by leading his speech with terrorism Saturday and speaking forcefully, he addressed it head on.
Then he addressed the electability issue. There's this idea that he's VP material or can't win a General Election. Huckabee riled the crowd up and said nonsense. They loved it and rose to their feet.
Finally, he came with a very straightforward purpose. He told the crowd that he's one of them. He is a value voter. The crowd gave him standing ovation after standing ovation.
The speech was part policy, part tent revival. He was in full Pastor mode throwing out the Bible references left and right. The people I talked to afterwards were very impressed.
News Release: Mike Huckabee Comments on Brownback’s Decision to Withdraw from Presidential Race
News Release: Mike Huckabee Comments on Brownback’s Decision to Withdraw from Presidential Race
October 19, 2007LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today: “Sen. Sam Brownback is a staunch advocate for America's families and the core values which make our great Country strong. I share his conservative values and his moral compass, as well as the deep conviction that America’s best days are ahead – and not behind us. I appreciate the many ideas and contributions that Sen. Brownback made to the presidential debate – and I welcome his support in the days and weeks ahead.”
October 19, 2007LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today: “Sen. Sam Brownback is a staunch advocate for America's families and the core values which make our great Country strong. I share his conservative values and his moral compass, as well as the deep conviction that America’s best days are ahead – and not behind us. I appreciate the many ideas and contributions that Sen. Brownback made to the presidential debate – and I welcome his support in the days and weeks ahead.”
News Release: Mike Huckabee Dominates Values Voter Summit in Washington D.C.
News Release: Mike Huckabee Dominates Values Voter Summit in Washington D.C.
Former AR Governor Enjoys 5:1 Victory over GOP Rival in On-Site Contest
October 20, 2007Saturday, October 20, 2007
LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee proved today that he is “favorite son of conservative voters,” placing first place in a “Values Voter” Straw Poll among attendees of the Family Research Council’s Summit in Washington, D.C.
Huckabee was the No. 1 favorite among the 952 attendees the summit and voted in person, with 51 percent of the vote – defeating rival Mitt Romney who received just 10 percent of the vote.
The results are as follows:
1.) Mike Huckabee - 488 - 51.26%
2.) Mitt Romney – 99 – 10.40%
3.) Fred Thompson – 77 – 8.09%
4.) Tom Tancredo – 65 – 6.83%
“Today’s victory in the on-site contest is yet another indicator that I am the top choice of voters in America who are looking for a truly consistent, conservative candidate with a proven record of results and the vision to lead America forward,” said Huckabee.
Huckabee, who had 11 standing ovations during a rousing speech today before an enthusiastic audience, espoused his “non-negotiable” priorities for America – “freedom, faith and family.” After the speech, he finished just 30 votes behind Mitt Romney in a straw poll which included online polling.
“I said today that I am someone who comes not to the faith community, but from the faith community,” Huckabee said. “These results show that, among voters who place values at the forefront of their choice of presidential candidates, I am understood and recognized as a top tier candidate. That’s very encouraging,” he said.
“In fact, I predict that, when conservative voters put me alongside the other candidates in a head-to-head comparison, they will see the differences between us – and propel my campaign to victory in January in the Iowa Caucuses,” said Huckabee.
Former AR Governor Enjoys 5:1 Victory over GOP Rival in On-Site Contest
October 20, 2007Saturday, October 20, 2007
LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee proved today that he is “favorite son of conservative voters,” placing first place in a “Values Voter” Straw Poll among attendees of the Family Research Council’s Summit in Washington, D.C.
Huckabee was the No. 1 favorite among the 952 attendees the summit and voted in person, with 51 percent of the vote – defeating rival Mitt Romney who received just 10 percent of the vote.
The results are as follows:
1.) Mike Huckabee - 488 - 51.26%
2.) Mitt Romney – 99 – 10.40%
3.) Fred Thompson – 77 – 8.09%
4.) Tom Tancredo – 65 – 6.83%
“Today’s victory in the on-site contest is yet another indicator that I am the top choice of voters in America who are looking for a truly consistent, conservative candidate with a proven record of results and the vision to lead America forward,” said Huckabee.
Huckabee, who had 11 standing ovations during a rousing speech today before an enthusiastic audience, espoused his “non-negotiable” priorities for America – “freedom, faith and family.” After the speech, he finished just 30 votes behind Mitt Romney in a straw poll which included online polling.
“I said today that I am someone who comes not to the faith community, but from the faith community,” Huckabee said. “These results show that, among voters who place values at the forefront of their choice of presidential candidates, I am understood and recognized as a top tier candidate. That’s very encouraging,” he said.
“In fact, I predict that, when conservative voters put me alongside the other candidates in a head-to-head comparison, they will see the differences between us – and propel my campaign to victory in January in the Iowa Caucuses,” said Huckabee.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Huckabee calls his campaign the "electric car" of the '08 race
I really love the way Mike thinks~especially when speaking about our tax dollars!
Huckabee calls his campaign the "electric car" of the '08 race
By ANDREW DeMILLO
Thursday, July 19, 2007 1:45 PM CDT
LITTLE ROCK - Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee on Thursday accused his rivals of needlessly spending campaign dollars and called his small operation the "electric car of the 2008 race."
"I really don't want some folks in charge of the federal treasury if the way they're burning campaign money is indicative of how they would burn taxpayer money," the former Arkansas governor told reporters in a conference call.
Huckabee, who raised $764,000 for his presidential campaign from April through June and had $437,000 cash on hand at the end of last month, called his campaign operation frugal compared to his opponents.
"You will not find a more frugal operation than ours and you will also not find a more efficient, better miles per gallon," said Huckabee, who did not single out any opponents specifically. "If anything, we've become the electric car of the 2008 race. We have gotten more for what we have spent."
Huckabee has tried to present himself as the alternative to front-runners Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, but has lagged far behind their fundraising. Huckabee said his goal in fundraising during last quarter was to raise enough money to make it to the Aug. 11 straw poll in Ames, Iowa.
"We've been moving upward and forward the entire time, which I still think is better than starting at the top and having nowhere to go but down, as some of the candidates are clearly sliding rapidly down the hill," Huckabee said.
Huckabee also took jabs at two of his home state's leading political figures, Bill and Hillary Clinton. Huckabee said Democratic White House hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton, now a U.S. senator from New York, is qualified but would likely raise taxes if elected.
"In health care, Hillary would see the government having more control. I would see more individuals having control of their doctors and the direction," Huckabee said. "I think you would see taxes go up with Hillary. If I were president, I would push toward the fair tax, which means our tax burden would go down."
Huckabee said he and Hillary Clinton would also be fundamentally different on world affairs.
"I see a much deeper threat to Islamic fascism and believe it is at the heart of this effort that we're engaged in, something we cannot simply ignore. We can't leave them alone and they'll leave us alone," Huckabee said.
Huckabee also said his record on education as Arkansas governor for 10 years "absolutely" was better than the 42nd president, who served in the office for 12 years.
"I think that the results if you look at what we did in terms of test scores and what we did in terms of moving our teacher salaries from some of the lowest in the country to some of the best in the country and certainly if you add in the cost of living, we made some of the most dramatic improvements," Huckabee said.
A service of the Associated Press(AP)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Calling All Huckabee supporters!
We need to rally behind Mike! Calling all Huckabee supporters!
As the end of the second quarter approaches, it is imperative that Governor Huckabee is able to continue to spread his message about the sanctity of life, smaller government, and lower taxes. To be able to do this the Governor needs to have the funds necessary to share his message at the grassroots level. Help support the Governor by being a part of our push for 1,500 contributions in ten days. Donate online by going to www.explorehuckabee.com
Thanks for your help and continuing support.
Press Release: Mike Huckabee Applauds Presidential Veto Of Federally-Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research Legislation
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Little Rock, Ark – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) said Wednesday that he applauds a veto by President George W. Bush of legislation to loosen restrictions on federally-funded embryonic stem cell research.
“Without the President’s veto, this controversial legislation, which is wrong on moral grounds and based on inconclusive scientific research, would have become law. I commend the President for his strong stand in support of life,” said Huckabee.
Huckabee said he also supports an executive order by President Bush to direct the Health and Human Services Department to promote additional research into cells that might regenerate into different types of cells that could potentially be used to battle human disease.
“Vital scientific research can and is being conducted without the destruction of life,” said Huckabee.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Huckabee has broken into the top four!
I am so excited to read this news! There has been a steady movement upwards for the Huckabee campaign, but this news brings great momentum for the campaign! Many are taking notice of the Huckabee campaign platform and what Mr. Huckabee stands for: True character and true concern for people. Below is the list of reported percentages from a recent Mason Dixon poll released from Iowa:
On the Republican side, Romney 25% Undecided at 21% Thompson at 17%, Giuliani at 15%, Huckabee at 7%, and McCain and Brownback at 6% each.
Be sure to go Check out www.explorehuckabee.com for all the details!
Way to go Mike!
On the Republican side, Romney 25% Undecided at 21% Thompson at 17%, Giuliani at 15%, Huckabee at 7%, and McCain and Brownback at 6% each.
Be sure to go Check out www.explorehuckabee.com for all the details!
Way to go Mike!
McCain drops in Iowa poll
The Associated Press
THE RACE: The presidential race for Republicans in Iowa
Mitt Romney, 25 percent
Fred Thompson, 17 percent
Rudy Giuliani, 15 percent
Mike Huckabee, 7 percent
John McCain, 6 percent
Sam Brownback, 6 percent
Huckabee to 'stay and play' in Iowa
By Todd Dorman - Globe Des Moines Bureau
Published June14, 2007
AMES — Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Wednesday he’s confident GOP caucus-goers will take a good look at his campaign even as the media focuses on so-called front-runners.
The former Arkansas governor campaigned in Ames and Story City before officially opening his Des Moines campaign headquarters. He said the office is proof he plans “to stay and to play” in Iowa.
But Huckabee concedes he’s still looking for a way to break from a sizeable pack of lesser-known candidates.
“Accompanying Paris Hilton to jail might work,” Huckabee joked. He criticized the media’s coverage, or lack of coverage, of the presidential race.
“One of the things that is frustrating is there’s more attention on Britney Spears getting out of a car without underwear than who’s going to be the next president,” Huckabee told reporters.
And when the media does cover the race, Huckabee argues that it spends too much time focusing on so-called front-runners.
So far, that group includes former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
Huckabee argues that that early focus on cash-flush “celebrity” candidates will soon yield to a broader, tougher appraisal by actual Republican voters.
“People from around the country began realizing that we do have a choice,” Huckabee said “Our choices are not the three doors on Let’s Make a Deal, A, B and C. There are other doors.
“I think that’s when Republican voters become much more discriminating. And they’re going to be asking tougher questions,” Huckabee said.
Voters’ questions, Huckabee insisted, likely will be better than those asked during recent GOP primary debates.
Huckabee pointed out that the last three debates included no questions about education, and a recent New Hampshire forum included no questions on tax policy.
Huckabee’s calls for education and tax reform are centerpieces of his campaign.
Huckabee said he’s confident his hopes will rise in Iowa but he concedes the GOP’s August straw poll in Ames may not be much help. McCain and Giuliani are skipping the event, potentially reducing its importance on the road to January’s caucuses.
“If the straw poll changes substantially in its impact, importance and role in the process, then we’re not going to be irresponsible with our time and resources,” Huckabee said.
On Wednesday, Huckabee toured Advanced Analytical Technologies in Ames. The high-tech firm produces cutting-edge testing devices that help cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, among others, test their products for bacterial contamination.
The steadily growing biotech company, which employs 28, has been called the “best-kept secret” in its industry, according to CEO Steven Lasky.
“Kind of like your candidacy,” Lasky joked to Huckabee.
* Todd Dorman can be reached at 515- 243-0138 or todd.dorman@lee.net.
Published June14, 2007
AMES — Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Wednesday he’s confident GOP caucus-goers will take a good look at his campaign even as the media focuses on so-called front-runners.
The former Arkansas governor campaigned in Ames and Story City before officially opening his Des Moines campaign headquarters. He said the office is proof he plans “to stay and to play” in Iowa.
But Huckabee concedes he’s still looking for a way to break from a sizeable pack of lesser-known candidates.
“Accompanying Paris Hilton to jail might work,” Huckabee joked. He criticized the media’s coverage, or lack of coverage, of the presidential race.
“One of the things that is frustrating is there’s more attention on Britney Spears getting out of a car without underwear than who’s going to be the next president,” Huckabee told reporters.
And when the media does cover the race, Huckabee argues that it spends too much time focusing on so-called front-runners.
So far, that group includes former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
Huckabee argues that that early focus on cash-flush “celebrity” candidates will soon yield to a broader, tougher appraisal by actual Republican voters.
“People from around the country began realizing that we do have a choice,” Huckabee said “Our choices are not the three doors on Let’s Make a Deal, A, B and C. There are other doors.
“I think that’s when Republican voters become much more discriminating. And they’re going to be asking tougher questions,” Huckabee said.
Voters’ questions, Huckabee insisted, likely will be better than those asked during recent GOP primary debates.
Huckabee pointed out that the last three debates included no questions about education, and a recent New Hampshire forum included no questions on tax policy.
Huckabee’s calls for education and tax reform are centerpieces of his campaign.
Huckabee said he’s confident his hopes will rise in Iowa but he concedes the GOP’s August straw poll in Ames may not be much help. McCain and Giuliani are skipping the event, potentially reducing its importance on the road to January’s caucuses.
“If the straw poll changes substantially in its impact, importance and role in the process, then we’re not going to be irresponsible with our time and resources,” Huckabee said.
On Wednesday, Huckabee toured Advanced Analytical Technologies in Ames. The high-tech firm produces cutting-edge testing devices that help cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, among others, test their products for bacterial contamination.
The steadily growing biotech company, which employs 28, has been called the “best-kept secret” in its industry, according to CEO Steven Lasky.
“Kind of like your candidacy,” Lasky joked to Huckabee.
* Todd Dorman can be reached at 515- 243-0138 or todd.dorman@lee.net.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Huckabee visits Plano, TX
Plano got a glimpse of the 2008 presidential race Friday evening when Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee visited Charlie O’Reilly’s home to raise funds for his presidential exploratory committee.
Republicans and democrats agree Collin County is an ideal area for presidential candidates to do their fundraising.
“Collin County is one of the richest counties in Texas,” said Deborah Angell Smith, Collin County Democratic Party chair. “Because of the number of corporate headquarters and organizations in the area, it is a fertile ground for fundraising.”
Ray Huffines, Plano resident and CEO of Huffines Auto Dealerships, was present at Huckabee’s fundraiser. Huffines said a Republican presidential candidate visiting Plano was nothing out of the ordinary.
“Obviously Plano is a very Republican place, very Republican,” Huffines said. “It doesn’t surprise me that Republican candidates would target Plano as a good place to have an event.”
O’Reilly’s home was fill with more than 120 supporters for Huckabee’s campaign. The crowd inside the house lined up to shake hands and snap photographs with the Republican governor from Arkansas. “(Plano) is as good a place as there is on Earth,” said Huckabee, when asked why he chose to visit the city to raise funds for his campaign.
While Huckabee admitted he got a slow start, he said he is optimistic about his chances to become the Republican presidential nominee and even being elected the next U.S. president.
Huckabee said his late arrival to the race shouldn’t hamper his efforts, comparing the campaign process to one of America’s most popular racing sports.
“Like a NASCAR race, it is not about how you are doing in the first few laps. It is how you are doing in the last few laps that make the difference,” Huckabee said. “I think we will win (the upcoming primaries and presidential election). I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think I was going to win.”
O’Reilly’s walls were lined with framed photographs of himself posing with politicians and professional athletes, such as U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), U.S. President George W. Bush and former Dallas Cowboy Walt Garrison.
O’Reilly — who supported Bush’s campaign in 2000 — said he believes Huckabee could be the next president.
“I think you may be looking at the next president right here,” O’Reilly said. “I believe he has moved up into the higher-level tier now.”
Smith defined Huckabee as a strongly conservative candidate.
“Huckabee is definitely one of the more conservative presidential candidates opposing widely accepted positions such as evolution, climate change and comprehensive immigration reform,” Smith said.
Huffines said Huckabee’s stances on pro-life and traditional marriage were two reasons why Huckabee will get his vote.
“His stand on the issues I think is right in line with what I believe,” Huffines said.
Contact Josh Hixson at jhixson@acnpapers.com
Republicans and democrats agree Collin County is an ideal area for presidential candidates to do their fundraising.
“Collin County is one of the richest counties in Texas,” said Deborah Angell Smith, Collin County Democratic Party chair. “Because of the number of corporate headquarters and organizations in the area, it is a fertile ground for fundraising.”
Ray Huffines, Plano resident and CEO of Huffines Auto Dealerships, was present at Huckabee’s fundraiser. Huffines said a Republican presidential candidate visiting Plano was nothing out of the ordinary.
“Obviously Plano is a very Republican place, very Republican,” Huffines said. “It doesn’t surprise me that Republican candidates would target Plano as a good place to have an event.”
O’Reilly’s home was fill with more than 120 supporters for Huckabee’s campaign. The crowd inside the house lined up to shake hands and snap photographs with the Republican governor from Arkansas. “(Plano) is as good a place as there is on Earth,” said Huckabee, when asked why he chose to visit the city to raise funds for his campaign.
While Huckabee admitted he got a slow start, he said he is optimistic about his chances to become the Republican presidential nominee and even being elected the next U.S. president.
Huckabee said his late arrival to the race shouldn’t hamper his efforts, comparing the campaign process to one of America’s most popular racing sports.
“Like a NASCAR race, it is not about how you are doing in the first few laps. It is how you are doing in the last few laps that make the difference,” Huckabee said. “I think we will win (the upcoming primaries and presidential election). I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think I was going to win.”
O’Reilly’s walls were lined with framed photographs of himself posing with politicians and professional athletes, such as U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), U.S. President George W. Bush and former Dallas Cowboy Walt Garrison.
O’Reilly — who supported Bush’s campaign in 2000 — said he believes Huckabee could be the next president.
“I think you may be looking at the next president right here,” O’Reilly said. “I believe he has moved up into the higher-level tier now.”
Smith defined Huckabee as a strongly conservative candidate.
“Huckabee is definitely one of the more conservative presidential candidates opposing widely accepted positions such as evolution, climate change and comprehensive immigration reform,” Smith said.
Huffines said Huckabee’s stances on pro-life and traditional marriage were two reasons why Huckabee will get his vote.
“His stand on the issues I think is right in line with what I believe,” Huffines said.
Contact Josh Hixson at jhixson@acnpapers.com
Huckabee Reminds Christians Not To Abandon Principles
Huckabee Reminds Christians Not To Abandon Principles
By Julia Duin
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
June 7, 2007
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said yesterday that Christian conservatives will become "irrelevant" to the political process if they give up their core convictions for expediency's sake.
"Christian conservatives are on the brink of becoming irrelevant in this election cycle if they do not remain active because they really believe something about their faith that drives them into the political arena," he said in remarks made at a Pew Forum press conference.
Typically, Christians have entered the political arena out of concern for the family, to stop abortion and because of other issues that "really emanate from our faith," he said. "If they say those issues are not as important this time; if they say the real issues are taxes or national security, then frankly, they are just another Republican special interest group."
Mr. Huckabee, 51, is one of the most outspokenly evangelical candidates in a crowded Republican field. An ordained Southern Baptist minister who became a Christian at age 10 at a vacation Bible school, he decided to enter politics in 1992. After a failed U.S. Senate race in Arkansas, he won a special election to become the state's lieutenant governor in 1993 and became governor in 1996.
Yesterday's remarks were on how his religion affected his politics during his 10-year tenure as governor.
"How did we handle 75,000 evacuees that came to our state in the course of five days when Hurricane Katrina hit?" he asked. "I promise you, faith guided me through all of that, not just in terms of my compassion for the people I saw. ... I determined we were not going to treat these people like boxes ... stacking them up in some sports arena and calling that rescue."
Instead, he got church leaders to open up camp and conference sites across the state to house refugees.
"It went back to the simple prescription: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," he said, quoting Luke 6:31.
Mr. Huckabee, who barely registers in national polls, is hoping that the Republican Party's evangelical base is unhappy with the current leaders in the race and that there might be room for a traditional-values candidate. Not only does he oppose abortion and same-sex "marriage," he also believes creation should be taught in schools alongside evolution.
In a presentation filled with humorous one-liners and references to his less-than-stellar showing compared with the party's presidential front-runners, he said money is driving the media's perception of who can win.
"[It happens] every time when the 'fair and balanced' Fox News network puts candidates' names on the screen that says '2008 election' and they only list three," he said. "And when the others of us are busting our backsides every day to be one of those guys? It perpetuates the idea there's only three choices.
"This whole process is being driven solely by money and not by message. ... If we're not careful, we're leading this country not towards a presidency but to a plutocracy. I am not sure that's where we want to be."
Interviewers, he said, constantly toss him "God questions" during candidates' forums such Tuesday's debate in Manchester, N.H.
"I wasn't sure whether I was being interviewed to be president of the United States or chaplain of the Senate," he added.
"If you want to know what makes me tick," he said, "to understand me and [my] decision processes, do it in the context of my faith. I sometimes marvel when people running for office are asked about faith and their answer is, 'Oh, I don't get into that. I keep that completely separate. My faith is completely immaterial to how I think and how I govern.' To me that's really tantamount to saying, 'My faith is so marginal, so insignificant, so inconsequential, that it really doesn't impact the way I live.' I'd consider that an extraordinarily shallow faith."
By Julia Duin
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
June 7, 2007
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said yesterday that Christian conservatives will become "irrelevant" to the political process if they give up their core convictions for expediency's sake.
"Christian conservatives are on the brink of becoming irrelevant in this election cycle if they do not remain active because they really believe something about their faith that drives them into the political arena," he said in remarks made at a Pew Forum press conference.
Typically, Christians have entered the political arena out of concern for the family, to stop abortion and because of other issues that "really emanate from our faith," he said. "If they say those issues are not as important this time; if they say the real issues are taxes or national security, then frankly, they are just another Republican special interest group."
Mr. Huckabee, 51, is one of the most outspokenly evangelical candidates in a crowded Republican field. An ordained Southern Baptist minister who became a Christian at age 10 at a vacation Bible school, he decided to enter politics in 1992. After a failed U.S. Senate race in Arkansas, he won a special election to become the state's lieutenant governor in 1993 and became governor in 1996.
Yesterday's remarks were on how his religion affected his politics during his 10-year tenure as governor.
"How did we handle 75,000 evacuees that came to our state in the course of five days when Hurricane Katrina hit?" he asked. "I promise you, faith guided me through all of that, not just in terms of my compassion for the people I saw. ... I determined we were not going to treat these people like boxes ... stacking them up in some sports arena and calling that rescue."
Instead, he got church leaders to open up camp and conference sites across the state to house refugees.
"It went back to the simple prescription: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," he said, quoting Luke 6:31.
Mr. Huckabee, who barely registers in national polls, is hoping that the Republican Party's evangelical base is unhappy with the current leaders in the race and that there might be room for a traditional-values candidate. Not only does he oppose abortion and same-sex "marriage," he also believes creation should be taught in schools alongside evolution.
In a presentation filled with humorous one-liners and references to his less-than-stellar showing compared with the party's presidential front-runners, he said money is driving the media's perception of who can win.
"[It happens] every time when the 'fair and balanced' Fox News network puts candidates' names on the screen that says '2008 election' and they only list three," he said. "And when the others of us are busting our backsides every day to be one of those guys? It perpetuates the idea there's only three choices.
"This whole process is being driven solely by money and not by message. ... If we're not careful, we're leading this country not towards a presidency but to a plutocracy. I am not sure that's where we want to be."
Interviewers, he said, constantly toss him "God questions" during candidates' forums such Tuesday's debate in Manchester, N.H.
"I wasn't sure whether I was being interviewed to be president of the United States or chaplain of the Senate," he added.
"If you want to know what makes me tick," he said, "to understand me and [my] decision processes, do it in the context of my faith. I sometimes marvel when people running for office are asked about faith and their answer is, 'Oh, I don't get into that. I keep that completely separate. My faith is completely immaterial to how I think and how I govern.' To me that's really tantamount to saying, 'My faith is so marginal, so insignificant, so inconsequential, that it really doesn't impact the way I live.' I'd consider that an extraordinarily shallow faith."
"Huckabee Stops by for a Chat"
"Huckabee Stops by for a Chat"
Nashua Telegraph
Jennifer Horn
published 6/10/2007
I admit, when I heard a former governor from Arkansas named Huckabee was running for president, my first thought was, "Hmmm, maybe he should think about changing his name."
After meeting said gentleman, however, I am now thinking, "Time for us to get used to hearing that name a lot more."
On Monday, before the New Hampshire debates and before Huckabee became the voice of reason on the stage at Saint Anselm College, he stopped by the house for a cup of tea and we spent some time getting to know each other.
It was pouring rain, so my husband met him in the driveway with an umbrella. By the time they made it up the sidewalk to the front door, Bill was already telling the governor about the multiple construction projects taking place around our home.
It turns out presidential candidates are as fascinated by construction equipment, large piles of dirt and big holes in the ground as the rest of the men in my house are. Before I lost him to talk about retaining walls and filtration systems (the governor actually had some good advice on this topic), I invited him into the living room and away from the boys.
Huckabee, a former Southern Baptist pastor, is a relaxed, approachable, gentle man. He is soft-spoken, but passionate about the issues.
His slow Southern demeanor belies the depth of knowledge and understanding he has regarding issues of great importance, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn his sense of humor is spontaneous and genuine, not just a "scripted for the campaign trail" collection of reusable lines.
Huckabee is quick to smile, and he does so often. He enjoys talking about his family, his faith and his experiences as pastor and governor.
He has been married to his wife, Janet, for 33 years. They have two sons and a daughter, all grown. When talk of a presidential run first came up, it was his family who convinced him to go for it.
"I was the holdout," he told me, "She was the one who convinced me. . . . All of my children and my wife told me, 'You gotta do it.' "
He started out in communications and advertising after school. However, when he was invited to speak before a congregation of Baptists, he so impressed them that he was eventually invited to become their pastor. That led to a 12-year career in the ministry that, he says, prepared him for his next career: 10 years as governor of his home state.
You might wonder whether a Baptist pastor makes a good match for the White House; I certainly did. As he talked about the people he served and the problems they faced, his qualifications become apparent.
"You could not name a social pathology that exists in our nation today that I couldn't put a name and a face to," he said. "Teenaged girl who's pregnant and hasn't told her parents yet, I talked to her before she talked to her parents.
"Elderly couple faced with tough financial situation, can't afford their medicine, virtually down to eating pet food – I know those people. I could give you their names and where they live.
"I've seen wives who have had the daylights beaten out of them by abusive, alcoholic husbands.
"I've seen young couples who are facing every kind of challenge, from being overextended in debt and it affecting their marriage, you know, trying to hold it together and not sure they can.
"I've seen the families who have had to unplug the machine from their loved one at 2:30 in the morning in the ICU.
"Quite frankly, the reason I got into politics was because I was seeing these real people in real situations and I became convinced that the people making the decisions didn't have a clue about the real world that people were living in. They were living in this isolated ivory tower and they didn't understand the single mom trying to put food on the table. . . .
"I just felt it was very important that people who were making those decisions, whether it was on tax policy or education, have some clue on the real-life impact it was going to have on families."
A comment from then-Gov. Bill Clinton's director of the Department of Public Health in Arkansas, Jocelyn Elders, that preachers needed to get over their love affair with the fetus and quit moralizing from the pulpit, inspired then-pastor Huckabee to become more politically engaged – or, as he puts it, to get out of the stands and onto the field.
A Huckabee presidency would be unprecedented, bringing the compassionate, ministerial qualities of pastor and the governing experience of a governor to the White House in one man.
"Our party is in trouble when we put forth people who don't have real convictions and aren't willing to stand by them regardless," he said.
When it comes to policy, Huckabee supports the "Fair Tax," a consumption-based taxation system that eliminates an income tax; a preventive health-care system; the importance of energy independence; and a strong national defense. He is also keenly aware that the role of president goes beyond legislation.
"Part of the role of president is to inspire the nation," he said. "Leadership is not just about legislation, it is about role modeling."
Some of his detractors have tried to use his Christian beliefs regarding evolution and the creation of man as proof that he is unqualified or too naive to be president, but I found his position on this reflects closely the beliefs held by most people I know.
"The Bible spells it out for us very simply with: 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. . . .' We may not know how or when, but I do believe God put the process in motion," he said.
"I'm going to leave the scientists to debate the intricacies, but I believe that rather than all this being just some accident that happened, there was a design, and a designer in the design."
Plainspoken, but clearly very intelligent, friendly, comfortable and totally approachable, Huckabee reminds me of many people I know. He loves our nation, values its history and envisions a bright, prosperous future for its citizens.
Mike Huckabee: husband, father, pastor, governor . . . president? It remains to be seen.
But Mike Huckabee, man of character and strong moral leadership? No question about it.
Nashua Telegraph
Jennifer Horn
published 6/10/2007
I admit, when I heard a former governor from Arkansas named Huckabee was running for president, my first thought was, "Hmmm, maybe he should think about changing his name."
After meeting said gentleman, however, I am now thinking, "Time for us to get used to hearing that name a lot more."
On Monday, before the New Hampshire debates and before Huckabee became the voice of reason on the stage at Saint Anselm College, he stopped by the house for a cup of tea and we spent some time getting to know each other.
It was pouring rain, so my husband met him in the driveway with an umbrella. By the time they made it up the sidewalk to the front door, Bill was already telling the governor about the multiple construction projects taking place around our home.
It turns out presidential candidates are as fascinated by construction equipment, large piles of dirt and big holes in the ground as the rest of the men in my house are. Before I lost him to talk about retaining walls and filtration systems (the governor actually had some good advice on this topic), I invited him into the living room and away from the boys.
Huckabee, a former Southern Baptist pastor, is a relaxed, approachable, gentle man. He is soft-spoken, but passionate about the issues.
His slow Southern demeanor belies the depth of knowledge and understanding he has regarding issues of great importance, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn his sense of humor is spontaneous and genuine, not just a "scripted for the campaign trail" collection of reusable lines.
Huckabee is quick to smile, and he does so often. He enjoys talking about his family, his faith and his experiences as pastor and governor.
He has been married to his wife, Janet, for 33 years. They have two sons and a daughter, all grown. When talk of a presidential run first came up, it was his family who convinced him to go for it.
"I was the holdout," he told me, "She was the one who convinced me. . . . All of my children and my wife told me, 'You gotta do it.' "
He started out in communications and advertising after school. However, when he was invited to speak before a congregation of Baptists, he so impressed them that he was eventually invited to become their pastor. That led to a 12-year career in the ministry that, he says, prepared him for his next career: 10 years as governor of his home state.
You might wonder whether a Baptist pastor makes a good match for the White House; I certainly did. As he talked about the people he served and the problems they faced, his qualifications become apparent.
"You could not name a social pathology that exists in our nation today that I couldn't put a name and a face to," he said. "Teenaged girl who's pregnant and hasn't told her parents yet, I talked to her before she talked to her parents.
"Elderly couple faced with tough financial situation, can't afford their medicine, virtually down to eating pet food – I know those people. I could give you their names and where they live.
"I've seen wives who have had the daylights beaten out of them by abusive, alcoholic husbands.
"I've seen young couples who are facing every kind of challenge, from being overextended in debt and it affecting their marriage, you know, trying to hold it together and not sure they can.
"I've seen the families who have had to unplug the machine from their loved one at 2:30 in the morning in the ICU.
"Quite frankly, the reason I got into politics was because I was seeing these real people in real situations and I became convinced that the people making the decisions didn't have a clue about the real world that people were living in. They were living in this isolated ivory tower and they didn't understand the single mom trying to put food on the table. . . .
"I just felt it was very important that people who were making those decisions, whether it was on tax policy or education, have some clue on the real-life impact it was going to have on families."
A comment from then-Gov. Bill Clinton's director of the Department of Public Health in Arkansas, Jocelyn Elders, that preachers needed to get over their love affair with the fetus and quit moralizing from the pulpit, inspired then-pastor Huckabee to become more politically engaged – or, as he puts it, to get out of the stands and onto the field.
A Huckabee presidency would be unprecedented, bringing the compassionate, ministerial qualities of pastor and the governing experience of a governor to the White House in one man.
"Our party is in trouble when we put forth people who don't have real convictions and aren't willing to stand by them regardless," he said.
When it comes to policy, Huckabee supports the "Fair Tax," a consumption-based taxation system that eliminates an income tax; a preventive health-care system; the importance of energy independence; and a strong national defense. He is also keenly aware that the role of president goes beyond legislation.
"Part of the role of president is to inspire the nation," he said. "Leadership is not just about legislation, it is about role modeling."
Some of his detractors have tried to use his Christian beliefs regarding evolution and the creation of man as proof that he is unqualified or too naive to be president, but I found his position on this reflects closely the beliefs held by most people I know.
"The Bible spells it out for us very simply with: 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. . . .' We may not know how or when, but I do believe God put the process in motion," he said.
"I'm going to leave the scientists to debate the intricacies, but I believe that rather than all this being just some accident that happened, there was a design, and a designer in the design."
Plainspoken, but clearly very intelligent, friendly, comfortable and totally approachable, Huckabee reminds me of many people I know. He loves our nation, values its history and envisions a bright, prosperous future for its citizens.
Mike Huckabee: husband, father, pastor, governor . . . president? It remains to be seen.
But Mike Huckabee, man of character and strong moral leadership? No question about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
