Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Why Attacks Aren't Sticking to Huckabee
Bob Novak's column today on Mike Huckabee is, as usual, spot-on.
... But will the opinion of a political columnist matter?
In this case, probably not. As polls in Iowa indicate, Mike Huckabee is catching on in Iowa, and elsewhere -- a fact that I have witnessed personally by numerous family members who, until I inform them of his fiscally liberal background, are excited to ask me about him.
Obviously, Huckabee is fortunate to be competing against a field of candidates whose social conservative credentials are, at best, questionable. His superficial attributes; his ability to speak well (as a pastor, this is his metier) have also been a tremendous resource.
But I believe there is one last ingredient which is helping him, and that is the fact that it is harder to comprehend fiscal issues, and thus, harder to indict him (and easier to indict his opponents).
"Abortion is murder," is a bumper sticker message that is easy to understand. Arguing the byzantine differences between "Monetarist" doctrine versus "Keynesian" orthodoxy, by contrast, requires a bit more time and knowledge. Sure, people understand tax cuts, but the waters have become muddied by sophistry, and politicians are able to parry the queston by arguing they raised some taxes, but cut the tax "rate", etc. Besides, much of what bothers me about Huckabee is his class warfare comments, which are truly scary, but hard to explain.
When it comes to conservative public opinion, it's easier to get away with being a fiscal squish than it is to get away with being a social squish. What is more, Iowa may be the perfect mileu for Huckabee to pull off his populist message.
For this reason, Huckabee's ascendancy does not reveal a growing chasm in the Republican Party (as some would have us believe). People aren't knowingly rejecting fiscal conservatism by supporting him.
Meanwhile, Huckabee's opponents are desperately seeking to educate the public on Huckabee's past fiscal positions because while some social conservatives are populists, the vast majority have a free market ethos ... it's just not their primary issue, so the apostasy isn't much noticed and the fecundity of the anti-Huckabee animadversion is in question.
I've always thought that there were two GOP candidates who had the greatest chance of being under-estimated by inside-the-beltway bloggers and reporters: Fred Thompson and Mike Huckabee. I still believe this to be true. But in the case of Huckabee, it may be because it's simply hard to explain his fiscal failings.
While the conservative panjandrum are limning him as a fiscal liberal, Huckabee continues to gain among average Republican voters. The unusual recent endorsements of Chuck Norris and wrestler Ric Flair play right into this strategy. No doubt, the redoubtable Huckabee is well aware of this ...
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Mitt Romney Deception
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Truth Squad: A Letter From Rick Calhoun, Former Chairman of the Arkansas Eagle Forum
Let me go on record as supporting Mike Huckabee for President of the United States. Now is the time for Christian conservatives to unite behind the only candidate in the upcoming presidential contest who shares our values and vision for America.
As a former Chairman and board member of Eagle Forum of Arkansas, I authored many newsletters that stated: "Eagle Forum of Arkansas embraces a set of values based on Christian principle and Biblical authority. These values must always serve as our guide." These ideals have delivered political success and blessed evangelicals with influence in national politics. Have we forgotten the Reagan Revolution that changed the course of America?
Former Governor Huckabee shares the values that have always guided Christian conservatives. I am disappointed by attacks launched against Governor Huckabee by a few members of the evangelical community.
Mike Huckabee is our best hope to continue the progress the Christian community has made in recent years. His record is solid on the issues we as Christian conservatives are called to uphold. His record on social issues while Governor of Arkansas speaks for itself. But he is also more than pro-life and pro-family. He worked to implement accountability and efficiency in government and understands the link between economic growth and lower taxes.
I have always admired, and certainly learned from, the way Governor Huckabee treats others and the respect he shows for all - Republican and Democrat alike. I have witnessed first hand his unique ability to work with everyone and the Christian attitude he displays when dealing with those with whom he disagrees. We will never change the hearts and minds of America with hateful remarks or disparaging judgments, but rather by lifting up those Godly principles that we know to be true.
Politics is a natural extension of society's values and government will always be a reflection of our beliefs - that is why we need to elect as President a man who shares our commitment to traditional values. It's time for Christian conservatives to unite behind Mike Huckabee - the only candidate shown to be consistent with the values of the Christian community.
Faithfully yours,
Patrick "Rick" Calhoun
Rick Calhoun is an Investment Banker and First Vice President of a regional securities firm in Little Rock. He has served on the board of the Arkansas Policy Foundation, Murphy Commission, and is a former Chairman of Eagle Forum of Arkansas.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Mike Huckabee at Prestonwood Baptist Church
New Poll: 24% in Iowa!
To see the full results of the new American Research Group poll click here.
Romney 26%
Huckabee 24%
Undecided 13%
Giuliani 11%
Thompson 11%
Keep the momentum going!Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Hannah Stec meets Mike Huckabee
Mike Huckabee (in full context)
The full video of that speech can be seen right here.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
HUCKABEE CLEARLY 2nd in IOWA and GAINING ON ROMNEY!
FROM THE DRUDGE REPORT!
CBSNEWSNYT POLL SET FOR RELEASE ON WEDNESDAY:
IOWA: Romney 27; Huckabee 21; Giuliani 15; Thompson 9
NH: Romney 34; McCain/Giuliani tied 16; Paul 8; Huckabee 6; Thompson 5
Monday, November 12, 2007
Who's financing Ron Paul?
Kevin Tracy has an interesting piece about how Ron Paul was able to raise so much money in such a short amount of time. Check it out here.
Long-shot Huckabee moving up fast in Iowa
By Matt Stearns | McClatchy Newspapers
VINTON, Iowa — If America’s still a sucker for southern-fried governors, aw-shucksing their way into the hearts of good-hearted, God-loving people, breezy as a summer day, folksy as homemade pie, then prepare for a long date with Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, is hot stuff on the presidential campaign trail. He's threatening to break into the top ranks of Republicans with the down-home charisma of the Southern Baptist minister he is and the record of bipartisan achievement he earned in more than 10 years as governor.
Click here to read rest of the story.
Former Governor David Beasley issues comment on National Right to Life Endorsement decision
“I can’t fathom the idea of the National Right to Life organization endorsing anyone in the field besides Gov. Mike Huckabee. Mike Huckabee has worked in the vineyards and trenches on behalf of the pro-life movement. His pro-life record is outstanding and it is more consistent than any other candidate for president. He is also arguably the most electable candidate in the field.
“If, in fact, they endorse Fred Thompson over Mike Huckabee, I’m disappointed because Fred Thompson doesn’t support a constitutional amendment protecting human life. It just goes to show that, at first blush, even the best of organizations may have yielded to Washington politics and made a mistake. In my opinion, this would be one of them.
“I look forward to Mike Huckabee receiving the support of the grassroots pro-life movement around the country.”
The truth on taxes
Rival campaigns and their special interest allies are circulating all sort sof rumors and lies on the tax issue, here are two responses from bloggers:
Evangelical Outpost: "Fiscally Flawed? A Rebuttal to the Club for Growth."
Right Smart: "Truthing About Taxes and Huckabee."
The Huckabee Difference
When I asked former pastor and current presidential candidate Mike Huckabee his response to Pat Robertson's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani, he paused for a moment. "Surprised" was his understated reply. But his frustration was quickly evident. "Our Web site went nuts with people saying they will never give money to Robertson again."
"There is a disconnect," he went on, "between past generational leaders in Christian conservatism and their own followers." Note the word "past."
Robertson's endorsement of a pro-choice presidential candidate is a transparent attempt to remain on the Republican train, even as it chugs away from the priorities of the religious right. It also symbolizes a fragmented political movement, which has recently seen Paul Weyrich's endorsement of Mitt Romney and Sen. Sam Brownback's support for John McCain.
Which must leave Mike Huckabee wondering: Where do I fit in?
Huckabee is a fine debater and a compelling speaker who punches far above his fundraising weight. He has strong conservative credentials. He is solidly pro-life -- in our conversation he was highly critical of Fred Thompson's view that abortion policy should be left to the states. Huckabee supports the troop surge in Iraq. He boasts of being America's first governor to possess a concealed-weapons permit.
But he adds an element that distinguishes him from the rest of a Republican field competing for the title of Mr. Conventionality. "I'm a conservative," Huckabee told me. "But if that means I have to close my eyes to poverty and hunger, I'm not going to do that." This, he said, would be to "refuse a larger allegiance, to my own soul, and also standing before God."
"Overall," he says, "the macro economy is doing very well. . . . But in the micro economy -- how specific groups are doing -- there is a growing disparity between the top and the bottom, and not just the bottom." He worries that even people with a college education are falling behind because of rising insurance costs and fuel prices. "People will only endure this for so many years before there is a revolt. But leaders in the Republican Party seem oblivious to it."
This kind of talk has earned the enmity of fiscal conservatives such as the Club for Growth, which Huckabee has dismissed as the "Club for Greed." "They view everything as accounting," he told me. "For a kid with asthma, who is sitting on the steps of a hospital -- let them [the Club for Growth] have an economic policy that doesn't care about that kid."
As governor of Arkansas, Huckabee occasionally raised taxes but mainly to do what governors are supposed to do: increase teacher pay and improve roads and parks. He is proud of extending health insurance to 70,000 Arkansas children and winning 48 percent of the African American vote -- achievements that would be impressive to most voters but that have been received with yawns from most conservative and Republican leaders.
Those leaders, including turnout captains, have been largely snapped up in Iowa, where Huckabee needs to show his strength. But those caucuses are inherently unpredictable: Only 25,000 to 30,000 Republican votes can carry the day. Huckabee hopes to bypass the Iowa establishment "one precinct at a time," perform respectably in New Hampshire and use South Carolina as a slingshot into the nomination. A win in Iowa would depend on the collapse of Romney, which does not seem likely. Huckabee responds: "Remember what happened to Howard Dean."
In the 2008 election, the war on terrorism will loom large. But on this issue the distinctions among the Republican candidates -- other than the conspiratorial mutterings of Ron Paul and his followers -- are relatively small. The contrast comes on domestic policy, and here Huckabee has the strongest general election message of any Republican. Perhaps it is time for religious conservatives to suspend cynical calculation and bank-shot endorsement ploys and reexamine another man from Hope.
During our conversation, Huckabee's most compelling response concerned his background as a pastor. "There isn't a social pathology that I wouldn't be able to put a face to. I've talked with a pregnant 14-year-old who hasn't been able to tell her parents, with a 17-year-old high school student who believes he is gay and doesn't know how to break the news, with parents who have a son on life support after a motorcycle accident. . . . It makes me a different kind of public official, not as rigid, not blind to problems."
And that is not a bad thing -- in a Republican, in a candidate or in a president.
Michael Gerson is the author of "Heroic Conservatism." His e-mail address ismichaelgerson@cfr.org.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Mike Huckabee Announces Major National Endorsements from the Faith Community
Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee today announced additional endorsements from influential faith leaders across the country, augmenting a strong show of support he received Friday from Southern Baptist Convention leaders.
The new major endorsements include:
· Stephen Strang, Founder of Charisma Magazine – Lake Mary, Fla.
· Rick Scarborough, President and founder of Vision America – Pearland, Tex.
· Jerry Cox, President of Arkansas Family Council – Little Rock, Ark.
· Janet Folger, President of Faith2Action – Dania Beach, Fla.
· Jim Pfaff, President and CEO of Colorado Family Action – Castle Rock, Col.
· Mathew Staver, Founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel – Lynchburg , Va.
· Kelly Shackelford, President of Free Market Foundation – Plano, Tex.
· Phil Burress, President of Citizens for Community Values – Ohio
"To have the support of these leaders of faith means so much to me," Huckabee said. "I have the greatest level of respect for each person – and I know they will be vital in helping me spread my conservative message of hope and my vision for a stronger America ."
Stephen Strang, who was recognized by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "Top 25 Evangelicals in America," said: "Mike Huckabee is an outstanding communicator who has a proven track record of success as governor of Arkansas . He is a true conservative who holds values common to most Americans. Governor Huckabee is a strong, Bible-believing candidate who articulates our values as well as any politician in my lifetime."
Rick Scarborough, who heads Vision America, a national coalition of Pastors whose mission is to call Christians to be proactive in restoring America to her Judeo-Christian heritage, said: "In Mike Huckabee, we have a man who has successfully bridged the chasm that divides people of both parties who share common values and faith. At this time in American history, we desperately need someone to lead us who can step over the partisan divide and unite people if we are going to solve the massive problems facing our nation."
Jerry Cox, who is also the past director of Unborn Child Amendment Committee, said: "Long before his involvement in politics, he was a defender of the unborn, a promoter of character in our schools, and stalwart champion for traditional values. His compassion for people, his command of the issues, his faith in God, and his genuine desire to work with people on both sides of the aisle are a rare find in the politics of today."
Janet Folger, who also served as national director of the Center for Reclaiming America, said: "We have one more chance to get our country and our courts back, and only one candidate we can count on to do it: Governor Mike Huckabee. He provides solution to the issues we care most about."
Jim Pfaff, who is president and CEO of the Colorado Family Action and has been active in pro-life/pro-family politics for more than 20 years, said: "It is critical, at this time in the history of our country, that our elected representatives truly understand the significant role that families play in our culture today and in the future. Mike Huckabee has been a reliable champion for the values of faith, family and the protection of the unborn over many years of public service."
Mathew Staver is Dean of Liberty University School of Law and founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, a nationally prominent legal, educational and policy organization specializing in religious liberty, the sanctity of human life and the traditional family. He said: "We need a leader who understands and is prepared to confront radical Islamic terrorism, who will protect America and her boarders, who does not merely lip sync moral and religious values but who really believes and practices them, and who has the experience and personality to govern a divided Congress. Mike Huckabee is that man."
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Southern preacher could be saviour of the Republicans
He is a former governor of Arkansas from a town called Hope. He has a nice line in campaign humour and speaks like a Deep South preacher. He is also running for President.
But this is not Bill Clinton of 1992. This is Mike Huckabee, a long-shot Republican contender for the 2008 White House who has burst into the leading pack of the race for his party's nomination.
Click here to read rest of the story.
Huckabee Announces Southern Baptist Supporters
Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee proudly announced the endorsements of several influential members of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), a group representing more than 16 million members who worship in more than 42,000 churches in the United States .
"I'm thrilled to have an impressive list of current and past Southern Baptist Convention leaders stand by my side," Huckabee said. The term "Southern Baptist Convention" refers to both the denomination and its annual meeting.
Southern Baptists share a common bond of basic Biblical beliefs and a commitment to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world.
The list of SBC members endorsing Huckabee includes:
► Dr. Jack Graham – Plano, Tex.
► Dr. James T. Draper Jr. – Colleyville, Tex.
► Dr. Jerry Vines – Woodstock, Ga.
► Dr. Daniel L. Akin – Wake Forest, N.C.
► Dr. Jay Strack – Orlando, Fla.
► Dr. Billy McCormack – Shreveport, La.
Dr. Jack Graham is Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
"Mike Huckabee is clearly the most articulate spokesman for conservative values in today's political arena. He is a wise and proven leader," Dr. Graham said. "He is a man who lives and governs by principal and is, in my view, uniquely prepared to lead our nation."
Dr. James T. Draper Jr. is a former president of Southern Baptist Convention and former president of Lifeway Christian Resources.
"I support Mike Huckabee for President because I have known him for over 30 years and know him to be a man of absolute integrity and sterling character," Dr. Draper said. "He has the strength of convictions that will enable him to be a great leader."
Dr. Jerry Vines twice served as president of Southern Baptist Convention and is former pastor of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla. He is founder of Jerry Vines Ministries in Woodstock, Ga.
"Having known Governor Mike Huckabee for 30 years and observed his character, convictions and courage in public life, I wholeheartedly endorse him in his bid to become President of the United States," Dr. Vines said.
Dr. Daniel Akin is p resident of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.
"Mike Huckabee is the kind of man our country needs in a leader. He believes in those things that exemplify the best in our nation," Dr. Akin said. "His values and convictions make him a leader worth following. I am delighted he is running for president and he has both my prayers and support."
Dr. Jay Strack is president and f ounder of Student Leadership University and a world- renowned Southern Baptist communicator and minister in Orlando, Fla.
"Mike Huckabee has brought clarity, compassion, and competency to every assignment and role he has been given," Dr. Strack said. "He does not blink answering hard or tough questions and does so in a manner that does not alienate the inquirer."
Dr. Billy McCormack is pastor of University Baptist Church and founding National Board Member of Christian Coalition.
"Mike is not only well equipped for the presidency, he has demonstrated godly and righteous leadership in government which commends him to every evangelical who wants a firm and resolute hand on the helm of our ship of state," Dr. McCormack said. "He will unify evangelicals nationwide in one giant move toward the nomination at first and the general election to follow. He is America's logical choice."
Friday, November 9, 2007
Huckabee trying to sneak up on Republican leaders
WATERLOO, Iowa (Reuters) - Republican candidate Mike Huckabee is trying to sneak up on the leaders in his party's presidential race and is doing it with a folksy style that mixes jokes with a firm commitment to conservative values.
Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas who made a name for himself by dropping 110 pounds (50 kg) in weight and writing a book about it, is running a lean campaign, trying to use what money he has to the best advantage.
Click here to read rest of the story.
From back of GOP pack, Huckabee is stirring
By Michael Luo
updated 4:15 a.m. CT, Fri., Nov. 9, 2007
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Mike Huckabee’s field staff had expected a modest crowd for a campaign event at a tiny rural community college near here on Wednesday. But as people began to cram into the shoe-box-size room, campaign organizers scurried to roll back a dividing wall and set up extra chairs.
Click here to read rest of story.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Huckabee gaining on Clinton and Obama
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Even Fred Thompson doubts he'll be President
By Toby Harnden in Bedford, New Hampshire
Even Fred Thompson doesn't think he will become president. Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.
Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: "The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep." Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr Thompson interjected: "And so do I."
Click here to read rest of the story.
Pat Robertson Backs Giuliani's Bid
By LIBBY QUAID
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Televangelist Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition, endorsed Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday.
"It is my pleasure to announce my support for America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, a proven leader who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans," Robertson said during a news conference with Giuliani in Washington.
Click here to read rest of the story.Find out right here to learn what Laura Ingraham thinks about Pat Robertson's decision to endorse the socially-liberal Giuliani.
And finally, Mike Huckabee issued his own statement: “I congratulate Rudy on getting that endorsement. It’s somewhat of a surprise to me, but politics is all about surprises, and I plan to surprise some people on January 3rd in Iowa.”
Romney Running Scared
Romney is clearly feeling the heat. He's started mentioning Gov. Huckabee on the campaign trail in an effort to ward off the inevitable overtaking of his campaign by Huckabee's authenticity...unfortunately Romney is stooping to spewing falsehoods to do it.Seminary president makes personal endorsement of Huckabee
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee picked up an endorsement from fellow Baptist and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel Akin Nov. 5.
Akin made the endorsement as a private citizen, telling The News & Observer newspaper that the former Arkansas governor's positions on issues, such his opposition to abortion rights and his support of the traditional family, closely align with his own positions.
Click here to read rest of the story.
Huckabee Campaign sets the record straight on Weyrich
"I love Paul Weyrich and he has been a political mentor to me. It hurts that he has accepted some misinformation as fact, but I will forever respect and appreciate him. I will continue to support Paul even if he doesn't support me, " Huckabee said. "One thing is for sure---when I was a 23 year old communications director for a Christian organization that helped launch Christian involvement in public affairs, Paul Weyrich was one of my heroes and I'll bet in the late 70's and 80's Mitt Romney wasn't listening to cassette tapes of Paul Weyrich speeches like I was. "
Click here to read rest of story.
Weyrich: I Want to Stop Giuliani
| By: Phil Brenna |
Paul Weyrich, one of the nation’s most influential conservative leaders, says he is out to prevent Rudy Giuliani from winning the Republican nomination for president — and predicts the religious right will unite behind any GOP candidate except Rudy.
In an exclusive interview with Newsmax.com, Weyrich also predicts Republicans face a “disaster” in the Senate in next year’s elections, says Hillary Clinton would be the easiest Democratic candidate to defeat, and charges that the Bush administration’s Iraq policy has been a “mistake” from the beginning.
Click here to read rest of story.