A few minutes ago, Mike Huckabee formally withdrew from the Republican race and endorsed John McCain. Good for him. He got blown out in Texas tonight -- exit polling showed that more Texas Evangelicals voted for McCain than for Huck. I didn't want it to end this way, of course, but it has, and Huckabee's withdrawal was graceful and honorable. "I'd rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place," he said. I loved his paying tribute to the little men and women who sacrificed for his campaign, "a voice for the hard-working people who lift heavy things every day." It was heartfelt, and his marvelous exit speech reminded me why I fell for Huck in the first place -- and why I hope this isn't the last we see of him.
By any measure, Huckabee accomplished so very, very much, and on little more than his ability to give a great speech, and to convince people of his authenticity. He outlasted the mighty, multimillion-dollar Mitt Romney campaign, and in fact was critically important in derailing it. Had he remained after tonight, he would have come off as a crank and a dead-ender. By going out on a high note, and pledging to do everything he can for the GOP this fall, he's done a lot to ensure his continuing influence in the party.
I'd like to ask Huck backers among my readers: what should our man do now? He'll be a formidable campaigner for the GOP this fall, that's for sure. But assuming he doesn't get the vice presidential nomination, what about after the election?
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I think Huck should read some of Ron Paul's books so that he can learn about economics.
*sigh* I'm really, really sick of hearing people say that Romney was the true conservative.
But hey, don't take my word for it that Romney's not a conservative. Take Romney's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9IJUkYUbvI
Despite what the media insists, for many of us, not voting for Romney had nothing to do with his Mormonism. It had to do with the fact that he's campaigning as a conservative, while (as the video shows) he's really about as conservative as Giuliani.
The Mormonism only matters in the sense that he's somebody who (like, say, John Kerry) can adhere to a religion while cheerfully denying its tenets if that's what it takes to get elected in his home state.
McCain may or may not be a true blue conservative, but he comes across much more as someone whose actions stem from his *own* beliefs, whereas Romney's someone who'll clearly believe whatever you want him to, right or wrong, if only you'll vote for him.
Interesting vote tally observation: if you remove early voting from the Texas primary totals, Huck only lost by six points (46% to 41%). This is yet another indicator that Huck excels at "closing".
I hope Huck gets a substantive cabinet position in the McCain administration, perhaps Education or Interior. I don't think McCain will run for a second term, as he'll be nearly 77 if he wins.
If the Dems win, I think Huck will establish himself as a radio/TV host and the new voice for the Christian Right as he prepares for 2012.
I'd like to see Huckabee go back to school and study for a double degree in women's studies and evolutionary biology. In his spare time, he should read the complete works of Bart Ehrman.
I'd like it if Huck were to go the Reagan route and make speeches and build up name recognition and a supporter/fans base. He could also do like Nixon did. When no other big name R figure would turn out to give a speech in remote Rotary club luncheons or Lincoln Day Republican club dinners, Dick would be there. He would if asked campaign for local candidates.
Needless to say the time both Nixon and Reagan spent "in the wilderness" ensured their eventual electoral triumphs.
I'd love to see Huckabee as a board member of Club For Growth or else sit on the board of any hospital that would have him as a member
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