This from a conservative Christian friend who works in Washington but can’t yet let his presidential preferences be known. He makes a good case:
If you are like me, you are pretty dissatisfied with the current so-called “frontrunners” in the upcoming Presidential election. But there is one candidate that is quietly getting more attention and support that provides the kind of leadership that our country so desperately needs. And that’s former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
He’s a true conservative, but doesn’t let himself be defined by divisive conservative issues. Though he is as pro-life as anybody, he often remarks that life does not end at birth and that we have a responsibility to take care of people throughout their whole lives – the children, the poor, and the elderly. And he’s not afraid to talk about the typical “liberal” issues like the environment, education, and even poverty.
He’s not only right (as in correct) on the issues, but he knows how to convey his message. Perhaps that comes from his background as a Southern Baptist minister. He’s articulate, witty, and clearly knows the subject matter he is talking about.
As a former minister, my first thought is that he was just going to be another social issues candidate – and we don’t need another Sam Brownback in the race. But if you listen to him, you quickly see that he is well versed on the important issues of the day like health care, taxes, the War on Terror, and immigration.
He has a great response here to attacks on his economic record as Governor of Arkansas.
His take on health care here is excellent.
And his answer to this question (one that arguably shouldn’t have been asked of a presidential candidate) was spot on.
You should read his book. Jon Stewart (no fan of conservatives) said the book could have been written by a liberal because it addresses issues conservatives don’t normally talk about.
I’m not naïve to think he’s a likely candidate to win the nomination – but you never know what might happen when enough conservatives get sick of the current group of “leaders.”
Is there a Huckabee bandwagon? One never knows, he is from a place called Hope.
posted July 19, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Too bad he’s homophobic and denies global warming.
posted July 19, 2007 at 11:29 pm
I’m not aware of any source that indicates that Mike Huckabee is afraid of homosexuals, and there does continue to be great debate amongst our world’s foremost scientists over global warming. It can also be noted that Mike Huckabee also does not believe in the Theory of Evolution. I’ve been impressed for qite a while with this candidate, and I hope that others take notice of him. He’s a straight shooter.
posted July 20, 2007 at 12:33 am
I’ve been pretty disappointed with our so-called religious leaders who appear more interested in picking a media ordained “winner” than following their conscience and their hearts to support the most articulate and authentic Christian in this race. As Mike Huckabee has stated, if the Christian Right has now decided that character no longer matters for the position of president, then our religious leaders need to offer up an apology to Bill Clinton and make clear that they are more interested in politics and power than service and spirituality.
posted July 20, 2007 at 9:49 am
I like Huckabee. Maybe even heart him, but I’m very resistant to another pastor in chief. I liked his answer to the question about Genesis but if he’s positioning himself as the “Christian” candidate that’s reason enough for me to give my support to someone else.
The lack of a global consensus is not a great debate. It isn’t even a controversy.
posted July 20, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Huckabee is a man of principle, and even though he has been a preacher does not make him “preachy”. He has core values on which he does not waiver. Huckabee is the man we need and I whole heartedly believe he can win not only the nomination but the general election as well. BUt in order for that to take place we have to come together as conservatives and not look to who has raised the most money and appears to have the best chance of winning, but to the one who represents us the best and can communicate our message. Huckabee is that guy and I hope that others will join the team and help Huckabee continue to move up. go to http://www.teamhuckabee.com and join the team. Give as much as you can and get toehrs to do the same.
posted July 20, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Mike Huckabee seems to be the most inclusive candidate for the Republicans. I know that seems remarkable considering his former “preacher” status, but just look at some of his speeches and interviews – the man speaks like a uniter.
posted July 20, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Huckabee has impressed me more than any other republican candidate. Sadly, there’s a good chance he will not win the nomination.
There is a good chance he will be apart of the presidential ticket as the VP.
posted July 20, 2007 at 8:57 pm
I am on the Huckabee bandwagon.
Why doesn’t the main stream media give him more press time? Greater question – why doesn’t the conservative Christian church stand up and support him?
They keep messing around trying to get the frontrunners to fall into their pocket. The GOP nomination is so close, Christians could easily push Huckabee near the front. We are trying to play power politics with bigger names instead of sticking to our conscience and convictions which we claim drives our vote.
posted July 21, 2007 at 12:18 am
If he is such a good guy, he has no chance of getting supported.
Look what America did to George W. Bush.
posted July 21, 2007 at 6:39 am
I heart Huckabee!!
I agree wholeheartedly James Boulder when you suggest looking toward a candidate who may not “appear to have the best chance of winning.” It is so sad sometimes that people rely so much on the media kingmakers to determine who the “best” candidates are. Don’t we get a say?Everyone I know says they like Mike, but “he can’t win” so they’ll vote for someone else. Well, sheesh, if everyone would just actually vote for who they really wanted, then Huckabee would be a shoe in! I hate this stategizing over votes. This is a primary! Vote for the person you want! You may be surprised by how many people agree with you!
~Christian
http://www.savetalkradio.com
posted July 21, 2007 at 6:07 pm
What a great article! This details exactly why I support Mike Huckabee. He stands for ideas that are best for America, rather than toting an overly rigid party line. I would like to encourage anyone that has not explored Mike Huckabee to consider his positions. If you agree with former Governor Huckabee, then vote for him in the primaries. After all, primaries are there so that we as citizens can choose the candidate to best represent our party of choice. Also, please share Mike Huckabee’s ideas with your friends. There are a lot of people that agree with him, they just don’t know it yet.
posted July 22, 2007 at 8:44 am
Pretty slick sliding Jon Stewart in there as a quasi endorsement for a Conservative presidential candidate. How long ago was that? I doubt Stewart would now think much about Huckabee’s views now, since he called Michael Moore a moron. “Hope” is exactly what Mr. Huckabee and everyone else still stuck in a conservative frame of mind needs. But hang in there. The mental bar always lowers the closer it comes to the next election. The happy-talk campaign operation is already working to restore the glossy veneer that settles your fluttered nervous systems. I know I’m supposed to be talking peacefully across party lines. I realize I should be constructive but there has to be a reasonable starting point.
posted July 22, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Huckabee comes off to me as the Republican version of John Edwards, which means, if we must have a Republican president, I’d rather it be Huckabee….but I’d prefer Edwards
posted July 22, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Why doesn’t anyone talk about the issues? Where does he stand, what are his proposals, his ideas about the many problems facing us? ie: education, environment, Iraq, medical care? Maybe the reason there seems to be so few good candidates to chose from is that we don’t seem to get around to talking about real issues.
posted July 23, 2007 at 6:37 pm
The candidates with money are scared of Huckabee becuase they know he has what it takes to win, even if he doesn’t have as many dollars.
http://www.trickypix.blogspot.com
NEW YORK FOR HUCKABEE
posted July 27, 2007 at 9:40 am
another huckster for Huckabee
posted July 27, 2007 at 9:51 am
I live in Denmark, a not terribly religious society. There is virtually no homelessness, universal healthcare, Gay Marriage, legal prostitution, public drinking is legal and practiced on the street,
Yet Danes are the most family oriented bunch, it is in fact a crime to use corporal punishment on children here, this includes the children’s parents…Gay marriage and toleration for the so called immoral lifestyles the religious right would have us in terror of have not destroyed the social fabric at all…, almost every worker belongs to a strong labor union as well…that has not hurt the economy, it is thriving with unemployment as low as in the U.S. if not lower, and the minimum wage is about 20 U.S. dollars…
But you know what, Denmark was recently found to be the third most peaceful country in the world. In terms of the problems of violent crime and social injustice that are part and parcel of Amerika, Denmark is superior. In terms of a test from the Moral Majority it is inferior, but can you true believers explain why this country is so blessed?
Or is it just sensible rather than superstitious? Socially progressive rather than oppressive?
The Danes just withdrew their forces from Iraq as well…
Amerika needs someone like the socialist people’s party’s spokesman as leader not someone like Mike Huckabie…
Michael Moore is correct about healthcare and Mr. Hucksterbie is desperate for attention, which is why he must resort to ad hominem attacks…
posted August 7, 2007 at 3:15 pm
A good definition of self-righteous is: To smugly be sure you are behaving in a morally correct way and make a show of it. Remember when Huckabee did not honor Rev. Billy Graham at the dedication of his library because Bill Clinton was there?
posted November 20, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Like billy-o