After praying for his victory at an Iowa Christian Alliance meeting, a stout
Midwestern woman approached Mike Huckabee, whispering that she would like
him to sign her Bible.
The prospective Republican presidential candidate obliged, of course, stooping
forward to write his name in ballpoint pen. And then he added, underneath,
“Philippians 4.13”, saying it was his favourite verse.
Flo Brinkmann, 63, who described herself as a “home-maker”, checked the
reference. “Yes, as I thought,” she said: “ I can do
all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Moments such as this on Thursday have marked out Mr Huckabee as the “real
deal” for the evangelical conservatives – especially women, who will account
for as much as 45 per cent of the 70,000 or so Republican voters in the Iowa
caucuses on January 3.
“Our core beliefs are the same,” said Mrs Brinkmann, explaining why the
meeting had finally persuaded her to back him. “Mitt Romney seemed a nice
person when I met him, but I think Mike Huckabee really knows and trusts
God.”
The ordained Baptist pastor has indeed done much – and been strengthened by
Christians – during the past couple of months, when polls showed him surging
from single-digit support to the front of the pack in Iowa, the first state
on the nomination calendar. Recent surveys also show him edging ahead in
another early state, South Carolina, and neck and neck with Rudy Giuliani
nationally.
But many hurdles will have to be overcome if he is to win the Republican
nomination. New Hampshire, which holds a key primary election on January 8,
has far fewer churchgoers and Mr Huckabee is currently languishing a distant
fourth.
His campaign advisers cheerfully admit that they are flying on little more
than a wing and a prayer, while others suggest that he lacks the money or
the organisation to sustain his challenge.
Nor has he closed the deal in Iowa yet. The Christian Alliance meeting in a
basement of a home furnishings centre in a fog-bound Cedar Rapids hinted at
doubts harboured by these voters – or at least their friends and neighbours
– towards his candidacy.
He faced no questions on issues such as abortion or gay marriage that have for
so long defined America’s Religious Right. Instead, he was asked about
taxation, pensions, the national debt and Iran.
Steve Scheffler, the president of the Iowa Christian Alliance, later
explained: “Most people know where Mike Huckabee is coming from on social
issues. But people of faith are broader-based than that and want to know
about his other policies.”
Some of his positions certainly deserve scrutiny. For instance, Mr Huckabee
supports radical proposals for replacing all federal income tax with a
national sales levy, which many economists believe will increase deficits.
The Christian Alliance meeting listened intently as he told them how the
scheme would make honest sinners out of the “drug dealers, prostitutes, and
gamblers” by making them pay the sales tax on their purchases like everyone
else. On pensions, elderly evangelicals laughed nervously as he promised he
did not support the extermination of over65s to save money.
He also had to wriggle a little over an article published last week in which
he attacked the Bush Administration’s “arrogant bunker mentality” on foreign
policy, remarks later dismissed by Condoleezza Rice as “ludicrous”. On
Thursday, he avoided any direct mention of the President.
His difficulty on such issues reflects how his rapid ascent to the top tier is
straining the Republicans’ already fragile coalition of security hawks,
fiscal and social conservatives.
The evangelicals have become used to wielding significant – if not always
decisive – influence on nomination contests since 1980. But, for people who
preach so hard against promiscuity, this time around they showed a
previously unsuspected disposition for serial-flirting with the candidates.
The first suitor was George Allen, before his career was wrecked when he got
caught making an apparently racist remark. Next came Mr Romney, who
struggled to prove he had not two-timed them by supporting abortion and gay
rights in the past – or deal fully with their fear of his Mormon faith. Fred
Thompson also dallied with their affections before he got rejected for being
old, lazy and turning up late by not announcing his candidacy until
September.
By October, some had given up and were talking about backing an independent.
Others were braced for an unholy alliance with Mr Giuliani, who supports
abortion and gay rights. But then Mr Huckabee – previously so far behind
nobody had really noticed him – arrived with a speech that sent volts
through the “Values Voters” summit in Washington.
The subsequent enthusiasm for him has not been shared by all, or even most,
leaders of the Religious Right.
Some have never forgiven the former Arkansas governor for siding with liberals
in the Southern Baptist schisms of the 1970s, others distrust his record on
tax and spending, while still more think that he was soft on law and order
or the treatment of illegal immigrants. But the evangelical movement is no
longer as homogeneous as it once was, nor so disciplined that it will be
told what to do by its old officer class. Mr Huckabee appeals to those who
are increasingly interested in issues such as poverty, climate change –
preserving “God’s creation” – or Darfur and Aids in Africa.
And when the conservative Weekly Standard attacks him for being
“dramatically out of step with the Republican Party” on every issue save
abortion and gay marriage, Mr Huckabee appears to relish the role of
religious populist, emphasising his own humble background. In a TV interview
yesterday, he said: “The Republican Party needs to represent not just the
people on Wall Street but also the people on Main Street.”
Mr Huckabee has compared the success of his shoestring campaign to the parable
of the loaves and fishes, relishing the role of an underdog in the face of
increasingly strident negative attack adverts from rivals in Iowa. On
Thursday, he claimed Mr Romney had outspent him 20 to 1 – “if we win, it
will be a miracle”.
He protests his innocence when charged with playing to prejudice against Mr
Romney – asking in a magazine interview if Mormons believe “Jesus and the
Devil are brothers” – or exploiting his faith by using a subliminal
“floating cross” in his Christmas TV advert.
But on some occasions his language jars with his sunny evangelical persona.
Asked about his TV ad, he replied mockingly, saying: “If you play this spot
backwards it says ‘Paul is dead, Paul is dead, Paul is dead’.” This was a
reference to occult conspiracy theories about The Beatles’ drug-inspired White
Album: a strangely dark remark for Pastor Mike.
Huck lines
“Pray a little more, work a little harder, save, wait, be patient and, most of
all, live within our means. That’s the American way.”
“And I just want to remind everybody when all the old hippies find out that
they get free drugs [on Medicare], just wait until what that’s going to cost
out there” – on rising social security costs.
“Like my pastor used to tell me, when they’re kicking you in the rear, it’s
proving you’re still out front.” Sources: Times archives, CNN, New York
Times.
Read
Across the Pond, our US elections blog
Andy,
As a believer in Christ and a Huckabee supporter, I think I can safely answer that Huckabee does not hate gays. He sees "marriage" as an institution between a husband, a wife which is consecrated by their God. He would view the homosexual act of making love (man/man or woman/woman) not as God had intended. The same as he would with the act of adultery. It's not the person, it's the sin. If you want to call it a partnership or a merger to seek the same benefits as a married couple and still knowingly live in sin, that's fine. But to demean the sanctity of "marriage" is simply unacceptable.
Todd, Westminster, MD
As a gay man, Huckabee's success terrifies me. His comments of the past and present indicate a very ignorant and hateful view towards gays and the issues we face.
My hope is that Americans of all types will see through his bogus, fake-spiritual nonsense (religion = banning abortions and persecuting gays) and elect a President that will responsibly rule with compassion and understanding for all the varied and diverse needs of Americans.
Andy B, Oregon City, OR, USA
Not too much said about Ron Paul's Christianity.
Christians should unite around Ron Paul's message of freedom. It's in their best interests.
Bruce Collins, San Jose, CA
Why everyone is making a big deal out of him being a ordained minister and thinking hes going to try and force religion on the U.S. if elected is beyond me. While its rarely shown on TV every President in my lifetime has attended a church while in office. Hence...they had religion too and I don't recall any of them preaching fire and brimstone. In fact if you go down the list of all Presidents none of them claimed to be Atheist. In over 200 years they've all messed with our taxes, but none ever mandated we had to find God. Also, it may come as a shock to the blue state readers here, but in the American south its pretty common to be a part time ordained minister and still work a 9 to 5 career job. There are thousands of small churches throughout the south. So being a preacher doesn't make you a religous zealot. And for the record. I'm not a right wing Christian. I'm a Yankee Catholic that doesn't attend church, but keeps an open mind.
Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY
Religion and politics should remain separated!
Eddie Self, Denison, Texas
Eddie Self, Denison, Texas, USA
Jim, London:
I should have said "Thankfully I don't think Thompson believes in the a literal interpretation of the Noah's Ark story" or creationism for that matter. I'd be much more likely to vote for someone who does not believe that the Earth was created in six days because believing such nonsense is pretty much moronic in this day and age.
Sorry. That was unclear.
Steve, Austin, TX, USA
Many questions have yet to fully addressed: Will he promote "intelligent design" in Americas schools? Will he reduce funding to scientific initiatives and research at odds with his own beliefs? Given his focus, how will he avoid blurring the separation of church and state?
And the question to America, can someone who actually believes in creationism be the intelligent, thoughful, open minded person needed to be president?
Maris, Kent, UK
As an American living in the UK I do vote in US elections and I would love to see the Republicans nominate Huckabee because in a national campaign his religious extremeism will be highlighted. Believe me when I say Americans are pretty fed up with religious wackos in the White House. Even the evangelicals are having second thoughts about it as when their ilk do get elected they are unable to establish the evangelical political course because the majority of Americans are opposed to it. So Go Huckabee and we will have a Democrat president in just a little over a year.
Shirley Hodge, Glasgow, E. Renfrewshire
Steve from Austin, are you suggesting that Thompson not thinking Noahs Ark is a true story is a bad thing?!
As far as Huckerbee is concerned, any man believing in creationism is a sandwich short of a picnic.
Jim, London,
You people are delusional If you think Huck is going to be a great President, he wants the status quo, he pardons molesters/killers, he loves raising taxes and we wants to keep the war on terror going ( you obviously like undeclared wars and being Trillions of dollars in debt ). He WILL make the rich, richer and the poor, more poor and the middle-class will disappear under Huck and the rest of the candidates, with exception. Religion has NO place in politics and I am a Christian saying this. We don't need a leader for the Christian Reich. He will polarize just like Billary. Wake up people..Ron Paul is the only and last hope for this Nation.
Kevin Andrew Maynard, Los Angeles,
I tend to like Fred Thompson at the moment since he's has had experience in DC before and plays the Presidential part well. Romney is too blown-dry for my liking and Guilliani is too much of a New Yorker to be President.
However, now I'm torn between supporting Thompson who I don't think believes Noah's Ark is a true story, and Huckabee, who probably believes God created the Heavens and the Earth in six days.
In Huckabee's favor, however, is his backing of the FairTax. I just read his website and he is completely committed to abolishing the dreaded IRS. That is a big big big big ticket item for me.
Fred, though supporting tax reform, isn't supporting the degree of reform I think is necessary and that most middle class Americans support.
I haven't made up my mind quite yet.
Steven, Austin, TX, USA
I am voting for Huckabee, he is the only candidate from either political party that has enough executive experience to be President. The other candidates have a lot more to learn. Faith, Family & Freedom, that is what Mike Huckabee is all about!!!
Go Mike!!!
Hillary, boston, ma. / USA
Matthew 6:33 has also come true for Huck:
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all things shall be added to you."--Jesus Christ
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
Mark M, panama city, florida
Huckabees not Pres. material. . .Sorry folks just passing by. Funny though how some of you all are distracted from the real issues like Gitmo.
Mark West, Tallahassee, FL
Don't any of you Americans find it worrying that he believes there were literally dinosaurs on Noah's ark? We have already seen what happens when a delusional person believes God told him to invade Iraq and Afghanistan.
Henry Watkins, bangkok, thailand
"Moments such as this on Thursday have marked out Mr Huckabee as the “real deal†for the evangelical conservatives – especially women, who will account for as much as 45 per cent of the 70,000 or so Republican voters in the Iowa caucuses on January 3."
As if all this coverage of the Yankee election isn't enough, now we get Yankee punctuation that doesn't read properly. Presumably it is the evangelicals who account for "as much as" 45% of the vote rather than women who you would expect to have more than 45% of the vote, perhaps around 50%? Can we not have these imprecise dashes everywhere please? I thought this was The Times.
Tim Langner, London,
The FAIR Tax is a huge positive for Huckabee. Also he seems very pragmatic. I am impressed with his emphasis on vertical politics - an effort on his part to lift all Americans (and yes all people in this country - yes, including illegal immigrants) up - not just the right or far right or any particular class or elites.
Charles Witt, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Yes the "Huckster" is a model of integrity: 5 ethic violations; 1,032 pardons granted including 12 murders; raised taxes multiple, multiple times; in-state tuition for ILLEGALS; made political appointments to people that contributed to him; and showed his kindess by initiating a "whispering campaign" against Romeny's religion.
And least we forget is educational qualifications: Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Quite impressive.
Piety trumps competency .....welcome back Jimmy Carter.
Hotspur, ATL, America
I encourage anyone to research Mr. Huckabee's background regarding animal cruelty. You may find that this person does not meet the standard of compassion we have come to expect in pet ownership.
Georgiana, Greenwood, MS, USA
I'm not particularly worried about a former Baptist minister inhabiting the office of the President of the United States. There is simply no way that the federal courts would allow an establishment of religion to take place. It would be unconstitutional.
Plus, Huckabee is the only candidate, I think, supporting the Fair Tax. That's a huge plus in my book!!! He may be ignorant when it comes to evolution, but scientific illiteracy is not the biggest problem facing the United States currently - it's terrorism, and, first and foremost above that, the broken system of personal taxation!! The US's personal income tax is inherently more evil the Osama Bin Laden and has a much much worse effect.
Mike Huckabee - an American who believes in Fair Taxation.
Dave P, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Mattsta: Huckabee's campaign has been funded almost entirely by grassroots efforts.
Dorian Key, you said - "The Republican Party should NOT be the party of the religious, it should be the party of the middle class: small-government, low taxes, free-trade and a solid economy."
You sound like you are citing Huckabee's platform, except that he just happens to be religious. And by the way, our founding father's idea of separation of church and state is intended to provide for freedom of religion and not a state-run religion. Show me please where Huckabee has mandated Christianity for the federal government and/or its people. On the contrary, he has stated many times that it doesn't matter, that he will be a President for all of the people in America. Just because he is a practicing Baptist does not make him a bad candidate.
And, he knows the threat of Islamic terrorists, that is where Ron Paul falls short.
Frank, Louisville, USA/KY
What should be more scary Bruce is where you will be the second you die.Its not too late to let Jesus in your heart.He loves you, and his return is soon.
Shane Nichols, Salina, Kansas
As a conservative southern Christian I have some concerns over Pastor Huckabee attending Cornerstone Church today. 12-23-07
John Hagee has some very controversial views on Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ lately.
To be blunt I think Hagee believes Jesus not to be the Christ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8khCJTDD44
I'm not sure why Pastor Huckabee would want to appear there as he says he is a Christian, unless it was for pure political reasons.
If its just a political appearance for him it just doesn't seem right to me.
Mark, PhenixCity, Al
Mike Huckabee was regarded by fellow Republican governors as a compulsive tax increaser and spender. He increased the Arkansas tax burden by 47 percent, boosting the levies on gasoline and cigarettes. The Arkansas Leader.com editorialized that Mike Huckabee raised more taxes in 10 years in office than Bill Clinton did in his 12 years.
The National Education Association endorses any candidate who raises taxes and opposes school choice – thus they endorse Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee “broadly repudiates core Republican policies such as free trade, low taxes, the essential legitimacy of America’s corporate entities and the market system allocating wealth and opportunity,†according to George Will.
The Arkansas Ethics Commission held proceedings 20 times on the former governor. During his tenure, Huckabee accepted 314 gifts valued overall at more than $150,000, according to documents filed with the Arkansas secretary of state's office. (He accepted 187 gifts in his first three years as governor but was not required to report their value.)
Two months after taking office, Huckabee stunned the state by saying he questioned rapist Wayne DuMond's guilt and that it was his intention to free the rapist, DuMond murdered a women in Illinois after Huckabee set him free
Huckabee battled conservatives within his own party who were pushing for stricter state-level immigration measures, such as:.
- proof of legal status when applying for state services that aren’t federally mandated
- proof of citizenship when registering to vote
- Huckabee failed in his effort to make children of illegal immigrants eligible for state-funded scholarships and in-state tuition to Arkansas colleges.
He joined the Democratic chorus in indicting President Bush for his "arrogant bunker mentality." Is he in the right party?
Huck’s use of the “Christian Leader†title and the Cross in his ads and his attempt to denigrate Mitt Romney’s religion is a thinly-veiled attempt to impose a religious test in violation of Article Six of the Constitution
The Huckster was the keynote speaker at an anti-Mormon conference in Salt Lake City. And he knows nothing about Mormons? And the "Christian Leader" doesn't want to release his sermons?
He led the Arkansas Baptists liberal congregations in a dispute with the conservative Southern Baptist Conference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ry0xrOsqSQ
Mike fails on so many levels as a true conservative.
The moniker "Huckster" is well-earned.
Bot, Cambridge, Massachusetts
America doesn't need some two bit bible thumping preacher in the White House. He would be an unmitigated disaster. He is a foreign policy ignoramus. He proudly proclaims he does not believe in evolution. Hey Mike, wake up. This is the 21st century. Christian fundamentalism is in its own way every bit a threat to freedom as the fundamentalist extremists in other parts of the world. We don't need that gospel babble. We are not electing a spiritual leader we are electing a president. As a non-believer I don't want that superstitious crap shoved down my throat by my elected government officials. It's scary!!!!
Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
There were not 12 murderers released under Huckabee's tenure as governor. None, as far as I can tell. It has been the talking point of Romney, who can't get his facts straight.
Dumond was not a murderer prior to his release.
The other 11 or 12 cases involved commuting a death penalty case to life in prison, not releasing a criminal.
Many of the other 1000 cases were for petty crimes or juvenile offenses or crimes in which the jail time was already completed.
The record is badly distorted by Romney, completely for his own political gain. It is Romney who plays to the crowds, not Huckabee.
Grassboots, Newton, Iowa USA
I use to think Huckabee was a candidate to consider. However after I have reviewed his history on taxes and paroles; I was shocked. My cousin was murdered; I will never support a candidate who does not stand up to our rule of law and order. This is a travesty of justice.
Now I have found out that he accepted over $100,000 in gifts in one year alone.
His actions speak much louder then words.
Not only will I not vote for him. If he ends up being the Republican Party’s choice, I will be voting democrat. I guess that's why the democrats are in favor of Huckabee's support.
Teresa, Merrick, NH
Huckabee is just another snake oil salesman backed by the CFR NeoCon elite. The only true candidate running as a republican is Ron Paul. He is the real deal, not Huckabee.
Ron Paul's campaign is entirely funded by the grassroots, not by corporations and greedy people who use thier wealth to buy influence.
Mattsta, Redhill, UK
As much as I resent English arrogance whenever they belittle US politics, I honestly have to agree that having a candidate who's platform is solely on religion is pitiful. The Republican Party should NOT be the party of the religious, it should be the party of the middle class: small-government, low taxes, free-trade and a solid economy. If we as Republicans define our party by religious values then we stoop down to the level of the Democrats; the party of the mob -- Union members, populists, socialists, blue-collared workers, sons & daughters of illegal aliens, welfare seekers and disturbing individuals who seek to 'redistribute' other people's $ to themselves.
Mike Huckabee will alienate the Wall Street Republicans. Mitt Romney is what David Cameron is to the Conservative Party. Mitt 2008.
Dorian Key, Washington, DC,
As an outsider in these elections, but being on the receiving end of the US foreign policy that more often than not included bombs, I'm looking forward to a Republican candidate to win. Anybody but another Clinton, Albright et al. If it turns out to be this preacher, even better: he will be more isolationist and isolated, parochial and so thoroughly US. The world could then calmly continue with its drive towards multicentrism.
Robert Eric, Belgrade,
The United States is a country founded on religious freedoms and our Constitution mandates the separation of church and states. It is men like Huckabee who I fear most of all candidates because the lines between church and state become blurred when they are elected. I am "a believer" but I don't want . . . and there a lot of people who feel the same way that I do . . . a "born-again Baptist minister" running this country. They are frightfully narrow-minded in scope and don't mind treading across the Constitution "in the name of Jesus."
Doreen, Jacksonville, Florida USA
I am not a religious person but I am an avid supporter of Mike Huckabee. Look through the smoke-screens being provided by the Republican elite to see Mike's true conservative record. I am sure he has made mistakes, but name one candidate that hasn't.
He has signed the no new taxes pledge, so that issue should be off the table.
He has presented a rational immigration plan, so again - off the table.
He maintains that he will stay the course and win the war in Iraq - one again, off the table.
He advocates preventative health care to reduce the health care crisis. He wants individuals to be reponsible for their health care, not government. Where is the fault in that?
He is indisputedly the most conservative candidate socially.
He signed more orders for the death penalty in his state than any other state's governors during his tenure. Is that soft on crime?
So where does he fall short as the best GOP candidate?
Mike Huckabee - all the way!
Frank, Louisville, USA/KY
It's a VERY sad state of affairs and an indictment on America that a front runner for the presidential nomination says he doesn't believe in evolution..
On the other hand, I'm hoping Huckabee wins because even Hilary could beat him!
Owen, London, UK
I have a deep admiration & respect for Huck. He gets the Job done! He ispersistent, diligent & careful to work with both sides. His low key approach should never be underestimated, just ask the other Republican hopefuls. The Press HATES Christians & will pass up NO opportunity to take their words, scripture & Christian beliefs out of context and use them as a weapon. I over herd a person say “ If the press hates him - I like himâ€. After all, how does one trust the press that makes Putin man of the YEAR (What where they smoking?) The G.O.P. needs the “Religious right†to win, they make promises to conservatives only to discard them when the election is finished.Huck is succeeding in spite of being a outsider with no real support within the lock step Republican ranks. His funding is a joke- His war chest is as poor as a “Church Mouse†-Yet, he has the big guns on the run. Does God have a sense of humor or what?
GO HUCK
Dr V, Tucson, AZ
Wow Hotspur, you can rhyme. Good for you. I also remember Carter winning the presidency. I only hope Huckabee will follow suit. Call him what you want, but it's funny hearing people call him liberal. I also hear he is too conservative. I just think he is just doing what he believes is best, whether it falls to the left or right. He is stepping on everyones toes and is getting the nation's attention. This is the type of person who needs to run the country. Someone who is not tied to special interest groups or big business. Go Huck!
Chris, Norfolk, VA
I was considering Romney until Huckabee came along. Now we have a good man, and a better man. Both may know God. I think Mike Huckabee ISTHE BEST MAN for this job. I trust his wisdom in running this country in a manner closer than anyone else the way our forefathers would have. I thank God he stepped up, I was disheartened with my choices. Now I KNOW EXACTLY who should be our next president!
Mike Huckabee ! AMEN
Kristin, Chesapeake, Va
The "Huckster" is just another "dope" from Hope, AR.
He is a pro-life democrat. Granted 1,032 pardons; raised taxes; soft on ILLEGAL immigration; and stupid enough to take on the "King of Conservatism"......Rush Limbaugh.
Huckabee would be the GOP's Jimmy Carter.
Take religion out of his campaign and the man has absolutely nothing conservative to offer
Hotspur, ATL, America
Mike Huckabee is not the real deal for the Religious Right; he is the real deal for all Americans. He functions from a core decency that respects all persons, not just the maintenance of the status quo in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. If he is NOT elected President, it will be the biggest tragedy in the history of the United States. He is not a politician who is there because of his wealth and connections, he is a statesman who sees the big picture and will work to unite this country to restore it to ithe position of greatness it is in danger of losing.
David Anderson, Ellicott City, MD USA
Mike Huckabee did not side with liberals in the controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention. Though himself a conservative, he was seen as a peace candidate by both moderates (so-called liberals) and conservatives, and so was considered by some conservatives to be MIA in the controversy. This falsehood is being perpetrated by Robert Novak, and journalists need to do fact-checking before repeating it. It is an important point because it is not as if a large number of religious conservatives are against him; it is simply that they are not yet for him. When the race tightens next month and some of the candidates pack it up (e.g. Thompson, etc.), look for Huckabee to consolidate the social conservative vote even more.
Michael, Canton, GA
Huckabee never tried to stop the release of Dumond....but just the opposite....he wanted Dumond set free and said so in a personal letter to Dumond. The parole board, under pressure from Huckabee, did the dirty work. Dumond's victims appealed Huckabee to stop the release but to deaf
ears. 12 murderers set free!!!
If the freed murderer murders again, the governor who set the murderer free has blood stains on his hands.
Just hope the new victim is not your wife or daughter.
Huckabee is dangerous.
Douglas, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mike Huckabee is a true role model for society. His genuine personality, his humbleness and his trustworthy character make him the "real deal".
Mike Huckabee wants to truly serve the people. He wants to do things in the best interest of the voters and not himself. A sure sign of a true leader is someone who wants to serve others not the other way around.
His poll numbers are skyrocketing because the voters feel so thrilled supporting him. they feel the energy Mike brings out in everyone.
Mike Huckabee has the message voters want to hear. He comes from a poor family and he has the determination of 10,000 fighters. The under-dog being outspent 20 to 1 and he's on top of most of the polls. The voters don't want to the presidency to be bought, they want it to be earned. And Mike is doing just that, earning their respect.
Mike Huckabee is the next Great Communicator. His ability to unite people is out of this world. The world is in store for an amazing time in History!
Tony, Cincinnati, United States
Go Mike Go!! I'm, behind you 110 %..You are the most honest man in the running and our Lord and Saviour
will take you all the way..
I'm so happy to know you are supporting the Fair Tax..
You remind me of Will Rogers.. "You have never
met a man you didn't like".I thank God for that..
Bless you and my prayer is that you will be the Leader of our wonderful Country..
Grace McCloskey, Chickasha, Oklahoma
Mike Huckabee has dominated the agenda. What does it say about the candidate(s) that continue to aim their guns at Huckabee instead of marketing their ideas to the people?
Huckabee's policies are sound. The fact is people want to believe again. In recent years we've faced terrorism on our soil, corporate corruption, political corruption, an unpopular war, soaring energy prices and economic uncertainty. Its time for a new course and a new vision.
Out of all the candidates, in either party, Huckabee is the only one who brings this to the table. Go Mike!!!
Maurice Atkinson, Macon, USA/ Georgia
Mke Huckabee is the only candidate who supports the FairTax, the movement to replace the US' personal income tax with a pure national consumption tax.
This movement is scaring the hell out of the establishment who thrive on pork barrel politics and depend upon the Internal Revenue Service for power and livelihood.
In the US, Huckabee's support of the FairTax has made him tremendously popular with a huge segment of the voting population. This segment, fed up with arbitrary rules and regulations surrounding every American's God given entitlement to their own income, is becoming large enough, in fact, to propel Huckabee into the Whitehouse. This factor, more than any other is attracting voters to Mike.
All of the other candidates are trying to divert attention to other facets of MIke's positions and personal life, but these attempts are transparent. Mike comes across as a downright trustworthy, very well spoken, upright leader, not just a political pol like HRC and all the others.
Scott, Durham, NC, USA