Redstate

By Hammer2008 Posted in 2008 — Comments (6) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

in the context of the Republican party. On the surface, Huckabee's ideas have been the 'norm' in the modern-Democratic party. Progressive-lite.

Running from his record as Arkansas governor, he defends only the highlights that makes himself look good in a 30-second soundbite. His 1000+ commutations, etc. are defended by Huckabee's telling how one pardon was for some kid who deserved a break.

Huckabee has re-made himself for the national stage, relying on others' coalitions and others' positions. Rather smart for a politician. FairTax.org and his baptist connections. His immigration plan - LIFTED AND TWEAKED FROM A NATIONAL REVIEW ARTICLE.

It may have stung to have been referred to as a 'liberal' in the last debate, but it should be no surprise as conservative talk radio and columnists have been saying as much for months now. To have to wait until the next morning to come up with another lame joke as his defense (after the "catching flak" comment) is appallingly shallow. That's what where I find Mike Huckabee at times - shallow.

His plus has only been an ability to explain what conservatism can do for the regular folk. He makes a connect there, but then the populism starts ringing in.

It's as though Gov. Huckabee doesn't know when to stop... maybe a habit born of his overeating days? He easily allows his ego to be stoked and enjoys being egged on by commentators (ergo Joe Scarborough on MSNBC Friday). Maybe this explains all the WWE wrestling support, from the top rope - Bodyslam!

I used to think it would be a good thing to have a candidate so committed to Christianity. The kind of president who would fight to "free" people from the government so they could live and worship without all the ACLU-type interferrence. Gov. Huckabee is not a federalist at all in this regard. He just talks a good game.

After a parusal of the Huckabee campaign website, there is a real belief that this is where the "Reagan coalition" gets revitalized. That this is the candidate that wins the nomination and the presidency.

However there is a serious level of disbelief afoot. Provided Huckabee secured the nomination, a good portion of FisCon and DefCons would sit out the election, 5-10% of the GOP base (I would be one of them). This despite the threat of a Hillary presidency.

Then there's the Dems bringing back the "Christian Candidate" ad and the likes of Huckabee's "taking this nation back for Christ" comments. What does that do to the independent vote? It evaporates.

Regardless of the Democratic nominee, a Huckabee with his "new" ideas would lose and lose badly. 54% to 45% of the national vote (on a good day) and somewhere along the lines of 423 to 115 electoral votes. A throbbing.

Welcome to the great Conservative Coalition Crackup.