POLL: As 2012 GOP Respond, Who Benefits Most From Huckabee’s Decision Not To Run?

US Election News ^ | May 15, 2011 | Jillian Curtin

[2ndDivisionVet]

Some of the statements released by various members of the 2012 GOP field related to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s decision not to run for President next year. This post will be updated as more candidates release their statements over the next day or so.

Jon Huntsman: “Our country has been very fortunate to have Mike Huckabee as a leader and public servant. His commitment to this country and its core values — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — is a model to which all elected officials should aspire. It is unfortunate that we will not have his voice — or his bass guitar — in the presidential debate, as our party would have benefited from his involvement. Yet I’m confident that he will continue to be a positive force in the national conversation no matter his future endeavors, and I look forward to his continued friendship.”

Tim Pawlenty: “Mike Huckabee is a friend and colleague, and an important leader within the Republican Party. Mike and I agree our nation is facing big challenges and desperately needs new leadership, and I plan to work hard to earn the support of the millions of Americans who have supported him. Mary and I wish Mike and Janet all the best.”

Rick Santorum via Twitter: So impressed with @mikehuckabee by putting the role of prayerfully following God’s will as the most important factor, because it is.”

Newt Gingrich: Governor Mike Huckabee emerged in 2008 as a new star for the Republican Party and the conservative movement. Over the last 3 years he has used his gifts to create a popular Fox News TV show, produce an amazingly successful radio commentary, write best-selling books, and deliver thought provoking speeches. All have increased his stature and his influence. Had Governor Huckabee decided to run, there is no question he would have been a frontrunner in the 2012 campaign for president. He has achieved that prominence without a campaign simply based on his personal appeal and the attractiveness of his views and his character. His statement tonight emphasized the spiritual dimension of his life and his decision process. It is a wonderful example for all Americans of someone trying to do the right thing. Governor Huckabee will remain a major force for conservatism and he will play a major role in shaping America’s future. Callista and I wish him and his family a wonderful, happy, and successful future.

Donald Trump, appearing directly after Huckabee’s closing statement: “This might be considered by some people — not necessarily me — bad news because he is a terrific guy and frankly I think he’d be a terrific president. But a lot of people are very happy that he will not be running, especially the other candidates. So, Mike, enjoy the show, your ratings are terrific, you’re making a lot of money, you’re building a beautiful house in Florida, good luck.”

No statement as of the time of this post from: Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann, Gary Johnson, Mitt Romney, Fred Karger, John Bolton, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin.

Who stands to benefit the most from Huckabee’s departure?

[ansel12]

I never said such a thing, but you have heard of the Christian vote, or the Evangelical vote as they usually say it, who do you think make up a large portion of both Palin and Huckabee’s base?

[Politicalmom]

I see no reason to assume that Huckabee supporters will automatically switch to Palin.

Herman Cain is a fine Christian man. I happen to think that the behavior of Palin’s children will turn off many Christians.

[Vendome]

Who benefits from Huckabee’s decision not to run?

The United States....

[ansel12]

I think that most of his supporters will shift to the first tier candidate Palin, I don’t see Cain taking the Presidency as his first elective office.

As far as you not seeing any reason for them doing so, you must not have been paying attention to the last couple of years of discussion and polls related to that, it has always been know that they compete for the Christian vote.

[repub4ever1]

Palin and Bachmann benefit the most.

[Politicalmom]

People who are attracted to Huckabee are not the same kind of people who are attracted to Palin, IMO. He’s a statist, and he probably would have been a Democrat a few decades ago.

[ansel12]

I’m not saying that she gets all of his supporters, I’m merely saying that she benefits more than any other candidate.

[dixiechick2000]

Who benefits most?

Me...

[Tramonto]

People who are attracted to Huckabee are not the same kind of people who are attracted to Palin, IMO. He’s a statist, and he probably would have been a Democrat a few decades ago.

Well, I like Hukabee and Palin and I know plenty of people who like both of them. I don't think there are many who like Huckabee and Romney though.

[re_nortex]

And the next move is for Fox to cancel his utterly worthless show and replace it with one genuinely appealing to American Patriots.

His musical skills are laughable and his ability to conduct a intelligent (or even interesting) interview is non-existent. He also has hosted a number of vile liberals on his program such as Jerry Springer and Arianna Huffington. I seem to recall that the little atheist Bill Maher may have even been on.

The Huckster touts his his background as a minister but all I've ever heard him preach is the false "gospel" of social justice. My longtime friends in Arkansas have nothing but scorn for him and his reign as governor. Plus his looks are unappealing in the manner of the Pillsbury dough boy.

He's certainly not a Conservative and just needs to recede into the background since he damages true Conservatism and authentic Christianity. All IMHO, of course.

[John Valentine]

Assuming that all Christians will support Palin is ridiculous.

True, but NO ONE is saying any such thing. Nor is that what was asked.

Have another look at the question, maam.

[FW190]

"2012 GOP field related to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s decision not to run for President "

You mean GOOOOber isn't a candidate for President? Mayberry is going to be upset.

[octex]

“...the behavior of Palin’s children...”

What the Hell does that have to do with whether or not Sarah Palin might be a good President? Get a grip!

She has a daughter who birthed a child when not married.

She has a son who served honorably in the military in Iraq.

She has a daughter who recently got a speeding ticket.

Are you frikkin kidding about her kids’ behavior turning off Christians to the point that they would not vote for her? ....Her kids are not serial killers, drug users, rapists, pedophiles, racists or terriorists.

[so_real]

Though I personally like Huckabee, I do not find him Conservative or hardened enough. I also have a big problem running any candidate not having the ability to beat McCain in a primary. I give credit to Huckabee for making a wise decision and bowing out. It raises my estimation of him further. He certainly has more character than Romney ... but I guess we already knew that.

[octex]

You are totally right regarding your statement that indicates different people are drawn to Huckabee than to Palin. Sarah doesn’t try to BS people about her faith like Mike and she is a much more conservative than he ever has been.

The Huck has never been anything but a snake oil salesman. He was a lousy Governor in AR and raised taxes there significantly.

I have many inlaws there in AR who couldn’t stand him anymore than they could the Clintons when Bill was Gov. and throwing all the wild parties at the Gov. palace in LR, with people passing out on the grounds around the place and the loud music. ....Not saying Huck was just like Clinton relative to life style, but that he governed the State in a similar manner... as a liberal.

[Politicalmom]

Her daughters have filthy mouths, and apparently neither of them has any idea of appropriate public behavior, evidenced by their Facebook escapades.

I voted for McCain only because of Palin, but since have come to have serious questions about her judgement, or lack of thereof.

[Ingtar]

McCain benefits the most. After all, that is who the exit polls showed he drew the most votes from in the primaries last time.

[Politicalmom]

Saying that there would be “no division” among Christians was a clear implication, in my estimation, that Christians would follow in lockstep after Palin after Huckabee’s decision.

[John Valentine]

You have a point, but I think it’s a bit over reached. I also disagree profoundly with your questioning of Sarah Palin’s judgement. I think that it is unfair and is a bit like some of the criticism I have seen from the left that requires every Republican to be a clone of St. Francis while excusing every form of deviltry from Democrats.

[doggieboy]

As I recall one, reason Huckabee got off to a good start in Iowa was due to his support of the Fair Tax. Herman Cain is a known supporter of the Fair Tax. I would expect that he would certainly benefit.