Posted on 12/07/2010 2:44:44 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
In 2008, Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee emerged from a crowded field of Republican presidential hopefuls to win the Iowa caucuses and become the preferred candidate of social conservatives. Could Huckabee play the dark horse again in 2012? A sampling of opinions as to how Huckabee presence (or lack thereof) will shape the fight for the Republican nomination:
•Under The Radar Politico's Jonathan Martin and Ben Smith note Huckabee's position right now is similar to where he was at this point in the 2008 cycle, operating in relative obscurity while boldfaced names like Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Rudy Giuliani gobbled up donors, staffers, and media attention. Huckabee seems "bound once again to be the Rodney Dangerfield of the field," but it's a role he knows how to play. If he decides not to run, Martin and Smith believe the result would be "a vacuum on the right among both religious conservatives and tea party activists that would significantly reorder the race and potentially create a larger opening for Palin."
•Too Late? The Daily Caller's Aaron Guerrero can't shake the feeling Huckabee is skittish about waging another bruising national campaign. His "recent critiques of the presidential process are hardly reflective of someone interested in grinding it out for the prize of party standard-bearer." Unlike Romney and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Huckabee has not amassed the "necessary infrastructure for making a serious run" or won over the "skeptics within the Republican establishment [and] heavyweight voices in talk radio" who had concerns about his first bid for the nomination.
•Limited Audience The Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin believes Huckabee's strength as a 2012 contender has been overstated. Yes, he put together a nice run in 2008, but his appeal was limited to a "specific segment of voters--evangelical Christians." As the Tea Party's influence increases, the GOP platform is trending towards a "small government agenda [that] doesn't match up all that well with Huckabee's record as governor." Unless Huckabee demonstrates "greater range than in 2008," his 2012 chances are slim.
•Palin-Stopper Of all the potential 2012 candidate, Huckabee poses the greatest threat to former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's coalition, argues conservative blogger Allahpundit. Huckabee is "poised to hurt Palin by peeling off social cons, blue-collar voters, and women (yes, really), it's him." The one limiting factor is money. Without "evangelical leaders ready to help him pass the collection plate around," Huckabee's fundraising apparatus could be even more limited than the one he had in 2008.
The way the economy is going, he might fare better emulating George Foreman and selling the Huckabee Squirrel Sizzler Hotplate.
With the optional gopher rotisserie and sparrow spit?
Designated Loser?
How does Mitt Romney meet three of four? He was a governor and he sought the nomination in the previous election cycle but he is neither a conservative nor is he from the West. Correct me if I'm wrong but Myth grew up in Michigan, was educated in Ivy League schools, and served as governor in Massachusetts. He has no permanent connection with the West.
The Dems and the MSM have figured out that Huck (or anyone else) is an easier opponent than Palin—and if he runs, he cuts into her primary vote.
Could work.
He, like the last GOP guy, puts the electorate to sleep....
and Obama wins a 2nd term.
lol
The huckster has NO chance against Palin.
I notice only lefties and rinos are pushing him. Surprised they are giving up on Romney though.
Wish he and others would just disappear into the woodwork.
I think that Romney is conservative, compared to Giuliani and McCain. Romney is conservative, compared to my republican U.S. senator, Mark Kirk, of Illinois.
I don't think many homeschoolers will vote for Huckabee, when his first and largest donations and endorsements in 2008 came from the teachers unions.
Romney is no conservative. He is not a viable candidate.
I, like many other conservatives, cannot support the man - he’s worse (much) than even McCain.
Never ever forget Huck, above just about all others, is responsible for McCain being the GOP candidate last Presidential election, due to the fact that he decided to play the spoiler when it was clear to everyone he had no chance of winning the primary, and that his remaining in the race would only result in a McCain win in Florida.
This more than anything reveals the Huck’s true character. He is in it only for whatever he can deal himself. He would be our Jimmy Carter.
I like that. Her name is Marcie - and she’ll lick her thanks if you ever come by this way... :)
Mike Pence is the sleeper candidate! He shines the more I look at him.
Yeah, without the smarts. I worked for both Presidents Carter and Reagan. Didn't like Mr. Carter or most of his people, but he's not stupid. Misguided, anti-Semitic, hyper-controlling and abrasive, but not a dummy.
I hope you are right.
They were certainly a surprise in the Iowa caucuses in 2008, giving him the upset win no one saw coming.
I’ve tried talking to some of his supporters here, and it is like a cult. They don’t care how many released criminals rape and murder again...he’s a man of God!
Huckester’s and Mitt’s deciples never give up do they?
I didn’t support Romney, in 2008, and I probably won’t support him, if he runs, in ‘12.
Yes true it is! The pundants have begun! Few know how awesome of a team they have been too... I do realize that many have been against both. Neither has been more involved in winning for us than they... and fools will be in their way. Neither may run but both benifit us all. Go Sarah go Mike I sure thank you BOTH
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