Good points regarding the likeability factor in politics and that is why I think Huckabee has been surging despite his VERY mixed record as governor.
Dame with the Dems.Obama,and to a lesser extent Edwards,are way more likeable than Hillary,despite their proto socialist leanings.People have to connect to the human side of a candidate or else they can forget it.
SAME with the Dems!Sorry for typo.
Also, I totally agree with you on why Huckabee has surged, the man is LIKABLE, speaks very well, and connects with regular voters.