Huckabee is very good at “leveling.” That is, he has the ability to directly communicate with the lower middle and working class audience. He does so without needing to tout some special credentials or abilities. Besides “leveling” he is also adept at dealing with hard and controversial issues.
Case in point, for Huckabee was when he was asked about Romney’s religion. Huckabee replied to the effect he was willing to discuss his own religion but not that of other candidates. A great answer! It fits the common belief (often mistaken) that one should not judge other’s values or beliefs yet affirmed his own. With one sentence or two he countered the lengthy Romney speech on Mormonism. Huckabee has spent a professional lifetime thinking and answering as to his faith and he is a master at working it into his speeches and interviews in a nonthreatening way.
Another boon for Huckabee is he is increasingly corralling the pro-life vote. This vote is a “pennant issue” in that it signifies a host of often unspoken social issues. Presumably, besides his other attributes the Iowans now see him as the pennant bearer on pro-life and other social issues. It will be difficult for other candidates to take this away from him.
All of this is great for Huckabee, but I doubt if he will sell as well in large states and without adequate financing he will remain a question mark to more secular voters.
As far as McCain goes, I was impressed with his sober, thoughtful demeanor. No flashes of anger or petulance! He seems to have reached a feeling state of peace and acceptance and has ceased the hypervigalent approach to political discussions. Better, but too late.
So why did the National Right to Life Committee, the largest U.S. pro-life group, endorse Fred?