Frank Rich Hearts Huckabee

NewsBusters ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

As Republican primary campaign slogans go, "Endorsed by Frank Rich" might not be a candidate's strongest play. But for better or worse Mike Huckabee is essentially stuck with it after Rich's NYT's column of yesterday. The ostensible theme of "The Republicans Find Their Obama" is that Republican voters are leaning toward Huckabee for the same reason that Dems are trending to Obama: that both men are relatively young, speak across racial lines, are witty and avoid hyper-partisanship.

But dig down a bit deeper, and it appears that Huckabee's real appeal for Rich is that, social issues aside, he is the most liberal of the GOP frontrunners. Making his case for Huckabee, Rich goes so far to dabble in Christian theology [emphasis added]:

[governsleastgovernsbest]

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Huckabee wins crucial Frank Rich endorsement. Ping to Today show list.

[Edit35]

Of course Frank Rich wants the GOP to nominate Huckabee, who is about the political equivalent of a baloney and cheese sandwich, with nothing on it.

So sHrillary can be laughin’ all the way to the White House.

[Madame Dufarge]

Cornel West likes Huckabee too.

I asked Dr. West for his take last week. After effusively praising Mr. Huckabee as unique among the G.O.P. contenders, Dr. West said: “I told him, ‘You are for real.’ Black voters in Arkansas aren’t stupid. They know he’s sincere about fighting racism and poverty.”

[RichInOC]

Oh, now that’s just disturbing.

[BufordP]

The MSM calculates which candidates they'll have the easiest time defeating/smearing in the general. Then, tout them as their favorite in the repub primary.

Their calculation is predicated on viable winners. Otherwise, they'd push RuPaul.

[engrpat]

If Huckabee wins the democrats win.

[Brilliant]

The libs like Huckabee because he’s the least electable of the bunch, and even if he is elected, he’s the most liberal on every issue except abortion and gay rights, which he won’t be able to do anything about anyway.

[Brilliant]

The libs like Huckabee because he’s the least electable of the bunch, and even if he is elected, he’s the most liberal on every issue except abortion and gay rights, which he won’t be able to do anything about anyway.

[hflynn]

Huckabee is picking up some big endorsements. Frank Rich, Bill Clinton, Chris Matthews. Wow this guy is a steamroller. I can’t wait for the Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid endorsements.

[ishabibble]

“Dear Wayne” Huckabee is the guy that the Lefties know they can beat. That is why they love him.

[dano1]

[razzle]

NumbersUSA web site (http://www.betterimmigration.com/candidates/2006/prez08_gop1.html), has Huck doing well on immigration issues. I also didn’t think he was more liberal than Rudy or McCain?

[Brilliant]

It depends on the issue. Giuliani is a former federal prosecutor, for example, and has a reputation for being tough on criminals. Huck has a reputation for forgiving criminals. Not that I am opposed to forgiveness, but you can forgive them without springing them from jail.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

[spectre]

He's chugging right along. Geraldo Rivera practically kneels at Huckabee's feet.

sw

[ontap]

For someone who touts his conservative credentials he sure garners a lot of liberal support. There’s a weasel in the hen house I do believe.

[originalbuckeye]

Agree completely.

[larry hagedon]

Mike is another 30 day wonder, having his month in the sun. He will be going down again by the end of the year.

No I don’t think he is quite as liberal as Rudy or quite as back stabbing and self serving as McCain but neither do I want to watch him in Jan 2009 in the White House as he backpedals and reneges on his miraculous new anti illegals stance.

I will be voting Jan 3 here in Keosauqua Iowa and Duncan Hunter will have my vote.

[pissant]

With friends like these....

[okie01]

Mike Huckabee is the rarest of political creatures: A pro-life Democrat.

[mkjessup]

So how does the light-in-the-loafers Frank Rich feel about Huckabee's description of homosexuality as a sinful and depraved lifestyle?

Huckleberry Hound is the GOP's own Howard Dean, and his 'No Felon Left Behind' prison amnesty initiative program will be his undoing.

Enjoy it now HuckleFans, I predict a complete flameout by the time New Year's Eve rolls around.

[Verginius Rufus]

The Huckster is just trying to save the government some money—fewer felons behind bars saves on prison expenses, and the more people killed by the released felons, the less the government has to pay out in Social Security.

[popdonnelly]

“But dig down a bit deeper, and it appears that Huckabee’s real appeal for Rich is that, social issues aside, he is the most liberal of the GOP frontrunners.”

And we have a winner!

[Inspectorette]

Huckabee is picking up some big endorsements. Frank Rich, Bill Clinton, Chris Matthews. Wow this guy is a steamroller. I can’t wait for the Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid endorsements.

Nominate for Post of the Day!

[freespirited]

No I don’t think he is quite as liberal as Rudy or quite as back stabbing and self serving as McCain but neither do I want to watch him in Jan 2009 in the White House as he backpedals and reneges on his miraculous new anti illegals stance.

According to Club for Growth, Huck is a liberal nightmare.

[Mo1]

The libs a laying it just a tad too thick and becoming more the obvious

[teddyballgame]

Yup. Huck a not-ready-for Prime Timr candidate. He’s having his 15 days of fame, due mostly to a MSM with ulterior motives. Get ready for a Dean-like implosion.

If liberals “love” him, it’s not because they plan to vote for him.

[Madame Dufarge]

Yup, a little too “Tom Sawyer and the Fence.”

[rightinthemiddle]

Like I’ve said, letting the MSM pick your nominee is like letting the opposing manager pick your starting pitcher.

[Miss Didi]

And has Mr. Rich seen Drudge today...


'TAKE THIS NATION BACK FOR CHRIST'

[Lancey Howard]

Huckabee wins crucial Frank Rich endorsement. Ping to Today show list.

Ha! There's the kiss of death.

[Lancey Howard]

Making his case for Huckabee, Rich goes so far to dabble in Christian theology...

Man, you're on a roll today!

[AmericaUnite]

Heard part of what he said today. I can’t take his lisp. How does he go from drama critic to political expert? He and his employer Sulzberger are peas-in-a-pod.

[mewzilla]

Huckabee Pardons Under Scrutiny (Note: 2x The Total of 3 Predecessors' Combined)

What's not to love?

[montag813]

Perhaps Rich is a fan of Huckabee’s serial compassion for homicidal maniacs.

[larry hagedon]

Huck has been pretty good at hiding his liberal agenda, every day I see more of the truth coming out about him.

I have to agree with you, this man is as phoney as they come.

Duncan Hunter for me in Iowa, January 3rd.