The Real Mike Huckabee

The Nation ^ | 1/11/08 | Max Blumenthal

[NoobRep]

The Real Mike Huckabee

[posted online on January 11, 2008]

Of all the right-wing figures who have promoted Mike Huckabee's extraordinary political rise from a backwater church to the national pulpit of a presidential campaign--and there are many--perhaps none know the former Arkansas governor and current Republican presidential front-runner better than Jay Cole. A Baptist minister based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a right-wing radio talk show of his own, Cole has been instrumental in inspiring Huckabee's rise over more than two decades. Indeed, when Huckabee was the governor of Arkansas, it was Cole who persuaded him to arrange the release from prison of a convicted rapist, Wayne Dumond, who had become a born-again evangelical in prison--the most controversial act of Huckabee's career, which still dogs him on the campaign trail.

I spoke to Cole by telephone a week before Huckabee's surprise victory in the Iowa caucuses on January 3. He was supremely confident that his saintly friend would prevail over the hosts of darkness. "Mike is one of the finest and most gracious individuals God has ever placed on Earth," Cole told me in his thick Southern drawl. "Not only does he have speaking ability, he has the Lord looking over him."

[coramdeo]

When you keep responding with facts, Huckabee’s supporters follow the lead of their man and either attack you personally or change the subject. Look at how the Huckster responded to Fred in the debate. The fact of the matter is the Dumond fiasco and his ethics problems probably rank somewhere out of the Top 10 in reasons why no conservative should even consider supporting him.

[RebekahT]

>>There is no evidence that Huckabee communicated to that parole board seeking Dumond’s parole. There are only the allegations of parole board members who were appointed by the impeached Bill Clinton and the prosecuted Jim Guy Tucker.<<

Except the letter to Dumond in prison (that Huckabee agreed to having written when he was on Fox last night after the debate) that said, “It is my desire to see that you are released from prison”.

[Vigilanteman]

You forgot ‘colonize America with third-world illegal aliens and sign-on to the global warming junk science.’

[wardaddy]

nothing personal and while I defend Huckster’s Christianity here and like his views on abortion

his views on borders and health care and populist rhetoric suck

BUT....you are touting the Nation as a source to attack a fellow Republican.

that’s sort of dirty feeling isn’t it?

[Vigilanteman]

Apparently the ability to think is not a requirement for the operation of automobiles in Arkansas.

Judging by the quality of presidential candidates they've dumped on the nation, it isn't a requirement to vote either.

[wardaddy]

I think the MSM likes McCain more than Huckster.....he’s the Dems favorite GOP...has been for decades

[alstewartfan]

I’d be more comfortable with Huck if I were a Democrat. He’s a global warming hoaxter, he accused a state rep who opposed in-state tuition for illegals of not drinking the right “Jesus juice”, he wants to close Gitmo, he hopes to turn D.C. into a STATE (!),etc., etc. Stop making excuses for this believer in statism. Even if he secures the nomination, I will have complete contempt for his political views. Support THE true conservative, Fred Thompson. Best, Bob

[cowdog77]

I think Huckabee has likely learned by now, not to trust underlings blindly (e.g., the second wedding fiasco).”
____________________
I think that part of the problem was trying to run his campaign on a shoestring budget. I saw a piece on him that showed a very small office staff of mostly volunteers. I think he’s doing better now that money is coming in related to his success in the caucuses.

[cowdog77]

Thanks for trying to help keep it civil, Unspun.

[Checkers]

Interesting...

[dixiechick2000]

Dirty doesn’t even begin to describe The Nation.

[dixiechick2000]

I’ll wait to see if he responds.

I don’t think he will.

[nckerr]

This is another trumped up charge of “Huckabee is a radical because he believe in the second coming of Christ” crap. Over half of America believes that we are in the end times. Who cares?? This piece makes me support him even more!

[unspun]

I already have. At least once in this thread. Hey — and now I can kinda sympathize a bit for brother Huckabee, come to think.

But there are other things to get along with in life, despite the nipping Chihuahua attacks.

[unspun]

Making fun of characterizing Southerners?

[unspun]

God bless ya, man. Stay safe -- and aim well.

[dixiechick2000]

WHY do you sympathize with him about anything?

He is a smooth talking huckster.

I say this as a Southern Baptist who would love to see one of my own get to this place.

I don’t think of him as one of my own...and I’m not sorry for that.

[unspun]

Good night. Post something redemptive, somewhere.

[dixiechick2000]

LOL!

I win this one........hand’s down. ;o)

Nitey nite.

[NoobRep]

I don’t consider Mike Huckabee a conservative. He’s another slimy liberal governor from Arkansas.