Columbia Meeting

I just returned from Columbia, meeting Mike Huckabee. Probably 75-100 people met at a local restaurant to get some face time with the future president. He slowly made his way through the crowd, speaking at length with each supporter. I was able to talk with him about my two years in Arkansas as a child and shared common ideas. I am VERY happy to report that Mike is just as personable up close as I had hoped. If anyone is reading this blog (I don't have a clue if more than two people ever see it) please show your support for Mike by registering with his campaign and making a contribution. If you get a chance, go to the Palmetto Family Meeting in Columbia Thursday night.

Values Debate and Columbia

Last night I watched a debate for three hours. The Values debate from Florida involved the Republican candidates. The four "top-tier" candidates, Rudy McRomneyson, did not come. The questionners included Phyllis Schlafly, Don Wildmon. and other leaders of churches and conservative religious groups. The questions focused on topics near and dear to the hearts of religious conservatives. The candidates present (Huckabee, Brownback, Paul, Cox, Keyes, Hunter, Tancredo) agreed on almost all issues, except Ron Paul, who disagreed on issues involving more government. The AMAZING part is that Mike Huckabee changed the minds of so many that were there. The organizers had about 340 people in the audience vote their preference at the beginning and end of the debate. Mike Huckabee went from about 33% to 63% during the course of the debate. The only other candidate to increase his share was Duncan Hunter who was still well below Mike. See the story at
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=413.
Mike has the ability to win hearts.
I will go to Columbia on Wednesday to meet the governor at The Congaree Grill. I'll fill you in when I return. I hope to pick up some bumper stickers or signs when I'm there. If anyone wants one, let me know when I return.

Mike with Wolf Blitzer

Just watched the governor's interview with Wolf Blitzer this morning. Mike once again had a great interview. I am amazed he can consistently express himself so well. If you have ever been in front of a camera you know how easy it is to get tongue-tied. When a candidate struggles to answer questions, it's because he doesn't know the answer or is trying to give a "careful" answer. Mike answers quickly and with confidence. This indicates his answers come from the heart. People may disagree with him but they can't say he evades questions.
His comments regarding Fred Thompson were on the money. Sen. Thompson advised a pro-abortion group several years ago in a business relationship. Governor Huckabee pointed out that if something, such as a firm belief in the sanctity of life, is part of your core beliefs, you don't compromise that for business. We all have to decide what our core beliefs are, and if we compromise them, those beliefs are not very important.
Mitt Romney has said the Huckabee campaign would have to raise $20 million to be viable. I hope our presidential election is not based solely on fundraising.
Mike will be in Columbia, SC on the 19th and 20th. I hope to go and hope many others will be there. I will post details when they are available.

Post New Hampshire Debate Comments

The NH Debate was a good one again for the Governor. He struggled with the initial part of his answer regarding immigration and racism. Otherwise, he once again was articulate and passionate. I wish some of the candidates would pull out, to allow more questions for the serious contenders. And, I wish the questioners would come up with different topics. They continue to ask about the war, immigration, abortion, get this, torture. Why do they not ask Democrats these questions and why don't they ask Republicans the domestic questions?
Mike's best answer regarded the Fair Tax. His best moment was the spirited interaction with Ron Paul.
I will be on the phone this a.m. with a blogger conference call. Mike talks to all bloggers and allows questions from several during the call. Maybe I'll get to talk to him personally.

PreDebate and Postweekend

The Governor again did very well on newscasts this weekend (Stephanopoulus & Fox). People seem to enjoy interviewing him and he handles all questions with sincerity and knowledge. He continues to get positive media coverage, but no one is really saying he has a chance. I believe they are sold on the idea that without greater name recognition or money, he hasn't got a shot. Almost every presidential campaign I recall the media has missed who would win. If there was not a sitting president or vice president running, they miss most of the time. Eight years ago, the media crowned John McCain. Four years ago it was Howard Dean. This year its "Rudy McRomneyson." (I didn't come up with that. I read it somewhere else.) Mike will prove them wrong.

The debate is very important. I expect Mike to receive more questions this time because of his increased visibility. Hopefully, the New Hampshire Republicans will be paying close attention. If they are we should see Mike's poll numbers rise again.

Poll Surge

The polls are rising. The media are calling. The first tiers are fading. I love it when a plan comes together. Our guy is coming up fast on the outside. (Conveniently, the outside is on the RIGHT in racing.) Go Mike!

Fred Thompson is planning to announce his candidacy the day after the debate. This is probably scheduled to overshadow the debate coverage, a debate he has cleverly avoided. I like Fred, but the qualifications of Gov. Huckabe exceed Fred's. Sen. Thompson hasn't the executive experience of Mike. The senator is a good actor, but I'm not sure he will be as cool under fire from someone like Chris Matthews.

One part of the presidential campaign will give trouble to almost all Republican candidates. The debate with Hillary Clinton. She appear to be the odds-on favorite. A man debating a woman will cause difficulties unseen in a presidential race. Will the man appear to beat up on the woman? Will he be seen as dismissive or condescending? Every voter will see it from a different perspective. I believe that Mike Huckabee has the personality, confidence, and humility to win that debate.

Has there ever been a more likable candidate?

Indianapolis Speech

After watching the speeches from Indianapolis, I am no longer concerned about Fred Thompson's candidacy. Anyone watching, other than a die-hard Thompson supporter, would have to admit Mike's speech was entertaining, informative, passionate, and inspiring. Fred's was slow, faltering, and uninspiring. Mitt Romney continues to say some good things but in a plastic sort of way.
Mike is well on his way to bursting the aura of inevitability of Rudy, Fred, John, and Mitt. A great plus would be for a candidate (Sam, Tom, or even Fred) to drop out and support Mike. That would certainly propel Mike to the top tier in everyone's minds. So many columnists and media people have talked about how good Mike is but how impossible it would be for him to win. They will be wrong.
Check out National Review for the fine article on this week's cover guy, Mike Huckabee.
Looking forward to the New Hampshire debate on Sept. 5.