Arkansas Blog: From the left

Liberal columnist Susan Estrich thinks Mike Huckabee's rise is a sign of the weakness of the Republican field. She talks issues mentioned here before.

Huckabee is an interesting guy. He is a straight shooter, a former Baptist minister, a born-- not born-again--conservative.

But as a Democrat, am I worried about Hillary or Barack taking on this former Arkansas governor?

Not a little. Certainly not a lot.

Not only is he out of step with the rest of America, as opposed to the right tail of the right tail of the Republican party, which is to say the religious conservatives who dominate the caucus and primary process, on social issues, but his proposals in such areas as federal taxation and especially Social Security are enough to make any Democrat’s mouth water.

Elsewhere on the campaign front, USA Today has a large report on the Huckabee campaign that includes a bit of honest self-assessment from Mike "Banana Republic" Huckabee:

In the interview, Huckabee defends his experience and expresses delight about the upward course of his campaign. What's his biggest worry these days?

"That I'll say something totally off the wall that will be taken the wrong way," he replies. "I'm pretty free-wheeling … but there's a danger in it, and I know that. And I know that I'm working without a net, literally. When you're on the high wire and there's no net under you, you can't afford many falls."

And therein lies a question: Do we need a president with a hair-trigger lip?

Comments

his proposals in such areas as federal taxation and especially Social Security are enough to make any Democrat's mouth water." Estrich

Talk costs nothing. Look at his record. I imagine he could take a wrecking ball to federal labor law.
There's his (in)famous remark about a "one time, tax free buyout" for any Soc. Security contributor who is so inclined. Whew! If someone like this joker is turned loose with the federal checkbook then Cheney's starve the beast shenanigans will look like child's play.

Posted by: eLwood | December 3, 2007 07:22 AM

Tidbit exerted from
http://politicsplus.blogspot.com/2007/12/huckabee-lied-about-boost-in-poll.html I found interesting.

Huckabee Lied About Boost in Poll Numbers

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee's surge in Iowa, from single digits in the polls to a virtual tie for the lead among Republicans, has captivated the political world and prompted speculation about just how he did it.

According to Jonathan Falwell, presidential aspirant Mike Huckabee believes that it is God, not himself, who is behind his rise in the polls: "Mr. Huckabee also said that Divine providence was responsible for his recent surge in the polls in Iowa.

The answer: A physician from Montgomery, Ala., named Randy Brinson.

Brinson is the keeper of a massive e-mail list of much-coveted Christian voters that Huckabee is using to reach and organize people in early-voting states such as Iowa.
Brinson's list numbers about 71 million contacts, with 25 million identified as belonging to "25 and 45 years old, upwardly mobile, right-of-center, conservative households," he said. In other words, a target-rich environment for a candidate such as Huckabee, who is preaching a compassionate conservative message heavily infused with religious sentiment.

Aha! Mike, you have attributed the work of a political hack to God. Don't you know that you're not supposed to use His name in vain,? If you want a hypocritical liar and a fanatic zealot, a representative of the imaginary, theocon, Supply-side Jesus to be President, them Mike's the one!

Posted by: BWC | December 3, 2007 08:04 AM

When God is in one's corner they can be free wheeling if they wish. Plus, the Vichy Democrats make it easier on the Repubs anyway.

Posted by: Cato | December 3, 2007 08:16 AM

Even better, do we need a president who doesn't understand what the word "literally" means? There's nothing quite so enjoyable as listening to someone use "literally" to describe a metaphor.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong, and Huckabee is actually doing a high wire act as part of his campaign. Moving from endorsements from Chuck Norris and Ric Flair, incorporating circus acts seems appropriate.

Posted by: Gaddis | December 3, 2007 08:20 AM

"...If you want a hypocritical liar and a fanatic zealot, a representative of the imaginary, theocon, Supply-side Jesus to be President, them Mike's the one!"

AMEN!

Most folks I've encountered come from a variety of religious beliefs/practices; and I can easily understand/recognize most of their Divine Views...even while having completely contrary views. But this 'Supply-side Jesus' put forth by the current lot of Republican Evangelical Nuts, is unrecognizable by ANY stretch of my imagination and irreconcilable with any notion of love/compassion and disdain for money/political power. I can only conclude that they're doing the Devil's work.

Posted by: zelda | December 3, 2007 09:37 AM

"Straight shooter"?
Really?

Posted by: RickBaber | December 3, 2007 09:40 AM

Whoa! The Huckster is taking off! Talk about a Huckabounce. (It's fun using "Huck" in different words and phrases).

Click on blue name.

Posted by: EverythingIsCyclical | December 3, 2007 12:05 PM

Dang it. Link to my name didn't work. I'll figure all this out one day.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

Posted by: EverythingIsCyclical | December 3, 2007 12:06 PM

Hint (and why, oh WHY can't this be part of the "instructions" under "Post a comment?):

Paste your target URL in the space marked "URL", and DO NOT then use the "Preview" option before hitting "Post".

Posted by: widj | December 3, 2007 12:12 PM

That's totally what gets me! I always hit preview before I post. Thanks a ton widj.

Posted by: EverythingIsCyclical | December 3, 2007 12:16 PM

SEE,,,,I'm not the only dummy when it comes to the URL and trying to post/transfer
a link......LOL

Posted by: jazzy | December 3, 2007 01:23 PM

Let's see now. In America's most regressively taxed citizenry who are also the most impoverised, Mike Huckabee ushered in the most tax hikes in history! And....the real kicker is he left a BILLION DOLLARS not spent on needed services. ....However, now he can always campaign as a " tax and hoard " Repugnican.

Posted by: Roym | December 3, 2007 02:29 PM