Huckabee Is Running On Hope

Republican Dark Horse Presidential Candidate Plugs Along

(CBS)  He was born and raised in the small Arkansas town of Hope, served more than 10 years as governor and then launched a long-shot campaign for the presidency.

Sound familiar? Sure. But as CBS News senior political correspondent Jeff Greenfield reports, he's not Bill Clinton.

We're talking about 51-year-old Republican Mike Huckabee, who turns his ties to Clinton's home town of Hope, Ark., into a favorite punch line: "All I ask is — give us one more chance."

But as Huckabee tries to follow Clinton's path from the governor's office to the White House, he faces the same obstacle that confronts every dark horse candidate: If you don't have visibility, how do you raise money? If you don't have money, how do you become visible?

Huckabee has raised only $1.3 million this year, a tiny fraction of what the front-runners have raised. His headquarters is in modest suite of offices in Little Rock. He polls between 1 and 5 percent in national and key state surveys, and his audiences tend to the modest.

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Campaign '08: Presidential Hopefuls & Campaign Cash

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"At this point, I've been able to obtain as many votes as any other Republican candidate," Huckabee responds. "There haven't been any ... the only way for me to lose for sure is to leave the track."

History offers lessons to discourage and encourage a dark horse like Huckabee. Candidates like Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbit and Sens. Orrin Hatch and Richard Lugar have found that their resumes got them barely a flicker of presidential attention.

"Have you ever heard of a candidate? Ever heard of? That's a long way from the message, and that's the essential question before anyone is even in the ring and the message makes any difference," says Lugar, R-Ind.

On the other hand, long shots Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton did get their messages out effectively enough to win. In 2004, obscure Vermont ex-Gov. Howard Dean turned a powerful anti-war message into a campaign that raised more money than any other Democratic candidate.

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Watch the full interview

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Huckabee hopes, at the least, to gain attention with ideas not always in sync with the Republican base.

"Republicans ought to be leading the way to be better stewards on the environment, and we're not. Republicans ought to be leading the way and speaking out against the kind of corporate greed that has resulted in the loss of millions of jobs in this country," he says.

Huckabee's message and campaign face their first key hurdle at the Iowa Republican straw poll later this month. A "better than expected" showing — whatever that turns out to be — keeps him in the race. Without it, that hurdle likely becomes the end of the road.

[undergodusa]

I have only recently heard of Mr. Huckabee, and I am impressed and proud to say that I am in favor of his agenda. He is exactly what this country needs. He has made a huge difference in Arkensas, and I know he can make a huge difference in America. Why? Because he has God on his side. He believes and supports the principles and standards that this country was founded upon. He believes in lower taxes, stronger borders and getting us through this war. He also believes in home-schooling. I personally like this point because I myself was home-schooled for five years and believe that it is an excellent alternative for parents today. If Mr. Huckabee ever reads this site, I hope you know, sir, that I am praying for you and supporting you 100%. God bless you, and God bless America!

[kirstinharr]

I'm a Move On member and proud to be. I'm also only supporting one candidate for 2008 and it's Mike Huckabee. He has all the right issues on the front burner. He's a responsible Christian with regard to the environment--and every Christian should be responsible about the earth. He's on board with the reality that we need to bring manufacturing jobs back to America--which solves every issue from the environment to the healthcare crisis. Whether you appreciate his Pro Life stance or not, you have to give him credit. He isn't like most Republicans who are pro life right up until that child leaves the womb and then, don't give a ***. Governor Huckabee will embrace the child, educate the child, provide care for the child and provide medical coverage for the child. This guy is the best hope for our nation at this critical juncture. Before you judge, please read his record in Arkansas. He's awesome...

[randalds]

After praying for you, I am going to bed hoping that when I wake up you may have found something substantive to say about Mike Huckabee who can lead America to greatness again. Consistent with Huckabee's philosophy of inclusion and love for others, we will always try to find room at the table for judgemental whoopies like you. God Bless.

whitt
Posted by Jamye11 at 02:21 AM : Aug 02, 2007

Nope. I thought about it, but the only good that I can come up with to say about him is that it's good he doesn't stand a snowballs chance in Hell of winning the nomination, though I wish he would because taking him out in the general election would be like shooting fish in barrel.

[randalds]

Creationism can only be legitimately denied if one is an atheist, which in earnest is also a thoroughly dubious stance; virtually all contemporary philosophers of religion in major universities around the world eschew this position.

Anyway, case and point Huckabee is indeed a thinker... it is this last commenter who has showing himself to be a poseur. The man is a visionary with a candor that cannot be missed by those who've met him.
Posted by ryguy6972 at 08:07 AM : Aug 02, 2007

I am an atheist and of course contemporary philosophers of religion "eschew" atheism or they'd be just contemporary philosophers and not contemporary philosophers of religion. Your introduction of them is the same as saying most people who watch tele-evangelists "eschew" atheism. The point is that creationism does require a belief that a god created earth and that evolution did not happen. While it's possible for some who accepts evolution to see the hand of a god, I have yet to hear of a creationist, as in the world was created literally in 6 days about 6000 years ago as taught in the bible, who accepts evolution. No person who rejects evolution can be called a thinker by any stretch of the imagination. They believe in mythology, not logic and I don't want a mythical president running (and ruining) this country. We already have one of those and he's been a disaster.

[realpatriot1]

ryguy6972,

I'm a Christian who believes that God created the heaven and earth but that life evolves. I don't see a belief in creation and a belief in evolution as being inconsistent with one another.

I see evolution and creation as both being part of God's plan.

[forthepeopl1]

AMERICA ARE WE READY

FOR A

REVOLUTION YET,

OR YOU ALL GOING TO JUST SIT THEIR AND DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS PRESIDENT AND HIS CRIME FAMILY..

THE BIGEST TREAT TO AMERICA AND ALL AMERICANS IS THIS ADMINASTRATION.. CANT YOU ALL SEE THIS...

NOW THE PRESIDENT IS GOING TO VETO HEATH CARE FOR OUR CHILDREN....AND THATS OK TO, RIGHT AMERICA. GO AHEAD AND DO NOTHING.............

LIKE MOST AMERICA WITH THEIR HEAD BURIED IN THE SANDS.

[ryguy6972]

I think you are categorically confused, my friend. Creationism and darwinism are not antithetical to one another... unless you are taking them to be worldviews. Creationism is the idea that God created... be it via the big bang (which alone relies upon an uncaused cause and thus itself flies in the face of scientific scrutiny: "out of nothing, nothing comes") or by other means. This is in no way incompatible with darwinism as a theory of evolution.

Creationism can only be legitimately denied if one is an atheist, which in earnest is also a thoroughly dubious stance; virtually all contemporary philosophers of religion in major universities around the world eschew this position.

Anyway, case and point Huckabee is indeed a thinker... it is this last commenter who has showing himself to be a poseur. The man is a visionary with a candor that cannot be missed by those who've met him.

[randalds]

He's a creationist. To me that's enough reason not to vote for him because it shows that he rejects modern science and we already have had a president that way for the past 7 years and it's been a disaster.

And yes it does matter how he feels about evolution because it says much about him and what and how he thinks (or as for this question, doesn't think).

[cphine]

Mike Huckabee is a simply amazing candidate. I am a fiscal conservative with eyes that generally glaze over listening to social conservative rhetoric, but Huckabee even gives me pause to think on those issues.
I am a FairTax supporter, and Huckabee is the largest supporter of the FairTax running for office.
He is also the best spoken and most "believable" of all the candidates.
To those that still can't get over the evolution question, which isn't even relavent in a Presidential election, I think his answer in the debates finally put that question to rest. And besides, while he is a Christian, he isn't going to ram it down your throat or blow up his children over it.
I admire his convictions.
mikehuckabee.com
savetalkradio.com

[jamye11]

Hey Randal,jmurrieta,gkc99, and Arkansas whoopee,

For those of us who are serious about the upcoming election, it is comforting to know that ignorance still starts at home with folks like you. One reason Huckabee will do well in Iowa and the general election is your ilk do not have a clue about his record or stance on issues(or you do not care), and you seem to want to project your misconceptions(or stupidity) onto others who are people of intellect and faith and are supporting the Governor. After praying for you, I am going to bed hoping that when I wake up you may have found something substantive to say about Mike Huckabee who can lead America to greatness again. Consistent with Huckabee's philosophy of inclusion and love for others, we will always try to find room at the table for judgemental whoopies like you. God Bless.

whitt

[randalds]

Posted by jmurrieta1 at 01:06 AM : Aug 02, 2007

Your post would be hilarious, if it weren't so sadly true. Mike Huckabee is the hillbillies choice and takes away support from only Brownback when it comes to the "Who's the more backwards" and "religiously nuts" portions of the republican race. Fortunately for America (and thanks to George W. Bush) there's almost zero chance of ANY republican winning the White House for the next generation or two. Certainly not in 2008.

[randalds]

Has less chance of winning then Senator Joe Lieberman does of becoming Mr. America and starting a career as a pro-wrestler.

[jayphill17]

In the day and age we live in. We need a good strong leader who stands the the way of adversity. Mr. Huckabee is that leader. and has a clean track record. He holds the values that we all hold dear, he is Pro Life, is for Gun Rights, is against gay marrige, and supports the Fair Tax Plan. and he Believes in creation!! which is a + for me. and he is an ordained Baptist minister. I am trying to spread the word about him in West virginia. and i throw 100% of my support for mr. huckabee. I hope you all will see the heart of this man. he loves people, and comes from humble beginnings. please vote for mike huckabee.

God Bless you all
Jayphill

[tbweb]

Unfortunately, no one who's commenting ...

Posted by Whalenwatchi at 11:55 PM : Aug 01, 2007,,,

Maybe no one is commenting because no one knows who he is! Who is this guy? Never heard of him! Sad but true! I saw him on TV a few times but that's it!

[cthrasher1-2009]

Gov. Huckabee is a supporter of better education by listening to the educators on the front line on what steps to take that will improve the educational process of America's children. Gov. Huckabee is in favor of spending taxpayer money on projects that are necessary and beneficial to the American people and putting an end to wasteful spending. Gov. Huckabee understands the average American..he is one.. and we all should support him, because he is one of our own.

[cthrasher1-2009]

Gov. Huckabee is a supporter of better education by listening to the educators on the front line on what steps to take that will improve the educational process of America's children. Gov. Huckabee is in favor of spending taxpayer money on projects that are necessary and beneficial to the American people and putting an end to wasteful spending. Gov. Huckabee understands the average American..he is one.. and we all should support him, because he is one of our own.

[cthrasher1-2009]

Gov. Huckabee is a supporter of better education by listening to the educators on the front line on what steps to take that will improve the educational process of America's children. Gov. Huckabee is in favor of spending taxpayer money on projects that are necessary and beneficial to the American people and putting an end to wasteful spending. Gov. Huckabee understands the average American..he is one.. and we all should support him, because he is one of our own.

[whalenwatchi]

Unfortunately, no one who's commenting is actually talking about where Huckabee stands on the issues. They are only slamming him in an immature way. I think Mike Huckabee is strong for standing up for his beliefs. I support him because of his uncompromising pro-life stance. Anyone else who is pro-life should support him too.

[cthrasher1-2009]

Gov. Huckabee is a supporter of better education by listening to the educators on the front line on what steps to take will improve the educational process of America's children. Gov. Huckabee is in favor of spending taxpayer money on projects that are necessary and benefit the American people and putting a end to wasteful spending. Gov. Huckabee understands the average American..he is one.. and we all should support him, because he is one of our own.

[whalenwatchi]

Unfortunately, no one who's commenting is actually talking about where Huckabee stands on the issues. They are only slamming him in an immature way. I think Mike Huckabee is strong for standing up for his beliefs. I support him because of his uncompromising pro-life stance. Anyone else who is pro-life should support him too.