Paul and Huckabee
Justin Gardner published an interesting post yesterday about Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Justin’s conclusion:
This is going to be one interesting race. I still think Huckabee is a second tier candidate, but he’s definitely the front runner for a VP nod.
One last thought about Ron Paul…it would do him well to leave the GOP race immediately and start a 3rd party campaign. He doesn’t have much time, and if he wants to have an effect on the debate, he’ll jump ship soon. He could be a Perot type figure, who focuses the debate back of fiscal discipline and limited government.
The problem is that Paul will not be able to get on many tickets if he leaves the GOP now. The only possible solution would be to join forces with Unity08. However, it seems to me that Paul and Unity08 will not exactly be a perfect fit. The reason: Paul is too libertarian for U8. If he would join a party, he would be best at home in the Libertarian Party (which is actually quite a good party).
As for Huckabee, I agree with Justin: for now he is a second tier candidate and a good candidate for the VP slot. I would not, however, rule out that he might become a real competitor for the Republican nomination (for president). He may appeal to the social conservative base which might, indeed, unite once again – perhaps for the last time – to give the White House to the Republicans.
8 Responses to “Paul and Huckabee”
Sure, Huckabee could be a logical balancing choice for Giuliani, much less so for Romney (too much religious emphasis in that ticket).
You know, you read blogs and you come away thinking Ron Paul is taking over the world. Then you go out to the grocery store or golf course and mention Ron Paul and everyone says “Who?” Until that guy breaks 5% in some national poll, I will continue to believe he breathes only the air of cyberspace.
It certainly seems invogue to write off F. Thompson and make fun of his raising only 3.5 million in a month. How many more months does Huckabee and Paul need to get to that figure?
CA – Huckabee is just as “religious” as Romney, maybe even more. He isn’t in a category of a Brownback. I believe that Paul is raising the money he needs to run his Libertarian bring back the gold standard campaign. Paul niche campaign shows a fiscal responsibility and competence that McClown doesn’t, something a fiscal conservative Republican should be doing. Paul is this times 2000 maverick, and he’s consistent in his beliefs with some growth. Paul also shows an emotional conservatism that Walter “Freedom Fries” Jones threw under the bus.
He’s having an effect on the debate right now, which is why he’s the most blogged about politician in the race.
Standing on the platform in debates with the rest of the field gives him access to millions of people who would otherwise never see him.
If he leaves the GOP he’d just become the fringe candidate from one of the 100 other parties you’ve never heard of.
Absolutely. With RuPaul as running mate. Paul and Paul 2008!
DS – Maybe Rudy in drag could be their Sec on Interior design!!
Actually, Ron Paul already is a life member of the LP. Been that way for years. He’s just in the GOP for ballot ease. But that’s not eaxctly news, either.
I have said this over at RedState for about 6 months.
Mike Huckabee will be the Republican candidate for President in 2008l.
When I first said it the Righties laughed at me.
Now they are nervously giggling.
He is the most prototypical “Reagan” candidate out there. He is personable. He has a good story. And he doesn’t have any real demons to defend.
Sure the Club for Growth may get upset with him but they hate just about everyone other than corporate executives.
Very impressive results for Ron Paul in the ILLINOIS Straw Poll. Huckabee dropped down to 3% after doing well in Iowa.
Final results of Thursday’s ILLINOIS straw poll:
1. Mitt Romney – 40.35%
2. Fred Thompson – 19.96%
3. Ron Paul – 18.87%
4. Rudy Giuliani – 11.61%
5. John McCain – 4.12%
6. Mike Huckabee – 3.04%
7. Sam Brownback – 1.08%
8. Duncan Hunter – .65%
9. Tom Tancrado – .33%