Huckinator versus the Rombot

A bunch of the commentary following last night's GOP debate focused on the fact that Mike Huckabee has been focused on Romney, avoiding newly-annointed front-runner John McCain. Some have suggested that he's trying to stay in McCain's good graces with an eye on the number two slot. ("I'm running for president, Huckabee told MS-NBC a little while ago. "The last time I looked at all my posters, they said ... for president. I don't remember anything about vice president.")

But there's more immediate logic going after Romney. With McCain's Florida win, the big chunk of votes in play Tuesday can be termed the anti-McCainiacs. In order to survive, Huckabee needs to convince these voters that he's the best alternative to the distasteful McCain. Before he can turn on McCain, he needs to get a clear shot. Romney likewise needs Huckabee gone in order to get a clear shot at Big McC, but because he's viewed as the second man in a two-man race, he had to focus on the Arizonan.

All of this plays to McCain's benefit -- as long as the anti-McCainiacs are split, his path the nomination is clear. So it is possible that the Huck strategy will make him a VP possibility. But I think McCain would go with ... Joe Lieberman.

Comments

[jfor]

The last time I heard from the huckinator he basically promised not to live up to the oath he would have to swear to the CONSTITUTION but hey I guess that doesnt matter since JESUS wants him to be president.

Is anyone paying attention to what the huckadouche says?

[HollywoodBill]

While McCain has to be nice to the snake handlers, there are limits. There will be no ordained Southern Baptist ministers on the Republican ticket. Romney is the only candidate who needs the Revival Tent Republicans to back him--which they are not doing. Romney might Reverend Huck on the ticket. McCain won't.

Reverend Huckabee's lack of support except for a few Southern states and the Bible belt shows these big mouthed charlatans for what they are. Their agenda is over. The power of Dobson and Company and their reign of terror over the GOP is coming to an end.

[starboymikey]

I've been saying it will be McCain/Huckabee for weeks, and I am never wrong. Except when I am, at which point I say that I never said what I said. It's the same "truthiness" system most presidential candidates use, and it's always worked well for me.

[Mormondude]

Huckabee should grow up and accept the will of the voters.

He has no money. He has no strategy that could possibly lead to a win. He can't wage an effective campaign in any way, shape, or form.

The ONLY thing he can do now is throw a tantrum and try to spoil Romney's chances.

When the press asked Giuliani what he would do if he lost Florida his response was something to the effect of "We're all adults here". Apparently he was wrong. Huckabee refuses to be a man about it and step aside as Giuliani did.

[Dave24]

Huckabee is evolving before our eyes. Yet he doesn't see the irony when he denounces evidence-based biological evolution. And for a man who bases his life on metaphor (scripture), it's puzzling that he doesn't understand irony, let along scientific truth.

[blooddoc]

If McCain is the nominee, and picks The Huckster as a running mate, the Dems should have a field day with it. Just drag out the "heartbeat away" theme, as it relates to Huck's position on bringing the Constitution into line with the bible, his literal interpretation of the bible, his stand on evolution, abortion, stem-cell research, etc., etc., etc. As the saying goes, when fascism comes to American it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross.

[cktirumalai]

Joe Lieberman did endorse John McCain but I think their views are rather too close to provide the balance that Presidential candidates frequently look for in a running-mate. Mike Huckabee received only half as many conservative votes in Florida as Mitt Romney but his appeal to social conservatives is strong. Given that the Republican base tends to regard him as too liberal for its liking, McCain may choose Huckabee.

[Pdubya]

this will be a brokered convention:

romney, mccain, paul.

no? look to the caucus states and who is winning those delegates: paul