Huckabee’s Hot Streak
Who would have guessed that the governor’s mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas would become a proving ground for presidential candidates? Recently Governor Mike Huckabee became the front runner among the Republican presidential candidates in Iowa. A victory in the Iowa caucuses is a long ways from winning the Republican nomination, but at least now it seems within the realm of possibilities for Huckabee.
Although Huckabee may not appreciate the comparison, he’s not unlike his predecessor from Arkansas, Bill Clinton. Like Clinton, Huckabee comes across as a guy who is comfortable in his own skin. Huckabee’s personality really shines in comparison to the abrasive Rudy Giuliani and the prickly Mitt Romney.
Some voters put a lot of stock in personality. Every president since Nixon has been aided to some extent by a jovial public image. Voters want to have a personal fondness for the candidate they choose. You could picture yourself inviting Huckabee over for a barbecue.
It’s no coincidence that both Clinton and Huckabee like to show off their musical talents. People see Clinton playing the saxophone or Huckabee strumming the guitar and think; Hey, that guy’s having a good time. He’s seems like the sort of fellow I could hang out with.
Huckabee’s affable style is also in contrast with George Bush. Over the past seven years, Bush has gotten a reputation for extreme partisanship. While Huckabee has a sunnier disposition, it’s not clear that he would pursue a less partisan agenda than the current oval office occupant. Huckabee needs to make clear that he intends to chart a new course for America. Personality only goes so far. Most voters care about issues too.
Need a break from politics? Check out these celebrities fashions or go here to read about your horoscope.
Huckabee, Mike Huckabee, Bill Clinton, Arkansas, Iowa, Republicans, Republican presidential candidates, George Bush
December 5th, 2007 at 5:04 am
thanks for the link Bob! always a pleasure reading your blog, too…:)
December 8th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
[...] boost of confidence in large part courtesy of Rudy and Mitt, in my opinion), there’s still a lot of rail left to ride. I really don’t care which of the red little engines peaks first. It’s not all downhill [...]