Crossposted with permission of author, from a forum comment at hucksarmy.com. ‘Justgrace’ speaks for us all. It’s about more than a man, it’s about our concerns for our country and its future.
We are not ’self righteous,’ fanatics, or bigoted. We have just learned the lessons of history. When America moves away from the moral boundary stones set by our spiritual heritage, we get deeply and tragically lost. Mike Huckabee has awoken in us a desire to be the somebody, who does the something to make a difference in getting our county back on track. I hope John McCain will give him the chance to influence that many more lives.
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I know we Huckabee supporters can get a little upset over the mistreatment of our candidate, and it is important to ask “why?”
Is it because he is such a nice guy, and we do not want him to be mistreated?
Is it because we have spent many of our hours and dollars trying to boost him in the polls, trying to get the word out about why Gov. Huckabee would be a great leader for our country, and so we are upset that our time might have been wasted and our sacrifices have been in vain?
Is it because we see the unfairness of how Mike Huckabee was overlooked by the Christian Right, and scoffed by the left, ignored by the media, and forsaken by the talk-show hosts?
I think the reason needs to be deeper for our support, and I believe in most cases it is. I also think that our disquiet is not motivated so much by anger at mistreatment as it is by anxiety for the future of our country. We are concerned about our children and grandchilden’s future.
Huckabee supporters are deeply concerned with the changes in the United States of America we see, statistics that reveal a decline in almost every area: our schools, our children’s moral training, (rises in) juvenile delinquency, our social problems among the black population where the father is largely absent and the little boys with no father presence in their lives eventually end up in prison. We see the decline, where little girls grow up to be abused and not honored as ladies, where husbands forsake marriage vows, and where now wives are doing the same. Most of the time, it seems no one is home, keeping the “home fires” burning, since we have to (or choose to be) absent as parents. The family is in shambles, the schools often are also, the burden of taxation is almost unbearable, and atop that we wonder just how secure we are from terrorists threats. We see too-little and too-slow a turn-around in abortions and practices where human life is allowed to be cheapened.
Along came a remarkable candidate, a governor from Arkansas, who we saw had been successful in addressing and changing many social and economic issues in his own state. He brought hope to the people of his state through honest, responsible government and an “I care” and “We can do” attitude. He was able to procure our faith in his words, and reawaken our dreams for the America we used to be so proud of. While we still love our country, there is also a regret and deep sense of loss that conservatives see in looking at how our country is declining in many areas.
I think one of the most basic reasons we “Huckabeans” have been captured by the message and the man called Mike Huckabee is because we have been so frustrated and deeply concerned with the direction politics in this country has gone. Now that we have gotten acquainted with this unusually fresh, honest, self-sacrificial, caring candidate, we are not ready to let go of the idea that “he is the man our country needs. He is the man for the season!”
If you will, we see in him the “real change” in politics everyone is talking about; he is the one who understands the wrong direction in which our nation is headed, left vs. right, downhill verses up, and he wants to head it in a new direction: “vertically.”
So when people say, “You Huckabee fans are just disgruntled fanatics,” we know better. Yes, we are frustrated. The path that Gov. Huckabee has taken has not been the easiest, not paved with streets of gold or the accolades of the GOP or much of the press, but it is still a positive, hopeful race. We just don’t know how God in His sovereignty will allow turns of events, but we pray that the time will come soon for Gov. Mike Huckabee to lead this nation forward. We want to give him the chance to lead and put his ideals in place. We want him to follow his dream, and we want to be right there, cheering him on and helping make a change for the good of America and the world.
We conservatives are often people of faith, who are quite distressed to see a nation built on Judeo-Christian principles turning its back on the very things that made this nation great — “faith, family, and freedom.”
These are the standard American principles for which we were historically known, the things for which the Pilgrims, the Puritans, the original thirteen colonies stood and died. These were the principles our country grappled with and rediscovered, even through the dark blotches on our character, for which we have had to make amends — such things as the Salem witch trials, the mistreatment of the Native Americans, and the toleration of slavery in certain states of our country. Even during these dark times of our history, there were good people who did not lose sight of the vision of America as the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Deeper than momentary disappointments of “party” or efforts lost, we have a greater reason for our urgency in praying that our man wins. For the “sake of our country,” we want Mike Huckabee to win the nomination for Vice President and later for President.
To this end we pray often. For the country we love. For our families whom we cherish. For true freedom with responsibility. For the beacon of light America can be to the world.






Seriously, this is way too much. You guys are beginning to scare me.
By: Paul Zannucci on August 25, 2008
at 2:59 am
Paul, I’m not sure why you would be scared.. If admiration for Huck led to us or Mike doing something to hurt others your concern would be understandable.
This is very similar the the respect and appreciation you have for that schoolteacher who encouraged you to be the best that you could be.
We’re not blind to his faults.. he can hold a grudge, put his foot in his mouth, overreach sometimes. but anyone who has worked with him or for him, knows that love for this country and its people motivates his every political move.
Would you rather we continue operating in gridlocked political gamesmanship, or have leaders who are straight shooters capable of cross party co-operation?
I’m rambling… but the point is.. there are millions of people all over this country that Mike has inspired to get involved and make a difference a positive difference.
If you wanna be scared go check out whats happening over in the Obama Nation!
By: maidensong on August 25, 2008
at 3:38 am
I am neither a Christian nor a Jew, and a “brand new” Republican. McCain will be my first Republican vote in my fairly long lifetime. For what it’s worth, I admire Huckabee and agree that he would make a fine vice-president. However, if McCain does not choose him, I will still cast my vote for McCain – because the alternative is unthinkable.
By: Denise-Mary on August 25, 2008
at 3:58 am
I’m with you on that Denise. Obama is a non starter. When I look at the two heads of the ticket, McCain gets my vote. This is Mike’s position as well, unconditional support.
Many of his supporters however, would not in good conscience be able to vote if he has a pro-choicer on his ticket. Hopefully John won’t put us between a rock and a hard place with his eventual pick.
By: maidensong on August 25, 2008
at 4:08 am
I really wish Conservatives would get off the huckabee stick. He is one for the few people who would make me think about switching back to the DEMS. and I loath Obama. McCain has a great chance to pick someone like Palin that would electrify the nation. CNN now notes McCain ENTIRE bump is from us Clinton ex -Dems. McCain needs us more than he needs hard right wingers. The right is going nowhere this time.
Stop injecting your religion. you have no idea who much it turns off moderates. Conservatives will come out in force for McCain if he picks Don Knotts. One word: infanticide.
By: johnsmart on August 25, 2008
at 7:02 am
I look at a public servant’s record to see if their verbage reflects how they vote. Gov. Huckabee has a prpven leadership record, a record of working across the aisle (vertical politics), and values every human life. Barack Obama (whom we still don’t know) missed an opportunity to protect babies born after botched abortions. Sorry, I don’t want a president who cannot vote to protect “the least of these.” (His words, by the way, at the Saddleback Forum. I continue to find point after point where Obama is telling people what they want to hear, but if his record is examined carefully, he goes extreme left. Americans need to do their own research, b/c MSM has fallen in love with him—he has virtually gotten a free pass of having his past delved into. All other Dems/Rebubs have gone under the microscope. We need to have eyes that really see.
By: CCb on August 25, 2008
at 1:14 pm
I too, am a newly registered, ex life long Democrat and found, through hours of watching the candidates that Mike Huckabee is viable as a VP pick. I think the Republican party now more espouses the values of the Democrat Party that I grew up…I don’t even recognize the present party. Even if McCain does not pick Huckabee as a running mate, I will still vote McCain. Good luck to the campaign. I know many fellow Democrats, now newly Independent or Republican feel the same way.
By: sparks on August 25, 2008
at 1:20 pm
John,
I agree that there is very little that McCain could do that would throw the election Obama’s way re vp pick.
For social/moral conservatives this is not a Huckabee shtick…its a pricipals schtick. NEVER have we had a candidate who so directly reflected our world view. GWB set the base on fire by saying Jesus was his favorite philosopher. Can you imagine what Huck would do?
He is our champion because he reflects OUR views. His success is our success, not the other way around.
I see no reason for moderates to be afraid of a Huckabee influence. AR didn’t become a thocracy during his tenure. It was well governed and made significant progress on all fronts.
It is only on the issues of life and marriage that a moderate may have pause on Huck, and the same should be true for any conservative candidate who held those positions.
BTW.. I love Sarah Palin too *wink*
She will definately have her day, and I can’t wait!!
By: maidensong on August 25, 2008
at 2:13 pm
Positive??
Huckabee’s continued attack on his fellow republicans shows his true character. Many who knew him in Arkansas found him to be petty and vindictive. His continued attacks against Romney and other republicans has demonstated his true character. Huckabee would rather the GOP lose the election so he can run again in 4 years. He, and his supporters, are mean spirited and, in fact, have indeed shown themselves to be “agents of intolerance.” The GOP needs to stand up and tell Huckabee and his supporters that they are welcome in the GOP as we share many of the same values — but so are people of other faiths and opinions.
By: Brian on August 25, 2008
at 3:01 pm
Huckabee has not *attacked* other republicans. In fact he has supported some who the fiscal wing of our party have declared should be thrown under the bus.
Huckabee’s PAC and website have been deluged by folks expressing their concern about Romney’s history of inconsistency on the issues that matter most to us. What is he supposed to say if asked an opinion on Romney.. “Oh yes, the base loves him, he’s a sure thing?” He’s not!!
He has answered questions about Mitt’s prospects objectively, directly and without going into too much detail. And he has answered truthfully that there is deep skeptisim about Mitt in a significant part of the GOP base.
It’s talk radio that gets on the airwaves with comments like ” Huckabe’s out there trashing Romney with the evangelicals” that is spinning this into an attack story. Mike is on the record that he will support even a Romney ticket.. much to the chagrin of some in his base.
When objections based on the issues become unacceptable in political discourse, then what’s the point of discourse? Romney is not the running mate yet, so now is the time for dissent if any. If there are efforts made to undermine the ticket once its established, then I think you’d have a leg to stand on.
Huck has been nothing but supportive of McCain and the overall GOP efforts this election, efforts to paint him as otherwise are just clear examples of bias for one, against another.
By: maidensong on August 25, 2008
at 3:20 pm
Can someone please explain to me why– if McCain should choose a VP that you don’t like– why it would be better to not vote or to stay at home??? Not exercising your right to vote is essentially giving a vote to Obama, Biden, Pelosi and the rest of the left wingnuts who are in favor of abortion, higher taxes, big government, dependence on foreign oil and minimal military.
As a conservative Texan, I can fully appreciate the desire to want Huckabee or a true conservative on the ticket. But which is worse? Voting for McCain and a less than ideal VP, or sitting at home and giving the Democrats control of the White House, the Congress and the Supreme Court?
I truly hope that all Republicans– regardless of their values and personal beliefs and religions– rally together this fall. The rally may not be to fight for McCain & Co as much as it is to ensure that Obama and his talking heads don’t take over our incredible country.
The question should be, What would Jesus do??? Sometimes, as He has shown us, we have to do what’s in the best interest of the whole rather than what we selfishly want.
Vote. Vote. Vote.
And vote AGAINST Obama.
By: Jane Doe in Texas on August 25, 2008
at 3:20 pm
Jane,
This is Mike’s position and that of many in his base, perhaps most. To answer your question why some would choose not to vote, For some their allegence to their God is more important than temporal politics. Many have taken covenant oaths NEVER to vote against Life. It is hard to understand, as you say, because an Obama WH would probably be the most anti-life government we have ever had.
Nevertheless, a vote FOR McCain/pro-choice would still be in their minds a violation of a sacred promise. This is the challenge of dealing with reasoning based on a spiritual rather than temporal model. It is what it is, and if McCain wants to energize and recieve those votes, he will probably have to bear their concerns in mind. He’s in a tough spot trying to find someone who can be all things to all people.
By: maidensong on August 25, 2008
at 3:44 pm
Your blog has a lovely layout and more importantly – I too am locked in that Mike Huckabee needs to be McCain’s runnin’ mate.
I hope everyone who feels that way will not throw in the towel until they have prayed that John will choose him, then called McCain and RNC HQ along with every person they now who will do likewise.
I’m not entertaining alternatives unless it becomes required.
WE – not the media, still have a say.
http://prayinghyde.blogspot.com
By: Anita on August 25, 2008
at 4:52 pm
Mike Huckabee was Governor of Arkansas for over 10 years. He is undoubtedly John McCain’s best VP pick!
Survey USA took a series of polls to determine the VP candidate (out of Huckabee, Lieberman, Pawlenty, and Romney) who would help John McCain the most.
They took polls in PA, NM, VA, CA, OH, IA, KS, WI, NE, OR, NY, MA, MN, AL, KY, and MO. Of these, PA, NM, VA, OH, IA, OR, MN, and MO are generally considered to be possible battleground states in November.
In almost every case, Governor Mike Huckabee did best. He even had a slight lead in Massachusetts where Romney was once Governor!
Rasmussen recently took a similar poll. They asked those polled whether they had, in general, a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the following VP candidates: Crist, Huckabee, Jindal, Lieberman, Palin, and Romney.
Huckabee had the highest favorability and net favorability rating. The net was +8% compared to -6% for Romney.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/huckabee_lieberman_have_highest_favorables_among_possible_mccain_veep_choices
Governor Huckabee would be a great Vice President. Even Mitt Romney thinks so! At a town hall meeting back in December (before Iowa) he was asked what he thought of Huckabee as VP. Romney replied: “Sure, he’s a wonderful person… He’d make a great vice president.”
By: Marty Pena on August 27, 2008
at 12:53 am