Arkansas State Rep. David Sanders, a former Huckabee political adviser, tells NRO that “in and around Little Rock, the sense is that Governor Huckabee will not run for president.”
“He knows that he is popular but that he would not be the favorite to win,” Sanders observes. Huckabee, he notes, not only enjoys working for Fox News, but also relishes being a commentator for ABC Radio Networks, in the slot once held by the late Paul Harvey.
“If Huckabee got into the race, he would be treated like the frontrunner,” Sanders says. “Yet he was never the frontrunner in 2008; he never got the hard media scrutiny that often comes with running for president. He was more of a media darling, in many circumstances, since he engaged a policy matrix that was unusual for a conservative Republican, from his cap-and-trade position to his big fights with the Wall Street Journal editorial page and, from time to time, with National Review.”
“People forget about his nontraditional path last time,” Sanders says. “The expectations now would be somewhat higher. Now that he has moved his residency to Florida, and does the weekend television show and the radio work, it makes things different. Plus, he is building a three-story house on the beach, escaping the Arkansas tax code.”
Would Huck consider being veep? “I don’t know if Sarah Palin was interested last time, but she was asked and accepted,” Sanders guesses. “I don’t think he is looking for that, but like most people, if you get that call, it would be hard to turn down.”
Maybe he will annouce a run for the DEMOCRATIC nomination? Seems like a better fit.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGood news, if true.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"Plus, he is building a three-story house on the beach, escaping the Arkansas tax code.”
If only there was a Ark governor that could do something about this...
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseFTA: "...since he engaged a policy matrix that was unusual for a conservative Republican..."
In other words, Huckabee is .... Oh forget it, just cut straight to the laugh track. Bwahaha!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAnother nail in the coffin of Big Government Conservatism. Stay on Fox, the pay is better.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIt is OBVIOUS he won't run. Here's how we know: He's said that "even my executive producer" doesn't know what he's going to "announce" on his show tomorrow (Saturday) but...but....hey, folks: If you believe that Roger Ailes and Rupert Murdoch and everyone with the responsibility of hiring and firing and producing a weekly series that involves crew scheduling, producers lining up guests, and all the other trappings of a TV show can actually function not knowing until THIS week's show if there will BE one next week, then you basically believe that Huck is the political-commentary-program equivalent of Charlie Sheen.
You can say a lot for and against this guy, but the idea that he's that irresponsible (and that his bosses who PAY the alleged great income he's sticking around for would LET him be that irresponsible) is just plain impossible.
He's out. AND clearly Daniels is waiting to be sure before announcing whether or not he's IN. And, of course, that will leave only ONE "undecided" candidate in the parade.....
Sarah Palin. Will she or won't she? Time will tell.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGosh let's hope he doesn't run. He owns the ultimate conservative wedge issue, pardoning future WA state cop-killers.
Plz Huck, just stick to your banjo&huckster routine on Sarurday night TV. While not nearly as funny or entertaining as Hee Haw, him staying put there would be better for the country.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGosh. Let's hope he doesn't run. He owns the ultimate conservative wedge issue. Pardoning future WA state mass cop killers, while AR gov.
He should stick to his banjo & huckster bit on FOX news on Saturday nights. While not as funny or musically entertaining as Hee Haw, it would be safer for the country for him to stay put there.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAside from being a religious nut, Huckabee is moderately pragmatic. He is not up to running for pres. after regaining a ton of weight and at least three jacket sizes. He'd be sweating worse than Nixon.
This is going to be a serious race. It already is. Isn't that why there have been no doubtless commitments? Huntsman included, although I predict he's the only one left standing (IF he's running.)
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThis is the best news I have heard today. I am an Arkansan, and while Huck is personable enough, as governor he was thin-skinned and often abdicated on critical conservative issues, leaving his struggling party in the lurch.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI like his little radio spots in the morning. They're usually harmless. But President Huckster? No thanks.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSo, all the gold-star brown-nosers on NRO think the Huck is going to bow out, and couldn't be more giddy. I cannot say what he is going to announce so I will wait to hear for myself, but there is no way in h-e-double-hockey-sticks that I will support a establishment RINO like Romney or Daniels. A Wall Street/Beltway nominee will ensure a second Obama term; we need a Populist in 2012. Run, Huck, run!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHuckabee. No.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHuckabee (love him, but cannot win)is a good man. He should have been nominated on the McCain/Palin ticket. Get Herman Cain in vetting. love, mb.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHuckabee is, as Fred Thompson once said, nothing more than a Christian Socialist.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHuckster had his moment in '08, but it's time to let go. He's better off in a long run to stay out of public office.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHe's not a conservative. He's a populist, like O'Reilly. Let's hope he doesn't muddy up the waters by running.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThanks Mr. Costa.
HUCK NO!!!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHuckabee claims he had not come to his own conclusion until yesterday. I'm changing my opinion and concluding he is going to go for it. He will present the case that things are so bad right now, it would be irresponsible for him not to. That my opinion, but makes sense to me.
Huckabee over Romney due to Romneycare. However, I am hopeful a more conservative candidate rises to the top.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI think he has decided to run, seeing that Romney is DOA
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