McCain, Huckabee And The Evangelicals

**Terri** · #1 05-12-2008, 08:19 AM

By Robert D. Novak
May 12, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- John McCain, who has spent the last two months trying to consolidate right-wing support as the Republican candidate for president, has a problem of disputed dimensions with a vital component of the conservative coalition: the evangelicals. The biggest question is whether Mike Huckabee is part of the problem or the solution for McCain.

An element of the Christian community is not reconciled to McCain's candidacy but instead regards the prospective presidency of Barack Obama in the nature of a Biblical plague visited upon a sinful people. These militants look at former Baptist preacher Huckabee as "God's candidate" running for president in 2012. Whether they can be written off as merely a troublesome fringe group depends on Huckabee's course.

More

welder4 · #2 05-12-2008, 10:21 AM

I can't imagine any one wishing Obama on their country they have to live in it also and they would suffer right along with the rest of us . but I have always felt that Huckabee is a plant for Hillary Clinton so I would be very careful on selecting him as anything in his campaign . It could be a disaster for the republican ticket. another thing I am hoping that the ones that voted the republicans out in 2006 will reinstall them in 08 and the ones who get back in must learn a lesson from being voted out, they can be voted out again and if they are given a second chance they had better get spending under control and right now . We need a responsible government not one who spends like there is no tomorrow .

crowell · #3 05-12-2008, 10:41 AM

I happen to be one of the "fringe" "militant" evangelicals, to use the inflametory vernacular of the author of this article. It is because of this kind of labeling that I, we, don't trust McCain or anyone of the liberal side of the Republican party.

McCain, by himself, will not gain more than a fraction of the evangelical vote. Most of use will stay home in order to "give the country over to Satan" FOR A SEASON.

Everything does hing upon whom McCain will select as VEEP. We won't trust Romney, he's not a Christian as Momonism is viewed by us as a Cult. Who else is there? McCain speaks about uniting the party, but is unwilling to do what is necessary to do so. His VEEP must be as conservative as Moses but have the cunning of a fox. That sounds like Huckabee to me. And to say that Huckabee is a plant from the other side is only sour grapes and is deplorable.

No, if McCain hopes to have even a fighting chance in November, he'd better select Huckabee or someone like him.

gafisher · #4 05-12-2008, 11:09 AM

More pointless Novak-ain from the "Prince of Darkness." "[A] problem of disputed dimensions" describes it well -- Novak is just dragging Huckabee's name back into the discussion to dull the pain of country-club Republicans already looking for a scapegoat in case their candidate can't beat even the poor choices the Dems have apparently left themselves.

_

stansd · #5 05-12-2008, 11:23 AM

Neither McCain nor Huckabee are acceptable candidates. Not in 2008, 2012 or ever. Both are big government, left wing neo-conservative "republicans". What is needed in American politics is not a viable 3rd party, but a viable 2nd party. Such a party will then provide a counter to the mainstream, socialist/Fascist (aka, democrat or republican) party, and finally offer Americans a real choice.

As for the next four years, Obama will be a disaster, but so will McCain since both represent a continuation of the same policies running America into the ground. A true "change" candidate will be known to all by his/her call for arrest and prosecution of all living former "leaders" that have brought our once-great country to ruin.

leslie85223 · #6 05-12-2008, 11:23 AM

Why am I not surprised at the "interest" in Huckabee as VP by the McCain supporters? Duh!! Did you notice any real difference in their plans for America? Their most disturbing common issue is their willingness to promote the American citizenship of millions of illegal immigrants.

As for "sitting this one out", it's the only option left to those Republicans, like myself, who feel McCain was jammed down our throats by the media and the Democrats.

Perhaps what this country needs in order to get a grasp of what's happening to this country is a taste of a hard, far left-wing Democrat President in office! Whereas I'd never vote for Obama, or anyone preaching his Communist ideas, I also have had more than my fill of being double-crossed and lied to by Bush during his years as president. Why in the world would I vote for more of the same with McCain and whoever he selects as VP?

Frankly, I'm mourning the loss of the Republican party. But in name only, the GOP no longer exists folks!!

Roberta Larimor · #7 05-12-2008, 11:36 AM

FORGET the GOP and McCain. This is about the Conservative movement to me. Has anyone noticed the Far Lefts rhetoric? The are going to "TAKE" the Hill. They are going to "TAKE" the country. Well, I've got a message for the far left; if you think for one minute MONEY will buy the Presidency you have obviously forgotten the past. I consider this election about the Far Left. Looking at Hezbollah in Lebannon & Hamas in Palestine it appears we SHOULD fight for Iraq. The left is selling Far Left Ideology has "pragmatic". Yeah, every leader who sat down with Hitler was pragmatic. Evangilists and Conservatives should look past McCain and turn the fight to the Far Left that is leading the DNC.

clovers · #8 05-12-2008, 12:12 PM

So - Romney is "unacceptable" to some people who consider Mormonism "a Cult". Oddly enough that is exactly how many average American voters regard the die-hard Evangelicals and Fundamentalists.

We are not preparing to elect a preacher or a cult leader but a President - a Commander in Chief who will represent the great majority of the voting public who hold diverse beliefs - not just a small excessively vocal faction.

Just how the stay-at homes , or the third party supporters expect that they can teach the rest of us a lesson by allowing Obama to gain the Presidency is simply beyond comprehension.

We would all suffer the disastrous consequences of higher taxes, a doomed economy and even increased acts of terrorism. If this is your idea of a "lesson" , it bears a strong resemblance to Armageddon.

Roberta Larimor · #9 05-12-2008, 12:18 PM

Dear GOP,
If you want my money PUT ROMNEY on the ticket.
Regards!

bcorp · #10 05-12-2008, 01:01 PM

Given the choice between Obama and his baggage and potential doom he and his Rev. could inflict, a McCain/Romney ticket would be a blessing.

Romney has the experience that our country needs. His church aside, think what you may, but the Mormon people are resourceful and hard working. They are not leaches or looking for a free ride, many of the Obama followers are looking for that free ride. Who will pay for them, how will it be paid for? The tax payers of course.

Spiritual beliefs surround the controversy of McCain and Obama, Hillery has not had this focus. Is this really a valid issue. For me, the basic belief of God and his love for mankind is sufficient. Having a man of God in the White house is important to maintain basic moral values that have been undermined dramatically in our country by liberal thinking. A vote for McCain is far, far better than the other options.