Even After Super Tuesday’s Results I’m Still Smiling
By Jim Willis on Feb 6, 2008 in Elections, Government & Politics | Printable Version
A big night last night for John McCain and Mike Huckabee. Mitt Romney did well, but not well enough. It’s hard to see how Romney (the only conservative left in the race) can now score enough delegates to win. As of early this morning, the delegate counts stand as follows:
Republican Delegates (1,191 needed to win nomination)
Mike Huckabee - 190
John McCain - 613
Ron Paul - 14
Mitt Romney - 269
Democratic Delegates (2,026 needed to win nomination)
Hillary Clinton - 845
John Edwards - 26
Barack Obama - 765
As you can see, on the Republican side Huckabee (or Huckaphony as Mark Levin calls him) is staying in the race to draw away votes from Mitt Romney–although it’s not entirely clear to me that if Huckabee dropped out that all or even most of his votes would necessarily go to Romney. Likely they would divide and go about half and half to Romney and McCain.
I saw a very telling interview last night between Chris Wallace of Fox News and Mike Huckabee after Huckabee gave a speech to his supporters saying, “This is now a two-man race.” Wallace asked Huckabee, “So if you’re saying this is now between you and Senator McCain, why should people vote for you over McCain?” Great question Chris! Huckabee avoided a straight answer, so Wallace asked it a second time. The Huck then ticked off a few (minor) differences and quickly hastened to add that even on items they disagree about, both of them are very cordial to each other and don’t “stick each other in the eye” with their differences.
It’s obvious to me that Huckabee wants the VP spot on McCain’s ticket. I say fine! They’re great for each other. McCain cannot win in November, so what does it matter? I’m saddened and surprised at just how ignorant evangelicals are when it comes to classical conservatism/Republicanism (as WHB commented on a post on this blog). WHB also said, “Evangelicals fail to realize that the center has moved to the left and they slid with it. Right into socialism.” I could not have said it better myself. Thanks for the comment WHB!
While I’m airing my grievances, let me tell you who I’m surprised and disappointed in. Fred Barnes, first and foremost. He’s the executive editor of The Weekly Standard magazine and a Fox News commentator. He’s been pushing hard for McCain for a while now and telling “talk radio” to shut up. Same for Mort Kondrake. And Bill Kristol, who is also an editor at The Weekly Standard and now a contributor to the New York Times (and a Fox News commentator). I’ve never really liked Kristol. I now actively dislike him. He’s been Romney-bashing for a while and last night I thought he actually might start giggling on camera over the results. I predict Fox News is headed into a period where they will lose viewers as conservatives decide they’ve been betrayed. If I ran Fox News, I’d fire Kristol forthwith and put Fred on an extended vacation to clear his head.
Finally, I would be less than honest if I did not say I believe the Republican Party is heading down the road to a divorce. The classical conservatives–those who believe in smaller government, lower taxes, a strong national defense and traditional family values–will not continue to support a party that behaves like the Democrat Party. James Dobson signaled the first cracks in the dam by saying he could not in good conscience throw the lever for McCain. Here is what he said in a statement released yesterday:
I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative, and in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are … I cannot, and will not, vote for Sen. John McCain, as a matter of conscience.
I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for president in my lifetime. I certainly can’t vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama based on their virulently anti-family policy positions. If these are the nominees in November, I simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life.
A Reuters story adds this:
Dobson said he was just expressing his views as a private citizen–but many of his millions of followers in the evangelical community, who listen to his radio show and read his books, will take it as a signal to do the same.
I think Reuters is overstating the case, but the general sentiment is there. After a resounding defeat for Republicans in November, or perhaps even before, look for a movement to a new, third party by a large block of current Republicans. It will spell the end of the Republican Party as we know it today, and likely the dominance of the Democrat Party for a generation. I’m not advocating this…I’m simply telling you how I see it.
The Republican Party establishment has never been comfortable with the Reagan conservatives in the party–in particular the social conservatives. I believe conservatives have now had enough–have tried to “get along” for far too long and have accepted too many center/left-of-center candidates like McCain (and Bob Dole and frankly, even George Bush) and this will be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back. Politics is the art of compromise–I’m not saying every candidate has to be 100% in agreement with “our side.” I am saying these candidates, including McCain and Huckabee, are nowhere near conservative on important issues, and for that reason there are many who will flirt with leaving the party.
I’m not optimistic about the immediate future of our country. But there’s always a new day. The sun is setting on a truly great leader’s legacy–Ronald Reagan. Because of our own massive ignorance of history, including recent history, we as a country will need to travel in the valley for a while, losing more of our freedoms and wallowing in socialism, before our citizens will, hopefully, rise up again and recover what we have lost. We need to be busy with educating our children about the evils of socialism and the history of our great country so hopefully they can redeem the mess we’re leaving them.
Like I said before…I’m on a slow 9-month trainwreck and there’s nothing I can do about it. However, I have my faith, my family and my friends. That’s good enough for me, which is why I can still smile today. 
Technorati Tags: Super Tuesday, presidential election, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Mark Levin, Fox News, Republican Party, conservatism, James Dobson, Ronald Reagan, socialism
WHB | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
Jim, I have to agree with your assessment of Fox News. They have taken a turn left of center over last 6 months. I have come to the conclusion that people like Barnes and Kristol have been swimming in the neo-conservative gene pool for too long and have caught the disease. My guess is they believe their best hope is Mccain in November. And being as I hate losing my suggestion to Mccain is that he begin courting conservative talk-radio and eat some serious crow. Make some major concessions and try to unify the party. Perhaps pick Fred Thompson as a running mate. No matter what November may be a bridge too far. WHB
Brent Beckley | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
Jim:
Question for you. Why do you think Huckabee has been able to get so many conservative votes despite his lack of money? I am fascinated to see how someone the media has tried very hard to condemn is still not that far away from Romney in delegates. What’s the comparison in dollars spent? I for one don’t accept the evangelical vote thing the media keeps using as an explanation… Anyway, it’s still a train wreck, I agree with that assessment. We may disagree on what the actual wreck is, but a wreck it is all the same.
don | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
Wake up guys. The world is changing. Didn’t you learn anything last time you evangelicals supported Bush. What did George Bush do. He sold you all out didn’t he. And Bush is no more a fiscal conservative than Hillary.
People get the government they deserve. And the evangelicals put Bush in the white house and that’s what they got. Are you happy yet?
History lesson for you all. God is not in government. Render unto Caesar. But only a fool would put his trust in our corrupt government by the corporations and for the corporations. As for me, I will serve the Lord and I could care less who wins for President because the game has been fixed for a long time.
Jim Willis | Feb 7, 2008 | Reply
Hey Brent,
Nice to hear from you! Hope things are going well. And a great question you’ve asked. Frankly, it’s caught me off guard. I did not expect such a showing of support.
A few observations: Huckabee’s wins, except for Iowa, have all been in the south. His message is one of populism–for “the little guy.” As in the little guy is getting shafted. Huckabee is a talented speaker and gives good speeches. And he was once (years ago) a Southern Baptist pastor.
Then you have Romney, who is Mormon, from the northeast, and someone who changed positions on a number of key social positions (from more liberal to more conservative). I’m guessing all of these things kind of go into the mix when the southern Christian voters consider whom they will support.
I’m guessing they support Huckabee for the same reason a number of “conservatives” support McCain–they are making a decision based on the person rather than that person’s policies and actions. I’ve pointed it out before–they’re all deeply flawed (from a conservative’s perspective) and all have baggage.
For instance, Huckabee talks about the Fair Tax and closing the IRS. Most Republicans like that idea! And most would support it (I sure do). But then you look at his record…he raised taxes and fees repeatedly in Arkansas during his 10 1/2 years as governor. So what does a supporter do with the disconnect between words and actions? He or she must think something like, “Well, Huckabee is down-the-line solid on the issues MOST important to me (social issues), and he’s talking the right talk on these other issues, I’m going to take a leap of faith and support him.” That’s the only thing I can figure.
We’ve heard people like McCain and Huckabee complain about Romney’s money and commercials, but we’ve seen in election after election that money won’t buy the election. It can help, but it certainly can’t make up for a flawed candidate. It didn’t help Steve Forbes when he ran, and it’s not helping Romney nor Hillary (backed by George Soros’ billions).
In the end, people talk to each other and reference each other and then make a decision. That’s how I explain the Huckabee phenomenon in the south. If you notice, he does not run well in other states, coming in near the bottom. He has no “legs” and cannot win the nomination. He’s angling for the Veep spot. Not sure McCain will add him, but from a purely political standpoint it may make sense to add Huckabee to bring along the social conservatives that support him.
In the end, it won’t be enough for McCain to win. That’s the sad part.
Jim Willis | Feb 7, 2008 | Reply
Hi Don - Thanks for commenting. I like to personally welcome all new commenters to the site. All viewpoints are encouraged and respected–but all viewpoints are not equal. I’ll respond to some of your points.
George Bush is a big spender, I’ll grant you that one. But in looking through both your websites, I doubt very much you’ll be voting Republican. Which means you must support either Hillary or Obama–both of whom are big government people (and big spenders). So I find your first argument specious.
You are right that people get the government they deserve. I, for one, like President Bush. There are many things I have disagreed with (he’s not conservative enough for me), but on the whole, I think he’s done a pretty good job.
On your main point, however, I believe you are wrong. God *is* in government–in the sense that He ordained it and set it up. It is God that has given us government to help control the sin that runs rampant in the world. It is God that wisely designed a way to control the chaos that would otherwise ensue.
As for the fatalistic view that “God is in control so it doesn’t matter,” I do not subscribe to that either. Yes, God is in control, but part of that control has been to offer man free will–the ability to make certain decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions.
I’ll tell you my own philosophy, taken from someone you likely don’t like (Jerry Falwell): He once said, “I’ll work 17 hour days for 7 days a week as hard as I can to do what I can do, and then let God do the rest and perform the miracle.” I think that’s a healthy way to look at life. God is in control, but he expects us to take action. I suspect it’s the “taking action” part that has so frightened the left all these years, and now the left salivates to think they can demoralize evangelicals into inaction again.
Sorry to ruin your day, but the genie is out of the bottle and not going back. While some evangelicals may decide to sit out the election this fall, we will not be silenced in the political process as we once were.
And a brief history lesson for you: We the people ARE Caesar in the United States.
Nice try. Please visit and comment again.
Brent Beckley | Feb 8, 2008 | Reply
Jim:
Thanks for the comment. I think your assessment of the phenomenon is dead on. It makes me wonder even more about how someone without the resources can make such a splash, and it actually gives me some hope for the electoral process in America. Looking forward to anything you write on Mitt’s resigning from the race!