Flip/Flop Is Too Nice Of A Term

When I was young, I was always taught that if a person cheats on or lies to other people, they will eventually cheat on or lie to you. The principal that Anne Coulter fails to realize in her praise of Mitt's Tricks on the Dem's (see my post Tricky Mitt video #2) is if a person(s) is capable of it (as is everyone) with one person or group, that individuals character flaw will not allow them to draw the line no matter who's team they happen to be playing for.

Mike Huckabee's book: Character IS The Issue point's out very strongly how Mike Huckabee feels about doing what's right. Even his campaign today- almost ten years after his books release, he fights against advisers (like me) to resist the temptation of counter-attacking the attack ad's with similar negativity. Though Mike Huckabee has been creatively making counter-statements (as well he should), the like's of Mitt Romney (who has now added John McCain to his adversarial list albeit without Faux News assistance - only Evangelical Mike receives that honor as a distaste to Washington Insiders) and all his wealth and attack ads cannot escape his own shifting shibboleth.

Please browse through these documented quotes about Washington's latest subject of infatuation (Mitt Romney):

Abortion rights
"I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose and am devoted and dedicated to honoring my word in that regard." Boston Herald Debate, 10/29/02

"Roe v. Wade continues to work its destructive logic throughout our society This can't continue." Speech to the Massachusetts Citizens For Life Mother's Day Pioneer Valley Dinner, 5/10/07

[ok, ok, a man can change his heart - even if it is right before he runs for President. Even if he changes...I suppose I'm still supposed to understand Romney's 2007 belief that states like Massachusetts should have the right to remain Pro Choice - Mitt Romney is Soft on Abortion BTW: Need a great deal for an abortion? Drive to Massachusetts - Romney signed a bill that allows for $50 Co-Pay's for Abortions - a bill that could have been vetoed by Pro-Lifer's as dedicated to the cause as Romney after such a thoughtful life changing decision as he SAYS he had. I RECANT my former statement about Romney being Soft on Abortion - - He remains to be Pro-Abortion]

Immigration reform

"With these 11 million people [here illegally], let's have them registered, know who they are....those that are here paying taxes and not taking government benefits should begin a process towards application for citizenship." Lowell Sun, 3/30/06
"One simple rule: no amnesty. If that [Kennedy-McCain bill] is not a form of amnesty, I don't know what is." New York Times, 6/4/07

[If I hear anyone is soft on immigration without Romney being included in the list - I think I'll be sick]

Gun laws

"We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts; I support them. I won't chip away at them; I believe they protect us and provide for our safety."
Romney in 2002 gov. debate, Boston Globe, 1/14/07

"I have a gun of my own. I go hunting myself. I'm a member of the NRA and believe firmly in the right to bear arms." Boston Globe, 1/14/07

Amendment to ban gay marriage

"Mitt does not support it...As far as Mitt is concerned, it goes farther than current law, and therefore it's unnecessary." Romney spokesman, Boston Globe, 3/22/02
"When I was Governor, we took every conceivable step within the law to stop, block or slow down this unprecedented court decision." Speech to National Right to Life Convention, 6/15/07

"No new taxes" pledge

"I'm not intending to, at this stage, sign a document which would prevent me from being able to look specifically at the revenue needs of the commonwealth" Associated Press, 3/27/02
"Signing the pledge now sends a very clear message to those in Washington who have voted against tax relief and for tax hikes that such actions will never grow our regional and national economies." Romney spokesman, Boston Globe, 1/5/07

Minimum wage

"I think the minimum wage ought to keep pace with inflation. I think the minimum wage is a good thing to have in our economy and I think it ought to be updated." Boston Globe, 10/17/94
"[T]he challenge with raising the minimum wage excessively is it is a hurt to those that are entering the work force, the very poor, those that are trying to get early jobs, get those first jobs." Associated Press, 7/25/06

Cutting Social Security

"I don't think you go back and rewrite the contract the government has with people who've retired." Boston Globe, 10/17/94

"Personal accounts would be a big plus."... [Romney]also said changing the retirement age could be considered, as well as basing the Social Security cost of living adjustment on a different inflation gauge. Union Leader, 6/7/07

Adoption non-discrimination

Governor Mitt Romney and a legislative leader yesterday delivered unwelcome news to the Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, who plan to seek permission from the state to exclude gay and lesbian parents from adopting children through its social service agencies. The governor said he was not authorized to give such an exemption... Boston Globe, 2/17/06
"And then another slide along the slippery slope. The Catholic Church was forced to end its adoption service, which was crucial in helping the state find homes for some of our most difficult to place children... Now, even religious freedom was being trumped by the new-found 'right' of gay marriage." Speech to National Right to Life Convention, 6/15/07

Stem cell research

[Romney] endorsed embryonic stem cell research, saying the controversial science might one day help treat his wife's multiple sclerosis...."I am in favor of stem cell research. I will work and fight for stem cell research. I'd be happy to talk to [President Bush] about this, though I don't know if I could budge him an inch." Boston Globe, 6/14/02
"FACT: Governor Romney Opposes Using Taxpayer Money to Fund Embryo-Destructive Research." www.MittRomney.com A Record of Protecting Life

Bush tax cuts

Governor Mitt Romney refused yesterday to endorse tax cuts at the heart of President Bush's economic program...In addition to refusing to endorse the president's tax cut, the governor surprised several people at the meeting by saying he is open to a federal increase in gas taxes.
Boston Globe, 4/11/0

[Romney] said it was "absolutely critical" to renew tax cuts proposed by President George W. Bush. Letting them expire would result in a "massive tax increase" that would retard economic growth, Romney said. Detroit Free Press, 2/8/07

Reagan Republicanism

"I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush. I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush." Boston Herald, 10/27/94

"Ronald Reagan is ... my hero. ... I believe that our party's ascendancy began with Ronald Reagan's brand of visionary and courageous leadership." Boston Globe, 1/19/07

[This to me is the biggest Elephant In The Room. No one is bringing this into the lime-light and I don't understand why]

Desire to serve in Vietnam

"I was not planning on signing up for the military. It was not my desire to go off and serve in Vietnam..." Boston Herald, 5/2/94
"I longed in many respects to actually be in Vietnam and be representing our country there and in some ways it was frustrating not to feel like I was there as part of the troops that were fighting in Vietnam." Boston Globe, 6/24/07

[this flip flop is just plain offensive - my apologies to any Democrat Vietnam Vet's for this GOP candidate named Mitt Romney]

In Closing: I was shocked to learn last night in a discussion with friends that in Mitt Romney's Anti-Socialized Healthcare rhetoric - he passed a law as Governor in Massachusetts that MANDATES every citizen of Mass. to have Health Care. This is a John Edwards plan implemented. In other words - in case your not familiar with the word "MANDATE" - In Mass., you would be REQUIRED to own Health Insurance. Well - what if I were wealthy enough or had enough investments that I didn't need healthcare to spend my hard-earned dollars on - if I get sick - I'll just pay for my hospital visit out of my pocket - - but NOT in Mass. where Mitt Romney had Executive privaledge. In my understanding that is the epitomy of SOCIALISM coming from a GOP Candidate named Mitt Romney.

Without once stating the issues I have regarding his Mormonism - we have a complete list of why NOT to vote for Mitt Romney.

Quote for the Day: "Mitt Romney spends all his time telling people why we should not vote for other candidates but very little time explaining why we should vote for Mitt Romney." - Mike Huckabee

Explain yourself Mitt

Mike Is RIGHT for U.S.

Some Facts About A Favorite American Statesman!

He was born to hard-working parents in unpretentious surroundings.

He graduated from high school and worked his way through college.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved dogs.

He ran for Governor as a Republican in a very Democratic state and served two terms.

As Governor, he was criticized for raising taxes to eliminate the budget deficit.

He was able to consistently balance his state’s budget and end each year with a surplus.

He was faced with a very Democratic legislature and learned to work with members of the opposite party.

As Governor, he enlisted the help of parents in the education of their children.

In his run for President, there were 7 other Republican candidates running.

He refused to attack the other candidates and ran a positive campaign.

He was criticized for not having any foreign policy experience.

He was criticized for his occupation prior to his political career.

He was not ashamed of his Christian faith and referred to himself as a "born-again Christian."

He was known for his wit, charm and sense of humor.

He was able to cross party lines with his message of hope and vision for America.

He spoke with ease, with conviction, with passion -- and was able to communicate with the people like few politicians can.

His National Campaign Chairman was Ed Rollins.

His name is Ronald Reagan.

How many of you thought I was referring to Mike Huckabee? :) It is both interesting and exciting to see the similarities in the lives, ideas and policies of Ronald Reagan and Mike Huckabee. With so many of the current Republican candidates trying to assume the mantle of Ronald Reagan for the profit of their campaign, it is very special to be able to support the candidate that really does have the same principles as our great 40th president. This is evidenced by the fact that Ronald Reagan’s National Campaign Chairman, Ed Rollins, has recently joined Gov. Huckabee’s campaign in the same capacity. Mr. Rollins stated that since the days of Reagan he has been looking for another statesman like that, and that Mike Huckabee comes closer to Ronald Reagan than any other politician. Coming from a man who knew Ronald Reagan very personally, that’s a powerful statement! Instead of looking back and wishing for the days of Ronald Reagan, it's time to look forward into the bright future our country can have with a president like Mike Huckabee!

Written By Anna www.11smithsforhuckabee.com December 19, 2007

Tricky Mitt: His 2007 definition of Pro-Life - wait - choice - no wait - Life, I Think

Iowa Still High On Huckabee

According to Mike Huckabee in a conference with Bloggers Friday afternoon the "Enthusiasm is High in Iowa." Thursday evening the Governor spoke with 1500 people and noted that the overflow area contained as many people as the main room.

"We are experiencing a dramatic surge of activity and enthusiasm" Huckabee said and noted this in spite of the "enormous number of attack ads primarily from Mitt Romney" who has spent "a half million dollars in attack ads."

"We are relentlessly being attacked on the one hand and yet relentlessly supported by people getting out in the snow" to work for the campaign and to come out to hear Mike's message for Iowans.

Governor Huckabee stated that many people are calling from around the country to ask how they can help in Iowa. The advise he offered for this point in the campaign is "send money, send money, send money." Not to be portrayed as a candidate always with his hand out, Huckabee clarified with a follow-up statement that "there are no hotel rooms left available here" indicating that the help in Iowa is a packed house, no need for you to be here in person.

Mike noted that "significant funds" were raised on the day after Christmas as well as the 27th fund drive. He maintained the motivational reporting by stating "In the National polls we are in either #1 or #2 spot." "If we actually win - it will be a seismic event on the political scale that will be noted for years to come as we have been out-spent 20 to 1."

NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING

Many of the questions posed to the Governor focused on the enourmous onslaught of negative attacks from Romney, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and others that have hammered the Huckabee campaign from as many angles as can be invented ranging from personal family attacks toward his son David's teenage indiscretions (a famous GOP insider tactic since Ross Perot), being likened to a modern day "Jimmy Carter," to being pro-embryonic stem cell research. As to the latter accusation Governor Huckabee stated "it's a pretty long stretch to accuse me of supporting embryonic stem-cell research."

In his rationale for the relentless onslaught of negative attacks against him from those who should be "fair and balanced" in the reporting of their own, Mike stated: "I'm not going to Washington because I want to be invited to all the party's. ...I think [Washington] needs changing. I don't want to be an insider. Much of the Republican party are not interested in those of us who have strong convictions about pro-life." "I am an economic conservative" Mike stated and related to us that because Washington did not "give birth to me....I am not one of them."

The Governor also noted as many bloggers and discussion forum's have done over the last week "These people [news networks, talk show hosts, and commentators] are closely tied to my competitors. That is not something I can help."

The response to the onslaught - or at least one response according to Huckabee - is to continue to point people to the "truth squad" at www.mikehuckabee.com where the attacks are responded to. He further stated that "we have over 500 dedicated bloggers to help counter-attack the negativity."

In Mike Huckabee fashion, with his ability to offer anecdotes for tough situations, he stated that he learned a long time ago not to get into a fight "If you can't stand the site of your own blood."

Certainly we know those anecdotes must keep the governor going on days when the political battle is raging at its worst. The Governor's HIGH ROAD position on attack campaigning is:

"We want to stay positive in Iowa against advice to attack back. We want to
answer in a voice that is FOR THIS COUNTRY and what is best for it."

IMMIGRATION

When asked to simply explain his immigration position - since one of the largest attacks comes from the accusation of Mike being "soft on immigration" Mike offered the following position.

"Our website has our '9 Point Immigration Program'" Jim Gilchrist, founder of the multi-ethnic Minuteman Project, says that our immigration policy is the "strongest...program presented by any of the candidates."

The Governor stated: "It should not take eight or nine years..." to become a citizen in this country. "It should take weeks/months - or however long it takes to process those immigrants in front of you" alluding to the further point that Mike is AGAINST AMNESTY for those here illegally today. Negative campaigning has accused Mike Huckabee of stating that illegal immigrants would gain legal status within a "one day time frame." Mike responded to this by saying "The ONE DAY THEORY is bogus - I never said that and don't know who came up with that." "I have been criticised that my immigration policy is TOO TOUGH - not soft. It is a tough policy."

FISCAL CONSERVATISM

"I'm not trying to make rich people poor - but I have a system that will make poor people rich." Mike stated when asked to comment on his Fiscally Conservative views. "Republicans have forgotten that SMALL BUSINESS is what creates job's in this country..." a statement that we haven't heard from any candidate since Ronald Reagan campaigned on that very topic until Mike Huckabee. "Get the taxes, regulatory and litigation system off his [small business owner's] back and let him know that his toughest competition won't come from his own government." "I will institute economic policies helping everyone from top to bottom..."

The Governor further added that he would "...push for total transparency of spending in congress....we ought to know how much it costs to mow the lawn in an Iowa federal court house. If we had a transparent expenditure system and transparent tax system - which the fair tax does - in 100 days the texture of the spending in this country would change."

CAMPAIGN DIRECTION

When asked how specifically Ed Rollins - former campaign manager to Ronald Reagan who orchestrated the 1980 landslide victory for the President - has impacted the Huckabee campaign, the Governor had this to say:

"Ed Rollins looked at our campaign from top to bottom" when he came on board. Mr. Rollins was "amazed at what we had accomplished with the resources we had to work with." Rollins asked "How can you run a campaign that gets this far [with so little]?" crediting Chip Saltsman for "doing a lot with a little."

"[Mr. Rollins] brought a perspective that we needed from [his experience of] running the successful campaigns we have run. His Rolodex is worth a 'gazillion' dollars. He can pull any number of contacts out to get the assist we need with this campaign."

WRAP

Though not exactly the answer I was hoping for - quite possibly it's simply too soon to see the REAL impact Mr. Rollins will have on this campaign. I was left with the impression that Ed Rollins has taken the helm of an already stable ship - on the right course - and will steer the campaign through the murky waters of attack and negativity - keeping us on course into clear water and sailing for the long haul once Iowa is chalked up as a victory.

I came away from this call feeling much better (or at ease) about Iowa seeing a 3 point drop in the polls this morning and following the negative campaigning. I'm glad to see Iowans being able to see through the Faux New's tactics of getting their candidate elected. I hope Faux News pays attention to their ratings, I'm seeing in the discussion rooms a lot of people turning the station to CNN for the more recent fair and balanced reporting.

I was glad to learn of the 9 point immigration policy being liked and lauded by Jim Gilchrist. Now Gary Bauer has nothing to complain about - unless he starts believing the newest spins that are sure to come.

Thanks for the opportunity Governor to be involved in your campaign, my national community, and a caucus victory in Iowa.

My favorite quote today:

"If your catching a lot of flack - you must be over the target."

Mike Is RIGHT For U.S.

A Conversation with a Former Presidential Candidate

Not For The Weak Hearted:

It's not all that bad - but I've been conversing with Gary Bauer over the past few months. He certainly has been approachable and for the most part respectful - as I have tried to be with him (you'll have to ask him for my report card on that one). Most of our conversations via email could be shared - although not all of them, as he requested they be held confidential. My post today is my response to Mr. Bauer on the last email we exchanged. I'm leaving off his original statement because I'm a bit uneasy sharing his statements without permission (I desire to be ethical here) - so I'll play it safe. But my reply is fair game and something I was quite obviously "worked up" over (as you will see) as I attempt to explain to this "Evangelical Leader" we need to stick with our own. I feel Mr. Bauer has fallen to the media spin and though he claims not to "publicly endorse" any candidate - he has no problem publicly discrediting one either (to put it nicely after I just back-spaced over my "real" thoughts) which is what began our tête-à-tête.

Enjoy:

Mr. Bauer,
I disagree completely. Everyone you mentioned are Washington Insiders. Rush Limbaugh has jumped off the cliff of truth - not following his normal procedure and policy. Rush has NEVER taken the word of a blogger to use as a tool to attack someone in politics - be them GOP or DEM, but now all of a sudden - after spending time with the Giuliani camp, he uses an unidentified individual to make a case? Please. Not Rush-like in the least, which tells me he's been sold out. And further, the MSM and FOX (who isn't any better) folk won't allow Mike Huckabee to focus on issues (real fair and balanced, huh?) - they keep him pinned to his religion and the fact that he is a Baptist Minister - thinking that will hurt him. When it actually back-fired on them and Mike gained popularity - out came the spin, lies and half-truths to further discredit him in Clinton Machine fashion - and he (though taking some hits in the polls) still seems his metal is withstanding the fire.

I just have GREAT difficulty believing that the fire comes from his own. Let the Clinton Machine come, let the Washington Insider's come - but Evangelicals need to stand with their own. You of all people should know that having felt the same brunt of the Eighties Evangelical evacuation.

Whether they (the list you mentioned) like Huckabee or not - I could care less - but to ATTACK the man and not REPORT the progress of his campaign is totally out of character and will serve as a DRIVING WEDGE to send Christians on the run in the political process - to go back to being the political wall-flowers we were before Reagan (it's already happening here in Maryland).

Washington Insider's don't like the grassroots/mainstreet type of government that Mike Huckabee has successfully run in Arkansas. The Democrats have shown their ability to win an election with the lowest satisfaction rate in American History with a President and Congress. We better be thinking of a man who can speak to both sides of the aisle. Bush failed in that campaign promise and if Romney can do it - he'll only be able to do it by being fake for now - and showing his true colors later (after elected - remember in 2004 he stated "I'm not a Reagan/Bush Republican"...hmmm....we certainly hear differently today).

The soft immigration position (that you call it) is not soft - it's Biblical....wouldn't you as a Christian prefer a Christian country to handle the immigration with a Christian response? Afterall, we are a Christian nation.

Almost Every President in American History has claimed that they read the Bible daily, but to what end - if it offers no practical solutions to government? Mike Huckabee understands that better than any other GOP Candidate on the sale block, and his governing of Arkansas has been reflective of that on every issue from immigration to education.

As for his immigration bill in Arkansas that failed - I stated in one of my former blogs - that had I been an Arkansas State Senator - I too would have voted that bill down - however - I in the doing - I would have applauded the Governor's efforts for at least TRYING to resolve the problem that the Federal Government was ignoring and simply stated - go back to the drawing board and bring something we can accept.

He has stated time and again that he is for building a wall to stop the influx of illegals. He is AGAINST amnesty and AGAINST Sanctuary cities and states. He follows the law as it is presented and he understands there is a lady in New York harbor that cries "bring me your poor..." -- not build freeways from Canada to Mexico and open the flood gates selling out our country one NAFTA bad deal at a time (both coming from GOP Presidents).

That's why the Washington insider's truly don't like Mike - he is not in their pocket - he's in the American People's pocket - being one of us.

It is the same old argument that raged rampant when Bush announced his hero being his "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" when he ran against you. Only this time the heat has been turned up because Mike - a legitimate Christian with a History of being Christian - can actually reach across the aisle in Washington and that scares insiders. What also scares insiders is that he is FOR smaller government and can actually make it happen. That's why Senator's (former or current) don't make good Presidents. They see the White house as a victory over the Dem's not as what the American People want our country to be.

Americans want change - not business as usual. If the GOP puts up a nominee that is Biz as Usual - we better be prepared for another Clinton regime.

And the false accusation of being soft on immigration, and sounding like John Edwards and Hillary is only media spin meant to drive the Christian right out of the race.

Take a look at my blog (http://www.elephantroom08.blogspot.com/) I posted last night (I didn't write it...I copied and pasted from a radio host/pastor in Detroit - with permission). http://www.godandculture.com/.

The attacks on Huckabee aren't only sickening to me - but there are non-Huckabee people that are making statements of frustration and dissatisfaction with the attack policies against him (Romney, Thompson, and Giuliani supporters). Negative campaigning works - there's no doubt - but to what expense? I've been telling the Huckabee campaign that for months back when Huckabee was not only NOT being attacked - but he wasn't seemingly coming across as tough enough in the first couple of debates - but negative campaigning is also divisive to the party as a whole.

If the goal of Evangelical's is to create a legitimate 3rd party - I'm fine with that - - tell me where to sign up, because they certainly are on the right path.

You once sent out an email requesting input as to the Christian response (Evangelical Response) to the immigration issue. Mike has the correct, Biblical response to that issue. He also has the ability to carry the south in November. Your accusation in a former email about Mike's position on Islamofacism needs a bit of clarification before I can address it. Everything I'm reading on Huckabee is right on target. He does talk about promoting peace before going to war - but he also has warned that they are a dangerous enemy and a win in Iraq is imperative for victory in and getting out of Iraq (that I heard from his mouth to my ear in a phone conversation). He also warned in a GOP debate that Hillary in the White house is a scary thought in light of our current situation with Islamofacism. So he is not Clinton-like on foreign policy.

His being a Governor gives him the mainstreet experience to become elected and being one of the most Popular Presidents since Reagan if not prior to. Government is supposed to be FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE not by Washington Insiders, tongue slinging commentators, and sinister spinisters. Mike Huckabee governs for the people.

Just because of his faith and the distaste that other politicians have for mixing the two (faith and politics) - he is not wanted by GOP's. The polls say American's like him....why can't the GOP's and Washington Insider's accept that? If they are or have a better candidate - let them run on the issues - not pull Huckabee down to boost their poll numbers.

These tactics are pathetic and I think - I HOPE - the American Public can see through it. Rush is only the latest Ace up the sleeve of Washington insiders to try to take Mike down. It may prove successful - - but then --- it may not, as it also serves to rally the Huckabee troops.

If you and people like you want to support Fred Thompson (or anyone else) - - - God Speed - but don't tear apart another person in the process to get your man elected. It's Not Evangelical. It's Not Christian.

BTW: My original email was not intended to strike up a confrontation with you regarding Mike Huckabee - I was a bit taken back with the response. However, I was dealing with the Negative campaign tactics from a generic standpoint and a "what if" scenario - because that's where I see this thing headed. Like you, I understand the fervor that builds - and no harm done, no apologies expected or wanted - not my point. I actually enjoy that back and forth and can give as well as take. I do ask that you take me at face value and with no underlying intent behind my emails and comments.

Evangelicals and Christians (may need to be considered as separate entities after this election) have both been in the back ground of politics since before the "Moral Majority" in the '70's. Now - they win elections (And to prove that is a God-thing - George Barna statistics indicate that only 8% of the American population consider themselves as Evangelicals - yet we are a political force in elections??). It took some years to bring Evangelicals to the forefront and a "deciding factor" in elections - if they - as Robert Novak states - are not considered as serious GOP's and quite seemingly unwanted - that's where this election process is driving them indeed, back to the side-lines of obscurity and to becoming the unwanted dance partner waiting in the wings, until they can't win an election without us.

I don't mean to be offensive with this, but I don't know how else to put it: emails like your last one to me prove that you are part of that process, not just because you choose not to vote for Mike - but because you choose to be part of the negative campaigning against him. Endorse your candidate publicly...have my blessing in the doing....but leave Mike out of your commentary. If you can't say something good - best not to say anything at all...That's the correct Evangelical approach.

Now - when all this is said and done and Huckabee is the nominee or not - can we still be friends? :-) By the way - - my emails have won over a Huckabee defector back to this side after flirting with Thompson (at least he said it was my emails). He has become a grassroots leader in Maryland for Mike as a result - so I'm not giving up on Gary Bauer just yet. As for Thompson - should he win the nomination, I can certainly consider supporting him - but his actions toward Huckabee will make all the difference for me. Thus far - Giuliani's camp has been the most respectful toward Huckabee and has all the reasons to be otherwise. Could there possibly be an undercurrent strategy taking place? Time will tell (and I'm not even sure I like the sound of that).

In His grace - yours,
Michael Phillips
Waldorf, MD
http://www.elephantroom08.blogspot.com/

When the going get's tough - the tough get ___________________!!!

How do you fill in that blank?

I have just been informed by someone who talks to a lot of Hucksters - that there is some discouragement, some dissatisfaction, and overall distraction among our support base. (don't misunderstand - the campaign is not tanking in the very least - in fact new poll numbers in Iowa show us that Huckabee is still on the rise).

Now is the time to rally and get our candidate a win in Iowa. The campaign has stated from the beginning that we need to come in as a top 3 spot in Iowa.

I don't know all that much about running a campaign - but I know that if we don't win in Iowa - we're in BIG Trouble for the rest of the trip. In fact - IMO we will need to start thinking of who we're VP'ing for. BUT WE ARE FAR FROM THAT POINT.

I'm hinging this campaign on a win in Iowa, South Carolina, and a 2nd in Florida - while thinking we'll make a showing in NH even if we're dead last (of course Faux News - my new favorite term - will have a hayday should that happen). I believe we could pull a win if we spent time and money in NH - but probably isn't worth the effort at this point. A win in Michigan would seal the deal for a nomination and I think we own most of the South.

We have a lot of YOUNG supporters that don't have deep pockets. I am convinced by the way this campaign has been successful that we don't really need deep pockets if every one of our supporters simply gave a Buck for Huck once a week from now until Super Tuesday - how awesome that would be in financial gain. Most people - when you ask them to give a buck - will probably do better than that after going to the trouble.

What we ABSOLUTELY CANNOT DO is let the NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING that has onslaughted us have the victory. If we go down (and I don't think we're really even breathing hard yet - much less going down) but if we do go down - we don't go down without a fight.

When your asked to make phone calls to Iowa - - volunteer.
When your asked by the campaign to spread your workload a little thin - - "take up your cross and bear it" but realize somebody can help you. DELEGATE! If your in Iowa - and getting discouraged because your overloaded - send me an email (reply to this post) - I'll make some phone calls from Maryland to recruit some help for you, and If I'm not successful - at least you'll be encouraged that I tried.

If you don't like the way the campaign is handling its business or the direction it's going - send them an email. Start a Blog (They pay attention to bloggers - I know from experience).

The bottom line here is - We need to "keep our powder dry" (whatever that means - my old preacher used to tell me that and it seems to fit here), and tighten our shoe-laces and keep running. Mike Huckabee's analogy of this camaign has always been that of a Marathon. In a marathon you set target's or goals and you meet each one - one at a time. The target before us is WIN IN IOWA. Ask someone - ask me if you don't know anyone else - what you can do to help the campaign meet that goal, then be willing to do it.

I have had so many people in Maryland ask me "what can I do to help." I have gathered a huge number of email addresses as a result. I sent an email to each one today asking for volunteers to make phone calls to Iowa. I received ONE volunteer. I understand the fear, the discomfort, and the challenge it takes to call someone you don't know - but if we're not willing to do the work - or if we get distracted by the complaints and discouragement - we will not be able to pull a victory for the nomination.

Huckabee is my man. I'm sold on him as a great Political and yes - even Spiritual leader with a broader audience than I - as a Pastor - could ever reach. He's the man for the job in the White House, and I will do whatever necessary (and legal) to help him get there. If he doesn't make it - I won't be sitting back pointing fingers or wishing I could have done more - I'll do what I can as much as I can.

I've had my discouragements with this campaign. I've had my disagreements and let-downs, some of them pretty disheartening. But, I'm still in it - and I'm still involved because the greater good is that Mike Huckabee get's to Washington. I ask everyone reading this post - to be willing to do the same. Not just verbally or by posting a "get-r-done" Hoorah reply - but by contacting someone at the campaign and volunteering your services in your state or in other states if you can. If you need my help in doing that - don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks
Mike Is Right For U.S.

Social Conservatives are Mad

[NOTE: This article posted by www.Townhall.com written by Paul Edwards - Finally an exposing of the likes of FOX News, Ann Coulter, and even the Evangelical's that fell prey to the GOP Washington insiders]

Since about the time the Moral Majority coalesced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Republican establishment has welcomed social conservatives to help get their candidates elected so long as they let their concern for moral issues take a back seat to fiscal policies. The leaders of the pro-family movement have always been more than willing to comply with the demands of the Wall Street insiders just to keep their place at the table. If the unity of this social-fiscal conservative coalition ever fractured, social conservatives bore the brunt of the blame.

And so it goes in the present race for the Republican presidential nomination. The Republican establishment has once again told social conservatives to suck it up and accept Giuliani as the de facto nominee in spite of their reservations about his record on abortion and the homosexual agenda to redefine marriage. Why? Because Rudy has the fiscal credentials. And, right on cue, a number of leaders of the pro-family movement complied, vis-à-vis Pat Robertson.

Republican Presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, campaigns in Waterloo, Iowa in this Dec. 20, 2007 file photo. Sure, the presidential candidates have their talking points on taxes, their policies on poverty, their white papers on war. But look beyond their top-tier issues and voters can find an eclectic assortment of ideas that reflect the candidates' particular passions, their attention to the arcane and, in some cases, outsized expectations. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

But just as their leaders were turning left, the rank and file of family values voters turned right, falling in behind Mike Huckabee, much to the chagrin of fiscal conservatives.

Cue Romney—the fiscal conservatives’ alternative to Giuliani. The idea seemed to be to convince the social conservatives that Romney was one of them, only much more refined than that “country bumpkin” Huckabee. The plan went something like this: have Romney deliver a major speech about his faith under the guise of being persecuted because of his faith (even though 80 percent of potential Republican primary voters polled said Romney’s faith was not an issue for them), and then if anyone questioned his faith, accuse them of being a bigot. Further, have Romney stretch the truth about seeing his father “marching with Martin Luther King,” as an appeal to the African-American values voter, and then when the record indicates George Romney never marched with MLK, explain it all away by saying the candidate was speaking “figuratively.” This strategy was supposed to lure the drifting rank and file back into lock-step.
There was just one problem with this plan. Social conservatives looked at Romney’s record on social issues and discovered he was “effectively pro-choice” throughout his political career just as he told Tim Russert on a recent edition of Meet the Press. Romney, it turns out, looks like a Giuliani in sheep’s clothing.

“But wait! Romney is a changed man,” you say. We’re all for death-bed repentance, but social conservatives rightly question whether a man who has exerted all of his political energies his entire political life for socially liberal causes can be trusted to appoint justices who will be strict constructionists.

Thus, the Huckasurge. Having been told for 30 years to sit quietly, ”take one for the team,” and let the fiscal issues take precedent, social conservatives are mad as hell and aren’t taking it anymore. There is a grassroots revolt taking place among the rank and file of social conservatives that has found its voice in Mike Huckabee, leaving the leadership of the pro-family movement wondering where their influence has gone.

Huckabee is not the fiscal conservative the Republican establishment would like. Horror of horrors, he has actually advocated using tax dollars to help the poor. Huckabee, it seems, actually applied what the Gospels say about our responsibility to the poor and suffering to tax policy in Arkansas. On issues like HIV/AIDS, the plight of the inner city poor, and education, Huckabee’s positions are admittedly more center left than center right. And while he believes in securing the border, Huckabee reminds us that there is lady standing in New York Harbor with a torch raised high beckoning ”your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” to come here, to the land of the free. Can we fault them when they actually do?

The Republican establishment has looked down its nose at social conservatives far too long, tolerating us because they need our votes. But now the tables are turned. The grass roots are looking up at the establishment with the will of a Lech Walesa, demanding that fiscal issues take a back seat to moral issues for a change. It’s long past time for the moral and social issues of our times to be given more than just lip service. It’s now time for our fiscal policies to be informed by our social policies rather than sacrificing our morality to our economic standing in the world.
Don’t expect the Republican establishment to take this lying down. The New Media tanks are already rolling in to suppress the revolt.

Paul Edwards is the host of The Paul Edward Program and a pastor. His program is heard daily on WLQV in Detroit and on godandculture.com