Huckamania!

And isn’t this very interesting. Michael Reagan has not only declared that he is unimpressed with Fred Thompson, but that other candidates in the second tier are what the Republican base is truly looking for. He specifically mentions Duncan Hunter and Mike Huckabee. This isn’t very good news for Senator Thompson who is aiming to be the next Reagan. Instead Michael Reagan declares that the only similarities Thompson has with his dad is that the two were actors.

No candidate can be a clone of Ronald Reagan, nor should they try to be. However, here’s why we think Mike Huckabee has all of Reagan’s essential elements.

• Mike Huckabee is a pro-family fiscal conservative who is strong on defense.
• Mike Huckabee has remained consistently conservative throughout his entire political career.
• Mike Huckabee is a former Governor and knows what it’s like to manage a government.
• Mike Huckabee has the ability to articulate his conservative vision.
• AND Mike Huckabee can expand the Republican base without sacrificing core principles.

Mike Huckabee is a pro-family fiscal conservative who is strong on defense.

Mike Huckabee: A Pro-life,  Pro-Surge, Pro-fair tax, Pro-gun, etc, etc, etc.

Rudy Giuliani: Socially Liberal views give Mayor Giuliani a “C” in this department.

Mitt Romney: A

Fred Thompson: B Fred has yet to articulate his vision this campaign. Based on his prior record (including support for McCain-Feingold), we give him a “B”

Mike Huckabee has remained consistently conservative throughout his entire political career.

Mike Huckabee: A There are no “Youtube” moments for Mike Huckabee. He got into politics because he was pro-life and pro-growth. These are the core values he’s had since he was a teenager.

Rudy Giuliani: A Giuliani has had only minor switches. Even though he is socially liberal, social conservatives can appreciate and respect his honesty.

Mitt Romney: F -There doesn’t seem to be a single issue that Governor Romney hasn’t changed his position on at some point in his career.

Fred Thompson: B Fred has yet to articulate his vision this campaign. It will be interesting to see if he continues to support McCain-Feingold

Mike Huckabee is a former Governor and knows what it’s like to manage a government.

Mike Huckabee: A Served the people of Arkansas for 10 and 1/2 years.

Rudy Giuliani: B Although New York is larger than many states, there’s just something about being a governor that trumps being mayor. Anyhow, Giuliani certainly has adequate managerial experience. We give him a B.

Mitt Romney: B - Governor Romney served the state of Massachusetts for one 4 year term. The last year was spent primarily planning his Presidential run, not serving the people of Massachusetts. We give him a B.

Fred Thompson: F Senator Thompson has never managed anything and the disorganization among his campaign seems to be highlighting this fact.

Mike Huckabee has the ability to articulate his conservative vision.

Mike Huckabee: A I have never seen anyone captivate an audience like the former Baptist Minister.

Rudy Giuliani: A Mayor Giuliani is an effective speaker
Mitt Romney: A Governor Romney just looks Presidential.

Fred Thompson: C Senator Thompson has been a huge disappointment at several events including the ALEC conference and the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention. We expected more from the former actor.

Mike Huckabee can expand the Republican base without sacrificing core principles.

Mike Huckabee: A Holds all of the core conservative positions. Huckabee was able to garner over 40% of the African American vote in Arkansas twice. He received applause when he spoke at the NEA and most recently at the Machinist’s union in Florida.

Rudy Giuliani: C He sacrifices social conservatism and is not pro-gun. Mayor Giuliani would cause a party realignment that would be harmful to the Republican party and the conservative movement. While he might attract a few social liberals into the party, his candidacy risks losing states such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Mitt Romney: C It is unclear whether Governor Romney would stand by his conservative policies if they weren’t politically convenient for him.
Fred Thompson: I Too early to grade Fred Thompson here..