Huckamania!

http://www.newmanmag.com/display.php?id=15370

Jul/Aug 2007

One Of Our Own

Mike Huckabee is pro-life, pro-family and the happily married father of three who is a former pastor. After being governor of Arkansas for 10 years, he may be the best qualified candidate to become U.S. president in 2008.

 

By Thomas J. Harrington and Anthony Bonna His name might not be familiar yet. You haven’t seen him on Oprah or spotted his face on the cover of Time magazine. Yet when it comes to character, experience and the qualities of a great leader, Mike Huckabee has them.

Don’t be misled by the news coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign. Based on the media’s whim and the ever-changing mood of a drama-hungry public, an artificial top tier of presidential candidates is being presented.

These “frontrunners” often have more style than substance and better marketability than morality. Catapulted to prominence, they steal the spotlight from more worthy candidates, who suffer the silent death of media neglect.

This image-making affects even Christian voters. Rather than supporting someone who represents our core values, we compromise, opting for a candidate simply because we are told that he or she can win.

Let’s stop this trend. As Christian men we have a duty to help shape the future of our country. In the articles that follow, New Man lays out the case for Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas who on January 29 entered the 2008 presidential race by officially launching an exploratory committee.

We aren’t telling you how to vote. You should vote your conscience.

But because Huckabee isn’t as well-known to many Americans as some of the other candidates, we’re taking this opportunity to introduce him to you.

New Man thinks he’s the right man for the job.

Born and raised in the little town of Hope, Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, 51, came from humble beginnings and knows firsthand the struggles of providing for a family, raising children and getting them through college. He’s a devout Christian and a dedicated father and husband. He and his wife, Janet, have been married since 1974 and have three children.

As governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007, Huckabee was a unifier and succeeded at reaching out to those traditionally under-represented. Running for the office in 1998, he garnered more than 43 percent of the African-American vote and more than 48 percent when he was re-elected in 2002, an impressive feat for a Republican candidate.

On social issues, he is well-­recognized as being unshakably pro-life and pro-family. With initiatives such as his ARKids First program, which provided health insurance to children of underprivileged Arkansas families, he lived up to his reputation as a compassionate conservative.

As part of his pro-life stance, which he views as encompassing vulnerable citizens from all walks of life, he initiated not only health care reform but also created various family-friendly tax reforms and worked to ensure proper educational opportunities for the next generation by increasing the number of charter schools and establishing new approaches to workforce education.

In 2005, Time magazine named Huckabee one of the five best governors in the U.S. and recognized the personal touch he brings to government, calling him a “second commandment Christian”—always doing to others as he would have them do to him. Huckabee is past chairman of both the National Governors’ Association and the Southern Governors Association. Four of the past five presidents have been former governors—three of them from the South.

A fiscal conservative, working in a state where 86 percent of elected officials are Democrats, Huckabee was able to double the child-care tax credit, eliminate the marriage penalty and do away with capital gains tax. Despite the fact that 91 percent of government spending in Arkansas was mandated by the state constitution or courts, he cut spending and was able to balance the state budget five times. By the time he left office Huckabee had created a state surplus of $800 million and had saved Arkansas taxpayers close to $400 million.

A Man of Faith

But Huckabee’s political résumé tells only half the story of his professional life. He was in the ministry for years, serving as pastor of several Southern Baptist churches in Arkansas and as the youngest president ever of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, the state’s largest denomination. Some might view his ministerial experience as a drawback, but New Man sees it as a tremendous advantage—one that makes him uniquely prepared for the job of leading people with compassion and wisdom.

As a pastor he helped people face their everyday problems and counseled them through their darkest trials. He gave hope to single mothers, the sick, the elderly and those in prison. Such personal experience with individuals as well as families would serve him well in the office of president, a position that demands the ability to negotiate sensitive, interpersonal exchanges every day.

Huckabee takes his Christian faith seriously and approaches its required tasks with humility.

“My faith is my life,” he says. “It defines me. I see no separation between my faith and professional life. Real faith should make us humble and mindful, not to the faults of others but of our own. It should not make us more judgmental, but rather less judgmental, as we see others living a life with the same frailty we acknowledge within ourselves.”

Huckabee also believes faith should have a prominent place in the life of the nation. Like the Founding Fathers and statesmen before him, he has a personal faith that shapes his political outlook.

“I believe that our nation was birthed in a spirit of faith—not a prescriptive one dictating how or what to believe,” he says, “but a faith that acknowledges that there is indeed a Providence that pervades our world.”

Though he is not shy about his Christian beliefs or how he should live them, Huckabee is mindful of a president’s duty to equally respect and protect the rights of all citizens. As he puts it, he’ll be running for president, not pastor. He wants to lead a nation that respects all religions, yet he believes as well that the country must not forsake its Judeo-Christian heritage.

Some see his Christian beliefs as an obstacle to his leading with impartiality. However, in much the same way that John Kennedy, a Roman Catholic, successfully convinced voters in 1960 that his Catholicism did not mean obedience to the pope when it came to matters of state, Huckabee is convincing voters that his Christian principles will help, not hinder, his ability to govern.

A Man of Reason

Huckabee entered the Arkansas governor’s mansion amid much confusion. Five minutes before he was sworn in, his predecessor, Jim Guy Tucker, rescinded his resignation on a technicality. Calmly reassuring an anxious Arkansas, Huckabee took charge, stating that he would fulfill the responsibilities of governor and enforce the state constitution. Tucker later reinstated his resignation.

That night, during an unrehearsed speech, Huckabee cited a portion of Isaiah 1:18—”Come, let us reason together”—to describe his political philosophy. “That is how good government is supposed to work,” he went on to say. “And I am going to make sure that every one of us who are willing will come and reason together.”

The U.S. government needs leaders who believe in “reasoning together.” Huckabee’s common-sense, cooperative approach would be a breath of fresh air in Washington, where partisan bickering is souring the political process and slowing much needed change.

His proven ability to cast a compelling vision, as he did while governor, that transcends party, ideology and class might enable America to unite and begin to heal, an especially important goal at this point in our history. Optimistic leadership could help restore people’s faith in America’s future.

Huckabee also possesses the essential qualities for being the type of commander-in-chief America will no doubt need in the next president. His Christian worldview provides the moral clarity to address the great crises the country faces.

The threats to America are real. We are fighting a difficult battle in Iraq while engaging in a historic struggle against Islamic radicals around the globe. At home, incidents such as the Virginia Tech Massacre as well as reports of drug and alcohol abuse among young people serve as reminders of the great need to give hope to the next generation.

To effectively address these significant challenges, America needs a leader with courage and conviction, someone brave enough to confront our enemies and admirable enough for our children to emulate.

Huckabee has also effectively addressed his own personal challenges and inspired others to do the same. While governor, he knew he had a weight problem and when doctors told him his life was in danger from it, he went to work and lost more than 100 pounds. Since then he has inspired thousands of others through his public advocacy for preventive health care and by writing a book about living a healthful lifestyle, Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork.

His willingness to face down a personal crisis reveals a leader who tackles adversity with determination and resolve. It has been the consistent pattern of Huckabee’s life. He has proved that he can transform the hopeless into the hopeful, whether as a governor or a pastor. That’s a quality America needs in a leader at this juncture.

The current political landscape in America is changing. Christian conservatives can be a deciding factor in transforming the upcoming presidential primary season. We must be faithful to God, to the principles that guide us as Christians, and to our fellow citizens for whom we are, as Jesus said, “salt and light” in this world.

The Republican and Democratic parties alike are crying for a “knight in shining armor” candidate, waiting to see if such a contender will arise. The American people are asking who the next leader of the free world should be.

Our answer is clear. Why not Mike Huckabee?

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Thomas J. Harrington is the political director of United Christians of Florida. Anthony Bonna is the deputy campaign manager of Gayle Harrell for Congress. The Case of Huckabee for PresidentWe know Mike Huckabee espouses our values. Here’s why we believe he can win.

Mike Huckabee has a strong vision for America. Because of his unique communication skills and his views on the issues, he has the ability to cast a unifying vision for America that will not become mired in the wars surrounding party, ideology and class. He does this while integrating a Christian worldview of genuine care and concern for fellow citizens. Huckabee has the ability to change the face of the Republican Party for the next decade and bring our increasingly diverse country into unity.

Communication Skills

Huckabee is the finest communicator in the race from either party. Much has been written about his gifts in this area. As an orator, he is persuasive, articulate and Reagan-like. His ability to inspire vision is critically important and shouldn’t be underestimated.

His two appearances on Comedy Central were brilliant and showed how quick and sharp he is in one of the most dangerous media seats in America.

As one commentator said of him: “He offers the politics of optimism that people thirst for, but never without honesty. A former Baptist minister, he’s remarkable at not being ‘preachy.’ He truly is a ‘compassionate conservative’ and couples humor with charisma.”

Anyone can buy, hire or acquire ideas and public policy aptitude. But negotiation abilities, communication skills, and collegiality are God-given talents that cannot be acquired or transferred easily. Huckabee, however, has them.

Appeal to Voters

Huckabee has a unique ability to appeal to voters in both the primary and the general election. Among social conservatives there seems to be a preoccupation with the primary election but a lack of proper analysis of whether the candidate can get out of the general election.

Huckabee is not only the best social conservative in the primary but he has the best chance of beating the Democrats in the general. Giuliani and McCain would be very strong general election candidates but lack the principled commitment to our core values.

Democratic strategists and left-wing activists are most concerned about Huckabee for this very reason. They fear that he has the best chance of beating Hillary Clinton in the general election.

In 1998, elected to his first term as governor of Arkansas, Huckabee received 48 percent of the African-American vote, according to a CNN exit poll. In 2002, he received 43 percent of the African American vote, despite the fact that former President Clinton campaigned in Arkansas five times for Huckabee’s opponent.

If he can garner a fraction of this percentage on a national scale, he could erode the Democratic base and unify black and white social communities.

Huckabee appeals to minorities because of his balanced view of social issues. He has a compelling vision for health care, education, environment, the arts and racial issues. He also has the ability to propose free market solutions to traditionally liberal social issues.

His creativity, common sense and personal experiences in health, poverty and education are not typically Republican and would resonate with moderates and even liberal voters.

His own personal triumphs could also help his chances. He lost 100 pounds and turned his health around.

The Social Front

Huckabee has a strong commitment to Christians’ core social issues. He supported the marriage amendment in Arkansas and led the covenant marriage movement in the state. During a large rally he repeated his wedding vows with his wife under the new statute.

He also worked hard to pass abortion restrictions and regulations in Arkansas and has said he would sign an abortion ban similar to South Dakota’s. Other then perhaps U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, there is no other candidate in the race who would be a stronger advocate for our core issues in the White House.

As governor, Huckabee’s chief domestic policy advisor was Chris Pyle, a strong conservative Christian. Many of his other appointments were likewise solid. He appointed the first home school mother ever to the state school board.

The same goes for his history of appointing conservative judges during his decade-long service as governor. His political appointments speak volumes about his commitment to Christian principles.

Christian Commitment

Huckabee is the most committed Christian in the race. He was a Southern Baptist minister and has formal theological training. In Huckabee we have an unprecedented opportunity to have an advocate for our cause and our values in the White House.

He has strong moral character and integrity. He has no skeletons in the closet or baggage in the back room. He has always been married to one woman, and his three children were educated in public schools.

When it comes to faith, he is truly one of our own.

Our View on the Other Candidates

We know you haven’t had time to research all the candidates. So instead of just presenting Mike Huckabee, we evaluated the main ones using three simple criteria:

1. Must be a social conservative committed to pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage issues.
2. Must have strong moral character and good judgment exhibited by executive experience.
3. Must have excellent communication skills and ability to cast a vision.

In the past 30 years only one president had all three qualifications—Ronald Reagan. This year, of all the candidates only Mike Huckabee meets all three criteria.

Sam Brownback (R)

Sam Brownback, 50, is strongly pro-life and the most avid supporter of the Federal Marriage Amendment in the Senate. When he arrived in Washington in 1995 he was one of several freshman members of the House of Representatives who fought hard for tax cuts and a smaller government. In 1996 he won a special election to enter the Senate. As a senator, he has defended the right to life, monitored bioengineering research for the danger it poses to the unborn, worked to combat religious persecution abroad and sought to preserve human rights internationally. Brownback is a conservative and an outspoken Christian who embraces political issues that transcend partisan differences. He is known for partnering successfully with Democrats such as Edward Kennedy and Barbara Boxer to pass legislation related to immigration, women’s rights and sex trafficking. He is an average communicator and not viewed as a candidate with charisma.

Fred Thompson (R)

Fred Thompson, 64, a lawyer and actor, was an assistant U.S. attorney before serving as a U.S. senator from 1994-2003, representing Tennessee. He has been compared to Ronald Reagan for his folksy tone and actor’s ease before an audience. Thompson’s career as a film and TV actor began in 1985, and he recently resigned his role as a Manhattan district attorney on NBC’s Law & Order. He sides with current public cynicism toward the president and the Democrat-controlled Congress. He has voted consistently in the Senate against abortion. His campaign themes are tighter borders, smaller government and lower taxes. He argues that Republicans lost control of Congress because of out-of-­control spending and heavy-handed partisanship. In April, Thompson revealed he has a slow-growing form of lymphoma but said his doctors believe he could well live a normal lifespan.

Duncan Hunter (R)

Duncan Hunter, 59, is a lawyer and has been a member of the U.S. House since 1981, representing California. He is a two-year veteran of the Vietnam War and the current chair of the House Committee on Armed Services, a post he has held for the last four years. He is married with two adult sons, one of whom is a U.S. Marine who has served two tours in Iraq. He is pro-life, supports the Federal Marriage Amendment and a balanced federal budget, and favors peace through strength. He recognizes Israel as America’s most important ally in the Middle East and strongly supports Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.

John McCain (R)

John McCain, 70, served in Vietnam and was a prisoner of war there from 1967-1973. He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment, saying gay marriage is a states-rights issue. Though he supported the Arizona marriage amendment, he has shown indifference toward socially conservative Christian leaders. He has a pro-life voting record despite previous pro-choice statements he made while running for president in 2004. He is not known for supporting the role of government to restrain immorality, unless evidence of direct harm to citizenry can be shown. His odds are good for beating a Democratic candidate.

Newt Gingrich (R)

Newt Gingrich, 64, is a former Speaker of the House and congressman from Georgia. He is perhaps best known as the architect of The Contract With America, which supported issues with broad popular appeal that ranged from welfare reform, term limits, tougher crime laws and a balanced budget law to more specialized legislation such as restrictions on American military participation in U.N. missions. He is the smartest and brightest policy mind in the race. Gingrich is very strong on national security issues and espouses a strong conservative philosophy, for the most part. However, he has the highest negative ratings of any candidate in either race and is considered a polarizing figure and personality. He has exhibited a history of poor judgment in personal matters, having been married three times. His third wife is 23 years his junior. Current polling suggests that Gingrich is the candidate most likely to lose in the general election.

Mitt Romney (R)

A Mormon who advocated pro-choice and pro-gay values for nearly a decade, Romney, 60, now espouses the opposite. The former Republican governor of Massachusetts is polished, but the critical issue of trust currently eludes him. Romney’s religious views could hinder his chances. In a recent poll, more Americans said they would vote for another candidate before they would vote for the first Mormon president. Similarly, Christian leaders who support Romney for his ability to articulate the conservative message have been criticized by fellow believers for endorsing a Mormon.

Rudy Giuliani (R)

Rudy Giuliani, 63, an ex-U.S. attorney and mayor, showed confident leadership as mayor of New York after September 11. He has made personal donations to Planned Parenthood, the leading performer of abortions in the U.S., and has abandoned his party’s policies on social issues. He is the only Republican candidate who openly supports abortion, gay marriage and gun control. He decided not to run against Hillary Clinton for U.S. senator in New York several years ago, citing serious health issues. He has been critical of conservative Christians and has made little effort to reach out to social conservatives, though early on he did attempt to meet with pastors. It is believed that Giuliani could silence the voice of many Christians on key moral issues if elected. Recent Gallup polls show two-thirds of GOP voters and even evangelical Christians erroneously think Giuliani is pro-life and pro-marriage.

Barack Obama (D)

The well-spoken Democrat from Illinois has only two years’ service in the U.S. Senate. Adding to his lack of experience is the question of how Obama, 45, would handle the U.S. policy on terrorists. He was stumped in a recent debate on what he would do in the event of another attack. Obama vigorously supports the teaching of the church he attends in Chicago, Trinity United Church of Christ, that homosexuals should be able to marry and have special privileges.

Hillary Clinton (D)

Sen. Clinton, 59, is currently co-sponsoring S. 1173, legislation that would undermine the latest U.S. Supreme Court decision that outlaws partial-birth abortion. The bill not only would overturn the ban but also would prohibit any future congressional attempts to protect the life of the unborn. Clinton also consistently supports homosexual special interests. Her husband signed the Defense of Marriage Act while president, but she isn’t expected to exhibit the same kind of moderation.

John Edwards (D)

The former U.S. senator and Democratic vice presidential hopeful has, like Barack Obama, two years of Senate service. He promises to eliminate poverty, but he is a closet tax-and-spend politician whose plans for universal health care are similar to Sen. Clinton’s same goal almost 15 years ago. Edwards, 54, talks often of reform but has yet to reveal plans for stemming frivolous litigation, holding government responsible for spending and stopping special-interest politics.

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Thomas J. Harrington is the political director of United Christians of Florida.
Anthony Bonna is the deputy campaign manager of Gayle Harrell for Congress.