C-Span to Air Huckabee Pro-Life Forum

C-Span will air the Citizens United/Huckabee Pro-Life Forum at 8 pm ET

Read more from C-Span here.

You can also read up to the minute Live-Blog details from The Iowa Republican.

Next up on Mike Huckabee's Plate: Pro-Life Forum

On Wednesday, December 14th, Mike Huckabee will be host to Citizens United's new film The Gift of Life. Screening the film first before more than 1000 Iowans, Huckabee will then host a forum that focuses on the issue of Life. Life that begins at conception and contains all the DNA necessary to develop into a baby. This is the key issue that got Mike Huckabee involved in politics. It's where his heart is held captive when it comes to social issues.

So far only four Republican candidates are attending the forum: Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum.  Huntsman, Paul and Romney were invited but have yet to RSVP with a yes.

The issue of keeping a pregnancy or ending it in abortion is not the key issue that plagues the hearts of those who have been unemployed for over 99 weeks or of small business owners who just don't have enough capital to consider hiring another employee in the new year. But that doesn't mean it is not a key issue for many voters who have worked hard to further the Pro-Life cause.

Mike Huckabee has an exemplary record of championing Pro-Life bills and getting them passed through a Democrat legislature in Arkansas. So I hope he asks each candidate what they have done either personally or professionally to help change the hearts and minds of those in the pro-choice camp.

Why are the other candidates not signed on to this forum? What does Jon Huntsman have to lose? He has bragged openly about being more pro-life than Mitt Romney. So why not take the time to sit down and discuss with those 1000 Iowans his record in Utah? His numbers in the polls could only go up.

Mitt Romney, who is not really trusted on this issue, could use this platform to cement the fact that he truly is a fighter for the pro-life cause.  Yes he will open himself up to questions, but he has been running as a pro-life candidate for six years now so he should have some pretty darn good answers.

And finally Ron Paul, an OB/GYN who stated in 2007 “If you can’t protect life then how can you protect liberty?” should be at this forum highlighting his credentials in the Pro-Life fight.

This forum will give viewers insight on an issue that has hardly been discussed this election cycle.  But with the true meaning of Christmas being about the birth of Christ, it seems like the perfect time of year to talk about the unborn. Mike Huckabee has prepared a seat for them at the forum, and they won't be turned away.

Register  to attend this event

Tebow Mania: Mike Huckabee interviews Tim Tebow

Tebow Mania has taken the country by storm. Everyone seems to be writing about him and giving their perspective on his football skills, his faith, and his ability to help the Denver Broncos win.

In light of all that, it seems the perfect time to post Mike Huckabee's  June interview with Tim Tebow where they discussed Tebow's book Through My Eyes.

I find Tim Tebow to be a great role model, not only for kids, but for anyone who is part of a team. I like how Tebow always gives credit to his teammates and emphasizes some of their winning plays on the field.

Secularists are running scared because Tebow is not afraid to talk about his love for Christ. But they don't realize that God's kingdom has room for everyone to be part of the team. Tim Tebow knows how the ultimate game ends. And that's why he always gives God the glory.

Afterthoughts on Huckabee Republican Presidential Forum

Mike Huckabee, a former 2008 Presidential candidate himself, designed a forum that would give all candidates equal time, substantiative questions, and an opportunity to showcase their campaign for the American voter. There were no gotcha questions, no pitting one candidate against another, nor any silliness where a candidate has to raise his/her hand. As HotAir stated, it was Hucktastic.

Only one candidate declined the opportunity to answer the questions by Attorneys General: Pam Bondi, Ken Cuccinelli and Scott Pruitt--candidate Jon Huntsman. Mike Huckabee noted that Huntsman blew an opportunity that will definitely affect his campaign via GOP12

Complete video of the Huckabee Forum via

2012 Election Central

Backstage at the Huckabee Forum via NYT

Mike Huckabee grading the Republican Candidates via GOP12

Huckabee gets kudos for an improved, alternate format via HotAir

Vote online who you thought won the Huckabee Forum via WorldMag

Mike Huckabee will Host Republican Presidential Forum

Don't forget to tune into an extended Huckabee Show Saturday night at 8 pm ET where Mike Huckabee will host the Republican Presidential Forum: #huckforum

From Gov Huckabee's Facebook:

"Just a reminder: This Saturday from 8-10pm ET, my show will have a 2 hour special featuring the GOP Presidential candidates---all of whom are going to be posed questions not by media "stars" but by GOP Attorneys General Scott Pruitt of Oklahoma, Pam Bondi of Florida, and Ken Cuccinelli of Virginia; I will moderate. The candidates all get the exact same amount of time; the order in which they answer questions is determined by a random drawing and not by arbitrary decisions of "king maker" moderators.


The candidates will appear singularly on stage and are not allowed to discuss or attack other candidates, but must stick to questions which will focus on the federal/state relations of immigration, education, jobs, Obamacare, etc. It will be a very unique format and substantive---no "gotcha" stuff. I encourage you to tune in and please let your friends and family know about the debate as well."

Mike Huckabee to Shape GOP Focus in Final Weeks Leading Up to Iowa Caucus

Mike Huckabee will hold a GOP Candidate Forum on December 3rd in the New York Fox News Studio. Attorney Generals Pam Bondi (FL), Ken Cuccinelli (VA), and Scott Pruitt (OK) will assist Huckabee in asking questions. The focus of the forum has not yet been revealed, but the format has been detailed according to the Caucus:

Our goal is to have a unique and intimate setting in which each candidate is given equal time.


· The forum will last approximately 90 minutes.

· Candidates will be individually questioned. At no point will candidates have on-air interaction with each other.

· The order in which candidates are questioned will be determined by a draw. Each candidate will have an 8-10 minute question and answer session. The exact amount of time will depend on commercial break structure.

· Candidates will be in the studio one-by-one for their Q&A. The remaining candidates will be watching the forum from their private work space provided by Fox News.

· At the end of the forum, each candidate will be given one-minute rebuttal/final thoughts. Candidates will be on separate cameras.

· There will be no studio audience.

So far 5 of 8 Republican candidates have agreed to attend the forum: Bachmann, Gingrich, Paul, Romney, and Santorum. Huckabee is still waiting to hear from Cain, Huntsman and Perry.

Will these candidates win over an endorsement from Gov Mike Huckabee should they answer the questions to his satisfaction? Huckabee has stated numerous times that he will not endorse during the primaries, but will enthusiastically get behind the eventual Republican nominee.

However, the questions that he asks will help shape the focus of the final weeks leading up to the Iowa Caucus. Huckabee is also scheduled to host a Pro-Life forum in Iowa on December 14th.

Mike Huckabee to Host Pro-Life Iowa Forum

Mike Huckabee continues to lead on the issues that defined his campaign in 2008. On December 14th, he will host Republican candidates in a Pro-Life forum in Des Moines, Iowa.

This forum will feature a Pro-Life documentary, The Gift of Life, narrated by Governor Mike Huckabee and produced by Citizens United:

Eight of the Republican presidential candidates have been invited to discuss abortion and the Pro-Life cause 20 days before the Iowa Caucus. Will any of these candidates turn down the opportunity to speak to Iowa voters? And if they do, does this imply that the Pro-Life cause is not a value that they would further if they won the White House?

Politico reports: "Every conservative candidate for president will be fighting to come to this event," said David Bossie, Citizens United's president. "I think the campaigns see the value to be at a forum, in Iowa, three weeks before the caucus, standing next to Mike Huckabee. This is a unique opportunity."

Let's hope that all 8 invitees* reply yes and show the nation that while the key priority in America is JOBS, they all agree with Mike Huckabee that Every Life has Intrinsic Value and Worth.

* Invited but not confirmed: Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum.

You Be the Somebody, You Do the Something: Huckabee Republicans

Before the 2008 presidential race I did not pay close attention to the selection process of either party's eventual nominee. I always voted in the general election, but not the primaries. That all changed when Mike Huckabee caught my eye during the GOP debates. He was a breath of fresh air standing by his convictions and not worrying about political correctness. While he did not end up as the Republican nominee, he did bring into the party a whole new batch of grassroots volunteers dedicated to making a difference.

One key phrase that Mike Huckabee championed was "You be the Somebody, You do the Something." Huckabee supporters took those words to heart and got actively involved in politics. For many this was their first foray into the political arena. These supporters that are called HucksArmy made Get Out The Vote phone calls, worked on local campaigns, petitioned their congressmen, went to rallies, and even decided to run for office themselves.

While Mike Huckabee decided against running in the 2012 election, he is still making a difference by standing up for the principles that he ran on in 2008. He has used his Huckabee Show to fight against Obamacare, bloated government spending, bailouts, and failed foreign policy that has hindered our standing in the world. He has worked hard to Repeal Obamacare by participating in the Repeal Healthcare Act campaign. In July Mike Huckabee went before the House Ways & Means Committee in support of the FairTax.  And of course, he continues to promote and further the ProLife cause.

Huck supporters are certainly disappointed that Mike Huckabee is not running this time around. But he is not sitting idly by, nor should we. As a Huckabee Republican, We Can Make a Difference. Find the issue that is near and dear to your heart. Volunteer at an organization that is championing your cause.  Contact your congressperson and let them know where you stand on the issues. Donate to a cause that needs funding. Run for office and be the needed change at the local level.

The race for 2012 will not include Mike Huckabee. But you can still Be the Somebody Who Does the Something.

It's Time for Huckabee's October Surprise

Earlier in the year Mike Huckabee stated that the process started too early and was driven by the pundits. We have seen several GOP candidates rise and fall throughout the primary process. None of them have captured the hearts of the voters.

It is not too late for Mike Huckabee to enter the race. 

Huck could be the October Surprise that the voters are looking for:

Sign the petition to  Draft Mike Huckabee 2012

Mike Huckabee's Window of Opportunity

The level of GOP dissatisfaction with the current crop of presidential candidates has created a window of opportunity for Mike Huckabee to enter the race for the Republican nomination.

If he chooses to do so:

Will opponents and their surrogates balk at Huckabee's change of heart?  ("All the factors say go, but my heart says no.")  Probably, but Mike Huckabee can turn it around by stating that their constant fighting on the debate stage and their lack of focus on reforms has given him heartburn.

Will pundits frame the entrance as too late citing Rick Perry's recent example of imploding on the debate stage? They will try but Mike Huckabee is best known for being an articulate, quick witted debater. While he has not been on the current debate stage, he has been on the hot seat-the HotSeat segment of his show-where he has debated liberals on economic, social, and foreign policy related issues. In addition, Huckabee has hosted conservative guests highlighting topics such as the debt ceiling, healthcare reform, job creation, Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and the FairTax.

Will his opponents place a target on his back like they did with Rick Perry in the last three debates? Hard to say. But given that Mike Huckabee had most of them on his show where they could highlight their platforms and set their records straight, it is highly unlikely that they would attack him right away.

Is there enough time for Huckabee to frame the debate? Yes, Mike Huckabee wrote in his book A Simple Government 12 chapters showcasing underlying principles and solutions to make America strong. All Huckabee has to do is provide additional detail on his reforms. That will allow voters to see that Huckabee's 10 1/2 years of managing a microcosm of the federal government has left him best prepared to take on the challenge.

Is there room for another GOP candidate-a late entry? Yes, the straw poll conducted in Florida is one such poll that shows dissatisfaction with Mitt Romney and Rick Perry--71% of the ballots cast were against the two front runners. Herman Cain won the straw poll earning more than Mitt Romney and Rick Perry combined.

Recent polling continues to show that undecided and not sure is still a preferred option amongst the voters.

McClatchy-Marist 2012 Republican Nomination Survey

Undecided 14%

Mitt Romney 13%
Not Romney or Perry 33%

Rasmussen 2012 Republican Nomination Survey

Not Sure 11%
Not Romney or Perry 36%

CBS News/New York Times 2012 Republican Nomination Survey

Someone else 7%

Undecided (vol.) 12%

No one 2%

Don't know 10%
Not Romney or Perry 25%

Bloomberg/Selzer & Co. 2012 Presidential Survey

None of these 6%

Not sure 10%
Not Romney or Perry 36%

PPP 2012 GOP Nomination Survey

Someone else/Not sure 8%
Not Romney or Perry 42%

Economist/YouGov 2012 Presidential Survey

Other 6%

No preference 8%
Not Romney or Perry 44%

POLITICO/George Washington University 2012 Battleground Poll

Unsure 11%
Not Romney or Perry 35%

Fox News 2012 Republican Nomination Survey

Too soon to say 9%

Don’t know 4%
Not Romney or Perry 36%

As Huckabee supporters continue to pray that their candidate enters the race, the question remains:

Will Mike Huckabee throw his hat into the ring?

H/T The Argo Journal for Survey Data and Compilation

Mike Huckabee headed to Congress in Support of the Fair Tax

Even though Mike Huckabee is not in the GOP race for 2012, he is still standing firm and leading on the issues that were part of his 2008 platform.  On July 26th, Mike Huckabee heads to Congress to address the House Committee of Ways and Means on the Fair Tax.

Mike Huckabee conveyed this message via HuckPAC:

"Now is the time! As Americans give an unfair and growing amount of their paychecks to the Federal Government, our mission is clearer now more than ever:

Folks, it is time we put the IRS out of business.

Together we can accomplish this goal if we work hard to show to the Republican controlled House of Representatives during next week's hearing that an overwhelming number of Americans are behind the FairTax.

Then we must work together to elect another record number of candidates to Congress (House and Senate) next year who support the Fair Tax or who are willing to learn more about it and a Republican President who will sign this legislation.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Fair Tax – let me briefly explain how it works.

You get rid of income tax.

You get rid of all the withholding.

You get rid of corporate taxes completely, totally. After all – those taxes are not really paid by the corporations. They're passed on to the customer with a 22 percent embedded tax in the system.

You eliminate that, which means the prices of what you purchase will go down.

You replace it with a 23 percent consumption tax. Now, that sounds expensive, but you only pay when you purchase something new, whether it's a product or a service.

Also, It's a completely transparent tax system.

It doesn't increase taxes. It's revenue neutral. It will bring business back to the United States that is leaving our shores – our current, complicated, unfair tax laws make it impossible for an American-based business to compete with lower tax structures in other countries.

Don’t tell me something this “sweeping” can’t be passed. With your help . . . it can – and it will.

I urge you to sign my petition of support for a FairTax Congress. Help us reach 100,000 signatures by July 25th at midnight. Why? So I can say when I testify about the FairTax before Congress, that over 100,000 Americans are standing with me today."

Back in January of this year, Mike Huckabee was on Follow the Money with Eric Bolling and addressed the concept of the Fair Tax:

January 26, 2011, the Fair Tax Bill H.R. 25 was introduced to congress. These House Representatives support the bill:

Sponsor: Robert Woodall, [GA] Tom Price, [GA] Dan Boren, [OK]

Steve King, [IA] Todd Akin, [MO] Brian Bilbray, [CA]

John Carter, [TX] Michael Conaway, [TX] John Duncan, [TN]

Virginia Foxx, [NC] Michael McCaul, [TX] Pete Olson, [TX]

Mac Thornberry,[TX] Tom Sullivan, [OK] Tom Gingrey, [GA]

Roscoe Bartlett, [MD] Don Young, [AK] Ander Crenshaw, [FL]

Lynn Westmoreland, [GA] Gus Bilirakis, [F]L Ted Poe, [TX]

Tom Graves, [GA] Jeff Miller, [FL] Randy Neugebauer, [TX]

Robert Wittman, [VA] Jack Kingston, [GA] Marlin Stutzman, [IN]

Jeff Flake, [AZ] Billy Long, [MO] Cliff Stearns, [FL]

Tim Walberg, [MI] Dennis Ross, [FL] Darrell Issa, [CA]

Mo Brooks, [AL] Richard. Nugent, [FL] Tim Scott, [SC]

Blake Farenthood, [TX] Jeff Duncan, [SC] Rob Bishop, [UT]

Mike Pence, [IN] Sandy Adams, [FL] John Mica, [FL]

Sue Myrick, [NC] Dan Burton, [IN] John Culberson, [TX]

James Lankford, [OK] Mike Pompeo, [KS] Gary G. Miller, [CA]

Paul Broun, [GA] Trent Franks, [AZ] Bob Gibbs, [OH]

Sam Graves, [MO] Lynn Jenkins, [KS] Frank Lucas, [OK]

Scott Rigell, [VA] David Roe, [TN]

The Fair Tax Act was also introduced in the senate as S 13

The Senators who support the bill are:

Sponsor: Saxby Chambliss, [GA] Richard Burr, [NC] Tom Coburn, [OK]

John Cornyn, [TX] Jim DeMint, [SC] James Inhofe, [OK]

Johnny Isakson, [GA] Richard Lugar, [IN] Jerry Moran, [KS]

If you are a supporter of the Fair Tax, I hope you will sign Mike Huckabee's Fair Tax petition.

Mike Huckabee further explains his decision to say No to 2012

Mike Huckabee went on Fox News Sunday and further explained his decision on why he will not be entering the race for the Republican nomination. What impressed me most about Huckabee's decision is that ego and vanity could have kept Mike Huckabee in the race.  But humility and faith kept him out. I can live with that!

Here is the transcript:

Governor, welcome back to "Fox News Sunday."

HUCKABEE: Thank you, Chris. Great to be here.

WALLACE: You had a good chance to win the Republican nomination. The fact that you've done nothing to promote your candidacy and you were either first or second in all the polls, didn't you want to be president?

HUCKABEE: Absolutely, Chris. And I think that I would have made a fine president. But it really came down for me to a very personal, a very intimate and -- as I explained last night in the announcement -- a spiritual decision. You know, you look at all the political possibilities. And, frankly, I don't think that I'll have a better chance, but I don't rule anything out for the long-term future. But I just somehow believe deep within me that it wasn't the right time and it wasn't to be. And whether it was a lack of sort of detailed preparation, it's not going to happen this time.

WALLACE: I'm a little curious when you say "spiritual decision." I mean, is it -- and I know you're a man of great faith. But are you saying that you didn't have the fire in your belly to go this time?

HUCKABEE: Well, I think, sometimes, people mistake fire in the belly for too much pepperoni pizza the night before. They make a great speech and people come up to them and tell them, "You could be president." And the next thing you know, they're running, not because they really ought to or have any shot at doing it, but because they have, you know, a handful of people that tell them they are looking at the next president.

For me, it was a little more introspective than that. You know, sometimes, people ask me does God speak to me in an audible voice. And the truth is, no. It's a lot louder than that.

But I do believe that for those of us who are believers, there is a sense of peace. And I'll put it this way, Chris -- last night, I laid my head on the pillow and had a very good night's sleep. And I was at peace with the decision. And I am today.

WALLACE: Will you endorse a candidate for president?

HUCKABEE: Not immediately. Frankly, my feelings and my whole emotions are still a little raw from the process, because up until just a few days ago, Chris, I honestly I thought I would be in it. And more and more, the signs were pointing that way, the objections were moved out of the way, and I could see a pathway to getting the money that I never thought perhaps I could. And, you know, things began to unfold.

But it was almost as if the more that all of the external things began to materialize, the less the internal things began to crystallize for me. So, I need to kind of process my own feelings.

There are some great candidates. Most of them are very dear friends of mine. That would have made it a little difficult in the primary, because I would have found it hard to challenge some of them in some maybe significant way personally. There may be a point in which I endorse, but right now, I'll see how the race unfolds and listen carefully to how they develop their message.

WALLACE: Well, since you are staying at Fox, I'm going to ask you to do your job as a political analyst. You're getting out of the race leaves a big hole, especially in Iowa, and especially among social conservatives. Who do you think fills that void? Who do you think benefits most from your staying out of the race?

HUCKABEE: Chris, I think there are a number of people who probably maybe jump for joy last night. I don't know. But I think there are a number of people who are similar to me in terms of point of view. Rick Santorum, for example, a strong social conservative, but he's also strong fiscal and I think defense conservative, and foreign policy conservative as well. Tim Pawlenty, another person. Newt Gingrich. Michele Bachmann.

I think all of these folks, very clearly might benefit from it. Sarah Palin, should she decide to get in. And, you know, I think people are awaiting her decision like they were mine.

But those are some folks immediately, because of their strong positions on issues like life and traditional marriage, as well as fiscal conservativism. The truth is, most fiscal -- in fact, all social conservatives I know are also fiscal conservatives. Not necessarily the other way around.

WALLACE: Now, you didn't mention Mitt Romney.

HUCKABEE: No, but let me tell you something. I've got a wonderful voice mail from Mitt Romney last night, which I thought was gracious on his part. You know, there has been a lot of talk about Mitt Romney and me. And we don't socialize together. We're not close, you know, in personal ways.

But I want to make it very clear today, if Mitt Romney is the nominee for our party, I will support him because I believe that Mitt Romney would be better president of the United States than Barack Obama on any day. And whether he is my first choice, I will support him if he is our nominee. And he very well may be.

WALLACE: Now, immediately after your statement last night, Donald Trump suddenly appears. It was kind of funny. But could you support him for president?

HUCKABEE: You know, I'm going to support the Republican nominee. I'm a Republican. And unless a person is way out there and is not clear on issues that to me are non-negotiable like the sanctity of life. I believe Donald Trump would be better for America than Barack Obama, because he understands business. Donald Trump has taken a pro- life position. He believes that we're getting shanghaied by China, which I agree with.

By the way, a little insight here. Donald Trump takes two versions of the sort of end of the show -- one that I was running, one that I wasn't. And Donald Trump did not know which one would be used, nor did my executive producer, nor did my staff, right up until the moments before the show when I finally, of course, had to tell them.

WALLACE: Well, that's interesting. It's good they ran the right tape.

Governor Huckabee, we're going to miss you on the campaign trail. But I'm delighted you will remain our colleague at Fox News. Thank you, Governor.

Mike Huckabee: I will not seek the Republican nomination for President this year

Mike Huckabee used the last few minutes of his Huckabee show to announce to Fox News viewers that he is not going to seek the Republican nomination for President.

This has been a much anticipated decision as it affects other potential candidates who have not yet declared. Mike Huckabee will be on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace where he will further discuss his decision. 

As a strong supporter of Mike Huckabee in 2008, I had hoped that he would run again in 2012.  Mike Huckabee had asked his supporters to pray for him-discernment-so that he would make the right decision.

As I was driving to go hear him speak in Dallas this week, I did just that, I prayed that Mike Huckabee would hear what God's will was for him.  That if God had other plans for him, that Mike Huckabee would clearly hear that calling.  For believers in Jesus Christ, we know that when God closes one door, he opens another.

Mike Huckabee not only consulted his strategists, family members and friends, but he more importantly consulted God.  And as many of us know, it is easy to take time to pray to God, but it is harder to take the time to sit and listen to what God has to say.

Mike Huckabee gave a thoughtful, well thought out reason for not seeking the nomination.  I for one am proud that he acknowledged that he sought the Lord in this major decision.  Mike Huckabee said that he found peace once he came to his decision.  Now his supporters must do the same.

Key aspect of Mike Huckabee's statement from HuckPAC:

When people asked me what it would take for me to run, I would tell them the same thing---pray for me to have clarity in the decision. I don’t expect everyone to understand this, but I’m a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. That relationship is far more important to me than any political office. For me, the decision is ultimately not a political one, a financial one, or even a practical one ---it’s a spiritual one.

The past few weeks, the external signs and signals and answers to many of the obstacles point strongly toward running. When I am with people encouraging me to run, it’s easy to feel the strength of their partnership and commitment to help me to the finish line. Only when I was alone, in quiet and reflective moments did I have not only clarity, but an inexplicable inner peace—a peace that exceeds human understanding. All the factors say GO, but my heart says NO. And that is the decision I have made and in it have finally found resolution. I don’t fully understand it myself—but I’m sure the pundits will. But I know that under the best of circumstances, being President is a job that takes one to the limit of his or her human capacity. For me, to do it apart from an inner confidence that I was undertaking it with God’s full blessing is unthinkable. I can’t know or predict the future, but I know for now my answer is clear and firm. I will not seek the Republican nomination for President this year.

Will he or Won't he? Mike Huckabee to announce his decision on Huckabee Show

Mike Huckabee said that even his executive producer does not know his decision on a 2012 presidential run. Only his family members were told.  

Tune into the Huckabee Show on Saturday Night to hear whether or not Mike Huckabee will run for president.

A President Mike Huckabee: What you See is What you Get

NCPA's Dr. John Goodman introduced Mike Huckabee stating "What you see is what you get-an authentic person who really understands policy issues."  I saw that today in both Huckabee's speech and the question and answer session that followed.  Mike Huckabee did not give a fire and brimstone speech.  Instead he touched on several key issues affecting America using tempered language that he likes to call vertical politics.  Huckabee feels that Americans are disappointed with today's politicians and how everything has become right or left (horizontal politics), rather than up or down.  Huckabee noted that Americans are looking for someone who can lift America up, solve the problems without tearing each other down, and bring people together to implement solutions to get America back on track.

Mike Huckabee started the speech with his usual self deprecating humor and commonsense approach to governing.  He excoriated the insular community in Washington DC that doesn't listen to the rest of America and forgets the impact that it has on businesses.  Huckabee then introduced vertical politics stating that it is a tactical solution that we are not using very often.  "Elections are decided not by those who embrace extreme positions but by those who view things from a vertical perspective.  This view looks at whether we are getting better or we are getting worse. Are things improving or are they declining? Is my kid who just graduated from college going to be able to find a job to help pay off their college loans?  The solutions that we have to develop in this country need to be pointing people toward how we are improving the future for the next generation rather than how we are going to beat those guys on the other side."  My guess is that if and when Mike Huckabee gets into the race, his platform will be about bringing America together for the benefit of the next generation.

After his speech, the floor was opened up to questioning.  One of the things I like best about Mike Huckabee, is that he always answers the questions he is asked.  Below are the topics and his paraphrased words.

President Obama

With Obama, "we don't hear a president, we hear a candidate."  Huckabee praised former presidents Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43 for their ability to give a policy speech that focused on policy and not the politics of campaigning.  Huckabee stated that "politicians are driven to ideological purity by primary campaigns.  But actual governing is like a football game-where you gain a few yards at a time with the goal being attained incrementally."

The Punishing Tax System

"The problem with our current tax system is that we punish those things we want to reward and we reward those things we should want to punish.  We need to reward behaviors we want to encourage and punish things we want to discourage.  We need to throttle up, not punish people for having done so.  America won't be a great country if we teach people to not work hard." Huckabee gave the example of bailing out reckless companies that are failing while over taxing prudent companies that are thriving.

Childhood Obesity

"We better bring up the issue because obesity is killing us.  The role of government is not to raise our kids, but to raise awareness and change the culture."  Examples that Huckabee gave where culture changed behavior included littering, smoking, wearing seat belts and drunk driving. He emphasized that in each case when the government codified the changes into law they only validated the new cultural norm.  

Role of the Federal Government

"Stimulate good ideas that work for individuals.  Each individual is his/her best government.  Best government is self government.  Comes down to individuals with a moral compass and families who actually raise their own kids and don't expect Uncle Sugar to do it for them. Individual health savings accounts-benefit of making good decisions. Not turning health care over to someone who does not know me and frankly who has no vested interested in my making a good decision. Government can help foster, puts more power into the hands of the individual."

Immigration Reform

"Moot process until we secure the border.  All the discussion of how we are going to reform immigration starts with that first and foremost thing. I don't think there is a real appetite in America for all the intricate policy discussion of how you deal with it until you deal with the glaring issue of do you have control of your own borders. That has to be first and foremost."

Debt Ceiling

"If we keep raising the debt ceiling without ever coming to grips with what its doing long term-devaluing the dollar and destroying our economy- then we are doing the next generation a great disservice. Raise only if there is substantial commitment, execution of lowering the expenditures."

Terrorism

"We have to recognize, that when dealing with terrorists, we can't negotiate, can't worry about offending them.  We as Americans have to do whatever it takes, like sending in Navy Seals and taking them out.  I think the Israeli's have it right. You don't negotiate with terrorists. You get rid of the terrorist before they get rid of you.  That's the only way to deal with it."

As Dr. Goodman said, what you see is what you get.  As president we would have in Mike Huckabee a leader who answered the questions that are asked, who served the people of America and left partisan politics up to the pundits, who brought together the best and the brightest from both sides of the aisle to find solutions that work.  We would have a president who understands that we have a responsibility to the next generation to leave America better than we found it.

Mike Huckabee leads PPP National Republican Polling while Trump Fades

The spring weather saying, In like a Lion out like a Lamb, can also be said of Donald Trump's emergence onto the national stage of potential Republican candidates.  Trump quickly rose to the top and is now fading away.  Meanwhile, Mike Huckabee holds steady as the lead candidate for the 2012 Republican nomination.

Public Policy Polling

2012 GOP Nomination Survey

If the Republican candidates for President in 2012 were Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, and Donald Trump, who would you vote for?

* Mike Huckabee 19% {17%}

* Mitt Romney 18% {15%}

* Newt Gingrich 13% {11%}

* Sarah Palin 12% {8%}

* Ron Paul 8% {5%}

* Donald Trump 8% {26%}

* Michele Bachmann 7% {4%}

* Tim Pawlenty 5% {4%}

Survey of 610 usual Republican primary voters was conducted May 5-8, 2011. The margin of error is +/-4.0 percentage points. Results from the poll conducted April 7-10, 2011 are in curly brackets.

H/T the Argo Journal for data compilation

Mike Huckabee to Speak at Dallas NCPA Distinguished Lecture Series May 12th

Mike Huckabee will be in Dallas this Thursday, May 12th to speak at the National Center for Policy Analysis

Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Lecture Series

When: Thursday, May 12, 2011, Noon to 1:15 PM

Where: San Antonio Ballroom, 4th Floor, Westin Galleria Dallas, 13340 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240

Complimentary self-parking is available in the parking garage. Valet parking is available at the discounted rate of $12 per vehicle.

On May 12, join the National Center for Policy Analysis as we welcome Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas, former candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, and host of the Fox News Channel program “Huckabee,” as a part of the Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Lecture Series. Huckabee is also an author of several books, including A Simple Government and Do The Right Thing

You can register here.

Gallup: Mike Huckabee leads Biggest Array of Categories in latest Presidential Trial Heat

Republican voters will be looking to elect a candidate who can win across a broad spectrum of categories. Mike Huckabee is that candidate as he leads amongst Men, Women, Conservatives, Middle Income, Non-College Educated, Youth, Middle Age, Midwest, and the South.

Gallup: 2012 GOP Presidential Trial Heat

Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking April 15-20, March 18-22, and Feb. 18-20, 2011, with a random sample of at least 1,000 Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, at each of these time periods.

For results based on the total aggregate sample of 3,304 Republicans, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.

Tim Pawlenty beams "I Love the Huck"

Mike Huckabee was not at the first Republican debate in South Carolina because he has not made a final decision on a run. Newt Gingrich who announced he was testing the waters declined the debate invitation even though word has it that he will announce next week. Mitt Romney has formed an exploratory committee but was not ready to take the debate stage. That left former governor Tim Pawlenty with the opportunity to light up the stage. And he did by stating "I Love the Huck!"

Mike Huckabee sits down with Bill Hemmer and talks about the debate, Afghanistan, Ronald Reagan, and a possible run for the Republican nomination.

Mike Huckabee Continues to Lead CNN Republican Survey

Mike Huckabee continues to lead the CNN Republican Nomination Survey. As CNN indicated in their write up, the eventual GOP winner was leading the polls taken in April of the previous year. For the third month in a row, Mike Huckabee has led the CNN polling no matter which other potential candidates are added into the mix.

CNN/Opinion Research 2012 Republican Nomination Survey

Mike Huckabee 16%

Donald Trump 14%

Mitt Romney 13%

Sarah Palin 11%

Newt Gingrich 10%

Ron Paul 10%

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted April 29-May 1, with 1,034 adult Americans questioned by telephone. All interviews were completed before the president announced that bin Laden, the founder and leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network and the man responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan. The survey’s overall sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points.

CNN Nuggets:

GOP primary match-ups are another matter – since the modern era of presidential primaries began in 1972, there have been six times when the GOP nomination was up for grabs. In five of those six election cycles, the eventual GOP winner was leading the polls taken in April of the previous year.

This indicator is another good reason for Mike Huckabee to jump into the race this summer.  

Mike Huckabee Ramping Up for a Run (Updated)

Supporters of Mike Huckabee will be happy to learn that after Memorial Day their choice for the Republican nomination may be throwing his hat into the ring. A detailed report out today by Erin McPike of Real Clear Politics states that Fox News has given Mike Huckabee until the end of May to make his decision. This coincides with Huckabee's contract which is up for renewal in June.

Yesterday Huckabee was inside the Beltway raising funds for republicans as well as his own PAC. According to the Wall St Journal, supporters who donated $1000 were given the opportunity to ask Huckabee exclusive questions about his intentions for the nomination.

Ed Rollins recently stated that Huckabee would need to make a decision by June 1st. In McPike's article, we learn:

Edward J. Rollins, who joined Huckabee's team as national chairman in mid-December of 2007 -- just weeks before Huckabee solidly won the 2008 Iowa caucuses -- has been charged with setting up shop.

According to a confidant of Rollins who has been slated for a high-level position in the potential campaign, "Ed has had long and serious discussions with Mike as recently as this past weekend." Rollins would manage the first phase of the Huckabee campaign this time.

On a national level, Rollins has gotten verbal agreements from experienced Republican operatives who would join the team. A political director, fundraising team, media team, communications director, press staff, policy shop and opposition research outfit are locked and loaded. Serious discussions with a respected national pollster are ongoing, and several national Republican operatives have told RealClearPolitics that they've gotten calls with the message: "This thing is happening. Do you want to be a part of it?"

The gathering national team has a different take, though. Rollins has worked on nine presidential campaigns and has developed many contacts over that time, and he has recruited a team over the last four months that will be ready to roll if Huckabee pulls the trigger.

As a consequence of that more professional, experienced team, some of the players who surrounded Huckabee last time aren't necessarily needed anymore. In other words, Huckabee was an upstart last time and couldn't attract top-tier talent, and he didn't even have some of the most significant leaders of the religious right on board when he started in 2007.

More than 40,000 Iowans picked him in the 2008 caucuses, and those in Huckabee's inner circle expect that his daughter, Sarah Huckabee, will run the operation for her father in the Hawkeye State this time, coming off of her successful role in managing Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman's 2010 race.

Now, he may have to offer his decision by the end of the month. Republican operatives familiar with the deliberations at Fox News say that the network has told Huckabee he has until the end of the month to make up his mind about the race or he'll be cut off, just as Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum were when the then-contributors were still in the consideration phase.

Noting Barbour's decision not to run, Beasley said, "I think the landscape is conducive for a Mike Huckabee entrance. Right now, we're putting together the team and putting the word out that Mike Huckabee is seriously considering this race."

He added that with Huckabee's current national notoriety, "this time around it's a whole different ballgame. He's in a good position at this stage of the process.

Mike Huckabee has consistently said that if and when he decides to run, it will be his race, his pace. Looks like Huckabee is ready to get into the starting block. His supporters are not only ready in the stands to cheer him on, but are anxiously awaiting the sound of the starting gun, so that they themselves can work to get him the nomination.

* Update:  Since this posted earlier this morning, Mike Huckabee has issued a statement via Huck PAC:

During a Huck PAC fundraiser yesterday in the DC area - Gov. Huckabee was asked about a Presidential run and he told the group privately the same thing he's said countless times publicly. The Governor's comment was tweeted by a Congressman who was in the meeting: 'people that say they definitely know I'm not running, don't know - those that say they definitely know I am, don't know - I don't know.' What does it say about the news when a Congressman can report real quotes that actually came from Governor Huckabee - while journalists use other sources and unsubstantiated rumor?

The Governor has been clear - his timeline for a decision is this summer and that has not changed. Fox is aware of the Governor's timetable and he is aware of his limitations in considering another run.

** Additional information regarding Fox News deadline:

Fox News denied that it has given former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) a deadline of the end of May to decide whether to run for president.

A senior Fox official disputed a report Thursday by Real Clear Politics that Huckabee has been given a deadline of the end of May to decide whether to enter the race for the Republican presidential nomination, which would prompt him to forfeit his lucrative contract with the network.

"There is no truth whatsoever to this report," said Bill Shine, the executive vice president of programming for Fox.