Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee contends that his party must return to its social conservative roots and regain the strength of support from values voters it once enjoyed.
Huckabee, who was a favorite among social conservatives during the primary season, charged the GOP of neglecting values voters this election year and warned the party that it should reconnect with this key voting base before it defects the party.
“They (values voters) were welcomed to the family table two days a year, and that was the primary and Election Day,” the former Arkansas governor said at a press conference Wednesday, according to Religion News Service. “I think there’s a point of frustration and exasperation where people are saying, ‘You know what? If you don’t want us, just say so.’”
He also called for the GOP to return to traditional party platforms, such as defending life and marriage, instead of shying away from talking about it.
It would be “insane” of the Republican Party if they move away from these key issues as some moderate Republicans have suggested, Huckabee argued.
“It’s been an important part of our overall message, which is that traditional values still reach many people in this country,” he said regarding the marriage issue. “And I think the sanctity of life issue is still an issue that draws people to the Republican Party who otherwise might not necessarily feel that much of a loyalty. It’s not that it’s the only issue, but it’s an issue that we have to be faithful to.”
During his presidential campaign, Huckabee was an outspoken advocate of reversing Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that allowed abortion, and amending the constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman and thereby banning gay marriage.
While the former Arkansas governor’s conservative views gained him support from many values voters, interestingly many Christian leaders chose to endorse another candidate who they felt was more electable.
The former candidate accused these leaders of compromising their values and principles for political pragmatism.
Recently, Huckabee released a new book entitled, Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement That’s Bringing Common Sense Back to America, which discusses the past and future of the Republican Party. He is currently on a tour across the country to promote his book.
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I can not imagine a man of God not acknowledging mistakes. We are all human and therefore make mistakes. Sometimes we are tricked, other times we are unable to foresee future consequences, and sometimes we are just wrong. But that does not negate that fact that we were wrong. Huckabee refused to ever acknowledge any error made, nor would he attempt to expalin why he made the decisions that he made.
I do not know if he's a wolf in sheep's clothing, but I have not seen any evidence that he truly believes. If you are a Christian then you believe in Christ. If you truly believe then you try to act as the Messiah would have you act. I have seen no correlation between his words and his actions. I also have the advantage of remembering his words, vocal intonations and body language of TV interviews when he was asked about parole or AASIS situations. None of these were present once he decided to seek a national office and national attention.
Hi ender,
Thank you for sharing. I have read the issues you bring up also. I do not know either his reasons for any of them. I know without a doubt some things are not always as they seem. I have also read of the good things he did as well. Do you believe he is a God-fearing man striving to be Christ-like? Or do you believe him to be wolf in sheeps clothes?
I really want to see a God-fearing man not afraid of speaking God's Word and Will for everyone leading our country.
I have bee asked to share my concerns about Huckabee with you. The following is a sample (I'm sure I'll be given a thumbs down regardless).
While he was our governor, he granted parole to many offenders that the people oblected to, and refused to ever give ANY reason for doing so. Some of these include Wayne Dumond ( a rapist who's victim begged Huckabee not to parole) who moved to Missouri and he promptly murdered someone there. Whenever he was asked during his presidential campaign about Dumond, he layed all of the blame of the parole board. Although they can recommend parole, only the governor can grant it. Mr. Huckabee seemed disinclined to ever take the blame for anything. He also paroled a murderer who killed a minister (again ignoring public and family outcry), and refused to ever give a reason. Paroled a repeat DWI offender, who had as of the campaign gotten two more DWIs. In fact he paroled more people than the previous two governors (one of which was Clinton).
He intently damaged the computer that he had used as governor, even though it was state property. Insisted on a new AASIS computer system, even though all the experts had declared it severely flawed and it was the most expensive (400 million dollars). It cost the state taxpayers another 50 million to fix all of the glitches in it and the state is stiil stuck with this systen to this day.
He is also Juducial Watch's 10 most corrupt politicians of 2007. A list headed by Hillary Clinton, and includes Mrs. Feinstien and Obama (although Huckabee rates number 6 and Obama rates number 8).
This is a fairly short list, and by no means comprehensive. But if you don't like what's here, then show me my mistakes.
The only smart people in this whole wide world, are those who stand on the side of God, And when I say God, I mean Jesus Christ.
Anyone who stands opposite God, Is ignorant indeed.
I like Mike Huckabee, I like him because he believes in the Word of God and is not afraid to say so.
Now I know that there are those who do not like him, And for the same reason.
I am not republican, and I am not a Democrat, I am a " Christian."
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, The only begotten Son of God.
I do believe that the Bible is the Word of God.
Based on that Word, I believe that Abortion is sin because it is the killing of unborn Babies.
Based on that Word, I believe that homosexuality is sin, Because Gods in His Word, It is an Abomination.
Those who do not believe or accept that Word cannot defeat God, so they come against those who believe and preach that Word.
Jesus said, " The world hates me, It will hate you also."
The Bible also says," they loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were dark.
May God help us all. Stay true to the Word of God, and to Righteousness.
Uneducated religious extremists like Mike Huckabee have destroyed the Republican party.
Thank you ender,
I promise not to follow blindly, but if you could be so kind as to share some of the concerns with him?
I posted several comments about how people should look into Huckabee's actual record as governor of Arkanasa during the election nad was always given a thumbs down for suggesting that the whole picture was not being given. As a resident of Arkansas, I once again urge you to look at what he actually did rather than merely listen to his words. Many Christians did this with Bush and were sorely disappointed, and the resulting public backlash has put the most liberal president in the white house ever. I implore you to research Huckabee before you blindly follow, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
I read somewhere that one of the characteristics americans expect in the president is a belief in God.
I know that for any politcal office, I look for someone's steps that are directed by God.
At least there's somebody in Washington who's not a moron. Philo, the constitution follows the Word of God pretty well already. Bill of Rights, Biblically based.
Looks like Huck is fully committed to keeping the Republican party the regional force it has become. He represents the very same twenty-five percent of the electorate that Palin does, and it will never-ever be a majority.
On Maddow last night, Huck was asked about wanting to amend the constitution to conform to the word of God, as it was easier (so he said) to change the constitution then change the word of God. He ducked the question & started talking about something totally unrelated. Seems to me if he really had the courage of his convictions, he would have defended his position, even in the face of a liberal audience.
He is a gentleman, and, I believe, a good and honest man. I wish him well, just not the white house.
I like this guy! Alot.