Get out of the race, Huck

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Lance

Mike Huckabee is not going to stop John McCain from getting the Republican nomination. It seemed likely at first, but after last night’s losses, Huck is dead.

Byron York at National Review got it right,

But inside the Huckabee camp these days, there is a distinct sense of pragmatism about the campaign’s prospects. The time is coming — probably just after the March 4 primary in Texas — when Huckabee, if he cannot produce any more victories, will leave the Republican presidential race.

These people in the Huckabee camp aren’t leading a movement, they’re leading a lost cause. The Ron Paul camp is doing something ideological, staying in makes a point. Huckabee is staying in this race so far for one reason: to make a name for himself.

By becoming the “last man standing,” Huckabee has managed to get attention as a “major player.” His election is over, his only chance is to wait until 2012. The problem with his voting base is that he is seen as the anti-McCain. If Huckabee drops out, who’s left? Ron Paul.

I’m not convinced the Ron Paul movement could secure many more delegates in the future races, but I’d definitely say expect a sharp increase in poll numbers–perhaps up to 15%.

Keeping Ron Paul down isn’t Huckabee’s goal, though. It’s clear that he is being annoying simply so people will remember who he is for the next big election four years down the road.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Filed under: Election 2008, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Politics, Republicans, Ron Paul

« Why Democrats will not unite by November John Edwards leans towards a Clinton endorsement »

7 Responses to “Get out of the race, Huck”

  1. Eric, on February 13th, 2008 at 8:03 pm Said:

    I actually believe Huckabee is leading the Very/Far Right Conservatives that McCain is hoping to get. Also if there is an Actual (Ron Paul does not qualify) political opponent on the republican side, it gives McCain and the republican party some more spotlight, which is never bad. So One could argue that with Huckabee staying in the race, it garners media attention back to the Republican race and keeps it from the Democrats.

  2. Mike O, on February 13th, 2008 at 10:50 pm Said:

    Huck is just pulling the ‘religious right’ and evangelicals, which- in some ways- are not conservative at all. He is not pulling the security conservatives and neither draws voters on the border security issue.

    Very few of Huck’s people would vote for Paul; most would relectantly vote for McCain, or stay home.

  3. Lance, on February 13th, 2008 at 11:06 pm Said:

    But how many are voting for Huck simply as an anti-McCain? What about some of the former Romney voters?

  4. Lance, on February 13th, 2008 at 11:06 pm Said:

    By the way, I’m not saying Paul will instantly get 30-40% in the polls like Huck has. A double of poll numbers is only 15% or so.

  5. Dave Nate, on February 14th, 2008 at 11:09 am Said:

    As a Paul Supporter, my miracle would be a brokered convention which only widespread Huckabee appeal could bring about. Hang in there Huck!

  6. Lance, on February 14th, 2008 at 11:25 am Said:

    Huckabee can’t broker the convention, though. McCain is going to win, its pretty much mathematically impossible for Huck to stop it. His staying in only hurts some media coverage of Paul.

  7. Dave Nate, on February 14th, 2008 at 12:23 pm Said:

    Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin. I will say it’s over when McCain wins those States.

Leave a Reply