Why Huckabee Is Still In The Running
In reading the responses to my earlier Mike Huckabee posts
regarding media strategy and resilience, it’s obvious that his followers
are committed and passionate. He was a self-admitted long shot from the
beginning, and I think it would be instructive to see what’s kept him in
the race so long – particularly since he came out of nowhere. Certainly
– as his fans have repeated on this blog and elsewhere - the keys are his
honesty, authenticity, commitment to his word, leadership, and his
spiritual perspective. All that would be true, but it’s not the whole
story. His candidacy is a excellent lesson for any underdog, and from the
perspective of a media consultant, there are some other significant reasons
he’s kept in the running for so long:
1) The preparation from being a preacher. A good preacher knows how to connect with an audience, and Huckabee has done an excellent job of that. In a race where Ron Paul seems slightly odd, Romney is stiff and awkward, and McCain is unsure of his relationship to conservatives, Huckabee knows how to speak to the public. He’s spontaneous, off the cuff, authentic, and real. When he talks, you feel like there’s no bull, and you’re getting the straight stuff.
2) His Christian evangelical core audience. Few audiences are as passionate or hard working as the Christian audience, and if you can resonate with them, you have a powerful core. They are the vital center of his base that keeps the money coming in, and they are the most vocal of the campaign. In the wake of the passing of men like Jerry Falwell and D. James Kennedy, the Christian Right has stepped back from political confrontation and power, but don’t think for a minute that audience is going away.
3) His media booking operation. His guerilla marketing strategy has worked especially well with local media. His people book him on just about any local talk show that will take him, and when the other candidates are waiting in line to get on The Today Show, Mike’s out talking on local TV and radio. The LA Times reports that in one particular stretch after five primary victories on Super Tuesday, Huckabee knocked out nearly two dozen TV appearances in about 18 hours. Local radio and TV matter, and he’s become a master at speaking at local levels.
4) He has nothing to lose. While Hillary has to keep her Democratic machine happy, and McCain worries about reaching conservatives, Huckabee marches on without compromise. Nothing helps you focus like betting the farm, and he doesn’t care who he offends. People respond to that kind of courage.
5) The power of a personal story. Coming from a modest Southern background to the national political stage is a great story, and he knows how to tell it. Going to work at 14 and hurrying through college because he didn’t have money for tuition is a compelling story, and people respond. Everyone likes a hero, and you don’t find too many in national politics today.
6) He represents his faith well. One of the things I like most about Huckabee is his response when he answers questions about this religious faith. In a time when Christians often seem out of touch or secularists label us “fundamentalist” Huckabee defends his faith with reason, intelligence, and wit. He doesn’t deny it or act embarrassed. But he also doesn’t use it like a club, as many Christian leaders have done. He makes the Christian faith reasonable and intellectual. You might notice that because he handled it so well at the beginning of the campaign, few in the media even consider the issue anymore.
The truth is, he admits the odds are against him. A victory isn’t impossible, but he’d have to win nearly 9 out of 10 delegates from this point on. But his magnetism is resonating with a growing audience out there, and there’s no question that staying in the race keeps his voice heard and his issues in the public eye.
Does strategy matter? Absolutely. Don’t think for a minute “good ole’ Huck” isn’t a thinking man, and I admire him for that. He’s led a brilliant guerilla campaign with remarkably little money, resources, or endorsements. A lot of leaders – political, educational, religious, and cultural – could learn from that example.
Forgot to add to the post that Huckabee doesn't have to win 1,191 delegates. It's just necessary for McCain to NOT get to that mark. If that happens, we have a convention scenario where the six things you mentioned above all come into play. And then, of course, God still has the final vote.
while i wouldn't call myself a huckabee supporter, i do think he's been really refreshing. as a social conservative/fiscal liberal, i don't usually feel like i have a voice in politics. however, i hope huckabee's modicum of success will lead other politicians to voice the concerns of this (growing?) group of "bleeding-heart pro-lifers" in future races. maybe that's a good reason for him to stay in the race--to shape the political landscape in a more lasting, but less direct, way.
To be honest, I wasn't a Huckabee fan at first. No because I didn't like the guy, I just put my efforts behind Fred Thompson, who I was impressed with before I heard him speak and even more impressed with following his stump in my hometown (which doesn't see much in that type of thing).
However , Fred dropped out right before the Florida primary and I found myself watching the Republican debates in Florida. I was very surprised by Huckabee's performance, despite having read one of his books on legacy a few years back. He handled himself VERY Well and earned my primary vote that night.
And while the Christian issue may have fallen by the wayside for many media people, Tim Russert did bring it up and I thought Huckabee gave about as perfect a response as can be given to that question - proving himself to be not only a Christian, but one with sound theology and understanding of the roraing lambs concept, for lack of a better phrase.
It'll be interesting to see how things play out in the next few weeks.
Well Phil. I couldn't have said it any better. That was the best analysis on Huckabee I have seen to date. Thank you.
For those of us who are English/Theatre majors, while studying for our degrees, we learned about Horatio stories - someone is poor but rises up and becomes part of the wealthy or is the underdog and wins - I firmly believe that we are witnessing yet another one.
I blog on Mike's website daily and I have read several blogs where people are so dismayed with the way the GOP is behaving that some have even opted out of the party altogether.
Mike brings back that breath of hope we have all been holding in, just waiting in anticipation, wondering, "will someone come along that is true to there word. Someone that we can trust?"
We are now exhaling with excitement because we believe that we finally have a "candidate we can trust." That seems like such an odd thing to say in the 21st century in relation to politics, however, that is the consensus of those of us that are supporting Mike with everything we have.
I have read stories of people giving up Valentine day dinners, movies, family night out gatherings, eating out, cutting back on things they don't need, you name it they are giving it up so they can then donate that money to what they consider "a better cause" - Mike Huckabee.
I also hear stories from people who have never been actively involved in politics before and they are donating, fund raising, making calls, you name it, they are doing it. Even this girl here, (me) who hates cold calling, has made calls on behalf of Mike and raised almost $1,000.00 for him (my second least favorite thing to do).
There is this quote that I love that really sums up Mike Huckabee and his supporters in a nut shell.
“The true test of a leader is whether his followers will adhere to his cause from their own volition, enduring the most arduous hardships without being forced to do so, and remaining steadfast in the moments of greatest peril.”
Remaining Steadfast,
Dominique
Hey Phil -
I just had a light bulb go off.
When Mike wins - you could produce a movie about the underdog who won the office of the President of the United States.
You could call it.....LONG SHOT!.....or....AGAINST ALL ODDS...or....FAITH BRANDING DONE RIGHT!!! LOL
:_)
Remaining Steadfast,
Dominique
I think it is time that we all come to the conclusion that McCain is going to be the nominee......I have seen numerous posts by people that say they will write in Mike's name in November if McCain gets the nod. This will just ensure that the GOP will get Obama or Clinton as President. Wake up conservative it is time to be unified or get beat!
http://mattshultz.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/an-open-letter-to -gov-mike-huckabee/
Y'know, the Republican party trots that one out every election. Vote for our Bozo, or be stuck with a Democrat.
I'm tired of voting for clowns. If the Republican Party keeps raking political hacks out of the middens, they're going to have to do without my vote. I'm a conservative.
The Republican party has been ignoring conservatives for some time. Sooner or later, we'll ignore their whiny pleas to vote along party lines without regard to conscience or good sense.
It's getting old.
Dear Phil,
This is an excellent analysis of why Huckabee's "candidacy is a excellent lesson for any underdog" - especially considering the 21st C. media elements.
America has some great "underdog" movies, both fictional and based on true stories - even as far back as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and as recent as "Miracle" and "Invincible." BTW, if you want to see what the 70s recession was really like, watch "Invincible" and "Miracle."
The other element of Huckabee that you could add here, is that the strengths that you've listed all work together with a synergy that's rarely seen. For example, the "booking operation" (#3) wouldn't be advantageous without Huckabee's ability to connect with any audience, big or small, (#1). Similarly, #4 (nothing to lose) is really about the fact that Huckabee is continuously operates from his strength, not his weakness (as is in your examples of the other candidates). "Risking it all" means putting yourself - all of you - on the line - and you can't do that unless you're completely transparent, and to do that, you have to be, like Huckabee, "comfortable in your own skin."
Finally, I agree that he has an incredibly strong asset in #6, because all of the other 5 strengths would become discounted if he did anything other than speak calmly and intellingently about his faith, without trying to "be in your face" about it. Why does that resonate with me? Because I'm not evangelical, and actually I'm so barely Christian that most Christians would rather not allow me to share "their label." And, I live my spiritual life like Mike Huckabee does his - speaking intelligently about it when asked, but not making it a confrontational element of every issue. Rather, as a positive, optimistic, "New Age" type of spiritualist with very open Biblical foundations, I choose to simply living my spirituality, and speak to others intelligently and kindly about it.
All the Best, Theresa
Thank you, Phil for this fine assessment. And, to all of those who also wrote many wonderful comments.
In all honesty, and I have even blogged about this some weeks past on Mike's blog, the Lord had impressed on me similarly to what you have said about Mike's preparation for this election by his past, as a pastor, leader, etc. Well, the Lord impressed on me that this has also been preparation to be President, as David was prepared to be king first by being a shepherd (pastors are shepherds that tend the flock), then by being a warrior (Mike has endured many battles as Governor of a Democratic legislature for over 10 years, and now this battle). David also had many followers who were discouraged, in debt, and distressed with the current governing system, and so they, too, the mighty men (& women) of valor were raised up to support David and it only started as 400 of them! Not to mention the current system of that time was trying to defeat and overcome David, at first it looked like David had little support and looked like this promise of being king was unprobable... but, we know (readers of the Bible) that the opposite was in fact true. That God was preparing David through these tests and trials as well as he was preparing the people of Israel to have a genuine and Godly king reign over them! You must admit, sounds strikingly familiar. It impresses me even greater the more that I think about it. If it be God's will, it shall come to pass in the Lord's way and timing, despite all the odds!
Blessings, Shannon
Phil -
I wanted to post this email from Mike that I received today. I think it sums up his support really well. It is always amazing to me what "we the people" are capable of when we have leaders with vision who offers us hope and possibilities.
February 18, 2008: 11:03
When I ran my first marathon, I have to tell you it was hard finishing the race. In fact, I know that I would not have finished without the strong support of friends, family and complete strangers cheering me on.
Today, the Huckabee Rangers are running a marathon for this campaign as they try and complete almost 26,000 voter contact calls to Wisconsin voters before 9 PM today.
Like you, the Rangers believe very strongly in our campaign and I want to show them how thankful I am, and frankly we all are for their support. You see, since South Carolina, our campaign has relied on the Rangers to make over 275,000 voter contact calls in key states such as Tennessee, Alabama, Kansas and Georgia. Since last Thursday, Rangers have made over 28,000 calls to Wisconsin voters and as you can expect finishing this marathon of calls today will be a great challenge.
[....]
Rangers are running a marathon for our campaign today. Help me cheer them on to the end of their race.
With deep gratitude,
Why wouldn't we want to back someone like Mike?
Remaining Steadfast,
Dominique
Phil - I thought you might find this link interesting. If Mike Huckabee is "done" and McCain is the "chosen" one then how do we explain this online poll demanding a debate between McCain and Huckabee....and to the tune of almost 9,000 signature within approximately 24 hours! http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?jkb1961 Remaining Steadfast, Dominique
It's Thursday morning, Feb. 21. Mccain is not looking good in the press. Wonder if Huck knew it was coming? Wonder if Mitt is kicking himself today?
This stuff in the press today is not a surprise nor a new story. Drudge put a story out about it in December.
Apart from the New York Times timing the release for some sort of calculated impact, there's no real story there that I can see; just a reporter and editorial review board throwing Mud against the wall and seeing if it will stick.
I can understand different supporters having their own take on it and perhaps even wishing it were true according to their greater hopes and aspirations.
The fact is, McCain is the almost certain nominee. I respect Mike Huckabee and those who support him. The nomination isn't clinched yet and if they want to run on the long shot, that's fine, but regardless of what people want to say, McCain has the votes and perservered and is the nominee apparant.
Phil - One of your key points is "3) His media booking operation. His guerilla marketing strategy has worked especially well with local media. His people book him on just about any local talk show that will take him, and when the other candidates are waiting in line to get on The Today Show, Mike’s out talking on local TV and radio. The LA Times reports that in one particular stretch after five primary victories on Super Tuesday, Huckabee knocked out nearly two dozen TV appearances in about 18 hours. Local radio and TV matter, and he’s become a master at speaking at local levels." Well, Mike being on SNL last night was brilliant. I am receiving tons of emails about how funny he was from my liberal friends and the media is having a blast with it. What a great "media" idea! If you didn't seen Mike Huckabee on Saturday Night Live, you can view the video on my blog at http://anunlikelyperspective.blogspot.com/. Have fun and laugh!!! :_) Remaining Steadfast, Dominique
He was hilarious and that was a great appearance for him.
I agree. Two movies, both true stories about people who made a difference because of their Christian convictions, come to mind -- Amazing Grace and Chariots of Fire.
Like Wilburforce, Huckabee has core commitments to issues that are moral imperatives - pro-life and God's definition of marriage. Like Eric Little, he will honor those commitments regardless of pressure from elites about a supposedly greater cause.
And I'm excited because God has promised to honor men who place him first. I have seen Him do it in my life and the lives of others. But it is especially exciting to see God put men like Wilburforce, Little and Huckabee in a highly public crucible and see the highly public results when God glorifies himself through them.