Although there's 2 candidates left in each major party, the battles are quite different.

Obama and Hillary are very close positionally to one another. The battle there appears to be more over the personalities and image and who the face of the party is to be. This is not as much a battle between a centrist and their far left wing.

The Republican Battle is an ideology split. A significant portion of the party, which has exercised control over candidate selection on platform in the past, find themselves with a candidate whom they cannot fully endorse.

It's hard to understand exactly why Huckabee is staying in the race.

1. There aren't enough delegates in the race left for him to win.

2. Romney has endorsed McCain and on that basis alone its reasonable to assume that more than 50% of Romney's delegates will swing to McCain.

3. Huckabee has become identified as the de Facto leader of a strong faction of the party which will need to turn out and vote for McCain in the general election.

The democrats are breaking records on voter turnout for a primary. The chance of this going to the convention is energizing them and they have a late convention this year. Election day is less than 3 months away from that date. That energy could move quickly into the General Election and the Democrat nominee, probably Obama, but maybe Hillary, will carry momentum.

If Huckabee quits now, the Republicans will lose energy of a significant portion of their traditional support turning out to make their voice heard. Huckabee himself is being very careful not to take a swing at McCain directly and focus on the voice of the constituency he is connecting with.

Huckabee and McCain were pretty much cooperating with each other while Romney was in the race and the major threat. McCain's people threw support to Huckabee in West Virginia for example to block Romney from winning a caucus.

I thought at that time that there must be a deal between McCain and Huckabee for Huckabee to be the running mate. When Romney dropped out, I was surprised that Huckabee didn't as well.

Maybe party strategists don't want the focus to be just on the Democrats right now and want to maintain interest in voter turnout. If Huckabee gets some wins and the voters who now say they can't support McCain, see their voice heard and THEN McCain brings Huckabee on board at or just before their convention, they may believe they will maintain some momentum and allow those rejecting Huckabee a sense of victory that will bring more people to vote for him with the conservative heir apparant on the ballot.

Either that he's an egotistical shooting star who's enjoying some time in the limelight. ;)

what surprises me about all of this is the assumption that if you were to not have the choice of more than one candidate, then the votes would automatically swing to the only candidate left.

there are many republicans who don't want McCain in power, that's why they are for Huck. I think Huck is staying in so the votes will actually be there. It would be sad to see only one guy to vote for, and the republicans stay home because they don't want to side with McCain. can you imagine how that would be spun in the media?

i guess that's what you said Bart.

I was so surprised when I sat down to read your blog today, Phil, because I just started reading your book, [I have read 2/3 of the book already] BRANDING FAITH, and was excitedly emailing the Huckabee's team about how we need to do a much better job of branding Mike [if we have even done that to begin with.]

For me this race is not about a political party and surrounding that party for the betterment of said party. For me this race is about choosing the best candidate for the job of President of the United States.

Many Americans, myself included, want to have the right to choose the candidate we feel is the best fit and not have our elected officials force a candidate down our throats.

Whatever happened to "we the people and by the people." This election is crucial because the sovereignty of American is on the line with the three Senatorial candidates that we have before us as well as many of our Christian values.

I recently fought McCain tooth and nail on a bill that would redraw the lines of America to include Canada and Mexico, which unfortunately passed. [And people wonder why he takes the positions he takes on border control and illegal immigrants?]

But I digress.

The point is that the election process is meant to give the American people a voice in choosing who will lead our country. Mike has many people who believe he is that candidate and have written him almost daily asking him to stay in the race.

He is staying in because he truly believes that

1. He is the best choice for the job, and

2. because he believes that this election process is about the people's right to vote, and

3. because we are asking him to stay in the race and fight to become the 44th president.

His staying in has nothing to do with ego, becoming VP or whatever. It has to do with his commitment to fulfilling a promise to those who support him that he would run this race until he won, or until another winner was chosen. Neither of which has happened.

Despite what the media may lead us to believe it is not unusual for this process to go to the convention and be brokered nor is it a bad thing. Ultimately, what is important is that the people have the right to vote and that their voices are heard.

Although I am a newbie when it comes to the branding process, I took your book to heart and completely redid my website to brand Mike as, "THE candidate you can TRUST."

And I do, bar none.

If you would look at Mike Huckabees website, you would see people pleading for him to stay in the race and give them a voice. This is not only about the Republican Party, but about a persons right to vote, a right to a choice. When the republican party "big shots" in Washington try to tell us who we "HAVE" to pick then maybe we need to send a message to that party. It is about the people, not the Washington elite who don't care whether our values continue, but only about power. Mike Huckabee is an honorable man and he has taken a lot of heat from the media and others and never lost his cool. He is doing what the people are asking him to do, and if it damages the republican party, maybe they should think twice about forcing a candidate on us. If they have to live with a democratic president for 4 years, its not Mike Huckabees fault, it is the fault of the establishment ignoring the voice and rights of the people.

I can state it real simple: He told his supporters he will quit once McCain reaches 1,191. Period. And McCain hasn't done that yet.

Mike Huckabee is a man of his word, which is one of the many character traits that will ultimately get him to the White House. Just wait and see.

Sounds like a lot of people don't understand that concept anymore.

I think Mike Huckabee is staying in the race for some very good reasons. 1) If there is ANY chance to get a conservative nominated instead of McCain, we should fight while there is any hope. 2) As long as he is campaigning Mike continues to get out and spread the message of the things he believes we need in this country. 3) He helps keep conservatism out in the light, where McCain can't pretend it's irrelevant. 4) As long as Mike Campaigns, he can still receive contributions. That gives him resources to spread the message now and meanwhile prepare for the next fight. After 4 years of McCain or Democrat damage, we'll need a good conservative candidate like Mike Huckabee "The Great Motivator" in 2012. He can keep the funds from this race for the next. 5) It puts Mike in a better position to campaign for conservative legislators in the 2008 elections.

I do not have any problem with Huckabee staying in the race. In fact, I'd be heartbroken if he pulled out. And anyone who knows Huckabee, I'm sure knows this has little to do with ego and lots to do with his issues he wishes to discuss and eventually put into action. I love the "no more IRS" thing, the arts in education stuff, but most of all, I LOVE his love for life and family. Huckabee is a rare gift to us. Whatever it takes to try to win the nomination, is fine by me. Remember John McCain in addition to having almost NO passion for anything that I can see, thus not a good candidate for nomination, is well on the plus side of fifty. And he may just decide, if there are any health issues between now and November, that he maybe should sit this one out and retire. We continue to pray for the "Huckabee Miracle."

Silent Souls for Huckabee

Phil -

I've been thinking about your supposition here all day.

Something you may or may not know about Mike is the loyalty of those who are supporting him.

Every 5-6 days, we raise $1,000,000.00 for Mike.

For Georgia, we made well over 40,000 phone calls and that happens in almost every state.

Although Mike has a small fiscally sound grassroots campaign, he gets as much done if not more, than all the other candidates.

And he has done something that only Obama at this point has done. He has attracted supporters who are loyal, determined and EXCITED about their candidate.

Despite what the media and pundits are saying, the Republican Party is excited about this election. The problem here is that the forces that be are trying to squelch that enthusiasm because it doesn't line up with party politics.

Anyhoo...thanks for writing "Branding Faith." Great book!

I agree with Huckabee to stay in the race for the following reasons.

1) To follow-through with his word to his supporters that unlike the other candidates, he will not quit the race until it is completely over.

2) When Romney endorsed McCain and encouraged his delegates to swing their vote to McCain, that was all that it was - an encouragement. He cannot require them to do so. I know, for a fact, that there are some Romney delegates that are NOT planning to swing their votes over to McCain. Romney use to say, "A vote for Huckabee would be a vote for McCain." So some of his supporters were motivated to vote for Romney. What a complete slap in the face to then find out that a vote for Romney was really the vote for McCain - if Romney has his say. It has disillusioned some of his supporters that truly believed that he was the conservative choice. Now, mind you, I have heard that Huckabee said that he will support whoever the Republican nominee is (if it is not him), but until every person has a chance for their voice to be heard, then there is no reason to quit.

3) Until McCain gets the 1,191 BOUND delegates, then Huckabee need not quit. He can take it all the way to the convention and there he can prove that he is the BEST man to fight Obama or Clinton. He has the amazing ability to debate and he has a strong platform. McCain has yet to really defend where he stands. I would love him to debate Huckabee in Ohio. If he is too fearful that the debate will show where he is weak, then there is no way that he is ready to debate Clinton and Obama who are both great orators.

I'm not sure I understand Mike Huckabee's refusal to quit the race. If you would like to be sure, visit his website. If you want to understand, visit his website. we invite you to visit the site with a clean, opened mind. with that, you can figure out for yourself and answer your own questions, unlike those who want to take away the rights of the ones yet to vote. those of us that has figured out for ourselves who should be, should still have the right to say so with a vote. the question should be, why would an american want the right of another american to vote their choice of two thats left be taken away. for what, the republican party? I want to vote for the best person running, no matter their party, their race, on matter their gender. the big two party system is one thing thats wrong today. the fight between the two is going to end up killing them both. it has already for me. I vote for the best (in my book) not a PARTY. at this go around, the best (to me, 1 american) is Mike Huckabee, THE PARTY doesn't matter, AMERICA AND THE PEOPLES VOTE DOES!! and to ''no one really expects him to win..'' pleanty of americans want him to win, even expect him to win.....so where did you get that idea? the media? well heres what they are not telling you (us). he can still WIN untill someone has 1191. huck can win even if mccain gets a # of 1190. lets spell it out, Huckabee will lose when mmcain gets the #one one nine one period end of sentance

The fact is, not everything is a matter of strategy. Sometimes, it's a matter of keeping your word and honoring your loyal supporters. Throughout this race, both the media and the party establishment have attempted to marginalize Governor Huckabee's candidacy by saying that he was a surrogate for another candidate, or merely attempting to win the VP slot. Now these people have egg all over their face but won't admit it. What political strategists can't understand is that there are still SOME people who don't have a hidden agenda. If you want to know why Huckabee is still in the race, go to his web site, where he says the following:

"I am seeking the Presidency because I care deeply about important issues facing America-Life, Marriage, the Fair Tax, the Second Amendment, American Border Security and Sovereignty. I am as committed to those issues as I ever was, and my campaigning around the country has convinced me that the majority of Republicans want me to continue to fight for these and other conservative causes. So I will."

It's that simple.

Re: "The Huckabee Strategy Question"

If Huckabee drops out, many people will feel that they have to vote for John McCain because they have no other choice. Well, I do not like the idea of having to vote for ANYONE for that reason. I think for many conservative Republicans, is isn't going to be a case of "Let's pull together and do the best we can with what we have." Some of us will sit out the election before we will compromise basic Republican/conservative principles that we do not believe John McCain represents. There is a very good chance that McCain will NOT get the 1191 delegates he needs before the convention and that a brokered convention will indeed become a reality.

Huckabee has listened to his fellow Americans and he won't let them down by throwing in the towel because of pressure from the media. He's been ripped off by them. Every interview is wasted by questions about why he's in this race. He's done great defending himself and his supporters. He is the most experienced and trustworthy candidate running and has shown he can do much more with one dollar than any other candidate. Give him a break and let the people support him and what he stands for...he is the true conservative!

Go Huckabee Go !! ......I admire you so much for not quitting as it just shows the world what a great wise, honest and loyal man you are. This is the rules of the election process - folks ! Mike's conservative views need to be continually heard as we are not hearing them from anyone else. Mike is not ashamed to talk about them. Of course we know that Obama and Hillary are Not for pro-life and traditional-family marriage. HOW - OH! HOW ?? - can any good Christian endorse and vote for them. McCain does not support an amendment to the constitution on these two matters......All things are possible! Thank-you Mike for being LOYAL to your supporters and contributors who helped get you to this place... Let me tell you .....when I was a kid in grade school so many years ago. Back then they pumped into our heads: What is the greatest virtues to have: I can still hear my teacher say HONESTY, TRUTHFULNESS, DEPENDABILITY AND LOYALTY. Whew!! Where have they gone? I find the one "LOYALTY" missing in many people today including some Christians.

LET'S ALL HUCKA-BUST FOR A HUCKA-WIN !! We do believe in Miracles !

As an immigrant (legal!), I cannot vote. But I can understand the American system of government. And let me tell you something, people. This country will not survive if people start to vote for 'someone who can actually win.' George Washington, James Madison, & co., would never have betrayed their beliefs in a vote for someone who won a popularity contest in the mass media.

You say you don't understand why Huckabee is still in this race for the Republican nomination? You say his race is hurting the Republican Party?

Capitulating on our beliefs is what is hurting the Republican Party. Conservatives have opted to vote for the 'lesser of two evils' for far too long. It's time that we voted for the right candidate. Huckabee is that candidate.

The 'horse race' mentality in this country may have been effective in manipulating voters over the last few decades. But that is changing with the Mike Huckabee campaign.

It's not over until it's over!

First of all, you asked how this is serving the Republican party. The job of the candidate is not to serve a party but the people of the US. I believe that Huckabee is staying in the race for a reason that is foreign to politics today...integrity. I actually think this man means what he says. Show me another candidate that would fit that description! I think Huckabee sees America's need to return to her roots to have a future. Every other candidate stumps on the promises of change and yet has the same basic philosophy of empowering government while diminishing the power of the people. No real change there. Huckabee demonstrates his belief of government "by the people" in taking his time, energies, and resources to give people a chance to have their voice despite the possiblity of personal loss to himself.

Another question that might well be asked: why is he still being asked this time and again? Perhaps it has been so long since we have heard an honest answer that we do not recognize truth. We no longer expect to hear it.

Here is what I find more and more astonishing. The last possibility any commentator considers is that Huckabee might just be telling the truth!

I agree with those who have made this point before: the media and political classes are now jaded to the point that they simply cannot recognize plain candor anymore. But there's more. They don't believe in authentic conviction; faith in a higher calling; sincere devotion to public service.

When a Mike Huckabee claims these as a basis for staying in the race, everyone blinks, looks blank, and says, "Why could Mike possibly be staying in the race?" As a regular Joe in flyover country who still recognizes conviction, faith, and devotion even in the surprising vestiture of a political candidate, let me translate each for you and your readers.

1. Conviction. Mike is convicted about the human life and marriage amendments, about the Fair Tax, about the necessity of a proven government CEO in the white house, about the integration of issues at the decision-making table. Because he truly believes all these things regardless of how the winds of media and money blow, he stays around to speak up for them when no one else will do so.

2. Devotion to public service. Mike has a proven record answering a mandate from the population of a state. Namely, Arkansas. Four times. Twice as lieutenant governor and twice as governor. When Mike hears a call to serve, that adds fuel to the engine of his convictions and Mike campaigns; the people vote; Mike wins; and Mike turns things around. Then it happens again. Mike has over two million (and counting) constituents who believe in his convictions and who are demanding that he serve. Quite simply, he cares about those who want him to serve.

3. Faith. I know this is incomprehensible to those who don't recognize the Christian God, or any Higher Power, as reality. But Mike actually believes this contest could still turn around, despite the 'math'. This is not mere fantasy, as many experienced believers in a living God will testify. Mike has experienced, many times, his faith turning into reality despite the skeptics. In fact, there has never been an election Mike was "supposed" to win. But you don't even have to believe in God to admit and recognize that faith has power. Underdogs win. Upsets happen. And many times they happen in favor of those who simply have....faith.

But much of this is totally foreign to the world-view and experience of beltway pundits and New England political interests. So they have to keep asking the same question over and over: "Why is he staying in the race?" Just keep asking that, while Mike, under conviction, keeps serving and believing.

One day you'll be interviewing President Mike Huckabee...and the question then will be, "How did this happen?"

It's amazing how perplexed with fear McCain, the media, the old school GOP and even some Americans are by actual authenticity when it appears. Having so very little experience with authenticity in our society, our relationships, our media - and especially in the political arena - the average reaction to Huckabee's authenticity and depth of character, honesty and integrity is to look for an alterior motive, an undisclosed strategy, a secret passage to hidden agendas. When in reality the answer is that Mike Huckabee is simply participating in the American democratic process the way it is meant to be done.

To people who are used to deception, lies, half-truths, back-stabbing, one day here, the next day gone, and "oh by the way I changed my mind from yesterday," game-playing, the authentic, integrity-filled, promise-keeper Mike Huckabee poses a huge challenge to our current cultural and political PARADIGM, which is based on just the opposite.

How can you identify those people who are so disconnected from their own authentic self, their own inner strength? They are the ones who try to guess at Mike Huckabee's agenda, rather than believe the actual consistent statements that he has made over and over.

And, by the way Phil, you have misrepresented his statement - one of his reasons for finishing the race is for the Rest of America's VOICE to be heard, not his own. But, your Freudian slip, which is the same as those of the Good Ole Boy GOP, is indicative of the current malaise of American society and politics - you just assume it's about his ego, rather than his stated purpose - to serve the American people, to honor his commitment to the American people, and to use his best efforts to do what he thinks is best for America - to lead the US as its 44th President.

And, this GOP primary is also indicative of the short-term memory and attention span of our culture and politics. The purpose of the primary is to contest each other. The original purpose of the Convention is to contest each other, and therein reach a nominee conclusion. In trying to avoid the Contest and thus the risk, the GOP is exercising the same fatal flaw as the Dem's who would have American's avoid personal responsibility by obviating risk. The GOP & the media are trying to convince Americans that it's a zero-sum gain of butter v. guns (i.e. primary v national campaign), when in reality just the opposite is true. However, if the GOP were to expose the truth that a 2 man GOP primary race actually gives McCain more practice now in communicating, debating, and connecting with the American people before his supposed nomination and his supposed Presidential victory, then that would mean that McCain (& now the GOP big-wigs) would have to accept a RISK - and they don't want to do that because they fear losing. They want to jump ship now - the "ship" of the American democratic process.

It's not about "the good of the Party" - there is no "good of the Party" if there is no "good of America." And America is torn down, not raised up, by the childish manipulation games of McCain & the GOP to avoid the American Way of diligence, hard work, effort - and yes, RISK.

And still, allow me to reiterate the obvious Phil, it's about connecting with All Americans and winning the GOP nomination at a Contested Convention. Huckabee may win on the VERY FIRST VOTE at the Convention - especially after he gives his down-to-Earth eloquent speech (remember the wisdom of his Reagan endorsement speech that concluded the Reagan Library debate) and McCain gives his watching-paint-dry-is-better-than-this monologue. Or, like Abe Lincoln, he may win on the 3rd ballot. Why does Huckabee want to win at the Convention? Because he believes that he is the best man to:

1. Beat the Democrats in the National Election

2. Lead the United States of America for the Next 4 Years as the 44th POTUS

I agree with Huckabee on these 2 points. And so do millions of others. And if the childish, passive-aggressive manipulation tactics ended, and McCain, the GOP and the media sent a message to Americans that they actually REALLY DO VALUE the opinion of Americans, we would find that millions more Americans would speak up and say that they too find Huckabee's wisdom, authenticity, commitment, and character refreshing, necessary and valuable for Our Great Nation, and that they want it to lead us for the next 4 years.

Our Society is paralyzed by fear and confusion when presented by the very real authenticity of Mike Huckabee. And, McCain, the GOP & the media seek to take advantage of that state of shock by telling Americans, as the Wizard of Oz did, "don't look at that man behind the curtain," just focus on your fear - your fear that the authenticity and character can not possibly be real, and that you will be disappointed - just as all of us, and all the others have been. But Dorothy overcame her fear, and so the American people are overcoming theirs - even while McCain, the GOP & the media look on in disbelief.

[BTW, to Phil & readers, not only am I not an evangelical, I have a spirituality more in alignment with the concept of all of that New Age "Divine Source" stuff that Dyer, Williamson, etc. speak/write of. I don't agree w/Huckabee on the "family values" issues, but I do on every other issue. I've never been very interested in politics - just US history, never supported, campaigned for or donated to a candidate, nor was I ever a registered anything before this election. I didn't even know Huckabee's name until I half-watched a Fall 07 debate with my husband, and Huckabee mentioned the FairTax concept - and I said, "Who was that guy?"]

American's can do more than just settle this year - they can choose THE BEST man for the 44th President of the US. Allow the process to work.

Want to read more about what I think on this topic & why, go to my blog at i-like-mike-huckabee.blogspot.com.

It's amazing that so many pundits miss the obvious. Governor Huckabee's candidacy (and in fact his entire public life since he committed himself to the Lord as a teen) is not about self, it has always been about a sacrificial calling to a higher purpose. If the cynics can't understand what his supporters recognize, that's sad. We are principle-driven, character-concerned, committed to foundational truths, and we know that Governor Huckabee is, too. The politics of the moment or the policy du jour are not the most important considerations for us. Unfortunately, it seems they are the most important factors for the powers that be. Now, rather than allowing us to vote our principles state by state, they are trying to stifle our voice and our choice. We really believe that this can go all the way to the convention before someone acquires 1191 locked-in delegates. But we are being told instead to sit down, be quiet and settle for a poor, shopworn, unreliable imitation of the real thing (for the good of the party, of course). That's the mentality of corruption and control that destroys and repels, rather than builds and attracts. With the wrong foundation, a stack of big-name endorsements reaching as high as the sky is no more impressive to us than the Tower of Babel. Governor Huckabee's commitment to persevere is exactly what we all hope, expect and pray for him, because he is the messenger with the message that we know to be true.

Phil - The above comments should dispel any misconceived ideas about why Gov. Huckabee is still in the race. The only thing I would like to add is the media continues to state Mike's base are Evangelical Christians. Well, we've got news for you. It consists of people of all faiths including Evangelicals, Catholics, Mormons, Jewish, Agnostics, Atheists, etc. His base also consists of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. His message is one of hope, values, and integrity that crosses ALL political and religious boundaries. His record proves he says what he means and means what he says and we know he will get the job done.

My family personally endorses Governor Mike Huckabee as he is the only candidate who is promoting the Human Life Amendment and is 100% pro-life. He is the only candidate who is for the Traditional Marriage Amendment. He is the only candidate who is for the Fair Tax plan, to eliminate the current taxation system and provide families with their full income and eliminate irrelevant taxes. He is the only candidate to sign a No Amnesty pledge and to secure the borders. Governor Huckabee supports our military and our war against Islamo-facist. He will not end the war for political expediency nor will he compromise the valor and integrity of General Pretraus and our troops. He believes we are to strengthen our military by increasing the military budget to a minimum of 6% GDP as President Reagan did in the 1980's. He is pro-Second Amendment, insuring the people the right to keep and bear arms. I firmly believe that Mike Huckabee is the only candidate who strives to abide by the Constitution and the Founding Fathers 100%, to advocate for the rights of the unborn children 100% first and foremost, and to uphold the preservation of faith, family, and values! This man is a strong leader and a true man of integrity. He is respectable, confident, compassionate, strong, and wise. His communication skills are impeccable, and he has an incredible gift of leading, teaching, and directing. He is extremely intelligent and has phenomenal leadership skills and executive ability. His personality is full of humor, wisdom, and joy, and he is highly personable, likeable, and diplomatic. He believes wholeheartedly in the Founding Father's pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, and adheres to the truth that all humans are created equal, regardless of gender, race, creed, doctrine, etc. He believes in respecting the rights of all people, and that everyone's voice should be heard. He is no respecter of persons and leads an upright life with an honest, genuine, and solid character, and he is a man of honor, integrity, character, wisdom, truth, compassion, faith, and hope! This is a man that our family supports 100%!! All the way to the convention! Without faith, it is impossible to please God. And unto Abraham was his faith credited to him as rightesouness. Huckabee does not place his faith in self, nor his ego, but places his faith in our BIG God, as do the rest of us. It is not Huckabee's ego that drives him, but His BIG God! Glory to God! May the Lord "shed His grace on Thee (Amercia)" once again and restore her beauty! God's heart is for the abolition of abortion, just as it was for the abolition of slavery in Lincoln's day, and Mike is the one who is advocating for this and making it his primary agenda. Let us stay with the heartbeat of God. May Thine will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

I agree with what alot of the other posters have said here, so I don't want to re-hash it all in detail... I believe Gov. Huckabee is a humble man of integrity who has a real sense of duty to his country.

I think that it is VERY good for the Republican party to have a continued battle between candidates- particularly a civil one, such as the one between Sen. McCain and Gov. Huckabee.

Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama are going to get plenty of media coverage, and without Gov. Huckabee challenging Sen. McCain, there would be no real reason to cover the GOP race.

When you're trying to win an election, air time/name recognition/etc. is extremely important. So if the Republicans want to win in November, they need AIR TIME.

Gov. Huckabee is doing the Republican party a favor by continuing to attract media coverage. If they would allow him to win the nomination, he would do them a REAL favor by solidifying a chunk of voters that are very hesitant about voting for McCain.

Gov. Huckabee is the only candidate in the race that I trust. His record backs up his stated intentions. I hope and pray he will be our next President.