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Huckabee: 'I May Be Killing My Political Career'
February 18, 2008 8:34 PM
ABC News' Kevin Chupka reports: While campaigning in Wisconsin today, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee told a crowd, gathered at the University of Wisconsin, at Eau Claire, "I may be killing my political career, but I know this -- if we don't start thinking in terms of solving some of America's problems, we're killing all of your careers."
During a press conference immediately following the rally, Huckabee was asked to clarify his remarks.
"What I mean by that, I'm just saying there are a lot of people who say I'm staying and creating problems for the party, and there are obviously people in the party who are unhappy that I've stayed. Now, keep in mind, they're all supporting John McCain, but this sense that it's just his turn, let's just all step aside -- I find that insulting as a Republican, and as a candidate," Huckabee said.
For the past several weeks, Huckabee has argued that his continued presence in the race is important to the Republican party, and on more than one occasion, has likened his campaign to that of Ronald Reagan in 1976, when he challenged sitting President Ford, much to the chagrin of the Republican base.
"And my point is, if people say, 'well, he should have left' –- they said this of Ronald Reagan in 1976, when he continued to campaign right on until the convention," Huckabee argued.
"It was said of other Republicans in previous times. But, ya know, the rules are, that if you don't have the person that has the delegates to claim the nomination, it goes to a brokered convention. I don't necessarily think that's all that bad.
"I think the worse thing is not getting the right candidate nominated for the contest. So, if we haven't had a candidate who has rallied enough delegates to be named, then maybe it should go to the convention."
February 18, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (368)
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It appears as if most of these comments are from democrats in republican clothing. As a military officer who has been in Iraq twice I can tell you that the chance of me voting for McCain is the same as for a democrat; zero! Therefore, if the Republicans wish to put forth a candidate that will ensure a democrat in office, than by all means go ahead and put McCain forward; then perhaps we will finally be able to either clean up the Republican Party while the democrats take over or we'll be able to replace it with the much needed "Constitution Party". If you think that perhaps I’m alone in my assessment you’re wrong. I have no doubt that you (the Republican Party) are getting ready to feel rejection (ergo, wrath) of the constituents you’re counting on as sheep.
Posted by: Robert | Feb 18, 2008 10:46:39 PM
Huchabee has no political life anymore. He will not be the VP or any cabinet secretary. He's a leech. After Tuesday, Huckwanby will be just like John Edwards. Those of you who want to vote for someone other than McCain will only be voting for Obama or Hillary's tax increase, et all you know the rhetoric. There are 3 Supremes that may retire soon, you want Hillary or Barack to pick them? Stop your stupidness and wake up. The voters chose McCain. So live with it or face peril with the democrats?
Posted by: tb | Feb 18, 2008 10:49:37 PM
Our prayers are with you, Mike Huckabee. We, too, believe in miracles. Our country desperately needs you for our president. Don't give up!
Posted by: Gary & Ruth | Feb 18, 2008 10:49:53 PM
John McCain is the best Democrat in the race. I'm glad Mike Huckabee is still in the race. My primaries are not until June and I will campaign for Huckabee until them and then vote for Huckabee when the day comes.
Posted by: Radiant Times | Feb 18, 2008 10:50:05 PM
At least Gov. Huckabee has shown the honor and dignity we have been asking for in a national candidate. I don't see him out trashing others in order to promote himself. He has kept the faith with his supporters by honoring his pledge to stay in until someone had the race sowed up. Gee, it is really great to watch a candidate actually demonstrating what it means to keep a promise, no matter what. If the Republican Party had more men like this, they wouldn't fear opposition from the socialist party.
I am going to vote early tomorrow for Gov. Huckabee in Texas. He actually deserves my vote.
Posted by: Don Venable | Feb 18, 2008 10:52:23 PM
Come on people,
Can we at least let Huckabee run in the Texas primary?
Posted by: Eric | Feb 18, 2008 10:56:24 PM
Maybe some would be better served if they engaged in a little more research, being an informed voter is our responsibility and voting is a right.
Huckabee is a very intelligent man, some of these posts reflect more about the writers than Huckabee. Some, I am well aware, like to see themselves blog as well as hear themselves talk. Check out Mike Huckabee's record, then come back and blog some more, you might be impressed.
Posted by: truetotheend | Feb 18, 2008 11:05:38 PM
Huckabee, like Romney, is running for 2012 nomination.
Posted by: John Schuh | Feb 18, 2008 11:07:01 PM
Hey Huck,
YOU ARE NOT REAGAN!
YOU ARE NOT REAGANESQUE...
RONALD REAGAN AND YOU HAVE AS MUCH IN COMMON AS I DO WITH LINDSAY LOHAN...
Give it up...pass your votes to Ron Paul..
Posted by: Bakin | Feb 18, 2008 11:08:21 PM
Huckster actually wants to quit the race.
But he is being told to stay in and keep Ron Paul from making a dent. Romney was too good and was told to quit.
What, you people actually think we still have a vote?
Posted by: Doktor Jeep | Feb 18, 2008 11:10:25 PM
As a conservative, picking Mike as a VP would be the only way I'd consider voting for McCain.. I believe there are many others w/ the same opinion. Under no circumstances will I stand for a slim minority in our party to call all of the shots! If 3 conservatives hadn't split the vote we wouldn't be in this mess.
Regardless, I'll say it again. Do not dare think that you will unite this party without choosing Mike as the VP. Do not listen to Karle Rove and the other Republican establishment types if you want to have a chance of winning... Mike Huckabee is the only one that will win you the entire south where most Christians live.
Posted by: techengineer | Feb 18, 2008 11:11:40 PM
Huckabee is no Conservative. He's all for illegals, big gov't, taxes, more and more gov't programs. His whole campaign is take votes away from Ron Paul. This is the only reason he's still in the race. He has no chance to win. He's a media creation to block the only real conservative in this race. Ron Paul!
Posted by: joe | Feb 18, 2008 11:12:20 PM
Huck: Your "miracle" isn't going to happen! If you are not politically astute enough to have this figured out by now, then you sure in the hell aren't astute enough to be President! You are hurting the party. Shame on you! GET OUT!
Posted by: alan | Feb 18, 2008 11:15:40 PM
you're done..get out
Posted by: nono | Feb 18, 2008 11:17:45 PM
Huckabee puts God first? Huckabee puts Huckabee first, while using God as a pawn. I am embarrassed on behalf of all religious people who succumb to his deceit. Fortunately looks like he will get what he and the country deserve. Nothing. Huck should have taken lessons in class and integrity from Mitt.
Posted by: John | Feb 18, 2008 11:18:03 PM
If the libs had there "man" at this point, I could see the wisdom of Huck getting out.
McCain is hardheaded....turnabout is fair play. I like the fact that Huckabee is worrying him. Just something refreshing in the world of politics as usual.
Expediency gets sooo old.
Posted by: Dave Hollrah | Feb 18, 2008 11:20:59 PM
Fight on Mike Huckabee. You are the true conservative!!!!
Posted by: Jim Flynt | Feb 18, 2008 11:22:14 PM
The powers that be set it up this way, though I am sure they will fix that by the next election. There is nothing wrong with anyone staying in until the convention.
The whole thing is a sham. If this were a fair process, all states would vote the same day so everyone's vote matters. Also there could be no electioneering shenanigans going on. By the time my state votes... well, it's already over now really.
More power to him.
Posted by: C. D. Hursh | Feb 18, 2008 11:27:28 PM
Blaming tax hikes on a govenor is a display of intellectual dishonesty.
The citizens of Arkansas raised their own taxes by their own votes and through the votes of their representatives, which were almost entirely of the Democratic persuasion. That was the right of the people of Arkansas to charge themselves for better schools (upon the insistence of a federal judge, also a Democrat) and for better roads, which has led to a far better economy in the state.
Let's have a little intellectual honesty from both sides of the aisle if we can. Please?
Posted by: Don Venable | Feb 18, 2008 11:31:36 PM
Mormonism is no longer a viable issue, unless you are trying to continue to promote it through the campaign of someone who could not finish the course.
Go promote Mormonism door-to-door if you want. But the issue is dead in this campaign as of two days after Super Tuesday.
Posted by: Don Venable | Feb 18, 2008 11:35:25 PM
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