Huckabee: country polarized, needs leaders ready to compromise

LITTLE ROCK --Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee chatted Wednesday on national television with radio show host Don Imus about a possible run for president in 2008, saying Americans are tired of polarized politics and want a leader who leans neither left nor right.

Huckabee and Imus have known each other since 1993, when the governor was lieutenant governor and more than 100 pounds heavier -- a health issue that Huckabee has written a book about and has made a major initiative in Arkansas and as head of the National Governors Association.

Callers to Imus' radio show, also telecast on MSNBC, were challenged to guess his heaviest weight (290 pounds). The winner won $1,000.

The governor said that by focusing on getting healthy, instead of simply losing weight, he was able to drop the pounds and keep them off. He said he now weighs about 184-185 pounds.

Imus, who has endorsed Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona for president, asked the governor about his interest in seeking the office.

"My family are more supportive and more ready for me to do this. I think I'm the last holdout," said Huckabee, who has been testing the waters during visits to Iowa, New Hampshire and other states that provide early indications of how a presidential candidate would fare nationally.

Asked what he would do about Iraq, Huckabee said there needs to be a "very defined mission of what we want to accomplish." He said the country "can't just walk away."

While stressing that war should be a last resort, he said the U.S. went into Iraq "with a noble purpose" but false information and now what's needed is thoughtful review and advice that he expects the country will get from former Secretary of State James Baker and former Indiana U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton.

Baker, a Republican, and Hamilton, a Democrat, co-chair a bipartisan panel on Iraq. The group plans to release its proposals for a new strategy after the congressional elections.

Huckabee said America was in trouble because Republicans and Democrats are polarized and the country was being pulled "horizontally" to the left or the right. He conceded that it's been a tough year for his party. But he kept to his broader message that the American public is seeking reasonable leadership that is willing to find common ground and take the nation forward.

"I don't think we (Republicans) have all good ideas. I don't think Democrats have all the bad ideas," he said.

Huckabee said governors tend to be better material for presidents than senators because they have practice at making executive decisions, involving an array of issues, and they tend to be more practical than ideological.

The governor urged Imus to continue his support for McCain, noting that Imus' favorites haven't succeeded in the past.

Imus wished the governor good luck, but said "I'm still going with McCain."

"Well, keep at it," Huckabee replied. "I've got a shot if you do."

Huckabee leaves office next year after 10 1/2 years as governor.

"I get the eviction notice in January," he said. "It's been a great job. I've loved it. It's been a great 10 years."