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Huckabee uses Romney argument against McCain

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor February 8, 2008 12:43 PM

Mike Huckabee, trying to stave off what appears the inevitable, is campaigning in Kansas today and using an argument that Mitt Romney tried to use against front-runner John McCain starting in New Hampshire -- that Washington is broken and that McCain, as a creature of Washington,

He didn't name McCain, but said long-time Washington politicians have failed to solve the problems that Americans care about.

"If they could have fixed it, they should have fixed it," he told a rally in Wichita.

He then talked about his tenure as governor in Arkansas and cleaning up corruption. "You can't hardly fix a good meal on the top of a dirty table," he said, with one of his trademark folksy analogies.

Huckabee also introduced the argument that he would be the more effective Republican nominee against Hillary Clinton, if she wins the Democratic nod, because he won four elections in Arkansas against "the Clinton political machine."

Kansas Republicans caucus on Saturday and Huckabee hopes to pull out a win with the help of social conservatives and anti-abortion activists. But Kansas offers only 36 delegates, and McCain has a 500-plus delegate lead over Huckabee.

9 comments so far...
  1. IRON Mike Huckabee is a proven leader with more Executive experience then anyone in the race. Huckabee is the true conservative in the race and he as won the respect of millions of people. On a shoe string budget and nothing but hard work and determination this great man has defied all odds and continues to fight for the hearts and minds of the America people.

    Huckabee will gladly accept the 36 delegates in Kansas if they would honor him with thier support. I would encourage every reader to go to www.Mikehuckabee.com and see for themselves what a committed conservative Huckabee truly is. If you are a true conservative Republican, Independent or
    Democrat and have a open mind about Huckabee, you will be inspired by this man's vision for the American people.

    When other so-called conservatives bailed out when the times got tough, Huckabee still stands and fights to climb the mountain of what seems impossible to most, but possible to Huckabee because he really believes in his motto of Faith-Family and Freedom.

    Posted by Mark February 8, 08 01:36 PM
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  1. The people who can't fix it are the ones who have been in charge, in the congress and white house for the last two terms. Huckabee is their representative. They are the conservative right wing of the republican party.

    Posted by Tom February 8, 08 02:01 PM
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  1. Huckabee is just too --- corny, contrived. Like all Evangelical ministers, he has that down-home way of talking, which apparently works with evangelicals. He may be a "nice guy", or like your "neighbor", but come on America! What we need is an innovative leader, someone extremely bright, a mover & a shaker! Huckabee just doesn't have that spit-and-polish. America doesn't need mediocrity; we don't need our neighbor running; and we don't need to have a beer with the next president. What are you conservatives thinking? We need real INTELLIGENCE, an INNOVATOR. Shame on Huckabee and McCain for calling Romney a liar about bringing back jobs. They're just not smart enough to know that he wasn't lying. He really can do it! It's called INNOVATION and ECONOMICS!

    Posted by Denise February 8, 08 02:19 PM
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  1. I'm not a Huckabee fan by any stretch, but he makes an accurate observation about the Washington environment. Even one of John McCain's most damning comments was, "We came to change Washington and Washington changed us." While there is some truth in that statement as well, I think it's a pretty pathetic excuse for not taking care of the people's business. That aside, I don't so much believe that Washington changes people as much as it exposes them. That goes further in explaining this messed up government than some vague curse that befalls those who work in the nation's capitol. Whatever they become in Washington certainly comes out of the baggage they brought with them.

    Posted by Mark Gatzke February 8, 08 02:26 PM
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  1. I'm not a Huckabee fan by any stretch, but he makes an accurate observation about the Washington environment. Even one of John McCain's most damning comments was, "We came to change Washington and Washington changed us." While there is some truth in that statement as well, I think it's a pretty pathetic excuse for not taking care of the people's business. That aside, I don't so much believe that Washington changes people as much as it exposes them. That goes further in explaining this messed up government than blaming it on some vague curse that befalls those who work in the nation's capitol. Whatever they become in Washington certainly comes out of the baggage they brought with them.

    Posted by Mark Gatzke February 8, 08 02:30 PM
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  1. hey huck youre not up against jfk or mlk but jesus - no you cant

    Posted by abz February 8, 08 02:58 PM
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  1. we think that all the republicans are bad...and the deomacrats are the best! OBAMA ROCKS MY SOCKS.

    Posted by Mason Lee February 8, 08 03:07 PM
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  1. Has anyone noticed how Chuckabee hasn't been seen lately with Chuck Norris. He used Chuck to do his dirty work discussing McCain's age publicly. Then when he was questioned about it, he has some cute and clever comment like: I didn't want to get kicked in the side of my head. Then he, (Mr. I’m the only Christian )MOCKS the way Romney eats chicken. AND Huck says he hasn’t personally attacked anyone, but Romney has leveled personal attacks on him. He demostrates the ultimate in unprofessionalism. Notice how Romney never taunted Huck about all the twinkies he devoured years ago!

    Then Mr. "What? Who me?" wants others to let air out of the tires of those who won't vote for him. He admonished his followers to do everything possible to keep them from exercising their voting rights. Can you imagine electing a president who wants to take away your right to vote! (This from a so-called Christian who has held a trusted position.)

    If your state hasn't voted yet in the primaries, write in your favorite candidate. A vote for McCain or Huck will send a statement that you'll support them also in November. A write-in vote sends a message we're not satisfied with the Republican candidates.

    A caller on Rush Limbaugh's show explained his logic for voting for Clinton: Clinton politics tends to gain Senate and House seat for the Republicans. After she messes up the next four years, it will leave an opening for a TRUE conservative who supports the values we all share. But if McCain wins the November election and messes up the next four years, then twelve years of poor administration from the Republicans will destroy our party and take years to rebuild IF it can be rebuilt!

    In November, remember each disgruntled Republican's "No" vote against the Republicans is also a "Yes" vote for a Democrate. That's a two point spread for each true conservative crossing party lines.

    Posted by abouthadituptohere February 8, 08 10:39 PM
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  1. Go Huckabee. I predict a surprise win by MikeHuckabee as the Republican Nominee for President. Why?
    His basic values are the most honest we have seen in a candidate for years.
    Whatever he is lacking in experience he can make up in perserverance.
    Huckabee has relatively little "dirt" in his history compared to the other running candidates be Republican or Democrate,etc, which have truck loads of history.

    Posted by Wesley Franklin February 9, 08 12:15 PM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

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