Feeds: 
symbol identifies content for paid subscribers only.
HUCKABEE TO DOBSON: YOU'RE JUST THINKING ABOUT YOURSELF.
In response to James Dobson's repeated statements, including yesterday's, that he would not under any circumstances vote for John McCain, Mike Huckabee retorted this morning that Dobson, Rush Limbaugh and others who are slamming McCain are egomaniacal self-promoters. (OK, I'm paraphrasing, but that's the gist, and really, who could disagree?) About anyone who would sit out the general election rather than vote for McCain, Huckabee said, "If they say that, then that just proves something: They're more about themselves than they are the cause. Because there's no way that a true conservative would vote for Hillary Clinton."What does Huckabee know that most of America doesn't know? Could it be that he has a bevy of conservative bible-thumping leaders with big mailing lists on his side, including some passing out voter guides that are largely supportive of his candidacy, and that most Christian right foot soldiers don't care whether Dobson endorses any of the candidates? Or is this just another example of that wonderful Lack-o'-Hucka-Tact, which he'll later claim, oh, gosh, that wasn't what I meant at all? Like when he said last year that religious right leaders are "more intoxicated with power than principle" and then denied he was talking about them?
A little bit of both, of course. Even back in October, at the Values Voters Summit where Dobson was being honored for his years of service to the cause of turning the clocks back to the Dark Ages, I could not find a single person to tell me that Dobson's endorsement or lack thereof mattered to their decision-making. Who did they like? Huckabee. (And Duncan Hunter, but anyway.) Huckabee knows he's got issues with the GOP and the conservative movement, but he also knows Dobson isn't essential. Helpful, but not essential. So for weird conservative protocol, Republicans (except Dick Armey) make the pilgrimage to Oz Colorado Springs to try to receive Dobson's blessing. McCain has already made nice with Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, when he was still alive, so will he do it with Dobson?
And if you're keeping tabs on who likes whom, and who predicts what, if Karl Rove said it, chances are it's utterly false.
--Sarah Posner
COMMENTS (10)
Huckabee also knows he's at the top of John McCain's short list for VP. Put together the states McCain won (except those the Dems will win) and Huckabee's and voila.
Posted by: Mimikatz | February 6, 2008 3:38 PM
McAmnesty will throw Huckabee overboard the moment he ceases to be useful. Thanks evangelicals, you just handed the nomination to a democrat. I'm done with the republican party. I'll vote Paul on the libertarian ticket.
Posted by: Henry | February 6, 2008 3:52 PM
I just don't understand where these guys get off with their 'holier than thou' attitudes. It couldn't possibly be that someone might not feel as though any candidate represents them and that none of them are a good choice. We have fallen into this habit of voting for the less-damaging candidate instead of the 'right' candidate. So what if someone can't support any of the candidates? We should vote anyway?? That is VERY lame! Just because Huckabee's political future is directly and intimately tied to McCain's success? What other stake could he have in this?
Posted by: Joel | February 6, 2008 4:56 PM
Well, he's clearly *angling* for it, but that doesn't mean he's going to get it. He said it himself: "No true conservative could vote for HRC."
Posted by: Anonymous | February 6, 2008 5:18 PM
McCain needs Huckabee, as much as Huckabee needs McCain. If the two don't join forces, it doesn't matter who the democrats field the republicans will not have much chance of winning.
I also see the same thing brewing in the Democratic election, if Obama, and Billary don't join forces their primaries will fracture the party, and will have no chance against a united republican front of McCain & Huckabee.
Ignore the pundants like Rush, he's about to put himself out to pasture. They don't care about the party they care only about themselves. Also the James Dobsons, aren't looking to hot, as Bush pulled the wool over thier constituents eyes. The republicans, are not really all that much closer to illegal abortions, and a religious goverment.
Posted by: XYZ | February 6, 2008 6:25 PM
The main problem that I see with ultra-conservatives refusing to vote if McCain is on the ticket, is that the Democratic president will appoint liberal, activist judges who will be with us much longer than the president. Overall, McCain has a decent record. Sure there's some stuff that we don't agree on, but I'll bet he'll at least appoint conservative judges, and that's worth my support. Overall, he's pro-life, and I don't think we'll see abortion issues getting any worse under him.
Posted by: Joyce | February 6, 2008 10:32 PM
The main problem that I see with ultra-conservatives refusing to vote if McCain is on the ticket, is that the Democratic president will appoint liberal, activist judges who will be with us much longer than the president. Overall, McCain has a decent record. Sure there's some stuff that we don't agree on, but I'll bet he'll at least appoint conservative judges, and that's worth my support. Overall, he's pro-life, and I don't think we'll see abortion issues getting any worse under him.
Posted by: Joyce | February 6, 2008 10:34 PM
Mike Huckabee is going to be the Republican nominee, so I urge all the Romneyites to jump ship now and support the real conservative in the race, Mike Huckabee. Mike is our only chance now, get behind him!!
Posted by: Jenny Owen | February 7, 2008 6:26 AM
Huckabee says James Dobson is just "thinking about himself?" Well, if that is not the pot calling the kettle black! Huckabee can't get people other than Evangelicals to vote for him...He can't possibly win, but he is loving all the attention and fame and doesn't care about the conservative values of our party or else HE would get out of the way. Romney has shown he can win states in the every region of the country. If Huckabee were out the conservatives would win. It is that simple. But his ego is going to ruin our party. At least Edwards got out of the way. Even though he wanted to stay in for those who supported him...he could see the writing on the wall. Why can't the Huckster?
Posted by: Sooz | February 7, 2008 6:56 AM
You nincompoops!!! James Dobson's time has long since passed. Gone (Thankfully) are the days of money grabbing, mean spirited, greedy, cranky "Christians" who don't seem to give a damn about the poor and unfortunate (as Jesus commanded by the way) - these false prophets have led American Christianity so close to the pit that even I have a hard time thinking it's not too late. Figure it out. As for Rush Limbaugh and his ilk...Just greedy, filthy rich radio talk show hosts that in the end will pay for they're treason.
Posted by: harry vest | February 7, 2008 8:18 PM