Hot Air poll: Obama vs. Huckabee
posted at 4:50 pm on January 7, 2008 by Allahpundit
Inspired by today’s page one WaPo splash. My worry is that no one on our side matches up well with the Messiah: Romney’s too plastic, McCain’s too old, Rudy’s too one-note, and Huck’s really just selling a less historic, less charismatic version of what Obama’s selling himself. Fred would present the starkest contrast but I’m not confident in his abilities on the trail and a “tradition vs. change” campaign smells like a loser to me this time. Bill Kristol thinks Huck would stand a chance, especially if Bloomberg jumped in to pull votes from Obama, but would a de facto Democrat like Bloomberg really jump in if Obama’s the nominee? He won’t beat him; at most, he’d play spoiler for the Republicans.
The world’s leading “conservative of doubt” expects plenty of aisle-crossing come November by disgruntled Republicans who aren’t “anti-immigrant,” so let’s test that theory with the following poll. All I ask is that you vote how you expect to vote in the winter. Don’t just hit “I’m staying home” in a fit of pique over Huck. Imagine yourself faced with the very real possibility of a Democratic victory. Hop to it.
Blowback
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Liberalism is better than Socialism.. Huckabee.
henzou on January 7, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Huck……but I’ll hate myself in the morning.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 7, 2008 at 4:53 PM
I had to pick Huck too, damn it.
Torch on January 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
a Dem Vicotry with a cabinet full of Janet Reno’s, with a Dem Congress, Dem Senate and atleast 2 SCOTUS nominees
jp on January 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
It won’t be “tradition vs. change”. It’ll be change vs. change, but to a different direction. Remember about Fred’s “target rich environment” comment re: slashing funding to a bunch of government programs?
AlexB on January 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
I don’t think Huckabee will be the nominee.
terryannonline on January 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Maybe I’d vote for the inevitable Ron Paul running as an independent/Libertation. Nah.
Baraka on January 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Sigh. I’ve always thought I’d rather have an Arlen Spector Republican over a Joe Liberman Democrat…Huckabee it is in this match up.
MMW on January 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
BLOOMBERG!
Slublog on January 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
For those who will stay home, you might as well vote for the lesser of two evils.
Man, this election stinks!
cire_kram on January 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I’d vote Obama, and this
article in the American Thinker pretty much sums up why.
SDnocoen on January 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I feel sick…there isn’t a soap to clean off the ick after voting for either…I’ll stay home and watch find ways to shelter my income
jawbone on January 7, 2008 at 4:56 PM
I won’t vote for Huck.
a capella on January 7, 2008 at 4:56 PM
I don’t see Ron Paul in this poll….
Vizzini on January 7, 2008 at 4:56 PM
McCain – he’s got four good years left in him and he’s earned the right.
Goraphobia on January 7, 2008 at 4:56 PM
I’m positive Huckabee will President, and have been for some time.
So we’ll have to get used to him, warts and all.
Your Jewish Master on January 7, 2008 at 4:56 PM
As much as I don’t support Huck, I couldn’t stand 4 years of Obama.
NDConservative on January 7, 2008 at 4:57 PM
If it comes down to Huck, I would rather see Obama, assuming that we maintain 40+ seats in the Senate. As we saw in the 90′s and with W, a Republican contingent in the congress can provide restraint on a Democrat in the White House, while “rubber stamping” many questionable moves for a Republican. And their policies appear similar so I think the security issue is effectively moot.
conwayluge on January 7, 2008 at 4:57 PM
I really don`t want to get blown up and I think I`ll have less of a chance if I go with Huck. I`ll just get blown up later on as opposed to as soon as we let our guard down.
ThePrez on January 7, 2008 at 4:58 PM
I hit it for Huck, then I threw up a little in my mouth. If it comes down to that, I’m gonna have to see if Johnny Depp has a room for rent.
Pablo on January 7, 2008 at 4:58 PM
How about a Tanc/Romney thrid party ticket??
LOL, Huck will NEVER be the Republican nominee. I’m also a little worried about Obama vs. Republicans, but its too early.
malan89 on January 7, 2008 at 4:59 PM
atleast Huckabee is playing on the right team, he would govern much much more conservatively than Obama.
However, if you don’t think Obama with a Dem congress would do too much damage and don’t care about SCOTUS and everything else. Then in 2010 it’d probably be a Repub. wipe out….of course this would be after National Health Care passed.
jp on January 7, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Wow, now that’s confidence. I’ll remember your prediction come autumn, and we’ll see.
joewm315 on January 7, 2008 at 4:59 PM
That’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re voting for Obama.
Gregor on January 7, 2008 at 4:59 PM
If this is the choice, Obama will win in a landslide, the Republican party will be crippled by sectarian strife for the foreseeable future, and I want no part of it. See you in 2012.
WasatchMan on January 7, 2008 at 5:00 PM
We will not win the war on liberalism with a Gomer quarterback who will cough up the ball every chance he gets. It would be a constant Bush-amnesty situation.
If one of these RINOs wins the nomination, the best course is to wait and fight another day by putting a united defense on the field. Even if Obama has the ball, a united defense is better than a traitorous fractured offense.
Valiant on January 7, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Let’s see …
- No real difference on national security (which includes border enforcement)
- No real difference on taxes
- No real difference on expanding government
- Real difference on abortion, which the president is largely powerless to do anything about
- and in summary, no real difference on anything that can make a political difference.
Sorry, I’m with Ace on this one – let the traditionally liberal party take the blame for liberalism. If this comes to pass, I’m sitting this one out.
thirteen28 on January 7, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Huck over Obama. I would hope the ‘R’ in his party would at least mean other ‘R’s’ in his cabinet and advisors.
AverageJoe on January 7, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I’m staying the hell home in this case. If Obama and Huck are really the best America can come up with, then we basically deserve what happens as a result of either of those presidents.
BlackCapitalist on January 7, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I’d vote for no one or Obama in the hopes that we could elect any semi-real conservative in 2012. I know many will not agree with this, but that’s where I am.
kerrhome on January 7, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Ouch…well…um…Huck.
Dang!! That hurt.
zoomzale on January 7, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I would vote for the Huckster “irregardless”.
Ars Moriendi on January 7, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Looks like quality time with my Nintendo Wii if El Hucko’s the nominee. He’s Dubya Dubya 2, and I’ve had quite enough of kid-glove treatment of illegal aliens. Please Mitt and/or Fred, grow a pair!!
Spanglemaker on January 7, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Oh…my…you’re right! RON PAUL 2008!!!1! Allahpundit is a fascist, imperialistic “blogger”. Of course, I can’t expect you to understand Dr. Paul. No, it takes someone who loves freedom to understand him.
amerpundit on January 7, 2008 at 5:03 PM
And buy weapons and ammo.
Good point Valiant.
NTWR on January 7, 2008 at 5:03 PM
On 80% of the issues that matter, I see no difference between the two.
I’d vote third party, if for no other reason then I could cement that I will not compromise on my ideals.
A vote of principle is never wasted.
Micheal on January 7, 2008 at 5:03 PM
That’s what Bob Dole thought when he ran for president.
CP on January 7, 2008 at 5:04 PM
I would think you’re going to see a Huckster majority here AP, but in real life I’m expecting an Obama administration. The only stop would be several major gaffes from Barry during several debates. Gaffes bad enough the left-wing media couldn’t afford to ignore. But to be honest, I seriously doubt if the ‘savior’ will even debate a republican. He won’t have to. The media will screen him, with interview after interview. Magazine cover after magazine cover. Non-stop O’BamBam. 24/7.
Griz on January 7, 2008 at 5:04 PM
I always vote for the lesser of two evils.
Which one is that, exactly?
snickelfritz on January 7, 2008 at 5:05 PM
He’d probably be better on fiscal policy than either. The little he has said about Iraq and GWOT has been hawkish.
I agree with AP that Obama makes Bloomberg less likely than a Hillary nomination would. However, leaving the race to perceived lightweights like Obama and Huck might make any number of people think they could jump in.
dedalus on January 7, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Huckabee, then start raising hell if he nominates libs to the courts.
RushBaby on January 7, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Ron Paul, natch!
/ducking in case the joke isn’t obvious enough…
JunkCoast on January 7, 2008 at 5:06 PM
To vote for a Huckabee presidency based on “the lesser of two evils” makes me nervous. I don’t like the prospect of him claiming a mandate to change the GOP (and the country) with feel-good evangelical populist policies. I’d probably vote third party.
darii on January 7, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Definitely would stay home. Maybe the Republican party would get the hint in 2010; they sure didn’t after 2006.
Hollowpoint on January 7, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Well,
A) Not voting is not an option (for me, anyway)
B) If it came down to those two, I would gladly vote Huckabee. (OK, not gladly …but I would)
JetBoy on January 7, 2008 at 5:07 PM
SECOND LOOK AT SECOND CHANCES.
.
Let’s start over.
shooter on January 7, 2008 at 5:07 PM
he’s already mentioned Duncan Hunter as a Sec. of Defense
what we need to understand is the politics of all this, right now there is a populist mood in the country, a guy like Huck is electable. This doesn’t mean he will actually govern as a liberal. More likely Center-Right.
ultimately its a PR game.
jp on January 7, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Cheney/Bolton write-in protest vote or third party. I’d have to go to the polls to vote down ticket but i’m not choosing between two socialists.
phronesis on January 7, 2008 at 5:08 PM
I could support Huckabee. I just don’t want open borders or more taxes.
ThackerAgency on January 7, 2008 at 5:09 PM
romney has been successfully cast as the slick guy who would fire you (thanks to huck), mc did it to myself over the past 8 years, huck is a muck (the say anything popularist that can’t be believed), rudy’s personal life and the press did him in, fred doesn’t BS, so he’s been marginalized (but not out), so who doe that leaves — RP?
sure why not and pass me the luger, please.
jimmer on January 7, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Given the choice, and I’ve thought about this alot, I clicked that I’ll be staying home. But actually I will most likely go third party. Call me cold-hearted, but given who the two candidates in question are I’d much rather see the inevitable foreign-born disaster happen under a Democrat watch than a Huckabee-led Republican one (sure, the Dems will try and spin it as Bush’s fault, but they won’t be able to hide the fact that he’ll be out of office by then). Then, hopefully, the American people will finally wake the you-know-what up.
So, while I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to flip the lever for a Democrat, a third-party candidate does essentially the same thing. I swore to myself that I’d never ever do that again, since Ross Perot fooled just enough of us into handing the election to the Clenis, but in this case I have to break that promise.
crazy_legs on January 7, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Both Huck and Obama will be equivalent to the next Jimmy Carter – guaranteed. Which party do I want that fault rested upon? The Dems? Or Republicans, who could come back as an alternative to Jimmy 2.0 in 2012? I’d vote 3rd party or stay home.
amerpundit on January 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
If Obama is elected with an all-Dem Congress and a huge mandate, many R office-holders will conclude that resistance is futile, and there’s not a bad chance for a full-on re-expansion of government, implying huge blocs of voters semi-permanently attached to new federal-level health, citizenship (open borders/amnesty), and energy (global warming, independence) entitlements. Politically, there might be no coming back for Republicans or anything recognizably “conservative” in our lifetimes.
If it were Huck, he at least claims to be conservative on immigration, the war, the size of government, taxes, culture, and so on, and would remain accessible and beholden to conservatives.
So Huck it would have to be, and God help him.
CK MacLeod on January 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Why do I have to choose between a giant douche and a s*** sandwich
cant I just vote for a giant taco that craps ice cream .
Mojack420 on January 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Hmmmm…the poll seems to be broken. THANK YOU, GOD!!!!
Pablo on January 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Another reason to not stay home or vote the opposition. This is not the time to stand on “principle”, or to wait for a future “true conservative” if Huck is the nominee. The Supreme Court is too important, and I think trumps all in the “Will you vote republican if the ‘wrong’ republican gets nominated” debate. This is why the evangelical “threat” to sit out if a non-evangelical is nominated would never happen.
AverageJoe on January 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
If Huckabee gains the nomination then it remains for the convention to nail down the party platform he is to represent. That and the corresponding Democratic Party platform, is going to determine my vote, if I vote at all. If its republican socialism lite vs. the real thing, I might be tempted to sit on my hands, then again, the thought of two or three supreme court appointments will probably urge me to hold my nose and vote for the Huckster.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on January 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
SD’s article is also spot on.
Valiant on January 7, 2008 at 5:11 PM
So, we’ll mark you down for the Clinton/Richardson ticket.
Pablo on January 7, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I would vote for Pee Wee Herman if he were a Republican over what the choices are with Dems.
Hening on January 7, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Of those two it looks like a choice between the best Leftist Lib. So I would have to stay home on this one. But I do have to say Obama deserves much more respect than a lying scam artist like Huck in many ways.
nottakingsides on January 7, 2008 at 5:12 PM
What about his time as Governor, before the recent Populist move? He raised taxes, increased the deficit, pardoned more convicted criminals than the former three governors combined, was considered by many to be a Nanny-Stater…
Then we could add in his complete incompetence on many important issues.
amerpundit on January 7, 2008 at 5:12 PM
My thoughts exactly. If the policies are going to be liberal, let it rest on the libs so that a real conservative can gain ground in 4 years.
Tim on January 7, 2008 at 5:13 PM
hold my nose and vote for huck. ouch dude
custer on January 7, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Can’t in good conscience vote for either. I’d vote third party or leave the race blank.
Mark Jaquith on January 7, 2008 at 5:14 PM
***shudders***
Looking at two evils, pick the better of the two, yet I feel the need for a hot shower and lye soap.
Not voting is not an option though.
upinak on January 7, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Did you just come up with that in a dream? There’s nothing in Huckafraud’s past that indicates he does ANYTHING “center-right.” He’s conservative on exactly ONE issue, and that’s abortion. Everyting else he’s 100% liberal.
Not only that, but he’s a lying sack of sh!t!
Gregor on January 7, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I think Obama would trounce Huck in the general. Like it would not even be fair how bad Obama beats him. I think, among the Republicans, the one that has the best chance of defeating Obama in the general would be McCain. I don’t see ANY of the other guys standing a chance against him. Not even Thompson.
mattyj86 on January 7, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Huck. But I’d vote for the re-animated cadaver of Francisco Franco over BHO.
Huck’s a squish and a schmoozer but he’s our schmoozer squish. Plus, he’s not a hopelessly naive empty suit (like BHO). He might very well nominate some good SC Justices. And his cabinet could be competent. The man may act like a boob but he’s not stupid.
Vote Sauron 08 on January 7, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Uh…SECOND LOOK AT STAY AT HOME!
Dork B. on January 7, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Ha ha ha!
Tzetzes on January 7, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Suicide. Why didn’t you leave that as an option?
John_Locke on January 7, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Ask President Dole how that worked out for him. WWII was no further in the past then than VietNam is now.
Could you imagine how depressing it would be to watch McCain try to debate Obama?
pedestrian on January 7, 2008 at 5:16 PM
SECOND LOOK AT TURD SANDWICH!
aero on January 7, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Given only these two choices, no vote.
wccawa on January 7, 2008 at 5:17 PM
The poll has apparently collapsed under the weight of it’s own grief.
regal on January 7, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Not just that, but whatever Rs remain in Congress will at least fight a Dem rather than go along with Huck for the party’s sake. So, yes, Obama.
Laura on January 7, 2008 at 5:17 PM
If Huck is the nominee, I will abstain.
If the Republican party has stooped that low then I am no republican.
The only thing my conscience will let me do is write in
The Fred-meister
Fredalanche!©.
TheSitRep on January 7, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Since when is there a right to be president?
If it’s McVain instead of Huckabee vs. Obama, same result – I’ll stay at home and come out of the ’10 midterms.
thirteen28 on January 7, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Suppose the economy goes into recession, and Obama is propelled into the presidency. If you think that the subsequent failure of liberal policy would lead to a quick Republican/conservative resurgence, then you might want to read a political history of the Depression, like Shlaes’ recent THE FORGOTTEN MAN. Roosevelt and his operatives managed to extend the Depression with their big government pseudo-solutions (big programs and confiscatory taxation, among others), but, by deftly blaming their failures on their predecessors, the world, and America itself, won re-election. The same pattern has been repeated world round by open socialists and so-called Social Democrats.
CK MacLeod on January 7, 2008 at 5:19 PM
imagine what the Left will do to the courts in context of the War on Terror, aside from the Social Issue’s and your typical 9th Circuit insanity.
jp on January 7, 2008 at 5:20 PM
There’s not going to be any Huckabeemania – he’s certainly not winning, even the nomination.
Mister Ghost on January 7, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Huck
ninjapirate on January 7, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Re: Judges, what is his record as Governor? Or did he not appoint any? Overall, I can’t see where his judges would be much better than Obama’s. Although, maybe because of the abortion issue, he would nominate good judges. But, I have not seen any mention of this issue.
conwayluge on January 7, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Huck is just Jimmy Carter with an “R” behind his name.
Screw’im
TheSitRep on January 7, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Pres. Obama: his hand is forced and he’s tough on terrorists; media go along
Pres. Huckabee: his hand is forced and he’s tough on terrorists; media give him hell
Tzetzes on January 7, 2008 at 5:22 PM
The real question is: if it’s Obama/Amy Carter vs Sauron/Voldemort, what do you choose? I’m with Sauron all the way. Why vote for the lesser of two evils?
Vote Sauron 08 on January 7, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Repubs/Conservatives in the Congress and Senate and outside Washington on talk radio, can put the heat on Huck and keep him from doing too much Liberal stuff, if he tries!!!
Think the Amnesty fiasco, Harriet Myers, etc.
this doesn’t apply near as easily with a Dem President.
jp on January 7, 2008 at 5:24 PM
I’m not familiar with the book, so I’ll take your word for it. But for a recent historical example of this, we don’t have to look any farther than Jimmy Carter. People voted for him in a response to the Nixon/Ford years & after languishing 4 years in the malaise, we saw Ronald Reagan.
I would argue we see a similar scenario today: people are flocking to Obama in a response to the Bush years, but after being given what they’ve asked for, they’d vote in a real conservative again by a landslide – provided the right candidate presented him/herself.
Tim on January 7, 2008 at 5:27 PM
OK, I can’t see the poll.
SouthernDem on January 7, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Related: Huckabee continues to gain support nationally.
Craaaaaaaaaaptastic.
amerpundit on January 7, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Huckster, but then I take a hot shower and feel shame for a long time.
I hate how long this site is taking to load today. Front page is quick. Comments are teh slow.
Laddy on January 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Remember: if you stay home we may lose seats in Congress as well, and it may be six years before some of those seats are up for grabs again.
Baraka on January 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Damn you AP. I would vote…….Huck. There, I said it…Happy?
Does this make me a yellow dog…….Republican?????
conservnut on January 7, 2008 at 5:31 PM
politics is a team sport, your better off aiding your team rather than the other.
all that said, I like Thompson the best by far but realize he’s not electable. I’m rather pissed at the George Allen fiasco last year, or we wouldn’t have this problem right now. he’s authentic conservative, has a very strong ACU rating and is electable and could’ve held the base together.
Dems are better team players, Repubs are too individualist/independent
jp on January 7, 2008 at 5:32 PM
I dont really understand why conservatives hate the Huck so much, cuz he’s not THAT liberal on the record and his platform sounds pretty alright on all the right wing check points.
His downfall is that he’s squishy on foreign policy. and the country would trust Obama more than Huckabee in a heart beat on that issue.
Huck would win 10 states tops against Barry O
Richard Bushnell on January 7, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Deep down I harbor hope that conservatives haven’t become a barren, hyper-religious wasteland…that they won’t rally behind Huck in the south. There’s talk on Cavuto that big business might like his tax ideas though and I smell more endorsements. I’d vote Huck in the general election, but I’d almost certainly lie about it later on. Side note: is there a vice-pres option that would make Huck seem less sour? Chuck Norris is not an option.
blankminde on January 7, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Dónde está poll??
Bob L on January 7, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Obama vs.the Huckster, I would really vote for Obama because then the poor economy, tax raises, and other malfeasance could be blamed on the Democrats.
PrettyD_Vicious on January 7, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Newt, who has been singing Huck’s praises.
jp on January 7, 2008 at 5:36 PM
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