Huckabee,
You need to make a graceful exit, you look and sound like a fool at this point.

Vote moderates in 08
McCain

Thanks Mike for making others pay for your vacation these past several months. Not sure what to do next? Just run for another office and get others to blindly follow you nowhere, regardless of your populist history as a Governor and your lame jokes. This time the jokes on you.

Mr. Huckabee:

I respect you and most of your positions, but I feel it is time for you to pull out of the race. We know that you are a good campaginer. You've shown that you could be a potential vice-pesident. We hear your call for conservatism.

But now, it is time for you to honorably leave. It's time for us Americans to unite and choose the man who will lead America.

This man is John McCain.

McCain '08!

im not republic but you go huck

I know Huckabee has no chance of winning, but watching him press ahead in spite of all odds is inspiring in a strange way, kind of like watching a sedan speed head-on into a semi-trailer. Go down in flames Huckabee!

A lot of Republicans think Huckabee is hurting the party by staying in it, but they're wrong. Like a pesky mosquito, he keeps McCain on his toes and proves that Mac has a long way to go in convincing conservatives that he is ready to lead the party.

Is it just me or do Hillary and Mike not realize what happened at the Alamo? I mean Davy and comapny were heroic, but that is where things ended for them.

I hope he stays in. It keeps McCain semi-honest. I fear as soon as he drops out McCain will be talking about amnesty, the need to not waterboard, etc. As a registered Republican I am fearful for what I see in the Republican party.

I agree with Huckabee's reason for staying in it…Voting is definitely about having choices.

I like what he has to say. I like his convictions. I like the fact that he stands behind his convictions. He is the voice Americans need to hear so that they may also stand. Huckabee is a leader. People will follow his lead because he speaks to the heart. He is a man of vision. People without a vision fall: We need his leadership.

So Huckabee is giving to the voters their right to vote for another candidate that otherwise would not have voted for McCain. Dah! Dah!
The fact is that if you were not going to vote for McCain anyway, then you probably would not vote in the first place. It all comes out the same in the "wash." In other words, you are given the opportunity to vote against McCain by voting for Huckabee; and if Huckabee withdraws, the results are the same. And he wants to be "president?"
I conclude that his divine intervention power is running low and he is now on "bee-power." Beeeeee…….realistic…and do the honorable thing…….withdraw…..you have lost before you even got started.

I think he touches on an excellent point here that the GOP base often demands unequivocal unity to the detriment of debate and viewpoint from intelligent, dissenting voices even within the party, and if this is what is keeping him in an unwinnable race then more power to him.

huck is a man with intergrity and he trully cares for people i which he was the gop nominee instead of an angry old man who wants war ,war war and fight,but this republican is for Obama all the way
OBAMA all the way woooooooo hoooooooo!

Huck is the republican mirror image of Hillary: They both should drop out, but neither know how to do it gracefully.

I'm wondering when CNN or any of the cable news outlets are going to schedule a debate between John McCain and Mike Huckabee. I think voters across American would appreciate the gesture and it would help CNN's reputation of being a fair news outlet rather than left leaning.

I admire your grit and values Mike. Keep up the fight. Praying you will turn the tables on McCain.

Not your ego?? Dude, you are the biggest egomaniac this nation has ever seen. What, you think God will personally annoint you the nominee at the Convention despite McCain's insurmountable lead??

God's a winner, not a loser. So get real. GO HOME ALREADY. You've lost.

Please don't come to Texas. You are running a losing campaign - fitting that you would go to the Alamo. Remember the Alamo! That's where it ended for a whole bunch of folks. You have convictions, but they are shared by a small fanatical minority. Viva McCain! Viva Obama! Let's put our hope in our future - not a repressively oriented, religious fanatic.

This is a real issue with McCain that cannot be ignored. Conservatives are not turning to him. They will not vote for him in November.

I happen to know Mike and he is for real. The other guy represents the same military stance or even worse than George Bush and thinks we can stay in Iraq and the Middle East forever…so why not save money and let George and what-his-name stay in office?

This candidate is staying in the race because of principles. He feel strongly about what many of us feel strongly about pro life issues. It is not about religion, it is about offering the country a candidate who if elected would be the a leader of the free world with strong moral character. I would think that would be more attractive to more people.
You can't really tell me that all the other candidates believe that infanticide and partial birth abortion is right, but they are too weak in character to stand out and protect the unborn. Votes are more important than innocent human life.

Obama can promise the world everything, but he can't promise the righ to life to an innocent unborn baby.

Thank God there is still a few good men out there that will put their ego on the back burner and do something difficult because it is the morally right thing to do.

I hope Huckabee gets our message out their for many in the months ahead.

Yeah, Keith, waterboarding is not a Republican ideal. What party are you a member of?

37% is not a "big loss".

Hucka…bye

Huck's ego has a separate tour bus and has to be walked on a leash every night and fed chopped steak by Chuck Norris.

so now he looks forward to texas because texas people dont like to be "told what to do", "how to think", and how to vote". And peope in ALL the other states he has campaigned in think opposite to teas people. He should opologize to people in ALL the other states he has campaigned in for this statement and leave the race

Nope it's not good for your ego Huck, which by my calculation is about as big as Texas. Everyone needs their 15 minutes though.

I am not a republican, but I based on what I am seeing Huck is splitting this party apart. I respect his position to give as many voters the right to choose, but in the process of doing that he splitting the party and making it easier for a democrat to win, which is fine with me, but come one Huck drop out let McCain stage a good fight against the Dems and instead of against you.

Valor and courage?
Continuing this Quixotic campaign….
Trying to contrive some support…where it already exists…

He's now showing nothing but some concerning "way-right" attitudes that certainly demonstrates something…wish we knew what it was!

Much respect for Huckabee!

Obama 08

Stick with it Mike; it's not quite over yet.

I don't like that the US Presidency is up for sale. If Huckabee had the same financial backing as McCain, this race would be over by now with Huckabee securing the needed delegates. If you look to the Democratic party, the comparison is worse with much more money flowing. Stay in there Mike. Americans who cannot buy the Presidency are counting on politicians like you.

I'm extremely impressed with him…he knows he can't win…but he's making a huge point on behalf of 40% of his party. He's a true patriot.

Obama '08

Thank you Mike Huckabee for staying in. It has given us hope that possibly a miracle would happen and you would win. The other three choices (Clinton, Obama and McCain) will ruin the country. You are the only one to stick to your convictions. We should all be so lucky as to have a president like you. Unfortunatley we will only have liars and cheats to choose from. America will get what it deserves.

Golly. Thank ya thank ya.

Huckabee, the tribe has spoken, it's time to leave the island.

Huckabee has been and always will be a joke. Hopefully its becoming more and more obvious to everyone else the longer he continues his "campaign to nowhere". He is barely worthy of the title of "preacher", let alone to hold any kind of position in government.

I'm a Democrat, but I like that Huckabee is staying in the race. There needs to be more debate and discussion between Huck and McCain. The old man's gone mostly unchallenged since Romney dropped out

Huckabee needs to stay visible so he can keep charging $25k to give public speeches. What a noble man…vomit…

Huckabee is preparing grounds for 2012. He knows this election is for the democrats to lose and when he comes to challenge in four years, he would have acquired the name recognition which he currently lacks. he is not interested in being Mccain's veep.

I appreciate the fact that Huckabee is still running. He represents people who are fed up with shallow dead-end politics.
Even if McCain had no competition he would lose big in November.

Hillary, Obama, McCain - Globalist Liberals receiving 75% of the nations vote.

Huckabee - The last sovereign American standing. Hang in there Huck. Allow us to be counted.

So what principles does Huckabee believe in that Romney doesn't other than that he is an Evangelical ? I don't think when it comes to family, right to life, strong defences and other conservative principles that Huckabee was the favorite conservative choice. He has no chance of winning but is just enjoying the lime light and wants to claim he beat Romney. Romney has already given him that and by so doing has shown the greater character in being a team player for the common good of the party. I would like to here him, during his campaign, state his reasons more vociferously. He seems to be running now as the low key candidate just to hangout. He is not being very agressive.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, "Poor Campaign Strategy" from "Day One"

Much love Sen. Hillary, but Obama 08

The battle at the Alamo involved a US attack on Mexico to acquire territory…that is how America acquired what we now call the southwestern states…where is the "valor" in that? Same "valor" in Bush's war of choice against Iraq to in essence make it an oil-rich colony with permanent bases? Let Russia or China try something similar and watch the US get all self righteous. Huckabee would be a continuation of the tragic Bush/Cheney era that this nation will takes decades to recover from.

Anybody who thinks that Mike Huckabee is the conservative alternative to John McCain has never looked at his record in Arkansas. I didn't support McCain until I had to. At least he understands what is going on in the world. Mike Huckabee is clueless about the Middle East. He showed that time and time again with his ridiculous remarks. If you can't surround yourself with competent advisors while you are running for President, why should we think you will when you are the President.

Cathy in Vermont

You are really stretch calling Huckabee's tour the same as Hillary's legitimate campaign. It sounds desperate.

How appropriate - Huckleberry Hound going to The Alamo, the site of another famous disaster…..

He talks about convictions, principles that he dearly believes in. Have you forgotten the anti-Mormon sentiment which started in Iowa.. Huckabee? That was anti-Christian & mean-spirited. I guess that is what Huckabee dearly believes…If you were not so mean-spirited, I would vote for you in the Texas primary.

Huckabee stays in the race because he has no other job. As soon as he stops receiving his paycheck from his campaign funds, he'll need to file for unemployment, or get a job.

All you supporters of McCain, I do hope you realize that he is going to get smoked by Obama…

Just another Republican with no exit strategy.

Mr. Huckabee is beginning to define a new term for "Whats a person who doesn't know when to quit" A Huckabee!

Don't let the smoke screen fool you, Huck is in the race for the sake of Hillary. Hillary needs Huck to keep the republican nomination un-settled and forstall the preparation for a National compaign, till she can find away to defeat Obama in her own party.

Remember Huckabee and the Clintons are both from Arkansas.

Huckabee's in it for recognition…he can up his speaking fees.
I do like the fact he's a thorn in McCrypt's side though.
Obama 08!

Why are the republicans so concerned about Huckabee quiting the campaign? It is obvious McCain will win. While Huckabee is in the campaign, McCain still gets airtime and can keep criticizing Obama and Hillary. If Huckabee quits, then the press will be even more all over Obama and Hillary.

Time to pack up the bibles and head home, Mike. Maybe a little road kill for dinner tonight, eh? Catch up on some reading, too. Maybe something by that other bigot Ann Coulter…

I use to think when Romney was still running that McCain-Huckabee sounded good. That once McCain beat past Romney that we would take Huckabee to the white house, but not like this. Even though he is doing what his mother always told him to do - never quit - there is just a time where you look at mother's word a go "Quiting will help everyone". But, we are all bashing on Huckabee for still being in the race, but we still go silly Ron Paul over there, but who really cares about him. McCain will get the rest of the delegates needed, but the real fun will be us seeing who he will pick as a running mate.

I also agree that Hucabee should be "staying in " the race. To me, McCain is anything but a conservative. I really do not like what he has been saying or his past and present voting record to put it mildly. If he ends up to be the candidate, we as Americans DO NOT have a choice as all the Democratic nominees, along with McCain are just the same, just different packaging. I also like the ideas of Ron Paul and his fiscal responsibility, which is a major major issue in that this country is heading in the wrong direction. Soon we will NOT be our free America. So I for one, am happy both Huckabee and Ron Paul are still in this race. It just "might" wake McCain up, "maybe" he might start listening to the American People?? I surely hope so.

Did Keith really say to not waterboard??? We already have war criminals in the White House and McCain of all people know the pain of torture. It may be why he screamed the loudest until the Reub machine quieted him some on the talking point of torture. Next you will say it is ok to eavesdrop on American's without a warrant or hold them forever without charges.

It's not about ego, it's about $. The more name recognition he gets, the more books he can sell and the more motivational speaking gigs he can land.

Sounds like he has a personal issue wiith McCain
This isn't helping the party, contrary to that opinion.
He seems more eager to divide it
DrFill

sorry meant Republican machine

At the start of the race doesn't every candidate say they are "in it until the end" when they speak to their supporters? Then they drop out a short time later, when it is not over yet and make liars out of themselves.

Huckabee is a guy who is simply doing what he has said he would do all along, staying in until someone has 1191.

Finally a politician who does what he says he's going to do. Instead of beating him up he should be praised for sticking to his convictions. Many states have not voted. I believe he is pointing out how this process of selecting a nominee is broken and leaves out many of us based on the state we live in.

Regardless of if you agree with his positions or not (I do), Mike Huckabee is one of the few people in American politics willing to honestly stand up for what he believes in and remind us that we do, in fact, live in a democracy. Plus, he is the only candidate left in the race with executive leadership experience, and did great things for the state of Arkansas while governor — greatly improved the education system (and all of his children went to public school), took the budget from a deficit to 800 million surplus (even though there was a recession while he was in office), improved roads, etc.

As he has stated over and over and over again, our presidential primary election rules state that a candidate MUST win 1,191 delegates before being declared the nominee. I don't know why every political analyst on TV is so confused about why he is still in the race when he has explained it numerous times. Until McCain has done that, there is still a slight chance that Huckabee could win enough delegates to force a brokered convention. No one thought the NY Giants had a prayer of a chance in the Super Bowl, and look what happened. You just NEVER know what will happen, though as Huckabee has said, if he drops out of the race THEN he's sure he will lose. I'm encouraged that we have a candidate who actually wants to play by the rules. I'm appalled that it seems everyone in the media and the Republican establishment thinks that quitting before a contest is over is the honorable thing to do, "for the good of the party." That sounds borderline fascist to me. I would rather have a Democratic president and vote for the man I think would make the best president than cast a half-hearted vote for an uninspiring Republican candidate that I've been told to vote for. This election is enough to make me Independent and write in Huckabee's name in November.

I say stay in Huckabee. Huckabee serves as a "Huckathorn" in McCain's side and keeps some in the Republican party from holding their noses and voting for McCain. I'm loving it.

Obama in 08!

Kieth says: "As a registered Republican I am fearful for what I see in the Republican party."

As a sentient human being, proud of our American heritage, and with eyes wide open to what has been happening in the country for the past 7-14 years, I am also fearful for what I see in the Republican party.

In fact, I am downright –afraid– of the the Republican party.

I know Huckabee was relative;y unknown going into this election, but he just seems to be so much more substantive and genuine than McCain. I wish other conservatives would have seen the same thing. Somebody convince me, what do you see in McCain?

Huckabee is accomplishing nothing but helping the other side by staying in. Your next chance to make a real choice will be when you have to pick between John McCain and either Obama or Clinton. Right now to keep saying you are making a choice is foolish. The other foolish Huckabee idea is that this is a replay of Reagan's path to the presidency in 1976 and 1980. Michael Reagan wrote a piece in the last couple of weeks about what happened with his Dad. According to Michael, President Reagan, who did the right thing when he lost the nomination to Ford in 1976, was not happy that other so-called conservatives didn't get behind Ford. Reagan didn't like it because it gave us the disasterous presidency of Jimmy Carter. So, Reagan put country ahead of self-interest. If there is any substance to Huckabee - whom I like even thought I am John McCain supporter - Huckabee will do what is right for the country. If not, I will hold Huckabee accountable for the pull-out in Iraq that either Barack or Hillary will make happen - putting us in peril.

At least Huckabee is not dragging down the national party in the process.
You know…, like whats her name, mmmm…, Bill's wife.

Wow! I wish all our politicians were as willing to discuss the issues like Huckabee. Unfortunately, the American public has become so dumb we listen to the same rhetoric every election year and expect DIFFERENT results.
WE NEED DISCUSSION FROM BOTH PARTIES. Mike Huckabee is giving the American public a chance it hasn't had in ages; to think through issues logically instead of judging someone by their haircut.
Thanks for staying in the race Mike! I know it has been a personal hardship to take the abuse of the media who want to continue to bury America and its glory.

I think Mike Huckabee should definitely stay in the race—and Hillary, too. It's always good to let the frontrunners know they haven't pleased 100% of the people. That way they are aware of the fact that they need to accept the views of others and not just their "yes" people. Competition does make for a better product and don't kid yourself—politics is all about product.

Stay in the race, it is the AMERICAN way! When did We fall deaf and dumb to allow others to attempt to instill in us their beliefs as our own….What did all those who died from the civil war to the current WAR die for!!!! so that someone else can tell us what to think, how to act, and what to fight for??? One thougth comes to mind "SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER"

I applaud you and what you stand for

You hang in there Mike! You are the only one running that isn't wishy washy on what you believe in. Hope you win Texas!( from a Texan! )

After I read a few of the posted comments I nod my head in confirmation of my last post "Sheep to the Slaughter" you all sound just like CNN

I believe that Huckabee should stay in the race. I admire his "non-quitter" attitude–when things have gotten tough for him, he has stuck with it. That is the kind of leader we need for America. I also admire him for his stances on the issues and his honesty–that he doesn't just go with what he thinks will make people vote for him. That is a strong indication of his character and that he is in this thing because he truly has convictions and believes in them.

The news media are the only people who benefit from Huckabee's exit. They're costs would be diminished with him on the sidelines. On the other hand they would also drop coverage of McCane for the next four months if Huckabee weren’t in the race. Republicans need to keep him in the media.

Anyone who thinks these past 14 months have been a vacation for any candidate needs to look at his or her definition of a vacation. Come on . . .

Hang in there Mike. You’re voice is the best thing about this election quest. I disagree with much of your social platform, but I agree completely with your support of the “Fair Tax”.

You said your piece. You accomplished the goal of keeping the Mormon out of the race, now go away and let the party save the money for the general election. People will still vote whether you are in the campaign or not. What else, are you and your fanatics going to show up at the convention and if you don't get your way, start another party. I am a moderate Republican and for years your brand of one issue republicanism has prevented the party from expanding it's base. The Alamo is a good place to say goodbye. Very sybolic.

Not about Huckabee's ego? Yeah, right.

Talk about inpiration! Its great to see a guy who will stick with it until the end!

Mr Huckabee, you appear to be a very fine man and electable. I would feel much more safe if you won the nomination. Miracles do happen.

He's right. Is it a coronation? Or a contest? Until McCain has the delegates to win, let him compete. Its amazing that McCain with only about 30% of overall republican vote and with not all states given their right to vote - that everyone is pressing Huck to drop out.

As a democrat, I must say that I have a great deal of respect for Huckabee because he is not allowing for the Republican party to push him around and he makes a very valid argument. The American people deserves options and to be honest, many of the republicans who are starting the wrap their support around McCain is only doing so out their own egos. They are trying to make the statement that Republicans are united and what a JOKE!!! This is the type of Ego that caused Bush to be in the shape he is in now. EGO-mania.

It is evident that McCain is the nominee. However, it is critical that we understand McCain's weaknesses because the primary is expected to be heavily democratic biased. Huckabee should indeed stand on firm ground until the end. That is the graceful exit, and walking away is not going to benefit the whole of conservatives. Issues must continually be raised against McCain to prepare him for the battles ahead. I think McCain needs all the help he can get and the more Huckabee stands firm the more McCain must polish himself. McCain is not articulate and he will be running against a highly and exceptionally charismatic democratic opponent, which I do not think McCain is currently prepared to overcome. Stay in the game, Huck!

McCain and party are angry at the fact that McCain can't start throwing serious blows at the Democrats like he would like to because to do that would be to show that he has completed counted out Huckabee and Paul, which would not be good for his campaign. We have seen where and EGO will get you. Just look at HRC.

This is exactly why the Republican's will eat Obama up in a general election. Even his supporters have no idea what he's done or if he's even done anything.
Is being a really good charasmatic speaker enough to get the Democratic nomination? Wake up Democrats. He's going to get crushed like McGovern did in the 72 general election.

I don't really agree all that much with Huckabee, but I have a ton of respect for him in keeping his word and not bowing out.

Mr. Huckabee
Whose money are you wasting??? I, as many Americans, could see money better spent…perhaps to help our soldiers or hungry children right here in America.I just don't see throwing money away to a campaign that can not win and/or help America. I do have a bit of admiration that you have stayed in the race this long. But, honestly, it is time to bow out.
Deborah

I didn't vote for Huck in my state's primaries and don't think I ever would but I admire him for sticking to it. Without him, the Republican primaries would be a no-contest win which would be boring. If he gets conservatives fired up and then supports McCain (which I think he will) then the Republican party will be stronger than before.

Sally Savage: or is it silly savage? Shrub has "conviction" which he stands by. He probably talks like you too, and says "nook-you-ler" just like you and these folks with "conviction". He says God got him elected, then told him to invade "Eye-rack" (find that country on a map), all 27 evolving reasons, and then told him to "stay the course".
The point? Of course he has "convictions" - we all see that. We all have "convictions". Mine is that "convictions"=strongly held opinions, which may, or may not be rooted in fact.

Profound statement Huckabee! You said it, it needed to be said, and I think that a lot of people are glad to see that you're still here. I don't appreciate how some of the other GOP candidates conceded defeat and backed out so quickly. Thanks for giving people a choice because there are issues, positions, and differences of opinions that need to be talked about so that the eventual GOP nominee can stand strong with the backing of all the republican people.

The Alamo is a shrine and not a political icon. The phony politicians belong in the convention center down the street.

Hey Huckabee…get your Arkansas behind out of Texas and take your lies and religious bigotry with you. That goes for you too Clinton and anyone else who wants to use the Alamo to manipulate people to get votes.

The only person running on true American principles and convictions is RON PAUL. Yes, he is still in the race, too, and will be until the very end, promoting the only agenda that matters in America: THE CONSTITUTION. Read it sometime and you'll see that the clear choice in RON PAUL.

Mike Huckabee is only candidate that truly listens to God. The bible says that the truth will set you free. Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way. Not a way, but the way. I want to elect a person to sit in the "big chair" that listens to God through the Holy Spirit. We either follow the spirit or the flesh. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. I urge all true Texans to support Governor Huckabee, God's choice servant.

Be not deceived, God will not be mocked!

As a democrate, that agrees with nothing that the republican party stands for, I do not understand why people tell a candidate to drop out?
Huckabee is right, Mccain has not hit the magic number, so why drop out?
If Mccain wants Huckabee out, then knock him out by reaching the number needed to get the nomination.
This after all is a democratic country, Huckabee has a strong base that wants him to stay in and speak for them, LET HIM BE, IT IS HIS RIGHT TO DO SO.

Keep on buzzing Huckabee. The voters in the remaining state deserve a choice and a voice.
BTW, no one is calling for Ron Paul to drop out and no one mentions that it nearly mathmatically impossible for McCain to get 1191 since he barely gets over 50% in the contests.

this is Hillary's future at a glance…

Keep going, Huckleberry. We Democrats are cheering you on!

Can you believe that he charges for his speeches?? He
should start a church. He is using this campaign to get
free press. Now that is not about ego. Why, he is one of
the most egotistical people in the whole race. He thinks
a lot of himself. I can't believe people would pay to have
him in the name of a campaign.

Not surprisingly, Huckabee completely misses the point. The question about ego is not whether it feeds his ego to stay in the race. It is that his ego is so big that he is all about himself and doesn't care the impact on others. He is going to do his own thing no matter the consequences. But then, I never would have expected him to understand the difference.

Why should the Governor quit? The democratic process is one of choice and that's what the voters need. Otherwise it will just be a walkover for McCain which it is already but at least Huckabee is giving him something to ponder. After all Huckabee is raking in about 30-35% of the votes and if Ron Paul was not in the race, it might be a different story. It's a shame more of the Republican primaries are not proportional and are set up as winner takes all. That is totally unfair. If a candidate wins by 1 percentage point in a primary state that is winner takes all, then all those delegates go to him.

Something is wrong with that system. MORE REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES SHOULD BE PROPORTIONAL AND NOT WINNER TAKES ALL.

I can not believe that Americans have let themselves become so disillusioned as to think that any and all canididates running for President truly love their country and want what they believe to be in the best interst of the country. We have become a nation that trusts no one and believes in nothing. I hope that changes. I think Huckabee has the right to continue cmpaigning if he still has a following and the republican nomination has not been won according to the rules that the party established. Do we even still believe in the policy of Democracy?????

Hey, if you haven't figured it out by now, Huckabee is still running to boost his current source of income: giving speeches. The longer Huckabee has this "free" press, by "running" as a presidential candidate, the more advertising he gets for his paid speeches gig. The man is a salesman after all.

Go HUCKABEE GO!
We will not stand by while this adulterer, liar and his drug addicted wife are handed the flag for the Christian Conservative movement. Is it really that hard to find a man who didn't cheat on his wife and then use his political connections to get her off criminal charges?!? Is that the best we can do? Christ saves!

The DNC and a lot of others are afraid of someone like Mike Huckabee… He cuts right through the fakeness and political correctness that plagues American politics and exposes it. Yes, Mike Huckabee is not perfect, but I believe he’s better than the alternative of "Bomb, Bomb" McCain.

Huckabee seems like a nice man. I feel sorry for him, however. He is now mere entertainment.

If Huckabee evaporated, so would press coverage of the McCain campaign. Although it's mathematically impossible for him to win the nomination, he's serving to keep McCain on the radar screen.

I respect that Huckabee is giving voters a choice. McCain has time to go after Obama. I'm looking forward to it.

(I thought there was a good chance there would be a woman in the White House. I just didn't think it was going to be Obama.)

If it isn't Clinton….. McCain '08

I suspect and wholeheartedly believe that Huckabee is staying in the race at the request of the GOP.. by staying in the race, he keeps causing independents to split their vote between McCain and Obama. If he pulls out, the independent vote will go fully to Obama. The GOP prefers to face Clinton rather than Obama because they stand a much better chance of winning against Clinton.. The polls have supported this theory for a while now… Today the polls are even sharper in this regard, they show that Obama will beat McCain by 7 points whereas McCain will beat Hillary by 10 points..

Keep asking "what would Jesus do?" Huck!

Go all the way with that question at every turn, and you've got my vote!

Mr. Huckabee….give up aleady…you do look a bit foolish….you claim
to want to give people a choice, well they have made their choice,
and unfortunately it is not you. You don't need a miracle, you need
votes!

All ego

Sad. Huckleberry is just sad.

Poor Preacher Mike Huckabee! Just doesn't know when to "throw the towel in"! I actually pity him!

Kathryn Irby
Metairie, LA

Its not Obama that the Republican,s need to worry about. It's Hillary Clinton. She WILL win the nomination when the superdelegates seat their votes. It does not matter that Obama is ahead with delegates, because neither one will have enough the win the nomination without the superdelates.
Hillary 08!!

Huckabee is no a good image of what a president should be. If he quits the race, he doesn't have anything else to do because he doesn't have a job. How can anyone take him serious.

Huckabee needs more Christian widows to pony-up more of their mites. Vacations in the Cayman Islands don't come cheap, you know !!

(Remember him bragging about running his campaign on the Widow's Mites?)

(I think the Christians will learn a good lesson after being conned by this selfish man.)

Huck you have more honesty in your pinky than that Neocon MamaCain has in his peanut brain.

the guys a media hound. this so-called blessing is only in it for himself and has been from the beginning, don't be so fooled sheep-people.

I agree with Mike, this is the beauty of Democracy, if there is no more choice left for those who haven't vote, what is the purpose of primary? and those states that vote later than the other? By keeping in the race tells everyone you don't have to listen to those states voted before you. You make your choice for your own president. That is america spirit. Not, pulling out before afraid of being called fool! Without Democracy this country is not beautiful america anymore.

All of the comments above about Huckabee needing to leave the race make no sense to me. If you like a candidate, vote for him/her. If not, don't. It's called freedom of choice.

Wow - a conservative, evangelical Republican who says that his opponent's positions are not wrong, just different? Mike Huckabee would be the worst possible President of any of candidates, but I can't help respecting and liking the man.

And it probably is better for the Republican party to not just fall in line behind the front-runner but to continue to hammer out their ideas.

Still, the country's had eight years of right-wing rule, and we've seen that Republicans are good for Big Business but for nobody else - we'll have a Democrat next January, and thank God for that!

Mike Huckabee isn't keeping the GOP from rallying around McCain, McCain's record and personality are. He is just unacceptable as a presidential nominee.

Mike Huckabee is staying in because he is the best choice as president, of either party. He has the most experience, the best record making successful change for his government (improved education, more jobs, improved infrastructure, very high approval and reelection rate, even among Democrats, ability to unite parties to get things accomplished), and he is the best statesman/communicator with the best character.

September is a long way away. Poor, tired old McCain could keel over by the convention, for all we know. The truth is, once the media blackout of Huckabee and all distortions of his pristine record in Arkansas stop, and the delegates are free to make an informed decision for the good of the party and the country at a brokered convention, they very well may choose Mike Huckabee as our Republican nominee. Believe me, it will be far easier to "rally the party" around him than the old guy.

Mike is inspiring, proven to be a Go-Getter who achieves the worthy things he puts his mind to (complete health change, finishing a 4-yr degree in 2 1/2 years, magna cum laude!, reviving and strengthening a near-dead GOP in Arkansas, more than 10 years of balancing a budget and reducing taxes, among others). I guarantee you if President Mike Huckabee decides to end our dependence on foreign oil, it will happen! We WILL have a strong border. We WILL have a thriving economy, even if he is given a **** one by his predecessors. He is a solution-finder, and does everything for the good of the people, not the policy-makers and big-money politicians in D.C.

People are so uninspired about what it really means to be an American these days. Mike Huckabee knows, and he is the man to bring enthusiasm and patriotism back to our nation!

It must be noted that Ronald Reagan ran once before he finally got the nomination. I think the problem is that Huckabee's ideas do not resonate with the American public at this time. His ideas like the Fair Tax are probably going to take some time to gain traction. However he has shown that he has strong support among evangelical which have been an important part of past Republican victories. His other problem is that he has never had the funding to run a viable campaign. It seems like the majority of Republicans feel that McCain is the best candidate to handle the war on terrorism and get the job finished in Iraq.

people! stop saying that obama, hillary, or even mccain would "ruin this country"…if you havent noticed, this country is already ruined! any of these people would be an improvement. Ruined doesnt mean all of our houses will be on fire. Ruined means that people who call themselves conservative christians are actually fighting for our right to torture and spend trillions of $ we dont have. Ruined means War is just another channel on TV. The reason we have a race between McCain and Obama (sorry Hillary but going negative is just making things worse for you) is because America wants desperately to save itself, but disagrees on methods. Have a little faith. If we survive W, the only way is up!

People need to check out the REAL integrity of Huckabee……he has a string of ethical issues in AR, plus what was done with all of the computer hard drives before he left office, the interference with the legal investigation of his son killing an animal and getting fired from a boy scout camp. Yes, we've heard of this stuff, but because he's a smooth talking preacher, people IGNORE this critical issues of integrity?? I hope people aren't so gullible to think a preacher is immune to corruption!!

Gov. Huckabee,

You have been my candidate. I think you have a lot of good ideas. However, it appears that the Democrats are beginning to unite behind Obama (especially if he wins Texas and/or Ohio). I know you have differences with McCain, but I also know you agree with him on some important issues that are different from the Democrats. I think all Republicans agree that there are flaws with some (if not all) of the Democratic stances. The Republican party needs to unite fast to beat Obama, and I think the best way is for you to get out of the race and compete for the Vice-President roll.

Sam Houston would be so happy.

This is a noble man who stands by his convictions. It give me hope for our government which is otherwise full of liars and thieves willing to say anything for a vote.
GO HUCKABEE!

080220 Open Letter to Huckabee

I am for Huckabee. Truly. I admire and respect him as a man as I do few others. However, at this point I am unsure if he is really running against John McCain or merely running along side him. There has been no televised debate between Huckabee and McCain since Romney dropped out of the election. To my knowledge, Huckabee has not even challenged McCain to a debate. Maybe I am missing something, but it seems to me that if Mr. Huckabee is sincere in his desire to be President, then he should be actively challenging McCain, his chief challenger, to open debate. Ron Paul should be invited as well. The reason many of us know anything about the candidates is though the series of regular debates that have occurred on both the Democrat and Republican sides.

If McCain is unwilling to engage Huckabee in debates before the Texas primary, then I would recommend that Mr. Huckabee make the point to whoever will listen that McCain is afraid or unwilling to debate Mr. Huckabee. Few are those who wish to elect someone unwilling to defend their ideas in open discussion. Texans are likely to find it extremely unattractive.

I am not suggesting that Mr. Huckabee engage in a negative campaign. I am suggesting though that Mr. Huckabee engage McCain.

I'm thrilled Huckabee is still running. The longer he remains in the race, the better the chances to have a splintered GOP going into the national elections.

With the Democrats still in-fighting to determine a nominee, this is working as somewhat of a counter-weight.

Go Huckabee!

Seattle Mark:

Huckabee did not go to the Cayman Islands on vacation–he went to give a speech that had been planned 6 months ago. He gives these speeches and writes books in order to pay the bills.

Unlike McCain, Clinton, and Obama, who are getting paid by the tax-payers while campaigning (i.e., they have Senate salaries), Huckabee is not getting paid–which is why he had to go give a speech at the Cayman Islands. Give the man a break!

I think you need to get your facts straight before making such statements.

Hang in there Mike, thanks for giving us a chance to vote in this travesty. Stay in so I can vote against McCain twice in Ohio. Just how stupid does our government think we are, they are the very people who cause the trouble in this economy and we are expected to vote a Washington insider into the White House. We are being led like sheep to the slaughter and the GOP thinks McCain is going to stop it? LOL. What will happen when his moderate support goes to Obama and the rest of us write in Huckabee? So long Republic, hello socialism.

Please, people, he has every right to continue running. The hatred of him coming from the media just because he's staying in the race is ridiculous. First, it was people complaining that he was in collaboration with McCain to get Romney out of the race and then become McCain's VP, and now that he kept his word and remained in the race unlike everyone was predicting him to do, people are complaining that he's bringing down the Republican party by staying in. You people are really lame.

Also, the Cayman Island trip had been scheduled for a long time, because, as he's pointed out, he isn't rich like all the other candidates and actually needs to make a living. Who doesn't need to make a living? The money he gets for his campaign goes to his campaign, not to him to do whatever he wants with it.

It is time to go Mr. Huckabee. You are just a distraction

Hillary the HOPE of 08

Run as an independent..lots of Democratics don't like McCain but even more hate Billery and don't care that much for Obamas' lack of experience. Huck you might be shocked to see how many of us ANGRY WHITE MEN would vote for you regardless of party ..THINK ABOUT IT..!!!!!

Decades from now, when the White House has been occupied by Republicans, Democrats, men and women (black and white); when our economy has fallen and risen many times over from prosperity to near-recession due to the natural cycle of a competitive global market; when our military has entered and exited numerous military conflicts; when global warming has shown itself for what it really is (a natural cycle); we will look back at the 2008 presidential election and see that we had an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference for one really important issue, but we sold it for a bowl of porridge.

America is the modern Rome. We gladly exchange morality for anything that reeks of monetary profit and the well-being of me-and-mine, while every single day 3300 human babies are murdered in the warmth of their mothers womb. Why? It's profitable! If it weren't profitable, it wouldn't be an issue. If the abortions doctors were forced to provide their service free of charge they'd find another specialty. How sad. How very, very sad that Republicans in 2008 had a chance to elect a presidential candidate willing to end this holocaust and we sold him off for cyclical issues that come-and-go. One of our conservative leaders (R.L.) made the comment that he is not a "one issue" voter. Given what is at stake, he should be. My vote will go to the candidate willing to commit publicly to ending four decades of heartless, thoughtless shame.

A lot of the negative posts against Huckabee here seem to have no substance or truth to them. I wonder why?

I like Huckabee. Since mathematically it is improbable that he will get enough delegates to win the primary, he should and would concede on his own (after Texas when McCain gets his delegates quota?) No body has to tell him to quit.
I understand that there is conviction and principle that caused him to stay on, and the result of the delegates gained after each primary does send a message to McCain that he needs to respect the sizable segment of conservatives who support Huckabee when he gets the nomination.
I respect Huckabee, I wish he will make a decision after Texas.
For those who say if McCaine wins, you will vote democrat.; unless you have no convictions on issues such as pro-life, pro-national defense, pro-traditional values, high possibility of appointments of liberal judges and supreme court justices with a dem in the White House, you should consider what a few commentators have already expressed: would you rather fight with McCaine 20% of the time or with the democratic nominee 80% of the time on issues and principles.