April 25, 2008
Posted: April 25th, 2008 11:10 AM ET
McCain and Huckabee maintained a mostly-friendly relationship on the trail.
McCain and Huckabee maintained a mostly-friendly relationship on the trail.

(CNN) – John McCain, on the last leg of a week-long tour of economically struggling areas throughout the country, is in Mike Huckabee’s home town of Little Rock, Arkansas, Friday campaigning alongside his former rival.

The former Baptist minister dropped out of the GOP presidential primary race on March 4, after McCain swept contests in Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island, giving the Arizona senator the delegates needed to claim the party's nomination in September.

The duo will visit a fundraiser, a barbecue joint, and a Baptist college event, and hold a media availability together.

Political pundits have long placed the former Arkansas governor on McCain’s likely vice presidential short list, and today’s stop is likely to fuel still more speculation.

Huckabee still harbors presidential hopes of his own – he recently said he would consider another White House run in 2012, depending on the circumstances. On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that he will publish a book two weeks after the November general election, detailing his failed run for the White House and his views on the future of the Republican Party. Last week, the former governor launched HuckPAC, a political action committee that will promote those views and financially support candidates who share them.

Thursday night in Baton Rouge, McCain continued his criticism of the Bush administration over its handling of Hurricane Katrina, dubbing its response to the storm “a series of failures that shook of the confidence of Americans in their government as much as any event in recent memory” and telling a group of business leaders that “the incompetence of leadership didn't end with the rescue efforts.”

“With many thousands of lives in the balance, across 90,000 square miles of misery, there was a failure of foresight, a failure of planning, a failure in execution and a failure in follow-up,” he said, praising the state’s new governor, Bobby Jindal, for sharing that assessment. Jindal has also been mentioned as a likely entry on the presumptive Republican nominee’s vice presidential short list.

Filed under: John McCain • Mike Huckabee


Tom,des moines   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I THINK McCAIN/ROMNEY IT WOULD BE HARD TO BEAT IN THE GE. ROMNEY WILL WIN IN NV,UT,CO,MI AND OH FOR McCAIN FOR SURE. I GUESS YOU CAN SAY PRESIDENT McCAIN FOR 4 MORE YRS FOR SURE.

Ken   April 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Oh, some of these posts are just precious. This Huckabee really brings out the crazies. I really like the one about "blacks for McCain". At least this proves stupidity isn't racial! Your little group can get its by-laws from another small, ineffective and mis-guided group: jews for hitler.

Yes people, by all means, lets's convince ourselves and others to make the same old mistake a THIRD TIME! What level of stupidity or retardation would lead a child, who has recently burnt his hand on a hot stove (2000), to reach up and burn it again (2004), and then find excuses to attempt to try it yet again (2008)? What kind of anti-social, self-destructive, delusional moron would celebrate this kind of behavior?

Jeff, Hampshire, IL   April 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I'm an Obama backer and not a big fan of Hillary, but regardless of who wins the dem nomination... All of you "democrats" threatening to vote for McCain are completely nuts!!! Why did you choose to vote democrat in the first place? It makes no sense. I agree that this race for a dem is out of hand, but by voting republican you're basically inviting another 4 or more years of what has eroded our great nation in the past 7 years! Think about what you're doing! And a write in of someone not on the ticket would produce the same results. DEMS, I BEG OF YOU: PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN!!!! iT WOULD CONTINUE TO DESTROY THE ECONOMY AND CONTINUE THIS FOOLISH WAR IN IRAQ. Please let reason prevail.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   April 25th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Does McCain play an instrument? I know he can't sing or dance.

Perhaps they could jam together on SNL.

Tony, NC   April 25th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

McCain is going to choose an independent and beat the pants of Obama in November.

Like John's Mother said, conservative Republicans will hold their noses and pull his level over a liberal Jr Senators, anyday..., me included.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

A preacher and a crook, what a combination.

David   April 25th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Newlife- while it is true that some politicians that are in the oil biz are getting rich, let's not forget the dire condition the country's infrastructure is in, including our oil refineries. and remember, every time someone wants to build a new refinery or add to one, environmentalists shoot it down. so there goes some of the blame on this pathetic issue.

Phil   April 25th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Has anyone noticed that the economy was doing fine and gas prices were relatively reasonable until the Democrats took control of Congress in Jan. 2007?

David   April 25th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

wow, I could not vote for a ticket with these two on it and have a clear conscience. any vote for that ticket is a vote to destroy this country. not that the Dems are any better. they are destrying this country at a faster pace. too bad the GOP has been hijacked by the neo-cons. these are not true GOP candidates. just sayin.

Indiana U   April 25th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

I think that Mike Huckabee would be a really great vice presidential candidate for McCain. He is the total opposite of McCain and he is a very nice and popular guy. If anybody on this site is saying, "Who cares!", you must be an Obama supporter because you guys feel like you are entitled to the throne or something. Anyway, if Mike Huckabee is on the ticket, I will be voting republican this fall.

Bubba   April 25th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Yeah, I'm suddenly black too, and I'm suddenly gonna vote for McCain 'cause he gots mad skilz wit da economy. Huck be his dogg, yo. I'm really black, y'all. Word.

In the picture they look like the latest rap duo: Gnarled Huckley.

INDY PENDENT   April 25th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

It will never happen but in case John McCain makes a poor choice and chooses Chuckabee for his VP mate this wil force my Vote to either a Dem or 3rd Party Candidate.

Kelly, IN   April 25th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Of course the elderly and the uneducated will never vote for a black, that's to be expected. But people who are educated are accustomed to minorities in leadership positions. They have had minority professors, etc. I hope our country is not dictated by people who don't know any better, and will vote for Hillary out of fear, more than anything else. I just don't understand why anyone who has admitted to lying.

Barack is about to be bombarded with the most racist attacks this country will ever see, and some of it will work, but I hope not. I hope America has grown up and will see through the racial politics. It's time to take our country back, in spite of the distractions that we are about to witness. Keep strong America; don't allow the GOP, and the Clintons to make you lose sight of what's really important.

Vote for the truth, vote for Barack.

Max, OK   April 25th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Everyone knows that women have better communication skills than men. Not in giving speeches, but in engaging one on one. Women can argue better, and that's a fact. So I'm not impressed with Hillary in these debates, she's a low-life who's trying to take advantage of her talking skills.

I on the other hand am more interested in the person who wants to make a difference for America. I'm with Barack Obama, and if there is a God in heaven (which there is) he will win. The GOP and the Clintons are not bigger than God. Barack will win, make no mistake about it. He will make this country proud, and will help us to start solving some real problems.

Hillary or McCain in the WH with the power of the presidency will do one of two things–send us straight into another war with Iran, or lie about all of the promises that she will not keep. After GW, I've had just about enough.

Obama 08
Send him a small check and make a difference in our country.

Chewbacca   April 25th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I wouldn't mind seeing Ron Paul in office.

Ron Paul is the only candidate for REAL CHANGE in government.

Drew, NY   April 25th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Wake me up when Obama wins.

Obama 08

Dirk   April 25th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Johnny C, there is no way you are black. LOL

An inbred from the McCain camp to fool us. Stop trolling, and get a life. LOL

ART in TX   April 25th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

The DEMOCRATS can learn from the REPUBLICANS in this area. They are unified. Even after defeat...both Romney and Huckabee continue to campaign for McSame. No matter their reasons, this is how it should be. I hope the dems can get it together before Nov.

Emily, CT   April 25th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

If the media continues to bash Barack, I think his supporters should boycott. We know we have to vote for him and continue to support him, we don't need the pundits talking about how horrible he was for OMG going to church for 20 years. Some people would say that's a good thing, but not in this election. If you're going to church to hear the word of God, you are all of a sudden a horrible person.

I'm over the media, and I'm moving on to other things to do. I'm certainly not going to waste my time while they bash my candidate and his pastor of all people.

Signing off, until November.

Michigan   April 25th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Okay. If Hillary were the nominee, I would vote for Ayers.

Barbara, OR   April 25th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Fox News is the most racist media on television. The producers must have been raised in Johannesburg , or at least Sean Hannity. And Fox White Friends is the dumbest show, with Steve Dishrag. He sits on a sofa with a plastic man and woman, who repeat how much they hate Barack 24/7. Idiots.

It saddens me that Barack would appear on their show because he doesn't need to–we know they're low life. Fox's ratings have gone up since they started bashing Barack and they will continue to do it.

It is a horrible mistake for Barack to give Fox credibility. I change the channel every chance I get. This weekend they will run the Rev. Wright tape 24/7 and why Barack is lowering himself to such idiots I don't know.

I'm still voting for him, but Fox News is fascist.

Aces full of Kings   April 25th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Don't be surprised if you see Hillary jumping aboard John McCain's campaign after she gets cast out of the Democratic Convention. She will claim that she is bringing unity and balance to the Republican ticket.

Troy, MA   April 25th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Since George W. Bush is the worst president we¢ve had in modern times, why should we vote for anyone he's endorsing? Just answer that, this man has ruined our country and our constitution, and we're contemplating John McSame? Really? Didn't we learn our lesson that both parties play to our fears and idiosyncrasies just to get us to vote for them, and when we do, they adhere to their own plan. In McSame's case it's the Iranian war. Yes I said it because as soon as he gets in office, there will be one.

Sad.

Richard, FL   April 25th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Huckabee's position supporting the Bible's teaching that women are inferior to men will not help to convince Hillary's supporters to vote for them if she loses to Obama.

Michael   April 25th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I like Huckabee, but I wouldn't want him on the ticket. His pet issue, the tax overhaul, would really mess up my family's situation. Stopping the income tax and replacing it with high sales tax seems fine until it comes to folks like my parents, who recently retired and had just the right amount of money set aside for their retirement. Huckabee's tax change would essentially wipe out a third of their finances and I'd end up having to financially support them eventually.

Mike   April 25th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

McC/Huck '08 '12

math man   April 25th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Obama > Clinton
Obama > McCain
McCain > Clinton
Romney > McCain

do the math!

I do not want to see Bill C back in the whitehouse with time (and staff) on his hands! Hillary would be better off without him.

I would have liked to see Romney in office and he would compliment McCain's lack of konwledge and leadership. But, I really like Obama's carisma. I believe that he could get much further in resolving the world's problems by building concensus than McCain ever will. Huckabee if too biased to do US any good.

Here's a cross-platform vote for cultural improvement.

to Newlife   April 25th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

You're an idiot.

McCain and Guilliani '08

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   April 25th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

"I admire both McCain and Huckabee for their decency."

Then you haven't been paying attention: McCain is flip-flopping on the issues like a fresh caught trout and Huck is in favor of putting flag poles where the sun don't shine if you don't like the Confederate Flag – not to mention all the times he was called to explain his doings to the AK ethics committee – while pardoning rapists to go forth and commit murder ...

Whoever McCain chooses as VP will be only a heartbeat/stroke/cancer attack away from being President.

How come a decent man like McCain won't release his medical records like the two Democrats did!

to Rich   April 25th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I can't comprehend how one could go from conservative.... to Obama?? please advise.... over.

propaganda press   April 25th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

keep on rocking in the free world johnnie

Alan, Bonita Springs, FL   April 25th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Sorry to state the facts, but anyone who could possibly support the politial party that brought us GW in the upcoming election (regardless who else is running) can't be screwed together correctly - or is part of the overall plan to bring the US into true third-world status.

It would be different if the party faithful hadn't RE-elected the worst disaster in the history of the American presidency - but giving us eight years of the most idiotic, uncaring money-grubbing being ever to sit in the oval office is going to take me at least a good 8 to 16 years to forget.

Maybe after the dems have come in, put another gigantic surplus into the US treasury, increased wages and started rebuilding our horrifically ailing infrastructure the Republicans can step back in and take another stab at it. But, considering what GW STARTED out with and where we are after eight years - I can't possibly trust any Republican at this point to start where we are today and improve things noticeably.

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 25th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Two peas in a pod.

demwit   April 25th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

In one hand, we have a choice of lawyers, married to other lawyers.

In the other hand, we have a war hero, married to a large chested women, who owns a beer company.

John McCain 2008!!!

Doug R.   April 25th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Who really cares about Mike Huckabee or John W. McBush for that matter. Let them hold hands and campaign together and tell their lies.

Young Rep   April 25th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

For those who think McCain is to old... Winston Churchill became Prime Minister when he was 66 and became prime minister for the second time when he was 77.... Time Magazine ranks him as one of the best statesman of all-time. How about we judge people based on the issues on not on race, gender or age.

By the way Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of England during WWII for those who don't know who he is.

Marshall in Nebraska   April 25th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

I think that would be a great team. I could see myself voting Republican. Since the Democrats can't get their act together.

Scott, Wichita   April 25th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Huckabee is hilarious, and would make a perfect VP for McCain.

and to respond to spqr or however you spell that name of yours:

Liberals aren't the only people in this country. Last I checked it was still a 45-45 split with 10% undecided
so for every single person that doesn't care about McCain, there's one who likes him

(another thing I noticed: he was ahead in the national polls vs each Dem, so I guess you're in the minority now)

Michael Lorton, Virginia   April 25th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

McCain........is he seeking divine intervention?

Uncle Sam   April 25th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Democrats & Republicans for McCain '08

Johnny C.   April 25th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Moving on to something positive for a change.

I, and many other African-Americans have realized the Democrats have taken us for granted.

Join us all in a new era!!

Black-Americans for McCain '08!!

wiscon   April 25th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

At least Repubs. can get along and show some unity. At least Repubs. can bring their own party together. They are not filled with hate and anger.
How can Dems. bring the country together when they can't even bring themselves together.

Jeff - Schaumburg, IL   April 25th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

The KEATING FIVE Candidate BBQ's Again!

This is why Hillary needs to realize the odds are insurmountable, so we can start the "Straight Talk" about John McCain. So far he's been able to hide the ugly truth behind a slab of ribs and taxpayer-supported popularity vacations.

Hooah   April 25th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Some of you people are just stupid... ultra-conservatinve John McCain? really?? you're that dumb? McCain is about as left as a "conservative" gets. You all understand he was in consideration for John Kerry's VP position?? Our nation isn't in trouble because of leadership... it's in trouble because the vast majority is blantantly ignorant and stupid. Even your most heralded of all constituents said it best, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your county". And a vast majority are looking for any hand out you can recieve at any expense. Socialism contributed to the disapperance of the only other ever world power, and it will happen again. Thank you for your so called patriotism.

Hooah   April 25th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

a story about the good guys... on CNN??? amazing. I prefer Fox over this neo nazi forum we know as CNN.

mitch from ark.   April 25th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

mccain needs to stop running around the country,trying to get votes ,where he's not going to get them.all he's doing is contributing to global warming,and wasting gas.

Ric   April 25th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Democrats for Mc Cain '08!!

Haneefah   April 25th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

This is so boring it is just about to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!

DD, New York   April 25th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Even though I am a democrat, I liked Huck!!! Think he would be a great VP for McCain!. Seriously.

Alfredo   April 25th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Clyburn....Bill Clinton's behavior is bizzaree...are you kidding...Why don't you say something about Wright's and Obama's lying bizzarre. Why because they are African Americans. You are bizarre. Grow up.

You are the one who is bizzare and a disgrace. Racial discrimination against African American has been overused and misused. Actually you are now beginning to be racial. To get away with bad comments and bad behavior you will always use the racial issue as an EXCUSE. Shut up.

Beware North Carolinians and Indianians….Obama lied and just a Politician.
mney as VP. MCain here a tip from Clyburn...

Sensible Cape Coral   April 25th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

What have the Repuglicans ever done for the PEOPLE? Lincoln freed the slaves and Nixon gave the vote to 18 year olds. What else?

Ann   April 25th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Go McCain. You are the only candidate showing true leadership....

Rich   April 25th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

I think a McCain, Huckabe ticket would be pretty formidable. I'd definitely vote for that over Clinton, should her plans to steal the nomination actually come off. I've voted Republican in every other election than this one, and although I pray Obama will be the next president, I'll have no qualms with sticking Republican in November if Obama's not on the ballot.

NEWLIFE   April 25th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

While the Republicans are raising the price of oil in line with the people overseas. Bush and Chaney and McShame are getting rich. Bush is THE OIL MAN AND HIS FAMILY ARE THE OIL FAMILY OF THE USA. Food, Gas, Mortgages are sky high and people are being put outdoors. Gas is so high some people can't get to work because the bus/train does not go out to where there job is located. Food is so high people cannot buy milk for their children I have friends that had to take their pets to the ASPCA because they could not afford to feed the pet and themselves. This Country is in shambles and it is because of the Bush/Clinton Klan.

Newlife

Rafael San Juan PR   April 25th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Tejano I like what you said I want a McCain/Romney ticket in 2008.

NEWLIFE   April 25th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

McShame & Huckaboom~

Raggady team and they have Hilliary in their hip pocket. She wants to be teammates with McShame because she is truly a Republican and has been all her life. But, she goes with the "Winning Team" until it looks like she is losing. That's why she and Bill have played the race card and are still doing it. Helpind McShame and the Republicans

doris   April 25th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I am an African-American and have been a staunch democrat for over 50 years; however, if Hilary Clinton is on the democratic ticket either as President or Vice President, and if Mike Huckabee is the VP for McCain, I will for the first time in my life switch parties and vote Republican this year. I admire both McCain and Huckabee for their decency.

Paul   April 25th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Blessed   April 25th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

When U want something, and the person that U have 2 go 2 is in charge. What will U do to get it? ANYTHING!

BLESSED

DoneWithDems   April 25th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Wow...a couple republicans getting along. Not quite as good as watching Clinton and Obama torch each other and their party but there's plenty of that to come on the horizen.

You go Hillary. I'm with you all the way out the door.

McCain/08

HillarywillGoHell   April 25th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Hillary is making the GOP stronger by staying in the race she can not win. Why is she still in the race? Answer to destroy barack's chance of winning Nov. elelection so she can try again in 2012. God Da*mn the Clintons

ivan   April 25th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Thank's Obama, I gotta vote for this guy against you, as you Obama will be a worse disater than Carter was for the Democratic Party and Bush has been for the Republican Party.

Tejano   April 25th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Go away Huckabee. You took out our best candidate, solely because he was a Mormon. Now go away and let McCain win without the Right wing nuts that you bring to the table.

Grif   April 25th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

This is Positive Teamwork. Building Foundation's well in advance of November....

Mike, Palo Alto, CA   April 25th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

McCain/Huckabee ... two hard-core right wing politicians on one GOP ticket. For the country, that is a marriage made in hell. It would, for all practical purposes, disenfranchise every moderate and liberal in America. And, given McCain's age and health history, the prospects of a President Huckabee would be more than a little likely ... and Huckabee is even more extreme than McCain. McCain is a man whose war record deserves our respect and admiration. However, his image as a "moderate' is just plain wrong. Worse, his inability to take and keep a philosophical position tells us that we don't even know what to expect ... although the most likely result of his election will be a defacto third term for Bush ... which would be a tragedy for this country. Anyone who thinks this note is incorrect should look at the record ... it is very, very clear.

Stupid Americans   April 25th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

===who cares?===

gas prices are going higher and higher, and no one talks about it

christi   April 25th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

The US is scuttling talks with North Korea – trying to create a Nuclear Standoff!!!

CNN – GET TO THE NEWS!

ASK McCAIN if he is FOR talking with the North Koreans or AGAINST it and thereby supporting this attempt to escalate tensions and dismantle the progress that has been made so far.

CNN please post my comments, I never get on.

Blayze Kohime   April 25th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Its nice to see that Huckabee finally learned how to do simple math. Let's hope Hilary can make the same leap.

Brian   April 25th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

McCain/Clinton '08. You know she would take the VP position!

Norm   April 25th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Twiddle Dee Dee and Twiddle Dee Dum–Sad.

Today McSame said that he was the party of Lincoln, well that party has come a long way. How far the party has fallen, from Lincoln to GW Bush and his Mini-Me.

Sad.

carrie   April 25th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

wow.
right now i want the republicans to win.
why cant the democrats grow up?
shame on you hillary for destroying the democratic party.
hillary,stick to the kitchen sink and scrub pots and peel potatoes.

SPQR753   April 25th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

A boring NO STORY and in any case who cares for those two??

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