On May 5 the church bells will ring: Mike Huckabee wants to be the next Republican elected President.
Huckabee is checking off his list of 'To be President ' tasks. He's written a new book, 'God, Guns, Grits, and Gravy,' resigned as political commentator on Fox News, and suspended his radio show. Huckabee has years of political experience serving as governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007. And Republican politicking is on his side. Social conservative's love Mike Huckabee because he has been their messiah, constantly in defense of traditional values, Christianity, guns, and freedom. But credentials aside, Huckabee faces a huge barrier to winning the White House: his right wing punditry.
In his most recent book Huckabee criticized Beyonce artistry and feminism saying "Beyonce is incredibly talented -- gifted, in fact," and "she has an exceptional set of pipes and can actually sing. She is a terrific dancer -- without the explicit moves best left for the privacy of her bedroom. Jay Z is a very shrewd businessman, but I wonder: Does it occur to him that he is arguably crossing the line from husband to pimp by exploiting his wife as a sex object?" Question: What does Beyonce and her husband, for that matter; have to do with Huckabee as a potential presidential candidate? Absolutely nothing. And thanks Huckabee; you've given a soundbite to the feminist liberals and not for the positive spin.
In the digital age, it's wise that politicians choose responsibility over controversy. Instead of aiding and abetting to one base as Huckabee is so inclined to do. Cory Bennett of The Hill reported that Huckabee claimed Hillary's emailgate evoked the Godfather. Relating Hillary to the mob might bode well with the political right but independents and liberals will not be transposed. Huckabee's criticism of Clinton provided no insight about where the former governor stands on transparency and security. He's also stated he's beaten the Clinton political machine before, unfortunately he forgot to mention when exactly. I guess provocateur is the new provocation.
Frustratingly, Huckabee seems complaisant with being a pundit of far-right zingers. Often reverting to social commentary and sermons, like criticizing women for not dressing modestly on T.V. When addressing critical issues like Religious Restoration Freedom Act, Huckabee criticized Americans for boycotting Indiana's legislation over the thrust of being suspicious about the Iran deal. But what about the Iran deal irks Huckabee? Where are the details and reasons for his grief?
He also believes Christians are being crucified. How so? He believes traditional values have been revoked from society, again, how so? Serving only the religious means the attraction of masses to conservatism is lost. Evoking support for the RFRA might sway with social conservatives, but it's a risk aversion, and will not attract moderates, libertarians, and liberals.
The backlash by citizens and corporations is proof; discrimination will not be tolerated in the name of God. Jumping on its bait in support of the law pushes Huckabee in a one-direction category that is miles away from the White House. Besides, Huckabee's defiance of corporations that opposed the legislation pivots conservative philosophy in a conundrum.
The fact is: The free-market stood its ground, something conservatives have always boasted about. Yet Huckabee along with many conservatives reverted to victimization and shaming of corporations, which is a far cry from, "If consumers make better choices, the marketplace will change." Is that not what the consumers did? Weren't corporations making a choice too?
Huckabee would be wise to take note that independents are growing in our country. His rhetoric should expire from the convenience of religious sermon and social judgement only, and focus on economic, domestic, and international policies too. Voters prefer being engaged with their candidates not judged.
This constant political pop culture, soap box drama is reason voters have abated the political process. It's become a popularity of rhetoric, instead of, as conservative commentator S.E. Cupp says, "A horizontal scale of effectiveness." The desire to serve every sector of voters has fallen from the throne.
Huckabee's is playing with fire by positioning himself on Christian social commentary. Additionally, rhetoric on guns connected to freedom to please the far-right base of your party is a nonstarter to non-Republicans or for that matter right leaning moderates on the national scale. Partisanship should not be a permanent condition. And please, Mike Huckabee, stop with the "Bubbaville" vs. "Bubbles."
My advice to Mike Huckabee is bleed with substance and plans of action. As 2016 approaches, understand this: Citizens are looking to elect a President not a pundit.
(Article changed on April 26, 2015 at 11:38)
