Rockin' Huckabee by postaldog

In an article posted today at RealClearPolitics.com Robert Novak talks about John McCain's problems with evangelicals and whether Mike Huckabee is part of it.

He opens with this question:

"John McCain...has a problem...with a vital component of the conservative coalition...The biggest question is whether Mike Huckabee is part of the problem"

He seems to answer that question with this statement:

"Huckabee's announced support of McCain is unequivocal, and he is regarded in the McCain camp as a friend and ally"

But then he counters that statement with this one:

"But credible activists are spreading the word that Huckabee secretly allies himself with the bitter-end opposition. That hardly seems possible considering his public backing, but critics of Huckabee's 10 years as governor of Arkansas say he is all too capable of playing a double game."

Novak debunks that statement with this one:

"McCain and Huckabee were friendly rivals in this year's Republican competition, sharing contempt for Mitt Romney." And this bit: "Huckabee quickly endorsed McCain once he clinched the nomination. They bonded publicly in Little Rock, Ark., April 24 during McCain's recent tour."

Then comes that wondrous tool of the media -- the unnamed source to damn with impunity:

"One experienced, credible activist in Christian politics who would not let his name be used told me Huckabee in personal conversation with him embraced the concept that an Obama presidency might be what the American people deserve."

Amazing how people will slander another, but refuse to allow their own name to be used. Why should we give an ounce of credence to a cowardly attack like that? Novak goes on with his back and forth with Huck's denial of that slanderous remark:

"In conversations with me, Huckabee... denied advocating that an Obama presidency should be inflicted on the country. Huckabee was enthusiastic in his support for McCain, noting how well they had bonded during their primary competition."

Novak continues with this remark from the McCain camp that should put this nonsense to rest:

"At McCain headquarters, there is no doubt expressed about Huckabee's loyalty. 'I feel we haven't used him (Huckabee) enough,' McCain campaign manger Rick Davis told me."

That should be the end of it, but Novak closes with this enigmatic statement that I've read repeatedly and can't seem to figure out what he's saying:

"Mike Huckabee has emerged from obscurity to become a major factor in American politics leading evangelical Christians. The McCain campaign counts on him to energize supporters who would rather wait for Huckabee 2012, not to encourage those dreams."

Is he saying that despite everything he put in his article, that the McCain camp is worried that Huck will sabotage them to further his own political ambitions? Pretty ambiguous way to say that in my opinion. Maybe I'm not smart enough to get his subtlety.

Naturally this got first mention this morning over at HotAir as Capt. Ed threw it to the dogs to see what they'd do with it. In what I would call the very definition of hypocrisy, all the same posters who said that they would either not vote or vote democratic rather than vote for Huck when he was ascendent in the primaries, are now saying how foolish it would be to do that very thing.

Amazing!