A lot has changed since last weeks GOP Debates with one of the most notable things being Walker suspending his campaign due to such a drop in polls. Without delving too deep into the dynamics of the GOP and how it operates, this has clearly changed the rankings so last weeks 8th place has moved up and in his place Mike Huckabee has taken hold.
After looking briefly into Huckabee’s campaign website, one would find a very large rap sheet of his accomplishments as governor. One of his most impressive accomplishments stated on his site says that he increased the average family income by over 50% in Arkansas. Perhaps one of his most notable areas comes from his incredibly strong stance on the family aspect. Now this will appeal to different people in different ways, he pledges heavily for being pro-life, and pro-religious liberty advocating for traditional marriage regardless of whether its the popular opinion in modern day society.
One major event needs to be mentioned in this blog about Huckabee and a recent action of his. Kim Davis was recently released from jail and Mike Huckabee was there to walk her out of it right into a rally he was hosting in her honor. This was a heavily bold statement made by Huckabee in an effort to stand up for religious liberty. Huckabee had also stated that he would be willing to go to jail in place of Davis if it came right down to it. This is incredibly bold, but potentially necessary to get a bigger name in the press to help his campaign. With Huckabee lagging behind in the race he needed to make his name better known, and to somehow push his agenda into the public in a way that would make it clear where his values stand. This created a heavily Kairotic moment for Huckabee to step forward and make that very statement.
Lastly, as of the GOP debates last Wednesday, Huckabee had no real break out moments, similarly to the first round of debates. I think what helped Huckabee stand out to me personally though, was how he consistently reminded everyone on that stage that they’re all fighting on the same side. This is a smart tactic especially when people within the party start to argue for the same thing but in different ways. Two other statements I found particularly interesting that relates to his overall theme comes into play when he talks about how everyone on stage was considered to be the A-Team of the Republican Party. Even more fascinating though is his comment about his willingness to proudly put anyone on stage in his cabinet.
I can’t say he’s my favorite candidate I’ve seen yet. What I like about him as a candidate is that he doesn’t shy away from his position. He may not go out gun-ho shouting about abortion this or tax cuts that, he instead lays out these ideas into plans and sticks by his opinion regardless of how many people are against those views, and I think that’s something that’s hard to come by nowadays amongst political correctness and a consensus that people need to follow the status quo or backtrack to get back on.