Wow it sure has been a while since I've opined here, but I've finally found a sufficient break from school-work and work-work to ponder greater issues...like roundhouse kicks.
Actor Chuck Norris, of Walker: Texas Ranger fame, announced today his support for Mike Huckabee in the 2008 Republican Primary, and hopefully the general election as well.
As a supporter of Huckabee myself personally, I'm fairly excited by this news, though it may prove trivial. As of late, the Arkansas Governor has been performing seemingly strong despite his lower name recognition and lacking cash vault. I was very impressed that he took the time to come out here to Orange County despite the fact he has been written off by many as a losing, or minor candidate. And though he will likely not win the nomination, I feel very confident he will find his way onto the ticket by way of VP nod; his ideas (Fair Tax, especially) and persona (personal weight-loss story coupled with massive charisma makes him tangible to voters) will definitely prove advantageous to whichever campaign it is that will be running for, or rather roundhouse kicking its way into, the White House
Anyone who was at Buck Johns' house last night got a feel for what the Orange County Republican Party used to be about. It felt good to be part of a "Grand Old Party."
Mike Huckabee brought the house down!
Posted by: Chairman Emeritus | October 23, 2007 at 07:31 AM
Law and Order for Chuck Norris are his left and right roundhouse kicks!
Posted by: Tim Steed | October 23, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Those supporting Governor Huckabee will never have to apologize for what their man stands for or does. One can argue with his policy positions, but it is impossible to question his integrity or decency. What a breath of fresh air. That cannot be said of any of the 'major' candidates for the presidential nomination of either party.
Posted by: Long-time politico | October 23, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Short sleeve shirt with a jacket? Watch upside down? Hmm. Maybe Romney can lend him his fashion consultant.
Posted by: redperegrine | October 23, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Despite his claims to be a tax-cutter, Huckabee has repeatedly raised taxes - far more times and amounts than he has cut taxes. Cato gave him a "D" rating for his gubernatorial tenure. His tenure brought 37% higher sales tax in Arkansas, 16% higher motor fuel taxes, and 103% higher cigarette taxes.
Despite his claims of fiscal conservatism, he increased the Arkansas state budget 65.3% (three times the rate of inflation!). He increased the number of state government workers by 20% during his administration, and he increased the state's general obligation debt by $1 billion.
Mike Huckabee falsely claims the conservative mantle. His record shows he's just another big government liberal pretending to be a conservative.
Posted by: OC Native | October 23, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Nice post.
-- Jonathan
Posted by: Jonathan Constantine | October 23, 2007 at 01:56 PM
I was thinking the exact same thing reperegrine...the GQ reader in me cringed at that picture. To be fair though, he also is sporting a guitar, which definitely de-formalizes the atmosphere a great deal :).
All valid points, OC Native. I've had to come to terms with them myself. Keep in mind though that Arkansas's State Legislature is overwhelmingly Democratic. They in fact hold a super-majority in the Assembly, making lowering taxes, much less keeping them from being raised very hard. Keep in mind that though spending did go up 65.3% under his tenure, the budget remained in surplus $850 million. I think there is definitely some give-and-take there
Posted by: JozefColomy | October 23, 2007 at 09:35 PM
He's pro amnesty and a tax raiser. Not a good combo IMO.
Posted by: Allan Bartlett | October 23, 2007 at 10:13 PM