Huckabee Watch

Bold predictions have paid off in the past here, but the last major one — that Huckabee would place 2nd in New Hampshire — seems pretty silly in retrospect. That said, Huckabee was still a big winner in New Hampshire. Mitt Romney is damaged goods, and Huckabee gets to take on McCain in a southern state where McCain has had trouble before.

Today brought news of Thompson becoming very aggressive against Huckabee. Having performed poorly in Iowa and New Hampshire, this is Thompson’s last chance. Huckabee has engaged Thompson, which could potentially sink them both if McCain can seize the “higher ground” amidst a Thompson/Huckabee spat.

Our friend Max Brantley honed in on exactly what’s on our minds these days, and summarized why this blog exists:

Arkansas is a microcosm of the national electorate. Win Arkansas – with its blend of blue dog Democrats in the east and south, yellow dog Republicans in the Northwest, yellow dog Democrats in some locations and many swing independents – and you are likely to win it all. That’s been true for about four decades.

Huckabee has demonstrated appeal here. He’s the prototype of a candidate able to replicate a winning Southern strategy — government-friendly, gun-toting, gay bashing, abortion hating. Democrats best be careful what they wish for. And Republicans need not fear Huckabee. He’ll be very happy to keep the Wall Street greedheads happy.

The talking heads should just yield to Brantley whenever it comes to Huckabee discussions. The Arkansas Times’ coverage of our former governor is unmatchable. Every scandal that’s broken since Huckabee announced was originally brought to light by the Arkansas Times.

CNN just called it for him. Can’t say we’re surprised.