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Chief political reporter David Postman explores state, regional and national politics.

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May 27, 2008 7:09 AM

Huckabee says he doesn't want to be VP

Mike Huckabee was in Seattle last week to play a little rock and roll and talk some politics, of course. Laura Mansfield and Will Mari of seattlepoliticore interviewed the former GOP presidential candidate. Huckabee tried to clear one thing up:

According to Huckabee, he is not seeking out the Vice Presidency. However, with the latest controversy surrounding McCains support of Rod Parsley and John Hagees endorsement, both whom McCain rejected publicly yesterday, it may be McCain that seeks out Huckabee for VP. In short, the evangelical vote.

You can read a transcript of the politicore interview with Huckabee here. The former Arkansas governor gave a hint, but no details, of a book he’s working on.

How are you doing after the election and the primary season?
“Almost as busy as I was during the campaign,” he said, adding that that he’s done a lot of speaking on behalf of people running for the House and Senate, and, of course, Sen. John McCain.

“Then also, [I have] been working on my future of what I’m going to do, and some of that involves writing a book that will come out in November,” he said.

Huck declined to give much in the way of details.

“I have to kind of keep it very general. The publisher wants me to keep things very mysterious for now, but essentially it’ll be a book on the overall direction of American and where it’s headed.”

Along with his book project, he’s “looking at some media opportunities that I’m trying to nail down … I’m certainly not lacking for something to do.”

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Posted by JimD

11:56 AM, May 27, 2008

Although McCain needs some executive (Governor) experience on the ticket, I don't seen him Choosing Huckabee.
For one - the thought of Huck becoming POTUS if McCain explodes during his tenure would scare even the right wing.
Plus, his brand of Evangelical prophecy is risky given McCain's recent pastor problems, and all the tape that surely exists from Huck's past.
I'd look for a less flamboyant, center-right governor - preferably a woman ;-)
Huck will do fine in media, which is where I suspect he's feeling his next calling anyway.
I truly like the guy, but God help us if he ever gets close to the reigns of power.

Posted by Elliott

2:59 PM, May 27, 2008

Given the declining number of voters who identify themselves as Republicans, McCain has a difficult decision to make. His choice depends entirely on which group of voters he views as more important to winning in November; religious conservatives or independents.

If McCain thinks Christian conservatives are more important, he’ll go for a very conservative running mate (I would have said Huckabee until I read Postman’s article) with confirmed conservative Christian credentials (how’s that for alliteration?). The problem with that is that by moving further to the right, McCain runs the risk of offending the independent voters he needs to win in November.

If McCain thinks the independents are more important (or that the Christian conservatives are likely to defect and vote for the Libertarian candidate), then he’ll go for a moderate, and maybe even Lieberman, trying to run from the center. But without the conservative Christians, that will be VERY difficult.

Either way, McCain will have a difficult struggle.

Posted by JimD

5:30 PM, May 27, 2008

I think McCain spoke his personal truth when he called Christian fundementalists purveyors of intolerance.
He's flipped on that, then got burned with Haggee and Parsley (whatever their names are).
I just can't see him bringing-on a religious wacko like Huckabee. Better someone more centrist who has a strong commitment to conservative social values but doesn't bring "religion" into the picture as much.

Posted by george

9:16 AM, May 28, 2008

Way too many negatives.

McCain needs some geographic diversity. Some New England juice, as it were.

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