A tribute to Mike Huckabee

Dear Mike~

I doubt you will ever read my words or come to understand what being one of your ardent supporters has meant to me- how following you, supporting your campaign, and my becoming “grass roots” is all because of you!

One day last fall I saw a man interviewed on TV. He was a presidential candidate and was being  asked questions about health care. The man was Mike Huckabee! I liked your answers, so I googled you to learn that you had many views that mirrored mine. I especially liked your opinion about the importance of art and music being taught in schools. You understood “right brain” and “left brain” learners. That sealed the deal for me.

Because of you, Mike, I donated money to your campaign, (never had done that before!) I put a “Huckabee for President” sign in my yard, I had friends and neighbors to my home to learn more about you, I had the honor of being in the front row for one of your campaign speeches. I attended the caucus and then made a bee line to Des Moines to hear your victory speech. OH THE JOY!!!!!

I followed in horror and dismay as the media picked you apart. I watched for your smile, your sense of humor, yes, even your dimple, to see how you were doing under all the intense scrutiny. You never missed a beat- you kept jogging, telling jokes, showing up in the news- and I tried to follow your every appearance. How? Well, I had 2 TVs on and the radio going most of the time!

Christmas found me with a decorated Christmas tree- complete with red glass hearts and Huckabee bumper stickers. I watched every Republican debate, just waiting for you to get your next zing in (when you were ever given time to respond!) I posted for you on a Huckabee website, I networked with other Huckabee friends, and we began to make plans for the future.

It hurt so much when you withdrew from the Republican race. You had tried so hard, had gone through so much. It was weeks before I could take down my Huckabee yard sign. It was frozen in the cold Iowa ground. My heart felt frozen, as well.

Last night I watched your speech at the RNC. Once again, you spoke to me. You understand my life, the times I have sat at my kitchen table, discussing with my spouse how we were going to pay the bills. You have the ability to feel the pain that others are experiencing. In my opinion, not many politicians even come close to having that kind of empathy for others.

I will never understand why people were so hateful to you. Was it that you were a Baptist preacher? That you weren’t a part of the Belt Way Boys? And while we are at it, why could not those in Christian leadership go to bat for you? They just refused to stand up for one of their own- and someone who had such a following because of your push for family values and issues.

Mike, I will be following what you do from here on out. Being your supporter has changed my life. I have learned that following politics is hard. People are mean, the media is relentless in how they distort a candidate like you, bloggers are without mercy. (Well, some of us!)

Early on you encouraged me by saying “You be the somebody, you do the something.”

I am, Mike, and the reason I am is because of you.

My “tribute” is not all that eloquent but it is from my heart- my Huckabee heart.