Huckabee Magic in Iowa
March 3, 2011 4 Comments
Mike Huckabee recently spent two days traveling Iowa on a bus tour to promote his new book “A Simple Government.” National and local media and bloggers have written about Huckabee’s time in Iowa. There has been speculation if Huckabee will be a Republican candidate, if and when he would announce his candidacy, if he could beat President Obama, etc. While I have enjoyed the extra press that Huckabee received what I wish to focus on is what occurred at each of the six bus stops in Iowa.
The lines to see Mike Huckabee to have one or more books signed started to form early with Iowans of all ages winding through aisles of books or boxes of groceries in eager anticipation of meeting Mike Huckabee. His fans were wearing Huckabee T-shirts, 2008 campaign buttons and some had homemade signs of support that read “Chuck Norris Approved”, “President Huckabee” and other slogans to encourage Gov. Huckabee to make another run for the White House.
From what I witnessed at each stop Iowans were thrilled to have the opportunity to see Gov. Huckabee. The people snapped up Huckabee 2012 bumper stickers and other information shared about Gov. Huckabee. After having their books signed many people stayed around to watch and listen to the media ask Huckabee questions that later would be turned in to news articles or appear on the evening news.
Mike Huckabee was at his best in what I like to call ‘Huckabee Magic.’ A warm greeting, friendly smile, a few words exchanged, a fast photo op and the line kept moving. I was especially impressed with the number of students who came to meet Huckabee at the University of Iowa bus stop. It was obvious that the University of Iowa College Republican group had done a terrific job promoting the bus stop in Iowa City. One student asked for the book to be signed for her dad. Groups of students wanted their picture taken with Governor Huckabee. With each student Huckabee would inquire about what they were majoring in and offer encouragement.
The Huckabee bus has rolled on to other states now and from the reports I have been reading many other Americans are experiencing the Huckabee Magic. For now Huckabee supporters wait for the green light to work our grassroots magic if and when we have our favorite candidate to promote and assist. Believe me, we will be ready!
The book A Simple Government highlights the “twelve things we really need from Washington to get the country back on the right track.” Huckabee supporters agree on one more ‘essential truth’ – we need a President Huckabee.
A pass to get out of class, free food – what more could a college student want?
This is a very challenging time to be a tax payer and learning that the university is promoting this way to pressure the various elected officials does not sit well with me. The ISU College Republicans need to be supported and commended for standing up for what they believe in.
Great report Lori!. This is very encouraging to see so many Americans looking at the potential candidate himself, rather thatn swallowing the distortions and out right lies spewed across the internet on a daily basis. For someone “who is not running” (according to much of the media and his opponents) he is sure creating lots of buzz, as well he should. Governor Huckabee is positioning himself for a possible run that could result in an effective conservative American President that could surpass anything we have seen in our lifetimes. My advice for what it’s worth: RUN -MIKE – RUN!
One good thing about a book tour–the money goes in Huck’s own pocket, instead of paying for TV commercials. He’s pretty smart. cynicism alert!
“Mike Huckabee’s contract with Fox News pays him $500,000 a year, a sum that’s been quoted often in discussions of his decision not to run for president. But that contract pales in comparison to Trump’s take from his entertainment ventures: in its list of the wealthiest entertainers in 2009 and 2010, Forbes estimated that Trump makes $50 million annually from his entertainment ventures.”
from Think Progress