CNN

Huckleberry is the definition of what is wrong with the republican party, Jack. This non-evolved, "God gonna' tell me all I need to know", anti-science, anti-modernity, anti-individualist, bible thumper represents almost 30 percent of the party and that minority is a constant drag, not only on the party, but on the US. This Bush-clone has done enough, caused enough trouble, evoked enough enmity already. Go away, Huck.

Even though I don't like Huckabee, he's part of the solution. He gives people (along with Ron Paul) an alternative to the neoconservative agenda of John McCain.

Brett
Cincinnati, Ohio

He is part of the exciting 2008 election process. Go Mike! Stay in the race all the way.

Huckabee is helping McCain. McCain can continue raising primary election funds under the guise of trying to beat Huckabee. Later McCain can use this extremely valuable (and unlimited) primary election money for his campaign in the general election.

he's well? he's, yea!

missouri

Who gives a Huck?

Huckabee would have my vote if it's even going to matter by the time the election gets to Indiana. And I'm a democrat.

"the Hillbilly Hooser"

Huckabee isn't hurting the GOP so much as he is showing why the GOP has moved toward a more moderate candidate. Huckabee represents the last gasp of the so called compassionate conservative christian republican revolution that gave us George W. Bush Jr. along with deaths and deficits.

Before I answer that question, you have to answer this question....

How much free air time would McCain be getting, if Huckabee was not in the race, compared to Obama/Clinton??

Harry
Carlisle, Ky.

Both. The Republicans may be trying to make a point: that McCain should put him on the ticket. At least that would make a McCain vote more palatable to the Republicans.

Jack,
Huckabee is so much a part of the problem that he may deliver a solution without intending to do so. Perhaps Republicans will recognize that that 'far right fundamental Christian' movement is NOT the direction the Republican party needs to be traveling. McCain does not exactly have the party on a correct course either.

I suppose he is running for VP, and that is a scary thought, given his stated desire to adjust our Constitution to suit his own religious ideas. Given that McCain will almost certainly win in November, and is old, Huckabee could easily become President – voters need to think deeply about that.

But no, his running now doesn't hurt the republicans one bit: his fundamentalist – populist message targets a large segment of that party with whom McCain doesn't quite resonate. It's all working out in their favor.

Huckabee is hurting McCain's chances of being elected in 2008. Huckabee is splitting the Republican Party between Conservatives and Moderates instead of allowing the party to heal and actively support McCain.

After today Huckabee will be nothing more then a memory or on the occasional News Channel as a commentator or on a stump somewhere trying to tell other people how they should live their lives according to his religious beliefs.

Huckabee staying in has given the Republicans something to talk about that isn't The Democrats. Huckabee adds flavor to a Bland and Uninteresting Republican Nomination. Plus, he Looks Like Elmer Fudd.

Mike from Staten Island, New York

Jack
Whether Huckabee stays in the race or not it makes no difference, the grand old party will have a tough time putting any canidate in the white house regardless of who it is after seven plus years of George W. Bush.

He's the comic foil.

He is such a minor obsticle that he goes unnoticed. he is the equivalent of " none of the above" on a ballot

Helping by creating a little publicity instaed of just McCain talking in an echo chamber.

Jack, I don"t believe anyuthing will stop McCain from getting the number of delegates needed to become the Republican Presidential Candidate. Still, Huckabee rather than hurting may help his party by showing GOP supporters that he will assert his and their Conservative lean on today's issues.

I think by staying in the race he's not going to change the outcome, but he is reminding conservatives that they have lost their influence. He's the only hope they've got and they can't rally the numbers. What's that sound Jack? Could it be the subtle rustle of the winds of change?

Jack,

All too often these primary seasons end by now and the later states do not get a choice on who to vote for. Huckabee is staying in the race so that people still have a choice on the Republican primary ballot. It isn't hurting anyone. Huckabee isn't attacking McCain. He is getting very little media coverage. In fact, until now, I completely forgot about him

Huckabee its Helping, not like Clinton that it is dividing the democratic party! I can't believe that Hillary can sleep at night with blood of the democratic party in her hands!

AllHuckabee staying in the race does is cause his firm supporters to have to choose who is more like the candidate: McCain or the Democratic nominee. If he dropped out much earlier, many his supporters may have defaulted to McCain. However, many may now take a closer look to see which of the 2 candidates that make it to the general election is most similar to Huckabee.

Bucks County, PA

He is part of the solution. McCain needs to realize that he is not conservative enough for a lot of people in his party. The Huck would be a perfect VP for McCain and assist him with that conservative vote he will need to win in November.

None of the above. The republicans will be just fine after this election. We've known for decades that their party consists of intelligent, reasonable people who have conservative views of situations and their solutions. People that you can get behind even if you don't agree with them. People like Colin Powell and John McCain.

And then you have the closed minded scary kind of republicans. Dick Cheney. Karl Rove. Ann Coulter. If the republican blanket is big enough to cover all of these people, they'll be just find even if some people kick at the edges sometimes.

Huckabee is not reallly making any difference or he would have garnered more votes. After the 7 year fiasco of Bush and Cheney and the gang, a monkey could have thrown their hat in the ring and beat any Republican candidate.

Going along with the slogan, "I like Mike", but i thing he is hurting the republican campain. He is like the guy who gets dumped by his girlfriend, and he keeps trying to convince her that she still loves him.In this case he is just thinking of himself. He cant handle the fact that it`s all over. I think he has a serious problem with rejection. As far as a future bid for President is concerned, I don`t think him staying in the race makes him look very stable. He says he does not want to drain the water out of the tub yet, but it has been emty for two months now. He has to be getting pretty cold by now.

Huckabee is definitely helping the GOP, other wise McCain would be getting zero coverage. This just keeps the GOP in the press.

It really dosent matter .McCain is so far ahead Huckabee is just a minor thing .Like a fly on a elephant .

Almost all the free air-time is given to cover the close race between Obama and Clinton. Without Huckabee, McCain would have to spend a lot more cash to get anywhere near as much time on TV.

He is helping. The voters are not yet ready to focus on Senator McCain. He takes off the pressure.

The Republican Party's problems are much bigger than Mike Huckabee... He is simply a symptom of the problem they've created over the last 30 years. Here you have the first evangelical populist who exemplifies the wedge issues, used so skillfully to fool the rank and file of the religious right, yet represents the "mythical little guy" (all of us middle class citizens) that the Money Republicans loath. Huckabee might be one of the first genuine people to run for the Republican nomination since Barry Goldwater or Gerry Ford and he is the 'monster' that finally turned on his maker. This is the type of politician that will rise from the ashes of the Money-Religion split developing in the Republican Party. Big problem for the Corporate Republicans, big solution for the 'values-voter'.

BTW, I'm a hard-core progressive and detest Huckabee's views on science, church&state, gay rights, abortion, etc., but I do admire his populism.

Mike Huckabee staying in the Republican race is helping the party. They really don't want McCain so Huckabee represents what that party is really predicated upon. So far - no scandles about him and he seems to be moral,ethical, and conservative. McCain's Mother was correct – the Republicans will be taking McCain while holding their noses.

Mike Huckabee is part of the solution for Republicans. He gives true conservatives a voice and a choice. Many of our GOP leaders and pundits keeps saying to join together and vote for McCain for the good of the party. What good is a party if it doesn't stand for the very principles, morals and values that you believe in.

Amy Butt
Baird, Texas

I don't think it's hurting anything right now. But by Huckabee staying in, it shows a weakness in McCain's camp for not being able to rouse the so-called "conservatives" backing. Huckabee is highlighting some issues that perhaps McCain should pay more attention to.

There are 6 months before the Republican convention......another 2 until the general election. The contention that the party needs to pick their nominee right now in order to win in November is ridiculous. What is hurting the GOP is the voter suppression being perpetrated against Mike by the MSM via misguided and erroneous reporting of possible outcomes to this race. They need to stop trying to manipulate the outcome of this race.

Huckabee isn't hurting the Republican party, they've done enough the last eight years they don't need to blame Huckabee. At least he doesn't flip flop on the issues, that's more than McCain can say. I don't agree with Huckabee, but at least he's refreshing and somewhat original. McCain is like listening to Bush and his cronnies, more than a little wilted, more than a little old. Nope, Huckabee isn't hurting the GOP, they've done this all on their own!!!!!!

The Democrats are shattering voter turnout records. If the Republicans don't discuss the issues & reach out to voters – they will be creamed in November. Huckabee has to stay in to keep the media attention on both sides. It also gives the rest of America a chance to vote & get fired up. That is good for Republicans.

Who cares – in the meantime Huckabee is enjoying a lot of chicken barbecues wherever he goes, states what he thinks, bugs the heck out of McCain and the Republican party... unless something drastic happens, the Republican party's nominee will lose in November anyway!

Huckabee is helping by keeping the border security and immigration issue alive. McCain won't touch that issue. Huckabee has the Fair Tax and common sense solutions to our economic problems. McCain has said that he does not understand economics. Huckabee wants a national human life amendment. McCain will not lead on the pro-life issue. Huckabee helps by keeping these issues at the forefront of the GOP platform.

Jack,
Is he still in tghe race? seriously... it make no diference at all... McCain is the nominee already and no matter what he will not win in November so in the long run: Who cares?

See you,
Werner
Miami Florida

Huckabee is helping by keeping the border security and immigration issue alive. McCain won't touch that issue. Huckabee has the Fair Tax and common sense solutions to our economic problems. McCain has said that he does not understand economics. Huckabee wants a national human life amendment. McCain will not lead on the pro-life issue. Huckabee helps by keeping these issues at the forefront of the GOP platform.

Plano, Texas

I believe Governor Huckabee is helping the GOP by staying in the race. He is showing the GOP bigshots that people still care about the issues of abortion, marriage and gun rights.
Daniel
Rib Lake, WI

Neither. Bush has hurt the party and if anyone thinks it is Huckabee they are mistaken. Look at the top of the and there sits the problem. Neither McCain nor Huckabee can do it anymore damage than what has occured.

I believe Huckabee has helped the Republican Party by staying in the race. First, it's a newsmaker. Second, I live in North Carolina, and I have not voted yet (May primary). By having two people in the race, I feel as if my vote actually does count.

Also, McCain does not have the required number of PLEDGED delegates yet, so he has not officially "clinched" the nomination. It's simply headed that way. Anything can happen between now and a brokered (or not) convention. Anything.

Huckabee, but this time, realizes that he has no chance to win the nomination. He is basically acting as a sounding board for the conservatives who would not be voting for McCain anyway. He is definitively tainting McCain's campaign and the Republican party. For him to reamin in the primary is a perfectly unselfish act but for selfish motives. He needs to withdraw from the campaign. Americans know what their choices are......his persistent to remain make voters believe that they still have a choice......... and it is obivious it will be McCain.

I don't think he is either at this time. With staying in the race he his getting noticed and air time. This alone will help him in future elections. He knows he's out of this race, but what about the next one?

Mike Huckabee is helping the party and exercising his freedom to run for president. If you examine the past, many of our presidents have been chosen at the RNC – so there is no proof that taking it to the convention hurts the candidate – in fact, it helps. Mike Huckabee is giving the people of the party a choice – which we need. EVen if citizens vote for McCain, most are not enthusastic supporters. Mike has true grassroots support, he has spent pennies on the dollar compared to other presidential candidates, he appeals to the young Republican voter and some independents, he has a common sense approach to the issues, and has a jovial personality. If he can run his campaign on pennies, maybe he can actually run our government in the black.

I've been a Republican since I first voted for Reagan in 1980. The GOP is just a shell of what it used to be, with no fresh ideas to advance the conservative cause. For this reason, Mike Huckabee is just what the party needs. His ideas, such as investing in the nation's infrastructure to help stimulate the economy, have been picked up and touted by others (without giving him credit, mind you), Huckabee brings innovative solutions to our country's complex problems. Because he backs it up with his record of integrity and honesty, you know he's not just blowing campaign smoke. He WILL breathe fresh life into the stale Republican party.

If I were inclined to vote for a Republican candidate, I'd want that candidate to disavow any link with Huckabee. Anyone suggesting we replace our republic with a theocracy is hurting the GOP.

No one could hurt the GOP more than Bush has and McCain carrying on the Bush policies is THE problem, not Huckabee.

Huckabee definately helps the Republicans. What would Hardy have been without Laurel...or Abbott without Costello...or Wolf without Cafferty?

Who cares? Neither Huckabee or McCain have any detailed solutions for the Middle Class or the poor! All they care about is catering to the rich and corporate interests! Their plan seems to be cut spending without increasing the tax base.How does work with billions of our tax money going to the never ending Iraq war? How about taking care of American interests/needs first?

I believe that Huckabee is helping the party by staying in. There is a healthy discussion about what the future of the party will be in future elections and it's good to remind people that we won't have to settle for candidates who don't support conservative values forever. I believe he represents the future of the party which listens to the values of its base and not the fears of the other party. We will soon be able to vote FOR our values instead of AGAINST the opposing candidates.

As long as Huckabee stays in, he enfranchises vocal Evangelical and FairTax minorities whose activism far exceeds the limits of their mere numbers. Keeping these voters in the fold should be right up there at the top of "must dos" for the Republican Party. Right now, Huckabee is shepherding this flock extremely well. Do you really want to leave them to McCain, whom they mistrust on key issues?

Absent Huckabee, this unique coalition simply falls apart. The longer the Governor stays in–with or without the possibility of being nominated–the better off the Republican Party. He can give his voters a voice at the convention, which is something they desperately want.

The biggest problem with the Republicans is that they"ve had the Great Decider as their leader for the past eight years and history will one day say that he was indeed the worst President the United States ever elected. Bush and the Republicans have sold the country down the drain, lied to get us in a war where they could capitolize on the oil industry in Iraq and make fortunes for the defense contractors and now MCcain the Bush look alike wants to continue the same damn thing. Shame on us if the American people elect another Bush clone as President

Mike Huckabee is the solution to this nation, not just the Republican party. But because he stays in the race, the GOP voters has a voice and a choice that they otherwise would not have if Huckabee was to get out of the race. He is the only person who is attracting any excitement and generating new voters for the GOP this entire race. Starting out with little to no funding, name-recognition, establishment support, Huckabee was able to build himself up to become a nationally-recognized figure.

But because of the media bias against him, as well as the Internet smear campaign waged against him, Huckabee was not able to garner more delegates and state wins than he otherwise would have been able to. South Carolina was lost due to Fred Thompson's sabotage and Missouri and Oklahoma were close loses due to funding issues and Mitt Romney's involvement.

Regardless of what has happened, Mike Huckabee continues to attract new support, spreading his message, plans, ideas, and TRUE "vertical politics" (not like Obama's fake, copied version) everywhere he campaigns. He is able to do all of this not by attacking his opponents, but by making speeches at rallies and the small amounts of free media every opportunity he gets. Ever see the 3 Senators being interviewed on CNN, MSNBC, and/or Fox News? Thought so.

Mike Huckabee helps John McCain out by keeping McCain's name in the news. If Huckabee was to be forced out, the only time McCain's name will be mentioned in the national media is when negative news is reported upon him. John McCain, his campaign, and his supporters should be thanking Mike Huckabee for campaigning so hard, keeping the GOP race alive for so long!

He is just trying to have some fun. He has nothing else to do.

Denise

The only thing that Mike Huckabee is doing is proving how unsatisfying ALL of the canidates are. Bring back Ron Paul.

McCain is attacking Obama because McCain is running away from Huckabee. In fact, McCain avoided the debate with Huckabee. GOP needs Huckabee because McCain is not a trustful person, but Huckabee is very very trustworthy.

Huckabee is the solution for the GOP. He consistently stands on the issues of the GOP platform. His supporters are more than just evangelical Christians. There are Catholics, homeschoolers, Fair Tax supporters, atheist, etc. in HucksArmy. He listens to people and knows what we are going through. We the people support him because he is one of us. He is the only candidate with proven chief executive experience. With former jobs as Pastor and Governor; Huckabee has experience of being on call 24/7. Huckabee HAS answered that ringing telephone in emergency situations. If America wants change. They should choose the candidate with a proven resume of change. Huckabee's leadership HAS improved schools, roads, parks, nursing homes, employment, DMV, etc.

Would John McCain fading off a la Bob Dole do anything to bolster the GOP? Mike Huckabee is honest, alive, and the only viable future of the republican party. Give him a voice!

Jeff Thomas
Birchwood, Wisconson

There is no way I will ever vote McCain. I am very disappointed with the GOP. I cast my first vote in 1972, & have voted every presidential campaign. If Huckabee wasn't in this race, I would sit out the presidential election. I will vote local and state regardless.
Today as a Texan, my vote will count. The GOP and McCain need to quit telling me to calm down and my candidate to butt out. Who do these people think they are? The GOP have rules, and the rules are being followed by Huckabee. The real question should be about counting "pledged" delegates only.
Shut your political pie hole, McCain. (Wonder how he feels when it isn't him saying it?)

He's definitely part of the solution. The purpose of a GOP Presidential Primary is to give members of the GOP the opportunity to *choose* a Presidential candidate. By him staying in, he's giving Republicans another choice.

The MSM and political pundits are what's hurting the GOP. I dare SOMEONE to stand up and say, "Hey, this is America, and in America we hold elections."

If McCain had any sense of acting presidential, he would step up and say, "Enough is enough. I want to win this thing fair and square." He would tell the MSM and GOP establisment figures to lay off the bullying tactics, quit the voter suppression by not reporting the truth that there are THREE candidates in the running & the race is still on, and agree to debate his fellow candidates so the voters can be educated before heading to the polls. But instead of the straight-talk he's notable for and facing his opponents during battle, he goes into hiding, lets the media & pundits do the dirty work and he rides the wave. Either someone else is pulling his strings or he doesn't have as much integrity as some might claim.

It really doesn't matter whether Huckleberry stays in the Republican race or not. McCane or Huckleberry don't stand a chance. There's too much Bush stench on the Republican party for anyone to win.

I appreciate that Mike Huckabee has stayed in the race. After all, this is an election and in America, we like to have more than one candidate to vote for. By staying in, Huckabee has been able to keep the ideas of the value voters in the forefront. John McCain is going to do this, so Huckabee serves an important purpose. And the deal isn't done yet. McCain doesn't have enough pledged delegates to win. And September is a long way off. Anything can still happen.

Oh, were the Republicans running in this thing too? I've been so caught up in the Democratic race that I'd forgotten all about them.

He is HELPING the GOP. Too many of us have been totally uninterested in politics UNTIL Mike Huckabee. He motivates and inspires people to discuss issues, vote, and work to motivate others. He CLEARLY communicates and identifies with regular people and he is not just about hope but also about substance.

I think the Dallas Morning News had it right when they said that a vote for Mike Huckabee is a vote for the future of the Republican Party.

Mike Huckabee represents a large voting bloc of people who are sick and tired of "politics as usual" in the Republican Party. We're done with voting for the "anointed" every four years.

Mike Huckabee also represents a new brand of conservatism, what I like to call "common-sense conservatism", but what others may call populist conservatism. This is a fresh take on the angry, "tax-me-never" Limbaugh conservatism that I have grown up with.

There is a new generation that is rising up within our country, and they're learning to think for themselves.

Cydney
Cannon Beach, OR

Part of the solution. McCain's arrogance is obvious to any Republican who values their own mind, and Huckabee's humility and tenacity is fresh and vital for the GOP's chances in November. The Republican party is fighting between the lemmings of the party and the independently-minded of the party and Huckabee is the leader of the latter. He IS the future of the Republican party and many are seeing he's the only chance our party has in winning the White House in 08. We stand with him now, and we'll stand with him in 2012 when he runs as an incumbant!!

Republicans need Huckabee, as he is the only sign of any life left in the party.

He is a joke...between he and GWB I don't who is hurting the grand ol' party the most and frankly Jack I could not be more elated.
Marjorie
New York

He's like the fly on Sen. Dodd's hair-annoying and humorous, but not hurting anyone.

You put the cart before the horse... the question should be: is the GOP establishment helping or hurting itself by attacking Huckabee? The answer is: hurting. By stifling debate and showing contempt for the democratic process in Washington and Louisiana, the GOP is hurting both itself and America.

Finally a straight shooter in the republican party! Can you imagine that.

Jack, Mike Huckabee continues to provide a contrast between John McCain and the far conservative right wing of the Republicans, and as far as I'm concerned that helps Senator McCain. With his service in Vietnam, and the heroism he exhibited in refusing to leave that awful prison until his camrades could leave too, John McCain has proven he has the guts, character, and conviction to hold the highest office in this land. The fact that the radio republicans, and hate mongers in the republican party prefer Huckabee is good for the Senator because the last thing he needs is to corrupt himself and carry the luggage for these people who aren't fit to carry his luggage. I hope Governor Huchabee continues to provide this contrast and provide the likes of Limbaugh and Coulter somebody else to throw their support to.

Neither. When a party picks a nominee that doesn't represent their values nor the ideals of a majority of Americans they are doomed. Huckabee sees this and is really just giving Republicans a chance to vent!

I think that Huckabee staying in the race is helping the Republican party by giving conservative voters someone who they can actually support. If Huckabee were to drop out I think it would hurt the party because many Republican voters would stay home and not vote. If we don't elect a candidate who represents what the majority of the party stands for, we will lose many of the party and will ultimately hurt the party.

I don’t know if Huckabee is helping or hurting the GOP but I know he’s helping the Democratic Party. In Texas, republicans are free to vote in the Democratic primary. By staying in the race Huckabee is keeping republican Texans from voting for what they perceive to be the weaker democratic candidate. If McCain was already the nominee then more republicans in Texas would be using their vote to influence the democratic nomination.

Sean in Dallas

Huckabee is not hurting a thing, In fact I think that our primary season should be 6 months of candidates stating their intentions,policy ideas ...real talk on the issues during debates and then one big primary vote let the best man or woman win the nomination. No more marginalizing the candidates or smear campaign ads just state your own case and then let the American Voters decided across the country all at once with paper ballots only.

I think Huckabee is giving the people a choice. He is not hurting the party. However, I do not care about the party. I care about the future of our country, not a specific political party. Others should feel this way too, or our country is in BIG trouble.

Huckabee is definately helping.

The GOP is believed to be the party of the rich. It loves war, doesn't care about the destruction of the environment and wants to leave the working poor by the wayside. Who wants to join that team?

Huckabee is the face of a GOP that can provide a 'democratic' security blanket with a republican small government pricetag. He is from the people, and understands their reality. He connects, which means the GOP will connect.

If the GOP keeps nominating souless moneycounters as their frontmen, they will have only themselves to blam for their returns to the political wilderness.

Peoria, Arizona

While Huckabee has every right to stay in the race, the simple fact is that he is part of the problem for Republicans. The way the nomination process works is that Republican have to embrace the radical, evangelical right-wing supposed "base" of the party or they don't stand an ice cube's chance in hell of securing the nomination. Unfortunately, this "base" isn't nearly enough for the successful candidate to get elected in the general election – they need to attract mainstream republicans, independents and the so-called "Reagan democrats." With McCain now the winner, the longer Huckabee stays in the race and is a evangelical thorn-in-the-side of McCan, the less amount of time McCain has to build the kind of coalition he'll need to overcome the enormous energy and enthusiasm that the Democrats have built, particularly if Obama wins and Clinton bows out graciously. If Huckabee wants to see a Republican in the White House, he should get out now. Otherwise, he'll only have himself to blame come November.

Huckabee is the reason why Republicans are going out to vote. If Huckabee dropped out a long time ago, the interest for Republicans would be very much diminished.

You have to ask? Huckabee is the only thing that is keeping me from complete despair in this sad little election. With McCain, Obama & Clinton as my only options, I wish I could just sleep through the next four years.

Everyone is war weary, BROKE and tired of a ruler, not a president.

I think you're asking the wrong question, Jack. As long as Huckster and Ron Paul remain on the ballot as alternatives to McCain, they're helping America decide whether or not they want four more years of Bush-style government. While I would never vote for another Republican for president again, I'll concede that Huckabee and Paul represent a modicum of change. I voted for McCain for president back in 2000, but I've come to realize lately that he is a fake maverick and really just the status quo. Time to change the name of the "Straight Talk Express" to the "Straitjacket Express".

Rev. Bo
Frankfort, KY

Voting for Gov. Huckabee in the primaries is to the Republicans as my vote on Super Tuesday was to me . . . a super protest vote!!! When you don't have a viable (one still in the race) candidate to vote for you just throw your vote away.
I did that in the primaries . . . what on earth am I to do in the general election? I really do not want "the teflon kid" , Hillary, or McCain but I cannot stay home.

Jack,

Huckabee is what he is a joke, with to much time on his hands.

Mike Huckabee is a man of his word and I have the highest respect for him. I have read report after report by Arkansas residents of the amazing things that were accomplished under his tenure as governor. He's by far the finest presidential candidate our nation has seen in a very long time and very much an asset to the Republican party.

Mike Huckabee always says this is an election, not a coronation. I have nothing against Senator McCain, but why is it a problem for the party if Mike Huckabee stays in this race? It should sharpen McCain, not hurt him. If he can't handle Huckabee, how on earth is he supposed to handle the Democratic candidate? Why is McCain being protected? If Mike Huckabee has nothing to say and speaks for no one, he's a non-issue. But if he speaks for a new wave of conservatives, and McCain can't handle that, McCain has a serious problem. I won't be told I have to vote for anyone, for the 'sake of the party.' That's absurd. McCain has not earned my vote. Mike Huckabee did, and that's why I voted for him and still support him.

Neither, noone is even paying attention.

After what George Bush has done to the Republican Party, what could Governor Huckabee possibly do to hurt it. "Don't kick the corpse, Mike!" Sometimes breaking a few ribs is the only chance of raising the dead.

In 8 years time, some Republicans will blame Senator McCain for the loss instead of George Bush and they'll think they should have run Governor Huckabee as their candidate.

As long as the neocons are part of the Republican party, the party IS the problem. If Huckabee is a republican, he's part of the problem. Q.E.D.

Neither. He is there as long as he can, so people would remember him better. That may help him in a future election. Also it would make some of those so called "true" conservative feels a little better. At least they can cast their vote for him instead of crying about McCain. Right Jack ?

- Nuwan from Houston, Texas

Huckabee's in the race to keep the christian right interested. If the mainstay of republican voter blocs tuned out because of their indifference to McCain, things would look bleak for conservatives.

If the Republican party cannot handle an election/scrutiny by its own members during this primary season, how in the world is it going to survive the all out battle that will surely ensue in the months leading to the general election? If Senator McCain wants to be President, he should fight for it. He of all the candidates should know that a soldier must be prepared for battle. What better way to prepare than to keep battling Governor Huckabee!

It doesn't matter whether Huckabee stays in the race or not. McCain knows he's won and is now putting all his effort into pleasing the base (good luck with that).

I think he should stay in till the bitter end, He is the only sassy part of the Republican party, they need a little something to make them seem a little more human and little less stuffy. Go Mike, You really do Rock!!!! I voted for Barack Obama but Mike still Rocks!!!!

Huckabee is helping the GOP looking forward to the 2012 election.

Wow, "Rex in Portland OR"...30% of the party is a drag, huh. Whether you agree with us or not, we are your fellow Americans. I'd hate to have you standing by *me* if I was ever in a crisis, being that you're so quick to write us off like that.

"David in Raleigh NC", how can the party "heal" by candidates dropping out left and right before the whole country gets to voice their opinion?

I thought the Republican party was the "conservative" party...what's so wrong about a "conservative" running to represent the conservative party?

Even though it doesnt matter what happens to Huckabee at this point , he is still raising alot of the money that would be much more helpful to the person who is going to win the race. John Mccain raised about half of what Hillary Clinton raised, and a third of what Barack Obama raised. There is no point in giving the money to Huckabee because whatever he does with it isn't going to help him. So give your money to Mccain, Republicans, so that it doesn't get wasted on pointless yard signs and t-shirts!

Mike Huckabee is part of the FUTURE solution of the the Republican party. Whatever happens with McCain in this presidential nomination, the party will need a new leader after McCain and Huckabee wants to show the Republicans that he is ready to lead them when the time comes.

Jack
Huckabee is NEITHER.
John McCain is actually the PROBLEM. No one quite trusts him and rightly so. Mr. McCain and Lindsey Graham have the same attitude, I'll do as I want-the voters will just have to accept it.
The Republican SOLUTION should have been anyone else BUT John McCain.

He's helping the Republicans, if he weren't still in the race we wouldn't even be talking about them now – the democratics would be getting all of the attention and free media that's heir to.

I think Huckabee is also helping his own career by using the lack of other competition as an opportunity to get his message out. Perhaps he'll be McCain's running mate or if McCain wins have a place in his cabinet or – win or lose – make a stronger run for the White House himself in 4 or 8 years. He's only 52 which is relatively young when we're talking about the highest office in the land. I think Huckabee is smart for staying in because he's doing no damage to anyone but keeping the debate alive.

Competition breeds excellence. Why is it a problem 6 months before the Republican convention and 8 months before the election to continue to bring Republican voters a choice? If the Republican party is so weak that it can't handle a discussion of ideas this far before an election, they will certainly get mowed over in November.

Yes. Huckabee truly represents what that party has become. Perhaps he will even lead his flock to a theocratic country like Iran or Iraq so the Republicans can start over with a clean slate.

No, he is helping! Here in Oregon, we seldom have a primary that matters, the choice is often over before we have a turn. That is not fair, we have either the nominee or none of the above. What a choice!

Since this will probably go to a brokered convention since it will be hard for McCain to pick up enough "pledged" delegates to reach the 1,191 mark, we here in Oregon will have a choice this year and ANYONE can when at the convention.

A lot of people are not happy forced to support McCain, be it Romney, Huckabee, Ron Paul or even Fred Thompson supporters. Huckabee will take this to convention and then all bets are off! This is GOOD for the Republican party.

Without Huckabee, McCain would be boring, not that he isn't with Huckabee, but at least there is still a sense of competition on the Republican side, though we know it isn't going too far. Old Huck keeps it interesting.

Mike Huckabee is not hurting the GOP. The GOP is hurting Mike Huckabee. They are the ones that set up the rules that a nominee is supposed to get to 1,191 pledged delegates in order to become the nominee. If the GOP establishment think that Governor Huckabee is hurting the GOP, then they should change their own rules.

HEY JACK! Tell Blitzer that Washington State also had a two-step vote like Texas. We had the Caucus first, followed by the Primary vote. Texas isn’t the “only one.” There was the Washington 2-step BEFORE the Texas 2-step. And by the way, if Obama wasn't running I would have voted for Huckabee in our Washington state Caucus/Primary. Huckabee is funny, entertaining, and just seems like an all around good guy. He's added a lot of positiveness to this process. I hope he stays with it even when McCain gets the votes.

The GOP is hurting the GOP along with biased media coverage. Obviously McCain is afraid of Huckabee because he wouldn't even give him the respect of a debate! What did that leave us 3 Democratic debates to pull in undecided votes while Mike Huckabee was COMPLETELY removed from all the media and every format of the press.
Americans better wake up and smell the rigging going on because we are led by the media coverage from the beginning on who is in and who is out. McCain you couldn't win (even though it was given to you when Mitt Romeny dropped out) fairly so take your ball and go to the BBQ of which I am sure our tax dollars paid for!

As long as Huckabee sticks to his message he will get my vote!
Huckabee is helping the GOP by 1) Giving voters a choise, and 2) Keeping media attention on the republicans and not just the Democrats. Go Huckabee!!!!!!!!!

Hey Jack –

In America, it shouldn't be a 'problem' for any candidate to stay in the race for as long as THEY think they are part of the solution. How are we being harmed by hearing more ideas rather than less?

The biggest benefit of there only being one candidate on each side is that then we can all stop watching the pundits for a few months until the Conventions in the Fall.

Maybe you guys who depend on us watching would stop talking about everybody getting out so much if you could think a little ahead and realize people will no longer have a reason to watch if both party's candidates are locked.

Think about it, Jack.

–Mike in AZ

Huckabee is still trying to get people to stop and think about what is happening in this election. McCain is a Bush clone and will undoubtedly continue the war and all of the totally insane policies of the Bush gang including the tax cuts for the most wealthy while leaving the rest of us to foot the bill. Huckabee is so much smarter than McCain that there is no comparison. How McCain could be the nominee is beyond my comprehension.

Huckabee is definitely helping the GOP by staying in the race. He's energizing the voters in a way that no other candidate has in recent history.

I have yet to meet a single voter, except Huckabee voters, who is actually excited about their candidate. The voters for other candidates are mostly looking at "who can win." At best, these voters are resigned to their choice, not excited about it.

On the other hand, Huckabee supporters are optimistic, excited, and outright exuberant about voting. A lot of us feel that he's the first candidate in our generation that we can actually support instead of merely tolerate.

And if you've looked at the Republican vs. Democrat polls recently, you know the GOP desperately needs a candidate who can energize the voters. And that would be Mike Huckabee!

Hillary's desperate attempts to discredit Obama in this campaign will matter not at all, Jack. The US currently stands as a country whose leadership knowingly used false information to start an unjust war, and whose citizenry let it happen. Hillary Clinton was part of that - it's all part of the "experience" she touts so assiduously.

John
LaPine, Oregon

I don't think Huckabee is hurting the Republican Party.
Obviously, tomorrow he will be congratulating McCain as the nominee for the Republican Party for President.
And in my humble opinion, Thursday or soon after, McCain will be announcing that Huckabee will be his running mate for the general election.
It doesn't really matter because there is no way either one will be in the White House next January.
The party is definitely over for the Republicans.

Huckabee is offering a contrast to McCain that is resulting in Republicans suffering from buyers remorse before they have even driven off the lot. This may be damaging to the party as it is currently configured, but in the long run, may be beneficial. If they lose by a landslide, maybe they will blow up the party and start fresh. Maybe they will have to rethink what and who they stand for. Perhaps the extreme right wing of the right wing will be cast adrift, and the Republican party will rejoin the real world.

Funny you should ask. Limba's suggestions that republicans vote in OH, Tx, etc, on the democratic ticket to put the party in limbo has a two fold effect and Limba is the only one smart enough to see through it.
He's hoping McCain voters follow his suggestions and knowing Huckabee's voters wont abandon their vote in a crucial time. Therefore, Huckabee could win out the rest of the states! YOU GO RUSH!

I like Huck better than McCain. He has a good sense of humor about things. I just wish things turned out better for him. Maybe the next go-around.

Huckabee is only in this for himself. His hypocrisy has taken over his ability to see this. And his ridiculous flat/fair/consumption tax would never fly anyway. The single largest problem of a consumption tax is that the cost of living for disposable goods and services is the same for everyone. A loaf of bread costs me the same as it does for Warren Buffett and Jack C. Until there is proportionate pricing, any taxes could never be fairly applied.

Huckabee is like a good evangelist who lives on Baptist revivals: 5 good sermons and a fast car

Dale – Anadarko, OK

He hurts like a grain of sand in your eye as opposed to the huge rock hitting you in the head because of the republican's bonfire of our economy, a sensless war, and making hating America very popular around the rest of the planet.

Definately part of the solution! Its just to bad he has not had the eqaul recognition that other canadites have had. I believe the change he would bring would turn Washington politic around for the better. The same old same old in Washington is afraid of the change.

Even though it doesnt matter what happens to Huckabee at this point, he is still raising alot of money that would be much more helpful to the person who is going to win the republican race. John Mccain raised half of the money that Hillary Clinton raised, and a third of what Obama raised, so he clearly needs it. People need to stop wasting their money and their vote on Huckabee. They should support Mccain if their republicans because no matter what they say or do Huckabee isn't going to win. We need to realize that Mccain is going to be the nominee. Give your money to Mccain, republicans, and stop wasting it on pointless Huckabee yard signs and t-shirts!

Helping the GOP? I don't think anyone can help the GOP. They are so disconnected with reality it boggles the middle-class mind.

Huckabee's sense of humor and ability to smile, even occasionally laugh at himself, provides a pleasant contrast to the doom and gloom, politics of fear, slimy rumors, jingoistic chest thumping, pandering to corporations and the ultra rich, and constant hypocrisy that the Republican Party and its "tired old news candidate" represents. Huckabee won't win but I thank him for providing comic relief.

Huckabee is trying to prove the religous right still have a say in the republican party. Unfortunately, their say went out the window when it was discovered what the Rev. Ted Haggards of the world were really doing when they kneeled down.

From my perspective, Mike Huckabee only makes John McCain look more electable to the general election audience which this race is now headed.

Huckabee comes off as "good old boy" but his beliefs, his desire to change the U.S. Constitution to reflect the "Word of the Living God" is scary but appeals to the religious fundamentalism segment of the GOP. Perhaps McCain will have him as his VP to appeal to the religious conservatives, but not with my vote! Bush-Cheney was enough for me for a lifetime!

I'm glad Huckabee is staying the course. It's looks like John McCain is not well anyway. Truly, the close ups, especially his cloudy eyes are indicative of an ill man. I think that's why the wife stands so close by him at every turn of any speech, appearance because he might collaspe.

More importantly, it's Huckabee's involvement that is even keeping the Republicans remotely interesting. Their contest has been so stale and he's such a breath of fresh air. They'll need him or somebody in the long run, because I'm telling you John McCain is definitely not well. He's giving it a galliant effort, but again...really look at the cloudy eyes and constantly growing glands of the face. I hope they don't run him totally into the ground. He's a good guy, but it's clear that healthwise, his can do will not be able to keep up with his want to.

PEACE ON THE PLANET
Chelsea H.
West Orange, NJ

Jack

I think Huckabee is part of the solution. I like him much better than McCain but then again I like a 23 state killer more than McCain. McCain is absolutely wrong for this country. We don't need another 4 years of Bush/Cheney's failed policies.

Huckabee is at least looking out for America and its people instead of its business interests like McCain. Why else would he want to continue the war for oil in Iraq?

initially i really liked Hucabee, and i wish as a republican that i had a better selection in the GOP, however if we are to be completely honest, we will be swearing in a democrat in the white house so the GOP can have, do, say, whatever they like. this election year they are arm candy for the democratic Nominee.

There is no solution for the Republican Party in the 2008 election. Who on earth wants a continuation of Bush policy and a Republican controlled congress that spent us in to oblivion.

Debbie
mesa, az

Huckabee is still in the race? Why???

I think people are sick of politicians who represent their own self interests instead of doing what they were elected to do. This time around, dissatisfaction propels record numbers of new voters to select the candidate that will go to bat for them. It's late in the game; Americans are losing to the big hitters of the lobbyists and the special interests. It is indeed the defining moment and the voters recognize it and they’re handpicking the person who is equipped to deliver the grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning and send the special interests and lobbyist to join Castro into retirement.

Wendle
Boston, Ma.

I like Mike.....I think he should stay in...he's not hurting anyone!
Arizona

Republicans and Democrats are the problem Jack. You know this as well as anyone. Therefore he is part of the problem in the Republican party, as is McCain, and Clinton and Obama in the Democratic party.

Huckabee is the ONLY conservative in the race. Unfortunately he is not going to count. All we have is 3 liberals, one more left of the others.
America will go down the tubes after this election, unfortunately. All these three will do is lead the parade.

Jack, it's hard to say if Governor Huckabee is hurting the GOP, because although he is behind in the delegate count, a great majority of the party show that they support him. Admittedly, Gov. Huckabee remaining in the race at this point is unconventional and a bit odd, but with so many GOP supporters behind him, really, is he truly out of place?

Jack

As long as Mike Huchabee can pronounce the word

"Nuclear" he's my guy.

Jerry

Roselle, Illinois

Huckabee should be able to stay in as long as he wants to. He can't hurt an already demolished republican party. He won't win, but at least there is a pleasant buffer to the "same old, same old", fear mongering, out of touch elitist republican party. They are so out of touch with the middle class and the reality of what's going on in Iraq and in America that I don't think anything can stop the democrats from landsliding in November.

Huckabee, overall, is going to help the GOP. He's gained and gaining a lot of popularity as a person and a comedian more so than as a candidate. When he eventually throws his weight behind McCain, that popularity goes with him.

Jack, I dont think that hes a problem I think hes simpling showing the people that hes no quitter. I think that he would be an asset to the republican ticket surely not Romney that would be a disaster for the ticket.

Huckabee is hurting McCain by trying to take votes away from him. He should be a gentleman like Romney, and support McCain. Huckabee will forever be known as the man that wouldn't go away. I hope he isn't planning on running again.
Doris
California

Since Senator McCain is not pro-life, does not disavow Hagee's calling the Cathlic Church a whore, and does not support a marriage amendment, I will never vote for him. I must stay true to the scripture that says "Thou shall not kill. and do not be unequally yoked." I can vote for Governor Huckabee with a clear conscience.

Jack, it's time for Huckabee, to flee. The republican party needs, to build and get behind McCain now. Huckabee is holding up the process.

Jack, I think that it doesn't hurts any praty if there are two candidates, I think it helps to show differant veiws and see how the praty with stands it's own beating.

Huckabee's not the GOP's disability – he's the cure! The Republican party has been ailing for years now & rather than taking an honest look at their problems by talking to the VOTERS, they decided to make the values voters their scapegoat.

We have a shot at a brokered convention if we can block McCain from getting 1191 PLEDGED delegates (in case you're wondering why all the news stations have different delegate numbers). That would mean that the delegates can vote for whomever they can generate a majority vote! How many people today know that Reagan forced a brokered convention in 1976? Or that Eisenhower and Lincoln were the result of brokered conventions?

McCain has already effectively dismissed us as irrelevant. But almost all the states he has won are the Democrats' blue states – that means those states which vote majority Democrat in November's general election. All this means that the GOP is going to get creamed unless something radical happens.

Huckabee got into politics because of his pro-life & pro-family beliefs & is continuing in the race to keep our place at the political table (despite the hostility that it is earning him from some quarters). A vote for Huckabee is a vote for traditional values, for a brokered convention - and for a strong message to the GOP that they still need us!

I am a democrat and i like Mike.IM voting democratic but watching John mccain all i think he talks about is war i havent heard much but stumbling over anything else.He is from the 4.00 doller a gallon!!! Who told you that, party. Republicans need to wake up from there doller dreams and big oil wishes.

I think this helps John McCain and the GOP. Looking at CNN now which has already turned its focus completely on the Democrats Huckabee remaining in the race allows the GOP and John McCain to get the media attention that they so desperately need.

Mike Huckabee is a rube... from Arkansas who followed the Clinton's to Washington D.C. He is making his bones by staying in the Race and will be rewarded by the Ultra Conservative Wing of the Flyning Elephants...

Oswald Cobblepot , Gotham City NY

McCain is hurting the Republicans by staying in this race.

Seriously, our future as a party is doomed because with McCain we have become "Democrats-lite" (aside from a few key, important differences... granted.)

Mike Huckabee brings a fresh and positive vision that aligns with the direction many grassroots conservatives are moving: away from hyper-materialism, back to a simpler lifestyle, honoring traditional values and strong families, protecting the environment, protecting our borders while upholding the dignity of immigration, and becoming more independent and strong as a nation, both in energy and trade policy.

Huckabee supporters are not going anywhere. Whether in this election or a future one, Huckabee and the grassroots conservatives will continue to be a force to reckon with. We won't give up our right to be heard or to vote for the person that best represents us, just because of the "good" of a broken Party.

Why should Huckabee quit, he's getting FREE MEALS, FREE HOTELS, and FREE TRAVEL all at the expense of campaign funds. A pretty slick deal if you ask me.

Huckabee is helping to keep the GOP party interested in the election process since the old geezer (McCain) is like watching paint dry.

Some of the people who comment on here are illiterate. First, George W. Bush is not a junior. His dad is George H. W. Bush. Learn some US history before you start bashing people. Second, not all religious individuals are unevolved, uneducated, or whatever else they are being described. I like that Huckabee is still in this election because yes he does give you another alternative to McCain, Obama, and Clinton. Also, this country is about freedom, and Huckabee has the freedom to be heard and staying in this election is giving him a platform for his message. I think the biggest misconception that people have about politics is that only democrats want change. Everyone wants change. The problem with Obama is he tells you he's going to change the country without telling you how to get there. The problem with Clinton is that too many people are discounting her ideas for change because of their preconceived ideas about her. The problem with Huckabee is that people are never going to be able to ignore that he is a minister long enough to listen to what he is saying. I don't know much about McCain because I plan on learning about him once I find out which Democrat he will be running against in the general election. But, I really do encourage people to learn the facts behind all the candidates involved in this election. Don't vote for Obama or Clinton, just because you hate Bush. IN the same way, don't vote for McCain just because you love Bush. Figure out what issues are important to you, who addresses your issues the best, and use that to decide who you will vote for.

Huckabee is part of the problem. He's questioning whether McCain can energize the base, and yet he's LOSING. Not doing enough energizing, that Huckabee guy, apparently.

I think that having Huckabee around keeps McCain's name at the top of headlines, which is very important, but it really shows weakness in the Republican Party. People know that Huckabee cannot win, yet they keep voting for him, which is a bad sign for the GOP.

As long as Huckabee continues to divide the republicans and highlight the fact that McCain is more liberal than conservative, I'm all for it. I really want a Democrat to take the White House this November just like anyone voting their wallet or pocketbook does.

Mike Huckabee has every right to stay in the race. For those of you who don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

dose he have a huck'n clue?

Jack, what really matters is that by staying in the race Huckabee is part of the solution for American in restoring our democracy. Weren't you listening to Dobbs?

NEITHER...his involvement is completely stagnant. It doesn't harm McCain at all nor does it help Huckabee...

reminds me of a song called Crazy Old Soldier by Ray Charles and Johnny Cash...although for the life of me, I am not sure which candidate is the Soldier..both play that part quite well...

It seems Huckabee is hanging around to see if he is selected as VP for the republican ticket. In reality, he keeps the Republicans in the press as it is obvious where McCain is heading.

I think he is doing it just for the democratic system to prove that it works and likely hoping that he will get the mid-term election. I believe if he keeps showing this perseverance now it will pay off for him for any future election.

I believe Huckabee can stay in the race as long as he wants and he will not effect McCain as others believe. However, that does not mean that he will not end up effecting the GOP in a negative way by the time the Republican Convention comes around.

Huckabee must be part of the problem and not part of the solution as the Republicans don't have a solution.

At this point in time Huckabee is pretty irrelevant so I don't see that he either hurts or helps the party. No matter who the nominee is, Bush has hurt his party so badly, only the Democrats can blow their own chance at the White House.

I am an independent, but I think McCain is too old to be president. Since we don't actually vote for the Vice-President, that maybe something to look at. Republicans will have to accept the VP if something happens to McCain.

Mike Huckabee is a joke. Him staying in the race is just as effective as a solar powered flashlight. Huckabee can do whatever he wants but its clear his campaign shows no sign of any real consequence to the Republican party or anyone for that matter.

Neither. At this point, he's just another politician spending money (that's been taken out of someone else's pocket) on a meaningless cause. He may not be from Washington, but he's already got the spending habits down pat.

Lynn in Phoenix

It AINT over til it's over. Besides the only way i'd vote for Mccain is if her were running to be president of AARP!!

How ironic, apparently his god doesn't want him to become president.

Huckabee is helping to keep the GOP party interested in the election process since the old geezer (McCain) is like watching paint dry.

Los Angeles, CA

I go to Ohio State and in my political science class – the teacher said it best, "Huckabee will stay in the race until he wins enough delegates to be considered 2nd place-because he wants to run again in the future and he doesn't want to lose to a mormon."

By staying in the race and giving especially Republican voters other options, both Paul and Huckabee are helping to provide true democracy in this election process.

I think "although i would not vote for him" Huckabee is a savior in this McCain has no business calling himself a conservative in any light. Republican party should be and later will ba ashamed is he does win it. Beside he dont stand a chance against the Dem machine he's too busy pushing the seemingly bush doctrine. And WE THE PEOPLE are fed up with that, Totally.

While everybody knows he is a non-factor, he is drawing attention to the fact that McCain is not a real conservative. While I don't like much of what Senator McCain stands for, the phrase "President Obama" will be an even bigger disaster than "Speaker Pelosi" has been.

Huckabee is a shift from the politics as usual Republicans. I think that Huckabee has a message that should appeal to a broad base of Americans, but it just hasn't panned out that way for him. He is a likeable guy, and McCain just is not all that likeable. I would think that the Republicans should be promoting Huckabee as a change from the norm for the Republican part, as most Americans have tired of the Republican we have in the office now!

yes of course he is pushing away the conservatives from john mccain

Huckabee will have no bearing on the GOP. Diehard republicans are going to vote for the nominee of their party, whoever he may be.

John
Pompano Beach, Florida

He is hurting for sure, Jack! It used to be fun to listen to Gov.Huckabee earlier in the campaign – not anymore! I think he is just campaigning for a VP role, but in doing so, he is hurting Sen. McCain's and the republican party's chances in November.

Timeline: 03/05/08

Mike who?

Jack,
i respect huckabee for having such tenacity. however, i do not believe it is possible to hinder a party that is, in itself, a hinderance. at least huckabee is not as whacked out as mccain, who is obviously out of touch.

Huckabee should stay in the race until the required number of delegates is reached by one person . If for no other reason than to show that he is a viable vice presidential choice.
If not McCain who is so like bush, Iraq, neither no the first thing about the economy, that McCain might as well continue to have Edgar Bergan serve as Vice-president.

It does not make a whole lot of difference if you portray Huckabee as part of the problem or part of the solution. John McCain will still be the proverbial salmon trying to swim upstream in November. All Huckabee is doing is making the Republican primary a bit more lively and interesting but merely personifies all that is truly wrong with his party.

I wish huckabee would just sit down somewhere, he's really a pain and a thorn in mccains rear. He's lost already why cant he see that, mccain is clearly the republican winner. Huckabee get lost your time is up

Come on Jack,
What difference will it make who wins on the republican ticket?
That group of lump heads are outta there!

Huckabee is nothing more than a good sport....if politics were a game he would be adored by many. To bad it isn't. I think by Huckabee staying he is simply saying 'It's over but I'm still playing.' What a man!

If I were hoping for a Republican win, which I'm not, I would be more concerned if Huckabee ran as a 3rd party candidate and stole the Christian Right votes. Until then, he's a minor inconvenience who allows McCain to stay in the news cycle.

It seems so petty and insufficient to suggest that the manifestation of the political process would help or hurt any political party. We have become a generation of quitters. Hope and honor have lost its meaning in America. Our forefathers and those who constructed our political process would be turning over right now if they knew that we encouraged our candidates to quit before there was a winner.

The problem is Republicans in general.

Well Jack, I don't know if Huckabee is hurting or helping Republicans, but I'm fairly certain that by staying in the race he's going to help elect a Democrat. And don't think he's leaving after today's primary tallies. He's not going anywhere until he gets a last hurrah in Mississippi. Mark my words.

By staying in the race Huckabee is helping guys like you Jack, so you can have something to talk about and not die of boredom, I know you like to talk a lot it is written all over your face.

If McCain really expects anyone to believe he's a conservative, he's suffering from senile dementia. Huckabee seems to be truly conservative and really really scary, I think he is just pointing out the obvious that the Republicans have lost their identity. They don't know who they are anymore. That's the one thing I'm grateful to Bush for ...fracturing the Republican Party. Hang in their Huckabee keep up the destruction

Voting for Huckabee allows Reepublicans who are not McCain fans to voice their opinions–even at this time–just as those who voted in other earlier primaries were able to do. Will McCain be the nominee? Probably. But this is a way to make sure he knows that for many he is only the default choice.

Jack, neither. Think about this, Huckabee, Romney, and Gulianni might have ulterior motives in their quest for the White House.

Nobody wants to be President for just one term. However , with the mess that George Bush and the current congress will leave for the next elected leader, a 4 year reign might be all they enjoy, whoever it is.

If the next President can't dramatically turn this country around and pull us out of our current situations both at home and abroad, they will be ripe for losing a re-election bid in 2012. Huckabee, Romney,and all the rest on both sides will be preparing to pounce and tell anyone who will listen, I TOLD YOU SO!

You can bet the vultures and decision makers allready have their sights set on 2012 and beyond. The only question is who and when will the announcments start coming in.

There is no solution for the republican party ,what so ever.

Are the eggs you did or did not have today part of the solution or part of the problem for an event that will happen eight months from now? You might like them overeasy, but the impact of today's breafast on the meal decision many months hence is not really a factor. I think you need to fry us up another question.

Jack, any tactic that forces the republicans to spend more money should be encouraged. Huckabee should stay in as long as possible so that McCain has to continue spending money that would otherwise be saved for the fall election.

Whether futile or looking for a "miracle", Huckabee has the right to run. We ask this of Huckabee, and not of Nader, or the countless people who use "write-in"'s every year. It is every American Born-in-the-USA Citizens, right, to run for President after the age of 35.

It is, truly sad that we have become so focused on Primaries and Caucasus, and feel that we must choose between two opponents, two rigid dogmatic views, and two parties sole focused on their own gains.

As to, Huckabee, he is only hurting the idea that there must be political dogma in order to run our free country. Millions of Dollars spent to help recruit voters in an age when, information can be sent *free* at the click of a button.

God, I miss Zachary Taylor.

Obama 08

If Huckabee weren't still in the race, all we would be hearing about on the news is Obama and Clinton from now until the primaries are over. I think McCain should thank Huckabee for keeping him in the news. Also, Huckabee is doing a good job of reminding us of the core values of the Republican party. Having followed the elections closely, it seems McCain is becoming more conservative the longer Huckabee stays in the race. I was present for a McCain "town hall" meeting and was surprised to hear him use exact quotes from Huckabee. One thing, I am very disappointed in McCain for not debating Huckabee so we can see what their differences really are.

Mike Huckabee said it best himself – this is supposed to be an election, not a coronation. With the way the media have (and have not) covered the candidates on both sides, it seems that they have almost pre-determined who would be left standing.

Neither. At this point, Mike Huckabee's effect on the Republican Party is infintesimal. By staying in the race this long despite his abysmal chances, he's become nothing but a weak magnet for media. He wields as much influence as the voice on your shoulder telling you not to eat that slice of cake.

Patrick Bank: Medina, Ohio.

At first I didn't care for Huckebee, but now it seems like he might take away some of McCain's votes.

Jack,
Huckabee can't possibly do any worse harm to the GOP than the current President. For the Republicans, the Presidential race is pretty much over before it begins. They can thank Mr. Bush and cousin Cheney for that.

Shawn
Alfred University, Alfred NY

Our democracy is based on free elections, where offices must be elected, not assigned or left to the assumed winner. I'm glad Mr. Huckabee is still in there making Mr. McCain work for the nomination.
It's a shame that someone gets criticized for not quitting.

Dave
Knoxville, TN

The only thing Mike Huckabee is doing is showing that he likes attention, he is not taking this election serious anymore, hes floating on a cloud way up in the Sky and i think he needs to be brought back down to earth.

Jhon
Tronto Ontario

I think that he should drop out of the race if he dosn't win Texas. I think that since he is the Governer of Arkansas, this may help him win. I think that if I was republican, I would vote for him. I guess that McCain has more attention because he worked with Bush. But if people knew what a good governer he is in Arkansas he would probably be ahead of McCain now.

Hakabee is trying his AMERICAN right.
He definitely is helping media to keep up the excotment.
More americans are learning american primaries for the first time.

Huckabee is a vital part of the GOP and should have been the nominee! His platform is far more palatable than McCain's to the Democrats and Independents (and I'm a registered Independent who voted Democrat last presidential election!).

In fact, if Huckabee had been given as much air-time as the other candidates (specifically McCain, Clinton and Obama) from the beginning, he could have sweeped the primaries. Too many media outlets have overplayed his "Southern" ties, as if he could not possibly appeal to the remainder of the country.

Unfortunately, too few people understand what he believes and how good he would be for America. Sadly, this means that we may end up with a war monger in the Oval Office yet again if McCain wins. Assuming that McCain wins the ticket, I may very well have to vote Democrat yet again, assuming that Hillary gets the nod.

Generally Huckabee is not really doing anything at all. He is showing how he isn't a quitter and that's a great thing to see except what is it overall accomplishing? Unless Huckabee is really hoping for a vp nod then he isn't really doing anythhing. Regardless the case having either him or John McCain also known as Grandpa Munster will just return us to a even worse off administration.

Not really, I think it's stupid to waste money if I were Huckabee but he's not slowing his Mccain's momentum and he is not a serious threat to Mccain;s nomination. It's clear who will be the GOP nominee so really it doesn't make a difference

Are you kidding me? The only thing Huckabee does is keep McCain from dropping off the radar. Can you spell Bob Dole ?

I think Huckabee is neither helping or hurting the party. His take on the issues I think is interesting and gives us another point of view. John McCain will be the nominee so at this point having Mike Huckabee in the race continues to give a voice to a segment of the Republican Party. Can that be bad? I don't think so.

Mike Huckabee has every right to stay in the race until the last vote is counted. In case you didn't know Jack, this is a democracy.
When a football team is down 35-7 in the 4th quarter do they drop out? No they keep fighting until the final score is official.

Huckabee is the only thing keeping the Republican party in the news.
Without him, Old John will just fall back into the Bush shadow and no-one will care what he says from then on. The Democrats will have center stage and the news all to themselves.

How DARE Mcpain ACT like he's won the nomination! That's an outrage.
The "old" man should go back and sit in the Arizona sun, put a blanket over his pale shoulders, turn up the TV loudly and rock in his chair. All the while watching OLD WAR movies. That way no more young and middle age US military personnel will come home in boxes. Then maybe our nation can get back to the business of governing.

Keep on plugging in there HUCKABEE GO GO GO GO

Who cares lets talk about how Teflon man can get out of the 2 perdicaments he is in. Looks like Mr. Obama is just another politcian. The young people need to wake up and smell the half a cup of decaf moca latee! I just heard John Cary say the dems will vote for Obama when it comes down to it. Not this guy. I'll vote for McCain first!

Mike Huckabee has every right to continue campaigning. The true conservative base's last chance to vote is tonight. Maybe this sends
a message to McCain ... listen to the core. What about a 50 state
primary???Every voice is not being heard.

Neither!

Jack, by staying in the race Huckabee is a problem not for the republican party, but for McCain. Telling McCain that he is better with conservatives, and hopes McCain would choose him for V.P. Afterall haven't anyone figured out why he hasn't attacked McCain.

Mike Huckabee is the only choice of those who want a person of honesty, truthfulness and fairness. He is the true candidate of change and this is why the powerful corporations and the elite of the Republican party are doing all they can to quell him. He isn't bought up by these people of power.

Many of you say you want a person of character and change, but when one finally comes forward, you winper away and vote for the "status quo". Then you cry out that there are no candidates of choice. Either make a move or get off the pot!

The Republican Party was severely hurt before this race ever started. Huckabee is in the race to simply increase his name recognition among Republicans so that he is the front runner in the party for the 2012 election after John McCain loses the up and coming one in November.

Mr Huckabee is padding his ego. He is living off of the funds contributed to his campaign. Remember that he is very fond of freebies.

This election is a cause greater then one's self. Huckabee should step aside as he is nothing more than a minor distraction. If this were a local election I could see him remaining in the race to the end. It simple does not make sense in this national primary. He has clearly demonstrated that he can splinter the party.

Jack,
Huckabee may as well stay in the race. We as Republicans no longer have a viable candidate in the race where important issues are concerned. I'm now extremely concerned about where this Nation, that I love, will end up.
Brent from Idaho

Jack he is in a way helping. He is showing that when a situation is bleak he is still going. I'm more of an obama person but you have to admit his determination (Huckabee) is something worth noting, and i think the republican party needs someone who is determined to be their nomanee. If anything Huckabee should stay in to the very end, and hopefully McCain will be smart enough to ask him to be his running mate.

Khalil
Columbus, Ohio

Huckabee's desperate attempt to stay in the race helps the GOP. If he conceded to McCain the media would be only be focused on Clinton/Obama, which, by the way, isn't hurting the democratic party either.

I had the privilage to hear Huckabee speak in Abilene, Texas yesterday and he is absolutely the solution to the Republican party. Staying in the race even though most the country is convinced McCain will win is an emphasis on his goal to be the voice of the people. Many Texas Republicans felt that they did not have much of a choice for a Republican candidate, and Huckabee stepped up and said that we do have a choice.

Well i never even paid any attention to him until i saw this on your show jack, and like another said before, who gives a Huck!
Same name By the way.

Love the show

Jack
Ohio

Why is it that Ron Paul is excluded from all talk about the republican primaries despite his still being in the race?

I'm not really asking for an answer, more phrasing my frustration in the form of a question.

I really, sadly, had expected more of you.

I believe that Mike staying in is helping the Republican because it is energizing the younger Republicans and also giving us conservative a voice. McCain hasnt totally reach out to us young conservatives....not so much that we are Evangelicals but we all should have a voice to vote and only Huckabee has given us that voice to vote. McCain is only wanting Coronation and not Election...THIS IS UNITED STATES AMERICA where people die for our rights and freedom to vote. Husband and I are Military Veterans, and we really appreciate Mike Huckabee staying in the race.

Huckabee is doing exactly what a politician should do and how it should be done. He is not letting his voters and supporters down by just staying in and actually doing what he said he would do. Isn't that a novel idea – doing what they said they would do. This shows integrity. Mike Huckabee will bring back what our founding fathers brought to our new baby country. That was the thankfulness and gratitude pointed in the right direction. That was going to searchout the word of God before making decisions. I believe Mike Huckabee would in fact ask God for his guidence in his decision making. I do and many other Americans simply pray for Gods help often. I also believe he is the only candidate who would. But.. our founding fathers did and look what that did for America. We need to get this country back to the pride we once had and Huckabee can do that.
Thanks – Michelle – Fort Myers FL

Huckabee may be helping or hurting depending on who you ask, but he has no business being anywhere the White House. As an ordained minister who has already said that all his decisions are predicated on his faith (and who had the hypocritical temerity to suggest that Mitt Romney's faith somehow made him suspect) he is unfit for the office or as a VP. His extreme, poorly informerd, and woefully prejudiced views on evolution, abortion, and stem cell research suggest that he would turn the country into a theocracy, trying to force us all into the camp of evangelical extremists who think the earth is 6000 years old. He should quit now and go back to losing weight ... something he doesn't have politically in the first place.

Part of the solution! Even if you don't like Mike, which I do, he is providing us with an outlet to let the party and the world know what issues are important to us. When Huckabee goes away, so do our issues. I voted for him today and I would vote for him in the general election. People are still voting for him even though everyone would have them think he doesn't have a chance, why, because he stands for what the majority of the party stands for, he just wasn't given enough of a chance in the begining.

Champane F.

My vote is for Barack; however, I do believe that republicans deserve to have a choice. Just because the majority likes McCain doesn't mean all republicans want to vote for him. Instead of asking about Huckabee, we really should be asking why Ron Paul is still in the race.