Re. Jimmuh Carter, I think you’re comparing apples to oranges. How many “Evangelicals” would cast a ballot for Carter if he were running–with his same platform, today?

Huckabee is simply one of a set of “flawed” candidates, each of whom struggles with either credibility or credentials. His “identity” as a thorough-going Evangelical doesn’t hurt his standing in my mind, but there are many Christians I wouldn’t support for public office and I certainly am not interested in Huckabee in spite of his policy positions.

But the thing is they did support Carter, who ran on the same issues (populism) as Huckabee, in 1976. Carter was a liberal and a devout Southern Baptist also, as is Huckabee. Neither are/were conservative in any sense except religion.

By “religion” do you mean abortion, abstinence-ed, homosexual marriage, etc.? If so, correct me if I’m wrong, but Carter wasn’t Conservative on any of these issues. And, I know this may offend some folks, but Carter seems to have left his “devoutness” at the door of his “public office.”

And I’d assert that the Evangelical vote/consumer is much more discerning/sophisticated than it was in 1976, frankly. The process of running for office is much more exacting and platforms are much more explicit now than they were then, don’t you think?

Finally, I guess you’re saying that Huckabee is “a liberal”? I have problem with that kind of broad brushing, Glen. Sure I think it is legitimate to assert that he is more “liberal” or less “conservative” than another candidate, but . . .

I agree. The evangelical voter is much more sophisticated than the media gives them credit for, and that is why the vast majority will make sure that Huckabee loses.

Now, you knew that I would have to respond to that . . . you don’t really agree (or I didn’t make myself clear). I guess it is important to distinguish between “Evangelicals” and “Religious Conservatives.” The only “Evangelicals” whose vote is up for grabs in a general election are the white, mainline evangelicals. Black Evangelicals have voted party-line Democrat for decades and something like 3/4 of White Evangelicals have voted Republican for the past couple of decades. When I say “sophisticated,” I mean “more discriminating” about “their” issues. The proliferation of special Interest groups, the 24/7 news cycle, the alternative media, the increasing clout of the Religious Right, etc. have all contributed to the reality that a GOP candidate cannot navigate the primary process without taking stands on a host of issues important to Religious Conservatives.

That being said, I’m not sure that “the evangelical voter” is as concerned about (or attuned with) Conservative fiscal policies or limited gov’t. I think the data support that–regarding Dubya’s spending record, regarding Huckabee.

Carter’s best selling book, “Why Not the Best”, rallied a lot of support among Christians in the mid-70’s…not that the book was about Carter’s Christianity but the book was published by Broadman Press, the Southern Baptist publishing arm with more influence than sense. The press was no match for Carter’s book. In the end, Huckabee’s smooth delivery will be no match for Internet-era scrutiny.

I like Huckabee. He’s a fine fellow. He tells great stories and has a marvelous sense of humor. I would prefer, however, to elect someone with better credentials than a seminary degree and a Southern governorship.

Well there is certainly a precedent for the southern, specifically Arkansan, governorship part.