Huckabeliever

We concluded our interviews with the U.S. Presidential candidates today, having lunch with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. I was singularly impressed with the man, both as a person, and as a candidate. To begin with, he is able to converse in a way that conveys an interest beyond his own daily ambitions. I have found that to be quite rare, though not entirely unheard of in today's politics. Further, you quickly learn in speaking with Huckabee that he holds views beyond the thin mantras of the consultants and strategists. Again rare. But unlike any other candidate, I found in him a depth and persuasiveness that cultivates trust. It is a quality of leadership that cannot be discovered in polls or purchased from political groomsmen. It is a quality which every people thirsts for, one that can make a nation great.

As Governor Huckabee said to me, "I'm a So-con, but I'm more than that. I'm a Fi-con, but I'm more than a Fi-con. I'm a Neo-con, but I'm not just a So-con, Fi-con, and Neo-con -- I'm what I like to call a Genghis-con, a leader, a man who unites a people and raises them up to greatness.

We talked for hours -- we even prayed together. Then, as I thought we were near to finishing the conversation, I said, not intending much by it, "If I can help you in any way, please let me know."

Much to my surprise, he asked me to join his campaign in an official role. "Look, I've got Chuck Norris, and he's done wonders for my national security chops, if you'll pardon the expression. But I'm still vulnerable on foreign policy, and let's face it, in Chuck's work he's usually defending against an aggressor. I could really use you to give me a little arrogant bunker mentality of my own. I mean, you wiped out nation after nation with no cause for provocation, and that could really balance out the whole "preacher" thing. So what do you say?"

I politely informed the Governor that while the idea was quite intriguing, my visa into the U.S. did not allow me to officially work for any candidate.

At this, Huckabee stood up, walked to the door, shut it, and returned to his chair. "It's O.K., Genghis, I'm your pastor now. I can't be forced to testify against you."

And there you have it. I not only endorse, but am now working for, Governor Mike Huckabee.

(See other candidate interviews: Edwards, Thompson, Clinton, Giuliani, Biden, Paul, Romney, Kucinich, McCain, and Obama.)