Historic Victory

Values Voter Debate Straw Poll

1. Mike Huckabee 219

My recorder cut out so I am going to have to wing this by memory. This was truly a historic debate. Not only did Gov. Huckabee win by a landslide, with Ron Paul coming in second with 44 votes, but this debate set a new standard. By far, the majority of the time went to the candidates who were not interrupted during their responses. I actually felt like I learned something about each of the candidates. I cannot think of a single question that was asked that I did not want to know the answer to.

A matter of fact, the only complaint that I have is during the second round instead of giving a verbal response the candidates just hit a light to answer; green if they agreed or red if they disagreed. I realize this was done to get as many questions asked as possible and to get the candidates on record, but the questions were so good I would like to have heard the responses. Another tactic that I feel was extremely effective was they would ask an occasional question to one of the empty podiums of the candidates that did not show up; which had their names on them.

I think three of the four probably regret not showing up. Rudy is probably grateful that he did not show up as there was an extremely heart-wrenching question directed to his empty podium by a woman who had survived an attempted abortion. I have to admit it was very moving and put a face on the issue of abortion.

I have not said much bad about Ron Paul in the past because I agree with a lot of his non foreign policy stances, but he really proved that he did not belong on the stage tonight. The rest of the candidates were extremely articulate and represented the Party well, but Gov. Huckabee was the only top tier candidate on the stage tonight. He really came across as the leader of the pack. I felt he had an off debate during the last Republican debate, but in my opinion this was his best performance to date.

Here are some reactions from other Huckabee bloggers:

One Mom had several good posts on the debate. Click here, here and here.

Old School Conservative has their take on the debate here.

And Oh Baby That's What I Like! has this post.