Up next: Mike Huckabee.
What the conservative pundocracy says: He did well.
What I say: I didn’t see it. Granted, I missed half the debate – but my signal impression of Huckabee was his resounding rejection of…means testing.
I get it – he’s a “Southern” conservative; socially conservative, but not especially afraid of big government or spending.
It was just an odd moment at a debate for the support of a party that’s getting more hawkish on budgets and spending.
Verdict: Back to talk radio, Mike.
I actually find that despite myself, I enjoy listening to Mike Huckabee speak. He can be very charming and personable and I can see why his supporters like him. However for me entitlement reform is my top domestic issue and a candidate who not only is not in favor of it but is actively opposing it by demonizing reform proposals (hint: no one is going to change benefits for people about to retire, every proposal that’s been floated for raising the eligibility age or means-testing is being phased in over a period of years to give people time to plan accordingly) cannot get my vote.