Somewhere in Iowa, likely in an cluster of temporary offices that once housed a Circuit City, Mitt Romney’s staffers are no doubt breathing a little easier today. Elsewhere, in his underground lair, Roger Ailes’ nightly glass of immigrant tears probably tastes just a little cleaner this evening.
That’s because Mike Huckabee announced on his show Saturday night that he will not seek the 2012 Republican nomination.
For Romney’s part, it eliminates what many perceive as the greatest threat to his ascension to the GOP nomination. Huckabee’s greatest strength, aside from his healthy jowls, is his widespread support among the Evangelical Christian set. Given that the GOP base is composed mainly of Evangelicals, old white folks, and people who name their kids Brayden and Quinlan, Huckabee was guaranteed to continue as a thorn in Romney’s side throughout the primary season, had he decided to play along.
As for Ailes, it grants him one more known as his “news” network enters a state of flux. In recent months, the network has already announced that Glenn Beck will not be retained at the end of his contract and suspended the contributor contracts of already-announced candidate Newt Gingrich and soon-to-be-failed candidate Rick Santorum (I’ll wait while you Google and giggle). That’s a lot of crazy to replace without the possibility of losing Huckabee and his wack-a-doodle cartoons.
So, what of the Jesus Campers? To whom shall they throw their support?
Mittens Romney? Sorry, Mormons don’t play well in the kingdom of Real Jesus.
Newt Gingrich? Well, they might give the poor guy one divorce, but two? Not likely.
Palin? Just kidding! We know she’s not going to give up the gravy train that is Fox News. Being President is actual work, and we know how Sarah feels about that.
Tim Pawlenty? He does seem to have some support amongst the Evangelical set, as his membership at Woodale Church, an Evangelical mega-church in Minnesota, would suggest. Come on, though, really? This guy?
In a field with no clear frontrunner, gaining favor with a voting bloc that some estimate to be as large as 30 million is vital, especially in the primary season. On the GOP side, the Evangelicals can very well deliver the nomination. With one of their favorites already staying home, and the other likely to do so, that’s a lot of votes up for grabs. Expecting the pandering to come hot and heavy over the next few weeks.
(Pic via Gage Skidmore)
