It looks like Barack Obama has swept the Democratic contests today.
And at the moment, it’s looking like a very good day for Mike Huckabee. With a powerful win in Kansas, he’s shown that he’s in the race and credibly so.
Washington has switched leaders while I’ve watched, but at 37% reporting, Mike Huckabee is in the lead 27% to 23% over John McCain (with Ron Paul at an impressive 21%!).
Louisiana, with 2,689 out of 3,966 precincts reporting, is showing 47% for Huckabee and 39% for McCain (5% for Ron Paul). Of course, this might not count for anything in terms of delegates — I think that the delegates will only be awarded if there’s a majority. Otherwise, they go to the state convention. Still, momentum is a good thing.
So, I have to say a few things … first of all, all of those headlines about how Mitt Romney cleared the way for John McCain to take the GOP nomination might have been slightly premature. It looks like he might have cleared the way for Mike Huckabee to make his run. I should probably thank Gov. Romney. I’ll do that sometime when I’m feeling more gracious.
The powers that be had anointed John McCain as the nominee after Super Tuesday. Apparently, someone forgot to tell the voters.
The same thing has happened in the Democratic race. Hillary Clinton was supposed to be handed her nomination. After today, I don’t think that she’s even going to be in the lead (note that I could look up delegate counts, I just don’t care that much about their race … I know that I’ll never vote for either of them, anyway). She’s apparently making some noise now about trying to get delegates back for Michigan and Florida … changing the rules mid-game.
The major power-brokers in both parties are not happy today. The serfs aren’t doing what they’re told. For this lover of democracy, it’s a good day to be alive.
February 10, 2008 at 12:10 am
Today has been a great day (well other then the NASCAR race, not happy with that - and yes, i have been saying that everywhere).
I am so hoping Paul over takes McCain for second in Washington… wouldn’t the establishment have fits over that?
February 10, 2008 at 12:20 am
I just snorted my tea at that one … Yes, that would be awesome!
I’ve been watching the Louisiana race on the Sec. of State site:
http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms2&rqsdta=020908
… so I’ve been watching the race between General Curry and Ambassador Keyes almost as closely as that between Gov. Huckabee and Sen. McCain.
But in Washington … wow … that would be a blast.
I’m having lunch with my parents tomorrow, so I’m sure I’ll hear about the race. I take it that it didn’t go well? I’m not into NASCAR, myself, but my parents and older brother are, so I know a few things.
As usual, feel free to rant. But let’s make sure to share the beers with TRM if he stops by.
(Have I ever mentioned that I don’t even drink?)
February 10, 2008 at 12:25 am
Obamamania’s running wild brother!
I like Huck. He’s got charm. On the issues, however….hmmm. The gay marriage thing, for example, I’ve never understood.
/btw-what are “PTB’s”, again? Powers that be?
February 10, 2008 at 12:30 am
:) Yeah, it would be a blast. I am so waiting for it… even the cloesness of the numbers is fun. They tried to ignor Paul’s numbers on Cnn but Blitzer interupted and said it.
Gee.. the presumed nominee is only 2% ahead of the total dark horse, and being beaten everywhere today by the other dark horse. Yes, I am gloating…
I am a huge NASCAR fan. The race was good for some people… one of my best friends is estatic. Me… not so much. JR took it… and he was one of the last ones i wanted to win.
The fact you don’t drink just leaves more for TRM and I. I do promise to share!
February 10, 2008 at 12:34 am
Powers that be, yes.
Well, you know, that’s just about how I feel about Obama. I might love to have him as my neighbor, but I disagree with him on just about everything. Oh, well …
Still, I’d love to see him run away with the nomination and leave the Clintons and their cronies trying to figure out what happened. Even though he’d be tough to beat in a general election. I don’t think that any Republican ever in this race but Huckabee could do it. The guy’s got charisma that won’t quit, but seems like a real guy — unlike the mannequins Edwards and Romney who look too perfect and polished.
February 10, 2008 at 12:43 am
Well, at the moment I’m fearing that I started gloating too early. McCain’s only two points behind Huckabee (44-42) now in LA, and he’s 2 points ahead (26-24) in Washington with 78% reporting.
Apparently, I’m not going to bed anytime soon.
February 10, 2008 at 12:45 am
I agree… Huckabee has the best chance against Obama, if he were to get the nom… and like you I disgaree with about everything about him.
Edwards and Rimnet remind me if the human versions of cylons (Battle Star Gallactica reference) or replicators (Star Gate reference)
February 10, 2008 at 12:46 am
The massive change in Washington shocked me. But, still very close.
February 10, 2008 at 12:48 am
I was contemplating a post on Huck’s Cuba policy for my blog. If I’m not mistaken, I think he’s the only candidate that mentions it on his/her site (at least, that prominently). Might make a good thread.
February 10, 2008 at 12:54 am
Sure - point out one of the areas I completely disagree with him on… ;)
February 10, 2008 at 1:08 am
Tam, I’m with you on Cylons and Replicators. No need to explain.
Actually, the fact that I’ve been running this blog this long without making more science fiction references is rather amazing. I own all 10 seasons of SG-1 on DVD, and the original series of BSG. I really don’t care for the new one.
I also have the greatest science fiction movie of all time … “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” Excellent.
Do you have any idea how many times I almost typed the name “Darth Romney”?
February 10, 2008 at 1:15 am
Oh wow - another Sci-fi fan! While I don’t have SG-1 on DVD, I rewatch them all the time on the Sci-Fi channel (ot it to DVR it). I actually like the new BSG… the old one I loved as a kid (repeates even then), but seems so campy now. The new one is edgy…
Never saw that movie… I will have to check it out.
Darth Romeny is good and fitting, and you should add the Sci-fi references. I do think Romney looks like a replicator.
February 10, 2008 at 1:19 am
Everyone still watching CNN? What’s-his-face is having an absolute blast with this Huck development. How many times have they said “crushed”? 15?
February 10, 2008 at 1:35 am
I don’t have cable, so I’m not watching CNN.
Who was crushed? McCain in Kansas? Other than that, I’d say LA and WA are too close to call at this point.
On a different note … you don’t suppose that this post title is going to get me in trouble with the listing on prolifeblogs.com, do you?
February 10, 2008 at 1:42 am
CNN just called LA for Huck!
February 10, 2008 at 2:08 am
I’m looking at the official site of the Sec of State. 99% reporting, it’s 43-42 for Huckabee. Good enough to win, but I’m pretty sure that it doesn’t mean anything without a majority. Momentum, though … momentum.
With 83.1% reporting in WA, it’s 25.6-23.8% for McCain. Sigh …
February 10, 2008 at 2:14 am
HuckMentum!
February 10, 2008 at 2:34 am
Some of us would say that there’s something very right with that situation.
Even if McCain scrapes away with a win in WA, it’s hardly going to be bragging rights.
“Yes, I’m the Republicans’ choice … So, I got my butt kicked in the red state of Kansas. But Louisiana didn’t give any delegates to my opponent because he didn’t beat me badly enough. And I narrowly squeezed out a victory in the … uhhh … blue state. So, about that nomination?”
Maybe he should withdraw now so that the GOP can unite behind its candidate? The Washington State GOP site is showing the spread at 1.8%.
Not as bad as Hillary’s night, but I don’t suppose that the McCain camp is celebrating anything tonight.
February 10, 2008 at 11:07 am
Wickle,
The Lousiana vote keeps McCain from getting 20 more delegates (he already has 27 from Louisiana from their caucus). Now the remaining 20 will be awarded at the State GOP Conveniton. I think that takes place in a couple weeks or so. Here’s hoping they award them to Huckabee. If Huckabee had gotten 50.1%, he would have taken all 47 delegates.
February 10, 2008 at 11:20 am
Help me out here I keep hearing 20 states. I’m counting 8 Tx,VT,OH,RI,WI,DC,MD,VA.I’m not seeing a llot for Mike here.I didn’t major in math or miracles but where’s the 20 and where does Huck get 800 delegates out of these. If all of Mitts went Huck he breaks 500. That’s not gonna happen. As for CPAC things. the room gets dominated by fans of the speaker. Not exclusive but heavy so cheers and jeers there are biased. Not to contradict btw CPAC straw poll winner=Romney. It’s funny how badly the GOP is in the toilet. “President Obama should we send the bombers,should we send the bombers Mr. President answer me! Change ? What the @#$% are you talking about “!!!!!!!
February 10, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I put up a post called “What’s left?” about the remaining states.
http://1truebeliever.wordpress.com/2008/02/08/whats-left/
After the Super Saturday events, there’s still:
MD, VA, DC, WI, the territories (Guam, American Samoa, etc.), OH, RI, TX, VT, MS, PA, NC, IN, NB, KY, OR, ID, SD, and NM.
That’s 17 actual states, plus the District of Columbia, plus the territories. Not an easy run for Huckabee, I’ll give you that.
I’m not sure if you’re responding to me about CPAC … but, umm … okay. I don’t recall mentioning the CPAC straw poll, but if I got it wrong or linked to something that got it wrong, I accept the rebuke.
February 11, 2008 at 1:20 am
No rebuke I went to you as a reliable source- throw that on your header you’re officially a source. CPAC sorry I thought I saw something about his speech there. I also offered it as evidence that the fences aren’t as mended as the Sen. from AZ may like to believe and the former Gov. is still vulnerable to having his con-creds questioned.
February 11, 2008 at 9:21 am
I liked Huckabee’s response to the comment that he was mathematically out of the race.
“I didn’t major in math. I majored in miracles.”
You got to hand it to the guy. He has a sharp wit and a quick tongue.
February 11, 2008 at 9:26 am
Okay … I understand.
Fences aren’t mended with McCain, no question. Lots of people have no intention of voting for him.
As for Huckabee … you’re right. Lots of people don’t like him, either. I really find that most of that comes from superficial reviews of his record (not looking at why he raised taxes, for example). Still, at this point, that doesn’t count for much. If people have made up their minds, their minds are made up.
There is a level of alienation that any nominee will have to deal with at this point.
February 12, 2008 at 1:00 am
Very true Wickle. another thing that is hampering Huckabee is that people don;t get the difference between what a governor is responsible for and then what a President is… (and even huckabee has mentioned the difference).
Then there is the little overlooked fact that is is pushing the fairtax… which gets us completely out of the raise tax issues…