More Top Picks Best Under Desk Drawers For Home Offices
player ready...by Jason George
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – When Mike Huckabee appeared here this afternoon at an Elks Lodge, he spent the first third of his time on stage with his bass guitar in hand, thumping his way through the 12-bar blues standards of “Mustang Sally,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Sweet Home Chicago.”
Later, in a 30-minute speech, he filled his minutes speaking of his humble upbringing and his lifetime of integrity, echoing the themes of his 2007 book, “Character Makes the Difference,” a volume largely seen as Huckabee’s argument for why he’s qualified for the presidency.
Huckabee did not take questions from reporters or the audience. Nor did he venture into any discussions on Pakistan, where he stumbled last week, or foreign affairs in general. Instead he is focused on his faith, the funny and his family, after being introduced by his wife, Janet, who has been absent stump-side in recent weeks.
The focus on his character and his Christianity seemed to work well with the crowd, whose biggest applause came after Huckabee mentioned his anti-abortion stance. Heads also nodded when he used Biblical allusions or sermon-like language, such as speaking of a his willingness to fight for those “fundamental issues that define who we are” and his desire to be a “servant and a leader.” Huckabee also implicitly cast himself as a David versus the Goliath of former Gov. Mitt Romney’s campaign, which has spent millions more than Huckabee in the Hawkeye state.