Character IS the Issue
How People With Integrity Can Revolutionize America,
by Gov. Mike Huckabee & John Perry


(Click for Amazon book review)

BOOK REVIEW by OnTheIssues.org:

This book is the 1997 predecessor for the 2007 book Character Makes a Difference. Since Huckabee was running for President in 2007, the newer book is heavily influenced by his preparations. In other words, the 1997 book is the more "honest" version of the same book. The 2007 book is not promoted as an update of the 1997 book -- it just FEELS like an update, because the two books share whole passages in several parts.

The two books have a lot of overlap. They both discuss the legacy of Gov. Jim Guy Tucker, who resigned in scandal making Huckabee governor. Bill Clinton was Tucker's predecessor, so he figures prominently in this book as well (and Clinton also inspired the book's title, in the negative). This book also leans more on policy issues (Huckabee as governor) than on character issues (Huckabee as presidential candidate).

The two books have whole passages in common, however, and the 1997 book gives the same feeling as the 2007 book:

We dug back into the past to review this book because Huckabee is clearly running for president in 2012. Political junkies will recall that Huckabee was the last of McCain's opponents to withdraw, waiting well beyond when it was obvious that McCain had a mathematical lock on the nomination. Huckabee's line then was, "I didn't major in mathematics; I majored in miracles." Pundits heard that as, "I am using the bully pulpit of still running for president to get better known for 2012." Because he dropped out last, Huckabee can accurately claim that he got the 2nd most deelgates at the 2008 GOP Convention.

Political junkies might also note Huckabee's new national TV show, called "Huckabee", which focuses on political interviews and homemade music (Huckabee's other passion). The mainstream media thereby acknowledges that Huckabee can draw an interested audience. The political pundits acknowledge that Huckabee can thereby stay in the national spotlight until he formally announces sometime around 2011.

-- Jesse Gordon, jesse@OnTheIssues.org, Dec. 2008

OnTheIssues.org excerpts:  (click on issues for details)

Abortion     Mike Huckabee: By deciding abortion is OK, we're our own god.

Budget & Economy     Mike Huckabee: Use cost-benefit analyses on all programs.

Civil Rights     Mike Huckabee: Until recently, no one suggested homosexuality was equal.

Crime     Mike Huckabee: Comfortable with death penalty biblically & politically.

Drugs     Mike Huckabee: Informational videos don't work and never will.

Education     Mike Huckabee: Don't ignore building character in our classrooms.

Government Reform     Mike Huckabee: As governor, recognize God's moral authority.     Mike Huckabee: Pastors & politicians both need communication & volunteers.

Principles & Values     Bill Clinton: Character isn't the issue.     Bill Clinton: First Arkansan to run for President; set AR turnout record.     Bill Clinton: OpEd: Whitewater? No; Clinton distrusted Jim Guy Tucker.     Bill Clinton: 1992: Left AR financial mess for successor to clean up.     Bill Clinton: OpEd: Rise to power epitomizes the American dream.     Bill Clinton: OpEd: Able to make anyone feel comfortable and at home.     George Bush Sr.: OpEd: lost in 1992 because people saw themselves in Clinton.     Mike Huckabee: Dealt with Yellow Dog Democrats as governor.     Mike Huckabee: I freely admit, I love the excitement of campaigning.     Mike Huckabee: Governorship principles: leadership, family, & participation.

Tax Reform     Mike Huckabee: Remove sales tax on food; it's regressive.

Welfare & Poverty     Mike Huckabee: Welfare should be conditioned upon work.

Click for quotations from other sources by: Bill Clinton George Bush Sr. Mike Huckabee