Principles vs. Electability … or Both?
October 23, 2007 by Randy
Filed under Christianity, Current Affairs, Election '08, People, Public Policy
Recently I posted that when Governor Huckabee, a Presidential candidate in the Republican party, spoke to the “Values Voters” at The Washington briefing, he had them jumping in the aisles. I also shared that it made me nervous.
Initially, when I had the sense of being nervous, I thought it centered around the fact that this particular crowd is Christian. When I see over 2000 (2500?) Christians going bonkers over a candidate it makes me nervous because we are acting corporately and are we acting as God would have us?
Now believe me, I am all for going bonkers. I was thrilled with almost all of Huckabee’s speech and am not blaming those jumping around (really not that many, I am embellishing) but, the weight of the campaigns are already so heavy, I don’t want to get swept away. That was my first impression of my “feeling.”
After further consideration though, while the above reasoning is a good description of part of my uneasiness, the real reason I was feeling uncomfortable was the fact that I was being challenged. I had already determined that I would probably vote for Thompson in the primaries. I was going to do so because he’s the closest tier one candidate to my “values” and at this point he is “electable.”
However, after hearing Huckabee, who at this point does not have a clear shot at the White House, how can I not vote for him? Some say that if we vote for Giuliani to win the primaries, he would beat the only one that could beat Hillary. There are some who are saying to not splinter the vote so the Giuliani is assured victory in the primary. That although it would be the lesser of two evils. It wouldn’t be great but the thinking is that it would be better for Giuliani to be President than Hillary.
Dr. Dobson said that he could never vote for any candidate who could kill babies. He never will. He can’t vote for the lesser of two evils because that means we are still voting for evil. Not easy words for a difficult situation.
I asked some friends about my worries that values voters will drift from their values in order to rally behind a candidate for the White House. One friend said that this doesn’t necessarily frame the debate correctly because truth be told, if a candidate matches us perfectly but can’t win … it means nothing if they are not governing. I didn’t get to talk with these friends long because I had to go catch a plane. I need to call them and check in to see if they continued on with it to any degree.
I do think it means something to vote for the ideal candidate even though they are not currently “electable.” I think it means, especially during primaries that we vote in who God gives us peace to vote for. Right now I have a peace to vote for Huckabee in the primaries and will worry about who the nominee is after that.
But then again, anything could happen between now and the primaries much less next November.
What do you think? Is it a matter of values vs. electability or some sort of combination of both?
Technorati Tags: Election ‘08, Huckabee, Values Voters, Giuliani, Primaries
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When you responded to me the other day in your Huckabee post here I sort of gasped out loud and thought that it was important for me to consider the “thought” of voting my values and beliefs first rather than voting according to electability (the lesser of the two evils) idea. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says that the eyes of the Lord roam the earth to look for that heart that is completely His to support and strengthen. 1 Samuel 16 tells of God choosing the one He wanted to rule the people. David was chosen to be the replacement for the guy (Saul) that the people elected because of his electability. So, you’ve presented me with an idea that I really need to consider (read: pray about).
Wow… very very good parallel there Mrs. Laura Leigh. We are both in the same boat. Keep me updated with your process and I will do the same.
Interesting post.
First of all, are you sacrificing any principles by supporting a Fred Thompson over a Mike Huckabee? My answer is no.
Is Huckabee a better speaker? Yes. Is Huckabee a better bridge builder? No.
Can Huckabee unite all wings of the party? No…he really has problems with the fiscal conservatives because of his fiscal policy. He also has problems with some of the base with some of his crazy immigration ideas (like giving college scholarships to illegals) and his pandering to the National Education Association through opposition to private school choice.
Huckabee and Thompson both have stellar pro-life records. Thompson is leading in South Carolina - and close to leading in a number of state. Huckabee does well in Iowa. Huckabee also cannot expect to advance when he only raises $1 million in a quarter (barely enough to run a statewide campaign in a small Southern state).
With Thompson, there is no sacrifice of principle. With Huckabee, there is a sacrifice of electability
I don’t think I’ll make a firm decision as to whom I will lend my less than considerable (ha!) support to until after the primaries. For one thing, I’m a registered Independent and here in California I’m unable to vote in either the Democrat or Republican primaries. And that’s fine!
I’m, much to the consternation of many I know, not a “single-issue” voter. While there has been constant talk about abortion during each and every election I can remember, I often feel that from the conservative side of the aisle nothing really is accomplished which comes down to almost nothing more than pure lip service. As much as a candidate may talk about abortion, it seems to kind of fall through the cracks once they take office. And, I don’t forsee, no matter who the candidate a change.
As for Huckabee, the times I’ve seen him, I really liked him. Heck, even Bill Mauer seems to genuinely like him. I also think my pastor is an amazing person who speaks the truth. I’m not about to ask him to be my President though.
j.
God uses the under dog to confound the wise and to direct all glory to Himself. With Mr. Huckabee, I can see a man whom God can use to be glorified. Mr Huckabee sure doesn’t hide his views from the press and isn’t ashamed of the gospel. I think I’ll vote for him.
Scott I hear what you are saying and that is the quandary I am in. You might be settled but I am not. I have also heard of the fiscal issues with Huckabee but I had not heard of the scholarships. That’s doesn’t sound right. Nevertheless, Huckabee is unapologetically Christian … redemptively so. He is a Pastor and well, I have yet to hear Thompson talk about his faith in a way that goes beyond the surface. Have you heard something?
J. that’s the thing about Huckabee though… he’s been a governor for a LONG time with amazing approval ratings. He’s a Pastor and an elected civil servant to a high office. He’s already not your typical Pastor.
Daniel I know brother. I love that about Huckabee! But don’t forget, God used King Darius (or was it Cyrus?) don’t have time to look it upt, but he used a secular King to bless His people (Israel.) God can use anyone to bring glory to Himself … the question is … is He wanting to “annoint” Huckabee for that purpose in this season? Is He doing this with Huckabee knowing that this may be as far as Huckabee will go? God can totally tell someone to do something and the end goal is not known to anyone but God. He’s done it before. Ugh… still conflicted.
First, those verses Laura cited are jawdroppers. I’m almost feeling I should go away and meditate on them before even commenting….
Second, this is the first presidential election in which religious values are serious considerations. It means that, no matter how many of my friends will, I will not vote for Rudy Giuliani in the primary. (Most of my political pals are “9/11 Republicans” and therefore pleased, if not enthusiastic, about his candidacy.) It means, like Ann Coulter said during the Q&A at CPAC, that if both major party candidates are for abortion, then something is really wrong with the country.
At this point I like Duncan Hunter the best of the lot.
Duncan is the only one I missed and I know nothing about him. ::: embarrassed :::
Here’s a piece from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
“Another bill in the draft stages, back by Gov. Mike Huckabee, would make illegal aliens eligible for state-funded scholarships and in-state tuition if they graduate from high school in Arkansas.” (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1/27/05)
Additionally, there are a number of ethical issues as explained at this website: http://www.palmettoscoop.com/2007/10/25/ethics-concerns-befoul-two-white-house-contenders/
As far as Thompson talking about his faith, I have heard him talk about it in a general context in various venues and I hope to hear him expoud on it as he continues to campaign here in the Palmetto State.