Social conservatives are one of the three legs to the conservative movement (along with fiscal and foreign policy conservatives). Every individual is going to have a different set of priorities. For some, social conservatism may be their priority, while they are indifferent to fiscal and foreign policy. For others, the priorities will be different.

All three groups need each other and, really, have no where else to go. As reported in the Corner:
“Richard Land, the top public policy official of the Southern Baptist Convention, argued that just as small-government and foreign-policy conservatives could not win a primary without evangelicals, “I don’t think evangelicals can win without most of the rest of those coalitions.”

As a former military - evangelical - economist, I strongly believe in all three legs of the conservative movement. I have no problem with people criticizing Huckabee’s use of identity politics or his demagoguery. I find Huckabee’s quote above particularly distasteful considering its inaccuracy - I think any rational person would have to admit that President Bush is the leader of the party, a social conservative, and an evangelical christian - so its not like social con’s have been told to sit down and shut up as Huckabee contends.

On the other hand, many people are starting to attack all socail conservatives for Huckabee’s success at the pols. This only causes anger and is counter productive. Rick seems so fit to be tied that he contradicts himself - first saying that he would “care less if the evangelical social cons threw a tantrum and walked out” and then lamenting what would happen if they did.

It is widely known that Huckabee’s core base is evangelical christians but that does not mean that they mindlessly support all of his positions. Chances are they do not even KNOW most of his positions just as Gulianni or McCain supporters probably don’t know all of their positions. Huckabee is a very good orator and comes across as very likable. He is focusing on social conservative themes and trying to ignore/deflect everything else. The MSM is happy to let him do this and, unfortunately, in the big scheme of things, not too many people read National Review, Powerline, Townhall, Rightwing Nuthouse, etc.

As such, I would suggest that everyone continue to educate voters about Huckabee’s record but don’t attack all of his current supporters as idiots. It’s just not productive.

Just imagine… Pat Buchanan-isolationist, James Dobson-superSocon, G.W.Bush-big Govt Globalist, Huckleberry-bleeding heart, McCain-Mr.BiPartisan… ALL claiming to be conservatives and not much in common. Movement my @ss!

A little game, Foxworthy style:

You might be a liberal if…..
You raise taxes $505 million dollars.

You might be a liberal if…..
you are endorsed by NEA.

You might be a liberal if…..
You pardon or grant clemency to 1033 criminals including murderers and rapists.

You might be a liberal if…..
your campaign declares the Reagan Coalition dead.

You might be a liberal if…..
You support a nationwide Federal ban on smoking.

You might be a liberal if…..
You call the President’s strategy an “arrogant bunker mentality.

You might be a liberal if…..
The well respected CATO institute gives you a 45 “F” rating on taxes.

You might be a liberal if…..
You favor giving in-state tuition scholarships to illegal immigrants.

You might be a liberal if…..
Rush Limbaugh spends most of his show pointing why you are not a conservative.

And finally, You might be a liberal if…..
On election night, CNN shows the Democrats yelling, chanting, dancing, and clapping uncontrollably when they hear that you won Iowa!

You think because we don’t really appreciate Huckabee’s Bible thumping when he is running for President and not Pastor makes us bigots? Wow! You have really set the bar low, haven’t you?

Hell, man, I’d have more faith in Elmer Gantry.

Prior to 1973 were social conservative issues (ie marriage, abortion, right to religious expression) even on the ballot?

And prior to Reagan wasn’t the Republican Party composed mainly ‘country-club’ Republicans?

Plumb Bob, I understand your concern though I would point out that President Bush did sign the partical-birth ban after 11 years of struggle. Quite an accomplishment considering the president does not have the power to amendment anything without Congressional approval.

One reason why I also support Fred! he understands the process by which our government functions. He knows he cannot offer social conservatives amendments to ban gay marriage or end abortion which is why he is encouraging state rights where, like Rick has mentioned, states establish their own moral code.

Huckabee is the one who is using Christ to identify with his audience; he’s pretty much speaking to Christians.

In any case, Huckabee’s problem is not his faith in Christianity, his problem is his faith in Socialism; I simply will not worship the State.