Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Huckabee=SPBPD   [Rich Lowry]

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Mike Huckabee represents a type of candidate never before seen in the Republican Party (unless you count Strom Thurmond after 1964).  Mike is sui generis for us, at least in our generation. But his type has long been known to and found within the Democratic Party:    

    Southern Poor-boy Populist Demagogue.    [SPBPD] 

 

Think Huey Long or George Wallace, James K. Vardaman, or 'Pitchfork' Ben Tillman, to name the most salient examples of this genus.  All Governors of Deep South states (most of whom later went to Congress). Natural politicians, answering to no human authority higher than their trusting voters, not much in the way of worldly wealth—-but able by specific 'Issues' and their God-given innate people skills to move the masses of their states and region as could no other competing candidates.   Even so canny a politician as Franklin Roosevelt feared Huey Long, for Long's motivational skills among a huge segment of the Roosevelt Coalition.

Very Good Reason why Mike has failed to raise much campaign cash:  Money *fears* a Southern Poor-boy Populist. "Responsible" men of Wall Street and business flee from them whenever possible. (If the Populist wins power despite his opposition then the businessman cuts whatever deal he can, usually at price of supporting the Demagogue.)  Money people know: the Poor-boy, in Power, makes Wealthy men cower.   A Demagogue points accusingly at a "Club For Greed!"; calls for "FAIR Tax!" and seeks to use the Power of the State to remake society for his populist ends... 

Mike is the first serious SPBPD to appear in our Republican ranks (Roy Moore might have beat him to the post position but failed). But Mike will not be the last.  Shows how the Republicans have become the Party of the South.

10/24 04:31 PMShare