From the Huckabee campaign:
Momentum and message are the key words coming out of today’s Republican presidential debate on ABC News at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Governor Huckabee clearly has it; other candidates whose campaigns are stagnant or failing only wish they did.
1. The debate opened with the network revealing details of the latest ABC News-Washington Post poll results in Iowa. Governor Huckabee has surged to a tie for third place among declared candidates at 8 percent. It’s no surprise that former Governor Mitt Romney leads because of the extraordinary amount of money he has poured into the race, including millions of his personal fortune. Former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani, who has chosen to ignore the Republican Party of Iowa Straw Poll in Ames this coming Saturday, is in second place as he continues to ride a wave of name identification. What has! surprised the mainstream media is Governor Huckabee’s continued strong showing, which can only be attributed to the strength of his message and the hard work of dedicated friends and volunteers like you.
2. Pollster Frank Luntz, who measured debate watchers’ reactions in real time, said afterward that Governor Huckabee is the clear winner. As in past debates, the public has responded favorably to his command of the facts, his control of his emotions and his ability as an outstanding communicator. That’s what leadership is all about, folks. As the Governor often says, he’s a conservative, but he’s not mad at anybody. That came through again in today’s debate, and that creates a real connection with the American public. Whenever people see Mike Huckabee, they come away with a favorable impression. Luntz’s tracking proves that fact.
3. The American public got another opportunity today to see that Governor Huckabee’s message is on target. On Iraq, health care, national infrastructure and other issues, Governor Huckabee of fered the most effective, balanced, reasoned and comprehensive solutions. The bottom line is that Mike Huckabee defined himself again today as a candidate with executive experience and a message focused on a strong, safe, economically vibrant America. He has what it takes to restore America’s greatness.
