A Wistful Huck
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - Mike Huckabee spoke to President Bush and many of his supporters Wednesday, a day after ending his presidential bid, and before hosting his entire campaign staff at his home for lasagna and video games.
Speaking outside his home, Huckabee said he was unable to sleep late on the first day in 14 months that he wasn't a presidential candidate. He said he'd grown used to rising early to hit the trail. Instead, Huck spent the entire day on the phone, thanking supporters.
He also placed a call to Bush to thank him for not endorsing a candidate until after he had officially exited the race.
"I had called and just wanted to thank him for not making an endorsement until there had been definitive activity on the nomination, and I told him I appreciated it," Huckabee said. "We had a very pleasant visit, he was very complimentary of the campaign. So, I told him I'd do what I could for the party and for the cause."
Huckabee reiterated that he was disappointed with the final outcome but likened himself to a college basketball team.
"We went further than anybody but the nominee," he said. "To get, if you will, to the Final Four. In NCAA play and March Madness, that's pretty good."
Huckabee said he originally intended to cook ribs for his staff, but that they would have required nine hours to cook. So several tins of lasagna ably substituted. Staffers gathered in the basement to play Rock Band and hold a final team meeting.
(NBC/NJ's MATTHEW BERGER)
I wonder who played the bass :)
President is a man of character which is why voted for him - twice. I was glad to see him hold back on endorsing a candidate. He shows class yet again. My respect for him remains high. History will be kind to GWB. History will also be kind to Governor Huckabee when he comes back in 2012. Go Huckabee! We'll be waiting to vote for you. McCain? Nope. He's going to get creamed by Obama. Why waste a vote? GOP: You made a BIG mistake. In your hatred for PASTOR Huckabee, you shot yourselves in the foot. GOVERNOR Huckabee was the only one with half a chance of beating Obama. Oh well. Kiss the White House goodbye.
The gaming press really loves that Huckabee plays Rock Band - and I do too. With stories like this revealing his good character, it's easy to see how Huckabee could be a really influential politician after this election. I don't think he'll ever be President, but I hope he sticks around.