Huckabee wants healthier culture

Editor's note: Even though the presidential election is not until 2008, potential candidates to succeed President Bush are already making their way around the country. When they visit the Triangle, The News & Observer will try to ask them a few questions.

Before entering politics, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was an evangelical Baptist minister. But Huckabee has always been a bit hard to pigeonhole.

Although a conservative Republican, Huckabee recently signed into law a minimum wage increase; his position on immigration is close to that of President Bush; and he often talks about helping the poor.

Within the past year, Huckabee has lost more than 110 pounds and is now preaching healthier lifestyles. A native of Hope, Ark. -- yes, just like Bill Clinton -- he has been governor for 10 years and now heads the National Governors Association.

He nearly didn't make it to the state GOP convention in New Bern over the weekend when his small plane lost an engine and was forced to land in Chattanooga. But when he did, Huckabee sat down with Rob Christensen of The News & Observer.

The interview is part of a series of talks with potential 2008 presidential candidates as they visit North Carolina.

Q: What do Republicans need to do to hold the White House?

A: I think we have to appeal to the average American. The Republican message is one that really should be communicated to folks out there raising families and trying to pay the rent.

Sometimes, I feel like we are getting a message that is very appealing to corporate boardrooms and a room full of CPAs. But there are a lot of folks out there who are just wondering whether they will have enough gas in the pickup to get to work.

Will they be able to meet their obligations if their son breaks his arm on the playground?

Q: Do you view yourself as a pickup truck Republican?

A: I grew up blue collar, virtually no collar, quite frankly. I feel like I have never gotten that far away from my roots. I tell people I have a lot more in common with folks working in the kitchen than I do folks at the head table. I had to learn how to sit at the head table. I know how to behave back cleaning up the kitchen.

Q: Do you consider yourself more politician or preacher?

A: Neither one. I'm an evangelical Christian believer. That shapes so much of who I am and what I am about. I think that shapes my political views in a way that is sometimes difficult for people to predict. For example, I am unapologetically a conservative Republican.

But I'm not mad at anybody. And I don't have a stinger out for someone.

Because of my faith, I am not indifferent to people who are struggling and who are poor. I feel like our party needs to do a better job of being inclusive in our policies so it touches all the people in our culture, including the people who are struggling the most. ...

Two things govern my political philosophy. One is the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto to you." And the other is Scripture from Matthew chapter 25, verse 40: "Inasmuch as you have done to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." I feel like that gives you real good ditches to drive between.

Q: How is the war in Iraq going?

A: I was there in January and had an opportunity to visit in Iraq and Afghanistan and Kuwait. I went on to Pakistan to see the relief efforts.

In talking with Arkansas soldiers, I said I don't want the official version. I want you to tell me if what you are doing here is significant and really makes a difference. I didn't find anyone who felt their time was being wasted or abused....