Pursuit of the Presidency: "Uncle Sugar", Mike Huckabee, Rises To The Top Of GOP Race

Political prognostication is an evolving industry.  Back in the day, cable networks across the nation were flooded with mystical offerings like the famous Miss Cleo.  Sure, there are those who like the fun and intrigue of a good reading, but most people find it to be nothing more than entertainment, much like what we do everyday in professional sports.  The Miss Cleo's of modern political punditry are finding a similar demand to this mystical mayhem of old.

And what does Miss Cleo say about the prospects for the next republican presidential candidate?

Right now Uncle Sugar has taken a lead in the conservative run at the presidency.  Miss Cleo reserves the right to change her visionary prediction (as poll numbers change), but right now, Mike "Uncle Sugar" Huckabee has taken the lead.

Few would have expected him to even gain support for the presidency after failed attempts in the past.  In a recent speech, Huckabee denounces women who can't control their libido enough to pay for their own birth control without the help from Uncle Sugar. This statement got as much notice from those who support his thoughts as it did from those who never met their uncle named sugar.

For the laymen who did not catch his coin of phrase, Uncle is a reference to Uncle Sam and Sugar is a reference to the term Sugar Daddy, a man who pays a woman (non-prostitute) for her time and wares. What he did not quite realize is that whoever takes over the role of president becomes the embodiment of this mythical "Uncle Sugar" that he speaks of.  If Huckabee seeks to become president, he will also become Uncle Sugar.

Since those who actually respond to polls will segment their support from the list of the most likely's, no one candidate has gained a larger percentage than the 14% support that Uncle Sugar possesses.  I have seen polls that show Mitt Romney at or near the top (14%-15%), but no one yet believes that Ann Romney will let him run again. However, the mere notion that Uncle Sugar is leading the pre-preseason race speaks to the most resounding force in the republican party right now.

The religious right is ready to place its fingerprint on this race.  They are tired of losing with left leaning candidates because invariably, you will look back on your failures and always wonder if the compromise was the cause.  A moderate candidate might just make it through again, simply because prudence dictates these things, but this will be a bruising battle to win the party nomination.

Uncle Sugar might appeal to Tea Party religiosity, but he does not seem equipped to raise the money it takes to give more bruising then you take in a primary battle, and comes off as a bit too sour to become that sweet uncle we depend on to support our pleasures.

Next Post:  Pursuit of the Presidency: Rand Paul, The Libertarian Champion