Mike Hucakbee is the best Republican running for president.

I am going to base my debate on this: Mike Huckabee is not the best Republican running for president, Ron Paul is. I will start by responding to your opening, then I will list reasons why Huckabee is not the best candidate, and then list reasons why Ron Paul is. Response to your opening statement: 1.) Mike Huckabee is a conservatist when it comes to social issues, however when it comes to fiscal issues and foriegn policy he is not so much a true conservative. (Points and sources will be made later.) 2.) As for his being able to compromise. I would like more information and sources please. 3.) Mike Huckabee does not have the best chance at defeating a democrat. This poll is from www.cbsnews.com. The poll shows... U.S. TROOP LEVELS IN IRAQ SHOULD Increase 11% Keep the same number 17% Decrease 26% Remove all troops 40% Although it is only one issue, it does question Huckabee's electability against a Democrat, seeing as how he is supportive of the Iraq War. 4.) Yes Huckabee garners the most experience as an executive leader because of his terms as a Governor, agreed. However, that is not a good reason to vote for someone. You vote for someone based on their policies. 5.) Mike Huckabee is in fact Pro-Life, and his record does back this 100 %. However, that will not win him any votes with social liberals. Again hurting his chances to win the white house against a Democrat. And about Huckabee's ability to compromise, do you think he'd be willing to "compromise" here? Although Ron Paul is Pro-Life too. He does not believe the decision should be made a federal level, and would leave it up to the states. By leaving it up the states, there is a better chance for change to be made. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- On to reasons why Huckabee is not the best choice for Republicans: He is not a fiscal conservative by no means. 1.)He signed a sales tax hike in 1996 (Cato Policy Analysis No. 315, 09/03/98). 2.)Supported an internet sales tax in 2001 (Reuters, 02/23/04). 3.)Publicly opposed the repeal of a sales tax on groceries and medicine in 2002 (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 09/11/02). 4.)Signed a gas tax in 1999 (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 06/29/99) 5.)Signed cigarette tax hike in 2003 (Americans for Tax Reform 01/07/07) 6.)Signed a bed tax on private nursing home patients in 2001 (Associated Press 06/29/01). 7.)Proposed a sales take hike in 2002 (Arkansas News Bureau 12/05/02). 8.)Opposed a congressional measure to ban internet taxes in 2003 (Arkansas News Bureau 11/21/03). 9.)Allowed a 17% sales tax increase to become law in 2004 (The Gurdon Times 03/02/04). All points and sources from www.taxhikemike.org. There are plenty more, but I think this is sufficient to at least make a point that he is not as conservative fiscally as he claims to be. Perhaps you could show me some tax cuts? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'll now go on to talk about his foriegn policy. He supports the War in Iraq. Everything aside, and I mean everything. I would like to know how he plans on paying for the war. The way I see it, regardless of anything, if we can't pay for the war we shouldn't be there. As Fred likes to say, "We are bankrupting the future generations of this country." Could it be that maybe we need to get rid of fiat money and cut spending? (Federal Reserve System, something only Ron Paul talks about) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are more, but this is enough to get us started. My point is virtually this: Mike Huckabee is not a fiscal conservative, the only thing seperating him from a democrat is his support of the war (which the majority of Americans want out) and his being socially conservative. For that reason, I think it's fair to assume that Huckabee would most likely lose to a democrat. I'll wait for your response, and then possibly bring more arguements to the table on things suchs as immigration, and his proposed fair tax, etc. But in short his immigration has flip flopped greatly. And his fair tax would tax us just as much as the IRS! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- On to why Ron Paul is the best choice: 1.) He is a top-tier candidate and has raised WAY more money than Mike Huckabee, money coming from individuals. Money isn't everything, but money does talk, and that does say that nationally Paul has more support than Huckabee. 2.)Dr. Paul is anti-war, and voted against it from the start. We can't pay for the war, there is no objective, and we should just come home. The defence of America is better spent not going bankrupt. 3.)He opposed and opposses the Patriot Act. 4.)On immigration he is strong, and would take away the incentives that immigrants have to come over here illegally. Unlike Mike's plan that thinks building a fence will do any good. I say it's a waste of tax payers money. 5.)Pro-Second Amendment (As well as Huckabee, i'll give him that) Which does not make him better suited than Huckabee, but nevertheless equal. 6.)End the welfare state and government reliance. 7.)Ron Paul has NEVER voted for a tax increase. We can cut taxes by reducing the size of the federal governmentand fixing our foriegn policy, which is why Ron Paul opposeses many of the departments that Republicans used to oppose, like the Dept. of Education. Mike Huckabee supports it, and the No Child Left Behind Act. I could go on, but i'm tired. I believe it's bed time. Besides, this is enough to get us started. I would like to say though, that I do respect your opinion and would like see this debate stick to the debate. If i'm misinformed I would love to know. My main purpose is to gain some knowledge. So please if i'm wrong, deliver! Thanks, R.J.