Are we underestimating Huckabee?

[Rob]

What do you think his ceiling is in your state? I'd say even if Obama loses +10 Huckabee doesn't get over 45% in either OR or WA.

I'd agree; he is just about the worst Republican candidate imaginable for the Northwest. He would only play well in places that are sparsely populated and solidly GOP in any case. It would be very ugly for him in the cities (o/c) and suburbs, where the votes are.

[Smash255]

Could he win the GOP Primary?  Perhaps.  Could he win in a General?  Not unless, Obama winds up with near Bush level ratings.  Similar to the Palin scenario, he needs VA & CO to have a chance (I think both would lose by much more than just those two states) and he has just no appeal to suburban Denver (Araphoe, Jefferson, Adams) and would be an utter disaster in Northern VA.

[Lunar]

Huckabee has a clear, winning issue that some other 2012 candidates to not: consistent and passionate opposition the financial bailouts

Keeps him on his populist message without talking about how Jesus should be taught in math class or whatever

[Mechaman]

If the Republicans become CEREAL about the word of Jesus(ie social conservatism plus a contempt for rich people), then yes Huckabee does have a chance. Otherwise, no chance in hell.

And by "have a chance" I mean winning the nomination, not winning the election.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

The only reason why Huckabee lost SC is because of Thompson. Without him, Huckabee would have won SC and would have done even better than in real life. Given that Thompson is much less likely than Huckabee to be a 2012 candidate, Huckabee could do better in 2012 than he did in 2008.