In the 2000 Republican primaries George Bush trash-faced John McCain. Senator McCain could do very little to squelch the lies about his character. Eight years later—Bush destroys McCain without saying a word.

• McCain used the typical Bush heebie-jeebies strategy. ‘Democrats will raise taxes, Obama has really bad friends, liberals will over-run America’ and the list goes on. Americans are familiar with this tactic and were tired of it. People were looking for a message of hope so badly that they were willing to overlook flaws.
• McCain used the Bush form of communication (or lack thereof). He gave uninspiring speeches, refused to answer tough questions, and blamed the media for his unpopularity. Rather than wooing the media he let them become an enemy.
• McCain hit the Bush panic button. From the beginning McCain never had a clear plan or message. He consistently reacted to problems rather than offering creative solutions. People did not want another four years of snap decision making. People needed a consistent message that gave them some hope of stability. ‘Just staying the course’ or ’sticking with it’ is not the best solution for tough times. American needs more than that.

Perhaps McCain should have done more to reveal his character. Rather than sticking with party lines and President Bush he should have been a true Maverick. Finding a better solution to Iraq, coming up with an alternative to the bailout, acknowledging Republican/Presidential wrongs, and offering positive solutions to get American back on track would have lent credibility to McCain the Maverick. Anything else sounds too much like Bush.

(1) Members of Congress take a pay cut. They learn to live with very little like the rest of America. They can earn up to $20,000 annually.

(2) Members of Congress go on deputation (just like I have to do). They are allowed to take up to $1 in contributions from each constituent. This money goes towards their salary and their ability to listen to the people.

(3) Members of Congress may not take contributions from corporations or industires. Again, only $1 from individuals. Their election/re-election is dependent on their motivation of large numbers of voters to campaign for them.

(4) Members of Congress learn something worthwhile. Members must have a college degree or equivalent that has an emphasis in science or math. Enough with lawyers who are only good for subtracting money from hard-working people and adding to our national debt.

Congress should immediately pass this bill in order to get our country back on track. Leave your vote (Aye/Nay) or add your thoughts to the bill in the comments! You may also contact your Representatives and Senators to request their support for this bill.

• The Bible tells me to obey civil authorities (Rom. 13:1-7 ; 1 Pet. 2:13-17 ). God put those authorities in place. It is presently against the law to endorse a political candidate. I can obey the law and use legal means to protest. There are still plenty of options for me to endorse my candidate. It is not against the law for me to endorse a political candidate outside of a church service. I can slap a bumper sticker on my car, post signs, make phone calls, blog about it, have someone for dinner, and invite people to political functions. The IRS is not saying you cannot preach Jesus Christ. They are saying that you cannot endorse a political candidate.
• Misunderstanding of Christ’s purpose may occur (John 6:14-15 ). In Christ’s day people thought that His purpose was political reform. The Jews were looking for a king. Even the disciples misunderstood Christ’s purpose after his resurrection (Acts 1:6 ). In this age the church’s mission is summed up in Matthew 28:18-20 . We are to show others Jesus Christ by telling them and by living a godly life. How many Christians do you know who think they are "OK" because they are a political conservative? Misunderstanding definitely occurs.
• Other people watch FoxNews . Whether a person watches FoxNews or they watch a clip of it on the Daily Show, they hear all the typical political lines. Having my audience hear me repeat a line from FoxNews diminishes the authority that God has given me. I am to "preach the word " and proclaim "thus says the Lord." People are coming to church to hear what God says from His Word, NOT what I’m worked up about in the political world.
• I know many liberal democrats . I’m a political news junkie and a political conservative. But I never want my political standing to hinder someone from hearing the gospel. In this day people are very offended when you shove your political options their way. There is no better way to make people feel like you are shoving something on them than by doing so from the pulpit. Alienating someone before they hear the gospel is a bad evangelism technique.
• Nobody is convinced . This relates to the last point. You don’t convince people to vote for your candidate. Neither do you convince people to consider Jesus Christ.  It really is a lose/lose situation. People are coming to church for something other than what they are hearing in the news. Give them the good news of Jesus Christ.

In this generation it is better to present the gospel message clearly without distraction. Make church services an example of true worship. Let Christ be so prominent that people leave encouraged that God is in control. It is fine to let people know what the Bible says about present day issues. But let them make the connection to a political candidate.

Be involved politically in your community. Use your personal time to get the word out about your candidate. Serve in your community so that people know you care. They are more likely to take your advice about a candidate if you have helped with community events. Stay balanced . Remember that political reform is never the answer to this world’s problems. Realize the completely refraining from all political involvement is never a correct response.

Disclaimer: In no way am I slamming Pastors who do not hold to this conviction. Many Pastors have a different conviction. They believe they are standing up for what is right in the face of opposition. Although I may disagree with them I do agree that this law needs to be changed. We can all call our representatives and we can all pray that this law will someday be overturned.

Feedback: Agree/Disagree? Let me know what you think in the comments.

• "Yes, and" or "no, and" technique – Yes, and here is why I believe that. Answer questions with yes and no and then clarify yourself. Most people love straight up answers even if they disagree with you. If you use "yes, and" very quickly it will make if difficult for them to edit out just the yes.
• Tell a Story – Sure journalists today are very intimidating. They are trying to create stories rather than tell stories. Instead of letting them create the story, you can take control. For example, "I saw a child die in the arms a person who could help them. It was the most horrific thing I’ve seen in my life. From that point on I decided that I’m going to do everything in my power to give everyone a chance at life."
• Know Some Obscure Facts -  Journalists like to act like they know it all. Simply throw out some facts that you’re sure they will not know about. Be confident and act like you are an expert on the topic.
• Remember Your Fans: Your strongest supporters track down everything you say. Watering down your beliefs does not encourage anyone. If your supporters see that your are taking a stand they will take a stand for you. Stop being politically correct and rally your troops!
• Be Constructive -  Objectively criticize your own party and address the issue. Talk about how you are going to be different from your party in order to find common ground. Getting things done in politics should be about negotiation. Find solutions to everything.
• Lighten Up – Liberals are people too. Most of them love to laugh. Connect with them on a human level and find ways to relate to them. Do not be afraid to laugh at yourself or at your party.
• Be Nice – Even though they are breathing fire you can take the higher ground. Treat them with polite professionalism. Do what you can to make them look good as a reporter. If they can come up with a great story they will look good. Again, be the one that creates the story and make them look good delivering your story.

Republicans need to start out-thinking their opponents.  They need to become solution oriented and they need to take responsibility for their mistakes. Liberals will always make things as difficult as possible, but that is just a part of politics. If Republicans stop complaining and start communicating they will begin to regain the confidence of voters.

In order to help with the Huckabee’s November fundraising goal, I donated more moola last night. We did successfully reach our goal. Don’t stop donating now. Mike is on a roll. Keep donating, keep informing people, and keep the momentum going!

Mike Huckabee for President 2008