Mike Huckabee and Arts Education

Big Ideas From Boring Old Stump Speeches | Newsweek Next 2008 | Newsweek.com

Think having candidates talk about music and arts education doesn't matter?

Think again!

Link: Big Ideas From Boring Old Stump Speeches | Newsweek Next 2008 | Newsweek.com.

Education is another area ripe for sleeper issues. In early 2007, when he was an asterisk in the polls, Huckabee distinguished himself from the rest of the Republican field in part by discussing the importance of art and music education in the schools. He explained how right-brain development is important not just to enrich the lives of students but to inspire the creativity necessary to help the United States keep its edge in the global economy.

At about the same time, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson sounded the same note in his stump speech as part of his call to end No Child Left Behind. Huckabee's surge has little or nothing to do with this fresh idea, and it won't resurrect Richardson's campaign. But both Clinton and Obama now mention the subject by way of explaining why they think No Child has tilted too far in the direction of testing. It's a strong applause line. Don't be surprised if a lot more money for art and music turns up in an education bill a couple of years from now.

The lesson is that some of what's said in presidential politics really matters, even if the candidate saying it doesn't win. So the next time you see a contender bloviating on TV about some minor thing, stop and listen. That little proposal he's mentioning might be pilfered by another candidate, one who winds up in the White House.

Mike Huckabee: "Weapons of Mass Instruction"

Governor Huckabee has been speaking about his education positions and the importance of music and arts education on the campaign trail. Using the term "weapons of mass instruction" the Governor's goal is to ensure all children have the opportunity to unleash their creative spirit. Not to create great artists... but to create great people.

While he has always been a strong advocate for the arts. The concept of "weapons of mass instruction" was first unveiled in a speech he gave in early May. The words are extraordinary. And they were delivered without any notes.

I was there to witness this exceptional moment in time... recorder in hand. What follows is the transcript from this speech. The read is certainly time well spent!

Mike Huckabee happy to let Mitt Romney, John McCain rip each other

Our newly minted Iowa champion cruised into New Hampshire... bass in hand and continues to wow the crowds while he opponents hammer away at each other

(Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee plays the electric bass during a rally at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire)

Mike Huckabee happy to let Mitt Romney, John McCain rip each other

Huckawho?

Mike Huckabee, the newly crowned GOP champ of Iowa, came to New Hampshire Friday as a low-expectations bystander to the trash talking between Mitt Romney and John McCain, the Granite State front-runners.

Romney stole a page from the Democrats' endless debate over "change" to go straight at McCain, casting the 71-year-old Arizona senator as a cranky hostage to Washington's do-nothing ways.

"He is Washington," Romney said. "People are saying they want to see Washington change, and John McCain is not a candidate of change."

Romney is desperate to rebound from his flop in Iowa, where he spent millions of his own money, only to lose to ex-Arkansas Gov. Huckabee's shoestring campaign.
McCain said Romney's tactics will send him to another defeat in New Hampshire.

Romney "is running these attack ads. He tried the same thing in Iowa and he got beat."
In his sharpest jab, McCain charged that the ex-Massachusetts governor lacked needed foreign policy experience, and he cited President Bush as evidence.

"When George W. Bush was first elected, we were not in wars," he said on Bloomberg TV's "Political Capital with Al Hunt." "Now we are in two wars and a larger struggle against radical Islamic extremism."

Huckabee let McCain and Romney take each other down while playing his bass guitar with action icon Chuck Norris in tow at New England College in Henniker

Link: Mike Huckabee happy to let Mitt Romney, John McCain rip each other.

Mike Huckabee Iowa Victory Remarks

On a remarkable evening on a cold evening in the heartland of America a man of great compassion and courage sent a clear message to the American people:

"This victory is not for me... it is for WE... We The People"

We encourage everyone to watch this video and jump on the Mike Huckabee bandwagon as the campaign comes moves across thee nation!

Mike Huckabee, Education and the Arts

We welcome all those who are now discovering Mike Huckabee after his historic win in Iowa to explore his deep commitment to education and the arts.

Mike Huckabee has been consistently speaking out about the need to provide music and arts education in our schools. He has mentioned it during the majorityl of his interviews with the media and discussed it again on a conference call with bloggers yesterday. I had the chance to sit down with Mike Huckabee to talk about music in his life and the reasons he is focusing education in general and on music and arts education specifically in his campaign.

Enjoy!

CNN: Mike Huckabee Wins Iowa!!!!

From CNN!!!!

Mike Huckabee will win the Iowa Republican caucus, CNN projects, based on early results.

Iowa residents register for the caucus at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines.
1 of 3more photos »

With 15 percent of precincts reporting, Huckabee had the support of 36 percent of voters, compared to 23 percent for Mitt Romney. Fred Thompson had 15 percent and John McCain had 12.

As a long time supporter of the Governor all I can say is WOOO HOOO!!!!!!

Go Mike Go!

Mike Huckabee on the Tonight Show

Governor Huckabee showcased for the country why he is the real, authentic, genuine person who is best equipted to communicate and lead our nation.

Bonus points for the sitting in with the band!

Mike Huckabee: "I want to be viewed as the Education President

During today's bloggers call we were able to ask Governor Huckabee to discuss his background and thoughts on education given the MINIMAL coverage this has received in the main stream media and also considering the fact that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the President DOES play a critical role in education in this nation (see No Child Left Behind) if he would want to be viewed as the education President.

He answered the second half of the question first "I most certainly would want to be seen as the education president. But it is important to understand that education is first a mom and dad issue. Secondly, it is a state issue and then the federal government plays a role... but the should not dictate a national curriculum.

He then went on to outline where NCLB has worked and praised President Bush for his leadership to focus on the INDIVIDUAL student's success. He then went on to outline his concerns over how some of the testing is impacting the schools particularly with high levels of English as a second language learners and the reduction to music and arts programs.

His response to this question has been getting some nice coverage in the national media.

Much of his position on the music/arts education issue we have covered here. What was great to hear today is that much as education has been a priority for him as a Governor, it will be a high priority for him a President.

Maybe we will actually end up with someone who could truly bring meaning to the moniker!

Mike Huckabee: "Merry Christmas"

As we get ready for the holidays I wanted to share this terrific new holiday greeting from Governor Huckabee. Some in the media have tried to read more into the message. Sometimes a simple message is just... a message of good tidings and cheer.

From all of us to all of you... Merry Christmas!

Mike Huckabee, Education and the Arts II

Mike Huckabee's life-long commitment to music and arts education was on full display with his passionate response to an education question during a recent debate.

Be sure to share this with others!