Huck's WOW Factor

In light of the results of the New Hampshire primaries, I've been thinking about the reasons for Mike Huckabee's success in recent weeks.

Before I get to those reasons, one comment/question: Why are people making such a big deal out of Huckabee's 11% in NH? I mean, he was 3 points away from finishing 5th, and barely beat out Rudy Giuliani who basically ignored the state.

Anyway, I think Huck's success has a lot to do with his WOW factor. What exactly is that? It's simply the way he comes across at first glance. First impressions are powerful, and Huckabee's a master at making clear statements and tugging at one's emotions. In essence, he's a powerful communicator. I was myself quite impressed initially with the H-man. Of course, once I got to see him a few times and his record started to get greater exposure, my opinion of him changed.

There are still many undecideds out there who are getting their first glance or two at Huckabee, and he likely appeals to them as a refreshing change from the other candidates. Unless you dig a little farther, you're left with the impression that Huck is most definitely The Man.

Another issue is, once people figure Huckabee out, who else do they turn to? My hope is that it's to Fred Thompson, but I'm afraid the WOW factor tilts too heavily in Huckabee's direction versus Fred. Fred may indeed receive many Huckabee refugees, but many more are temporarily blinded by Huckabee to make a significant upward difference for Fred. I think we're going to have to accept the fact that while Fred is by many accounts the most solid conservative in the race, he just doesn't have the "reach out and grab you" factor that many seek. He'll probably be better-suited in a role as an advisor or administration staff, perhaps even VP. Nevertheless, Fred Thompson is an asset to the Republican Party of 2008.