Should Huckabee be?

Should Mike Huckabee drop out of the race? It's the second most frequently asked question at Republican gatherings (the first, of course, is: "How old are these bagels?") My answer is a resounding NO! (As for the bagels, it's best that you don't ask).

We all know that Iron Mike's chance of gaining the nomination is roughly equivalent to Keanu Reeves giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars, but that doesn't mean he couldn't play an important role that might have an impact next November. First of all, his campaign presence keeps McCain in the news after every primary. A winner needs somebody to defeat. If you took away the Washington Generals, the Harlem Globetrotters' "hidden ball trick" would just seem sort of silly . . . or at least sillier. Secondly, Huckabee's identification as the conservative candidate contrasts nicely with McCain as the moderate maverick, which should make the Arizona Senator more appealing to independent voters when the general election rolls around. As long the Campaign ads stay positive, the Republican race that isn't a race should prove more benefit than hindrance to the victor.

So stay in the race as long as you can, Mike. Be there for the troops. Be there for a new Republican party. Be there for Keanu Reeves. Just be.