Huck: We Need a Leader, Not a Symbol

Mike Huckabee laid out the coming election as a clear choice between big government and small, and as one between a "thoroughly tested" candidate of "stubborn integrity" and one ill-prepared to lead the nation, CNN reports. Barack Obama's candidacy may be a nice milestone for America, "but the presidency is not a symbolic job," he said. Huckabee also defended the Sarah Palin pick: "She got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden got running for president of the United States."

Huckabee thanked the "elite media" for uniting the Republican party behind John McCain and Palin, saying the reporting in recent days "has been tackier than a costume change at a Madonna concert." He also blasted Obama's "excellent adventure" to Europe and said that McCain represents small government, which is what most Americans want. (More Mike Huckabee stories.)