The Obligatory ‘Huck Is Out’ Post

Watch here:

Official statement here.

Who benefits? Not Romney. Probably (in order), Daniels, Palin, and Pawlenty. Daniels, if he enters now becomes the de facto front runner. Romney may be listed as the front runner for a while yet, but after his disastrous defense of RomneyCare he’s not getting the nomination. His candidacy is over. The best “anti-Mitt” will win the day. If Daniels enters, that looks like him, as he’ll also win over the “anti-Palin” crowd from the old guard GOP who fears her. If Daniels stays out, then Sarah likely becomes the prohibitive favorite, should she enter. If both stay out, I think we can start talking about Pawlenty’s general election chances.

One thing that might benefit Palin, even if Daniels enters, is that she’ll likely be better at courting Huckabee and his supporters than Daniels. But that may not be enough, as Daniels is going to be a money machine, from the whales at least.

What’s Up With The Huck?

Governor Mike Huckabee is going to announce something tomorrow.

Mike Huckabee told listeners during his radio show today to “be sure to catch my Fox News television show,” saying that a “very important announcement” would occur Saturday, according to ABC News.

Huckabee didn’t offer any further details, so it’s not clear if the announcement will relate to his plans about 2012, or will focus on an educational company that he just launched yesterday that will initially sell a history-oriented video series about kids time traveling.

Personally, I have a hard time believing that Fox would let him announce his candidacy on his show. The speculation right now is that he’s going to announce that he’s not running, something that Eric Erickson over at RedState has been certain of for some time.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee looks like he’ll give the 2012 White House campaign a pass, says Mr. Huckabee’s top political operative.

Mr. Huckabee has told followers to tune in to his Saturday evening show on Fox News for what he calls a major announcement. But Ed Rollins, who directed his 2008 campaign and has been organizing his 2012 campaign-in-waiting, said he has not been consulted.

“I’ve heard nothing, which indicates to me he’s not running,” Mr. Rollins said in an interview.

Possible, but more and more I think Katrina nailed it first. He’s going to talk about his new company.