Mike Huckabee says he’s the Republican with the best chance to dash Barack Obama’s re-election hopes.
The former Arkansas governor told “Fox News Sunday” he does better in the polls against the president than any other Republican.
“I end up leading in a lot of the polls,” Huckabee says.
But Huckabee, who also is a Fox News contributor, held back on announcing his 2012 plans.
“I haven’t closed the door. I think that would be foolish on my part, especially when poll after poll shows there is strong sentiment out there,” he says.
He also assessed the rest of the potential GOP field.
Huckabee says his rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, will have to “confront” his involvement with passing government healthcare in his state, but he should not be underestimated.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s running, and I think he’s a formidable candidate,” Huckabee says. “I don’t think anybody can dismiss him because he has the organization. He’s got the money. He’s got the sort of inside track with a lot of the Republican establishment.”
He predicts former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will have a strong presence in the 2012 GOP primaries.
“She’s got the fire, the energy, and I think there are a lot of Republicans who love her, would support her, and she would be a very strong presence in a presidential primary,” he says.
Huckabee also has high praise for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, saying: "I love Jeb Bush. He’s one of the smartest. He’s one of the most articulate. If Jeb decided to run, I think it would be hard for anyone to overwhelm him. He is, in many ways, one of the best, most talented people we have in the Republican Party.”
Huckabee predicts that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, whom he calls a “great manager," could be among "four most qualified potential candidates.”
Daniels recently angered conservatives by proposing a truce on social issues.
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