Election 2008   comments_image Comments  Palin, Huckabee and the
GOP's 'Hick Factor'  Why did the GOP choose a political neophyte
to appeal to the religious right over a seasoned politico? Fried
squirrels and economic populism.  In a convention hall filled
with ecstatic Republicans taking in Sarah Palin's speech on
Wednesday night, one observer seemed a little less than
enthusiastic. Mike Huckabee, the former Republican presidential
hopeful spurned by party leaders and religious right honchos,
must have felt like the hockey mom from Wasilla stole the
thunder of the Southern Baptist preacher from Hope.  Huckabee,
it seems, represents "Real America" a little too much for the
Republican Party's taste.  On the surface, Palin's and
Huckabee's appeals to the religious right seem indistinguishable
-- in fact, Huckabee, with a preacher's background and
experience in elected office, could possibly have had an edge.
Both can sling the red meat on abortion and gay marriage, and
both are equally comfortable talking God a