Huckabee\'s Victory Speech in Iowa

Huckabee's Victory Speech In Iowa

Mike Huckabee's Victory Speech after the 2008 Iowa Caucus

Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee won the Iowa 2008 Caucus in January of 2008. The underdog in the Republican Primaries, Huckabee's politics parallel the religious ideals and conservatism of the population of Iowa. His speech tapped into family orientated ideals in order to really get into touch with the Iowa voters Huckabee thanks in his speech after finding out the results of the 2008 Iowa Caucus. After thanking his voters, Huckabee expresses how he believes his victory to be America's cry for change, and that he promises to continue through with that change as long as his supporters voice their desire for it.

Throughout his speech, Huckabee's sense of ethos relies on his family ties and his Midwest idealism. He starts out by addressing the fact that he is associated with a different state, but continues to connect his audience through a sense of appreciation which rivals what he feels for his own home, "You know, I wasn't sure tat I would ever be able to love a state as much as I love my home state. But tonight, I love Iowa a whole lot." This makes Iowa voters feel that he is truly one of them, rather than some big city politician who does not have their best interest at hand. Huckabee also uses his ethos to humble himself in an attempt to further associate with Iowa voters. He speaks of all the great friends he now has in Iowa, making the people proud of their state and their choice.

Huckabee taps into Midwest morality and the family values associated with Middle America in order to appeal to the emotions of his Iowa supporters. He makes sure to thank his wife and children, which solidified his position in the eyes of his supporters as an honest and loving family man, "because a family goes through it, not just the candidate." He also makes sure to mention how much his family enjoyed their stay in Iowa, bringing up the names of his children and one aspect each one those loved best. This makes Iowa voters feel at him with Huckabee and respect his opinion because it is so alike to their own.

Mike Huckabee then turns to attack the money oriented American political style. He explains how America needs to see how money does not control everything, and gives his victory in Iowa as an example of how change is possible. His message resonates well with the population of Iowa, the majority of which have never lived a lavish life style associated with East and West Coast politicians, "Well, tonight we proved that American politics still is in the hands of ordinary folks like you and across this country who believe that it wasn't about who raised the most money but who raised the greatest hopes, dreams and aspirations for our children and their future." He then goes into a warning about change is not always a good thing; but helping to be an example of how change can affect America for the better is what makes conservative voters like the ones in Iowa is why he appreciates his victory so immensely.