One interesting moment in the debate came when Mike Huckabee praised Giuliani for being honest about his pro-choice views, despite their profound disagreement on abortion. This made me wonder whether the former Arkansas governor was auditioning to be Rudy’s vice president should Giuliani get the nomination. There is an argument to be made that the two candidates would compliment each other well, because each man’s strength is the other’s weakness. Giuliani brings celebrity status, strength on national security, and a strong record of fiscal conservatism. Huckabee (who is unknown, who has been blasted by economic conservatives for raising taxes and increasing spending, and who doesn’t have any credentials on national security) is an evangelical Christian who is rock solid on social issues. So, when you put them together, Giuliani and Huckabee offer conservatives a full spectrum conservative ticket, in the absence of a single conservative candidate who fully represents the right. I’m not saying this would be my choice or making a prediction. But it’s something to keep in mind.
(It’s worth noting that Huckabee was far less deferential to Giuliani last month when he addressed reporters at the American Spectator’s newsmaker breakfast.)