Do the Right Thing: Inside the Movement That's Bringing Common Sense Back to America (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: vertical politics, politically homeless, values voters, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Mike Huckabee (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

When Governor Mike Huckabee entered the Republican presidential race, he was the ultimate dark horse, with almost no money, no consultants, and no name recognition beyond Arkansas. The so-called experts were highly amused by this former small state governor from blue-collar roots who also played bass in a rock band. He wouldn’t have a prayer against the well-connected and financially wired pros like Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson.

But Huckabee had one big advantage: a common sense message that connected with millions of people, and not just his fellow evangelical Christians. He spoke about family values, fair taxes, and helping hard-working, middle-class Americans in a tough economy. And to the dismay of some Republicans, he talked about fighting Wall Street greed and K Street corruption.

Huckabee shocked the country by winning the all-important Iowa caucuses and seven other states, while spending far less than the other major candidates. He created an army of passionate volunteers and small donors, transforming his campaign into a true movement that will endure long after Election Day.

Do The Right Thing is Huckabee’s amazing story, in his own words—from making commercials with Chuck Norris to meeting a Michigan woman who insisted on donating her wedding ring. But this is more than just a campaign memoir. It’s a vision for a smarter, fairer type of politics—“vertical politics”—that focuses on common sense solutions for education, health care, the economy, and many other issues. It’s not about right versus left; it’s about taking America up rather than down.
Huckabee also shows how the Republican Party can heal its divisions—between social and fiscal conservatives, the wealthy and the middle class, the religious and the secular—and become a true majority party again.

About the Author

Mike Huckabee won eight states and more than four million votes during the 2008 Republican presidential primaries. He served as the governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007 and as lieutenant governor from 1993 to 1996. Before politics, he worked in broadcasting and advertising and spent twelve years as a pastor and denominational leader.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sentinel HC; First Edition/ First Printing edition (November 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595230548
• ISBN-13: 978-1595230546
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (82 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,617 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Common sense is the key, November 23, 2008

By	Joseph D. Parks (Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First I would like to tackle the negatives because there are a few. I noticed about 6-8 grammatical errors, if not more, in the book. I found a couple of spelling errors as well such as "he" instead of "the". There is a reference to "Naaman" that should actually be "Nathan". I guess ultimately, the editor is responsible for those but either way, they are mildly disappointing.

Before I was finished reading the book, I kept hearing a lot about the Huckabee vs Romney feud being the major focus of this book. IT IS NOT! There are several references to Romney and they are not pleasant but they are not hateful either. I viewed most as fair criticism based on what happened during the Primaries because their feud was indeed the major story. Some of the criticisms or "jabs", as some have called them, were meant as humor and they are easy to differentiate from the others. There were also a couple of references that I did view as whiny but they were limited.

The focus of the book is about half reflection and half future. Mike talks about and gives praise to the many people who helped him defy all odds and media bias to eventually finish 2nd in the 2008 GOP Primaries. He talks of the struggle of having no money and no name recognition and how they overcame it. He praises the many volunteers and even names a lot of them. He tells of some very touching stories that are absolutely amazing, and they were not even mentioned in the media. The book is worth the price just for those stories alone.

Mike goes into detailed policy on several ideas for our future. He talks about Preventative Healthcare, FairTax, Veterans Bill of Rights, and a few others. He emphasizes how Self-Government is the best Government and how a moral society plays a very important role in reducing the size of Government. He brings up the concept of Civil Service and how it not only benefits our Nation but ultimately, benefits our young Americans. He definitely puts forth some bold and fresh ideas that we should at least think about, all under the concept of Vertical Politics.

In the APPENDIX section of the book, he specifically addresses his own record as Governor in regards to Tax Cuts, Tax Increases and Why, and Spending. These are noted as being rebuttals to attacks levied by the Club for Growth and the Cato Institute.

Overall, I found the book to be insightful and bold which makes it fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys politics or just enjoys hearing about inspirational stories. This was indeed a journey and not just a group of events.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest look at the past and hopeful look to the future, November 28, 2008

By	Kenneth J. Neikirk "Ken" (St. Augustine, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have come to find Mike Huckabee to be an honest and hopeful voice in the GOP and this book confirms that once again.

Mike makes a strong case for the connection between morality and economics which is very important as there is a clear divide between social conservatives and fiscal conservatives. The truth is that both are necessary and a clear and consistent morality needs to be the foundation.

I particularly appreciated the chapter entitled Politically Homeless. There is plenty in that chapter that will ruffle some feathers but in my opinion it needed to be said. People can dismiss Mike as a populist but they dismiss more than one man, they dismiss a large portion of the population. There is an ARMY of people who got behind Mike because he understood them and is one of them. Trucker Randy and others capture the essence of this grassroots movement that took Mike from an overlooked candidate to a serious contendor.

The chapter on Faux-Cons will stir some up as well, but once again it is a matter of calling a spade a spade.

Beyond this, there is a lot of optimism for the future of our country. The distinction between horizontal vs vertical politics is spot on and Mike has a long track record of getting positive things done for the people of Arkansas.

Especially helpful are the sections on the Fair Tax (real change we can believe in and the mother of all reforms), healthcare, and energy independence, among other things.

There are also a number of touching stories of individuals who made significant sacrifices for Mike, as well as the country. I appreciated learning the story of the couple that took a train across the country to New Hampshire and then drove a cheap, old car to Florida before returning home through Little Rock. Also inspiring was the story of the soldier who wanted to return to his troops in Iraq after suffering signicant injuries.

Do yourself a favor, get this book and read it cover to cover. Don't let others make up your mind for you and take it all in before deciding what you think. I believe you will enjoy the book, learn a lot, and be inspired.

36 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Huckabee is "right on" on why the GOP lost and will continue to lose if they do not get their act together., November 22, 2008

By	Native Texan (Texas) - See all my reviews

This book expresses the frustration than most middle class Christians had during the campaign. We are not rich but we are intelligent enough to see that McCain and Obama were NOT the two best choices to lead our nation BUT most of us supported McCain/Palin. Huckaee spoke for many of us but only now is his message if being heard by the public. This book is not about party loyalty but loyalty to biblical principles and America!! It is time the elite GOP reach out for diversity. Even Michael Steele, a black Republican leader, said the GOP has a country club, cocktail party leadership style that is hurting and shrinking the party. The book gives excellent ideas on how to make the GOP competitive again. Please read all of it before you past judgement on this relative, insightful, enjoyable read.