If South Carolina's Democratic contest next Saturday is the closest it gets to a "black primary," today's Republican face-off was as near as we'll come (thank God) to an evangelical primary. Six of ten voters who came out on an unusually wintry day in the Palmetto State identified as evangelical Christians, according to one exit poll. Which only makes it all the more remarkable--or depressing, depending on your perspective--that this was the place where Arizona Senator John McCain, that former bogeyman of the Southern religious right who was derailed by the religious right here in 2000, dealt a serious blow to the presidential aspirations of a deviously charming Baptist preacher from Arkansas.

Mike Huckabee tried to win South Carolina with a blue-collar spin on the tried-and-true Southern strategy formula that successful Republicans have used in Dixie from Nixon onward. While relying on the organizational experience of the state's evangelical network to turn out his base, Huckabee also gunned for the NASCAR vote, stumping with wrestling legend Ric "Nature Boy" Flair in barbecue joints; holding meet-and-greet-and-shoots at gun clubs; and dishing up regular-fella populist rhetoric like his quip in Columbia on Friday that, "in many ways, I'm like a lot of people in the United States: I'm a guy over 50 looking for a job." Huckabee's economic populism, of course, was a rhetorical leap beyond where Republican faux-populism has traditionally dared to go, empathizing with folks "who are living from one paycheck to the next, who are literally one paycheck from not being able to pay the rent, one paycheck from not being able to pay for their kid who falls in the playground and breaks his arm, one paycheck from not being able to put gas in the truck."

With his turn toward border-warrior, Huckabee also had South Carolina's growing anti-immigration movement behind him against "Mr. Amnesty" McCain. Buddy Witherspoon, a right-wing Republican challenging Senator Lindsey Graham, McCain's immigration ally, aired a commercial as the primary crept close that featured a rapid-fire montage of Hispanic immigrants and border scenes in stark black and white, with Spanish-speaking voices overlapping in what was clearly intended to suggest a contemporary version of Babel. A black screen then fills up with military-stencil-style white letters: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

It was the typical menu of Republican resentment politics in the South's deepest quagmire of right-wingery. And for once, it didn't quite work. Huckabee's loss might be chalked up to the lousy weather in the evangelical upstate, or to Fred Thompson's last-ditch, all-out effort to siphon his right-wing votes. But Thompson, who's surely about to lumber back to Hollywood after his lackluster presidential bid, just barely edged out former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for third, doing less damage to Huckabee than he'd hoped.

McCain's win should position him well for Florida, where he holds a slim lead over Rudy Giuliani, Romney and Huckabee in poll averages. And it calls into doubt Huckabee's prospects of dominating the eight evangelical-heavy Republican primaries on Feb. 5: Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee in the South, along with Kansas, Missouri and Colorado (his home state is also voting, and presumably secure no matter what becomes of Huckabee in Florida).

The Arizona senator's Southern redemption is, of course, partly a strategic vindication of his "reconciliation" with the evangelical leaders he had bitterly denounced in 2000. It wasn't just that McCain repented calling Jerry Falwell and his ilk "agents of intolerance," or that he made such symbolic gestures as speaking at Liberty University's 2006 graduation. McCain also convinced folks that, despite having called for bringing down the Confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse in 2000, he was down with Southern right-wingers on cultural issues too. "I think he is a genuinely a state's righter," said the Rev. Falwell, who has since gone to his reward, after McCain kissed his ring in 2006.

It was precisely the tune--the traditionalist two-step--to which South Carolina voters dance. And this time, McCain (possibly at the cost of losing independent votes down the line ) did enough fancy footwork to get himself in step.

Comments (25)

1. The Religious Right has a tough election this year.

   1. Don't trust McCain after his snub of Pat and Jerry in 2000.

   2. Huckabee talks too much populism.

   3. Giuliani has had more wives than Cheney's had heart attacks.

   and 4. Romney is a "heretic" from a "cult".

   They don't step up and save the GOP's bacon...Hillary has a MUCH easier time than she thought.

   Posted by Mask at 01/19/2008 @ 11:30pm

2. Yesterday & early today, the Nat'l Review, which officially endorsed Romney a couple of weeks ago, put out two commentaries on McCain...essentially giving McCain a Roadmap for National Redemption. Subtle but meaningful.....McCain is for Real.....will Rush tone down his McCainphobia or step it up before Feb. 5th?

   Posted by Happy at 01/19/2008 @ 11:46pm

3. Posted by HAPPY 01/19/2008 @ 11:46pm

   and mccain has the perfect running-mate................................

   barack o'reagan o'bama.

   Posted by frosty zoom at 01/20/2008 @ 12:21am

4. At least the "moral values voters" verbage of the last national elections was more inclusive and discriptive in terminology of those practicing a Judeo-Christian religion which bases its moral values on the ten commandments, mosaic law, and/or the teachings of Jesus Christ.-----Posted by RIO BRAVO 01/20/2008 @ 12:05am

   "last national elections"?..2004? Okay, what did the "moral values voters" do in the 2006 midterms?

   Posted by Mask at 01/20/2008 @ 09:56am

5. Posted by JOMAMMA 01/20/2008 @ 10:16am

   How do you "stay home" and "fire" somebody from Congress at the same time!?!???!?!

   Posted by Mask at 01/20/2008 @ 12:54pm

6. One thing it will never be is the religious wrong! (maybe just the secularly unacceptable viewpoint)

   Posted by RIO BRAVO 01/20/2008 @ 12:05am

   RIO, Your blind faith in homophobia, racism etc. never cease to amaze us all. You continue to call yourself a Christian but are far from. A Christian in the true sense of the word is a follower of Christ or to follow the ways of Christ. Starting wars, stockpiling large sums of money for yourself as others struggle and starve and turning your back on your neighbor are very un-Christian and Christ like.

   Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 4:37pm

7. One thing it will never be is the religious wrong! (maybe just the secularly unacceptable viewpoint)

   Posted by RIO BRAVO

   I'm sure the followers of Islam think the same way.

   Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 4:39pm

8. Wolfgang---the protector of Christianity---now their's a concept.

   You do not know what Rio does with his/her money---nor do you know anything about how he or she treats his or her neigbors. Christ did not expect the government to take care of those who were in need--he expected individuals to help in person.

   Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 6:13pm

9. You do not know what Rio does with his/her money---nor do you know anything about how he or she treats his or her neigbors. Christ did not expect the government to take care of those who were in need--he expected individuals to help in person.

   Posted by LEN MOSSE 01/20/2008 @ 6:13pm

   Len,

   I would point out that I was a Christian for quite some time. I still think that the teaching of J.C. if he was around or not are valid lessons to be taken into account. I don't call myself a Christian anymore because I refuse to be lumped in with war mongers and people who would turn back the clock of progress.

   But, if you will, tell me how rich Jesus was. Tell me how many people he would have killed or how many wars he supported. If you truly believe Jesus to be God, he allowed himself to be crucified even though he could have destroyed the Roman empire and the powers that be in his day. That's the lesson that seems to escape the right wingers. Jesus, with all the power he had, didn't use it to kill....I just wish the moral, Christian values folks would see this.

   Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 6:23pm

10. Homophobia---being scared of homosexuals

    People who believe that homosexuality is a sin do not fear homosexuals. Yes, homosexuality is an act that is sinful---people are born into a sinful nature---lying is a sin, and I am sure that everyone has lied--therefore they have sinned--a sin that is no less a sin than commiting a homosexual act. We all have sinned and fallen short of what God ask of us. It is only through grace that we can be forgiven and go on and sin no more. Therefore, those of us who are saved are not fearful of homosexuals, but we are required to call a sin a sin whether it lying or commiting a homosexual act. God also requires of us to love the sinner but hate the sin---Sometimes, because of our humanity this is a hard order to follow--but this is what we strive to.

    Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 6:25pm

11. I refuse to be lumped in with war mongers and people who would turn back the clock of progress.

    Just curious---Was the U.S. WARMONGERING in World War II? World War I? Civil War? War of Independence?

    Progress is a very broad term and means different things to different people--if you think that it progress to give the government more power at the expense of individual liberty than I guess you will find many people who oppose your definition of progress.

    Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 6:33pm

12. Another thing to recognize is that Jesus did not use his powers to end the conflicts that existed between nations. He left, those things up to governments. His time here on earth as a man was more about our individual relationships with each other and with God. And while we should want peace and we should love our neighbor--if our neighbor takes up arms against us we should defend ourselves.

    Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 6:38pm

13. , those of us who are saved are not fearful of homosexuals, but we are required to call a sin a sin whether it lying or commiting a homosexual act.....Len Mosse

    Len,

    And what in the hell makes you so damn sure you are saved? Do you really think saying you accept Jesus Christ as your savior before a congregation is your ticket into heaven?

    If there is a God, I don't think God is stupid enough to allow one to make a declaration of those sorts and then go against everything J.C. said and died for. What did he say, it would be easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get into heaven. Why do you think that is. Maybe because the wealthy don't wish to part with their wealth and don't take care of their fellow man.

    None of us know what happens when we die. Not one person on this planet. To say otherwise is a lie. But, if there really is a God, hedghing your bets to cover your ass in the afterlife won't cut it I'm afraid. I may be frying in hell if there is a God, but I'll be doing time with many a "good Christian".

    Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 6:40pm

14. --if you think that it progress to give the government more power at the expense of individual liberty than I guess you will find many people who oppose your definition of progress.

    Posted by LEN MOSSE 01/20/2008 @ 6:33pm |

    Len,

    You are exactly right, and that is what W has been doing. Eroding our rights as citizens of this country.

    Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 6:45pm

15. And while we should want peace and we should love our neighbor--if our neighbor takes up arms against us we should defend ourselves.

    Posted by LEN MOSSE 01/20/2008 @ 6:38pm

    And exactly where does it say that in the new testament?

    Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 6:47pm

16. And exactly where does it say that in the new testament?---Posted by WOLFGANG1 01/20/2008 @ 6:47pm

    War is where they start talking OLD Testament, WOLF.

    Posted by Mask at 01/20/2008 @ 7:15pm

17. War is where they start talking OLD Testament, WOLF.

    Posted by MASK 01/20/2008 @ 7:15pm

    I know MASK, but the old testament is based on Judiasm and if the Christians really believe what Jesus was and said, then they would know that the old testament was fullfilled as stated by J.C. Once again, they cherry pick things out of the bible to back up their positions. The old testament is the old fire and brimstone business and the new testament is damn near the opposite. Hence, one crucified man for turning a religion upside down.

    Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 7:34pm

18. Do you really think saying you accept Jesus Christ as your savior before a congregation is your ticket into heaven?

    Yes---because he said that acts could not get you to heaven, but by his grace, to be born again. When you are born again, your acts will follow.

    I am sorry that you have lost your faith---I could not survive without mine. The world must seem like a terrible place to you--no hope, just human failings. I am sorry for you.

    Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 8:30pm

19. I am sorry for you.

    Posted by LEN MOSSE 01/20/2008 @ 8:30pm

    Len,

    Do not feel bad for me. If there is a God, I think that God would be just. I haven't lost faith in that if it exists, I've just lost faith in humanity in general.

    Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 8:43pm

20. Posted by LEN MOSSE 01/20/2008 @ 8:30pm

    And LEN....sorry to disappoint you, but us agnostics and atheists...

    aren't miserable either.

    Posted by Mask at 01/20/2008 @ 8:45pm

21. God is just---but by his definition not yours

    Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 9:20pm

22. Wolfy

    You seem to think that God has to jump through the hoops that you put up to prove his existence. It's not God who needs to jump through hoops--it's us.

    Posted by Len Mosse at 01/20/2008 @ 9:28pm

23. Yes---because he said that acts could not get you to heaven, but by his grace, to be born again. When you are born again, your acts will follow.

    I am sorry that you have lost your faith---I could not survive without mine. The world must seem like a terrible place to you--no hope, just human failings. I am sorry for you.

    Posted by LEN MOSSE 01/20/2008 @ 8:30pm

    earth is great! it is very arrogant to assume the religiousless are "lost".

    Posted by frosty zoom at 01/20/2008 @ 10:20pm

24. And LEN....sorry to disappoint you, but us agnostics and atheists...

    aren't miserable either.

    Posted by MASK 01/20/2008 @ 8:45pm

    Thanks MASK and Frosty,

    I've had Christianity pushed on me since I was a child, so it's difficult to navigate these waters. I just refuse to blindly follow a book that was written, augmented, changed etc. throughout the centuries to fit the powers that be as "the word of God".

    I wish I could follow "the good news" blindly and in good conscience like Len, Rio and Livberty, but I can't. Putting faith in people who lived roughly a couple thousand years before me who didn't even know Jesus makes me a little suspicious of their motives. Take Paul, the Roman, who the bible so loosley hinges upon. Perhaps the Roman empire had world domination in their sights versus Christianity? Look at Islam and Mohammad, another self serving guy pushing himself off as God or a prophet. Religion is a tool to control the masses. If any folks out there doubt that, take a look at what AQ is doing in the name of religion.

    Posted by Wolfgang1 at 01/20/2008 @ 11:30pm

25. If any folks out there doubt that, take a look at what AQ is doing in the name of religion.

    Posted by WOLFGANG1 01/20/2008 @ 11:30pm

    or george w. for that matter. (or so he says, or so he denies). but he has claimed god's guidance.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 01/21/2008 @ 12:09am