For the most part, Huckabee is trying to let others carry the load of attacking Romney in Iowa (where Huckabee now leads in some polls). He is largely skipping New Hampshire; anything he gets there is gravy. He can play the more-in-sorrow-than-in-anger card, responding harshly to attacks, but not initiating them. He has a squadron of 500 bloggers that swarms in response to any charge made against him. So far, so good.

Huckabee may be a preacher, but he is no choir boy. He is a mix of humility and high-strung ambition. He is out to prove to the world that he is not a man to be underestimated just because he worked his way through an obscure Bible college in Arkansas.

He seemed mildly irritated when a reporter in the post-debate spin room asked him if he would be a good vice-presidential running mate. "I'm leading in Iowa now," he said. "You ought to be asking me if I'd pick any of these other guys to be my running mate." He added, "I think most all of them are fine people." Key word: most.

Chatting after the debate, Huckabee was nonchalant—and did not seem surprised—when told that a flash poll of viewers had judged him the overwhelming winner Wednesday night. Gena Norris (wife of Chuck) congratulated him on the wonderful "aura" that he exuded onstage. He didn't seem surprised by that either.

© 2007