When we first got to the building we presenting our tickets and signed in. Looking around there were at least 600-800 people there. My eyes immediately focused on the stage to find Mike. We walked around and purchased a few 'I Like Mike' t-shirts (which any merchandise bought went towards the campaign). All of the campaign members we came across were fantastic. They were excited for the turn out, interested in talking with the people and displayed kindness and courtesy.
After we grabbed some soda and a table we watched and listened to this band perform. They were definitely better than I anticipated. They played cover songs and nailed them with what seemed like little effort. I was so impressed with the great musicians, the keyboardist, the drummer, the guitarist, the singers and of course the bass player, Mike Huckabee. They all were having a great time and so were all of the people in attendance. My husband, a musician himself, commented to me on how well Mike played, to which I agreed. After a short while my husband made his way across the floor to the other side of the stage where he could take some pictures. I watched as the band members threw out some glow sticks as the kids swarmed the floors to pick them up. There was a lady who had a whole stack of them in her hands as she made her way to our table and handed them to us with a smile. I thought, 'Wow, that was nice of her'. Now me and my daughter could shake them around along with all the others!
During the brief intermission I watched as the band members came off the stage, right where my husband was standing. OH! 'Is he going to talk to Mike!?' I strained myself to catch a glimpse and low and behold....he was standing right there with him! I was regretting not going along with him, I missed my chance. About 5 minutes later I see my husband heading back towards our table. I asked, "Did you talk to Mike!?" He said, "Oh yeah, I told him we're praying for him and that we're standing with him". Randy also complimented him on his musical abilities and explained he was a musician himself. Mike was very gracious and held eye contact the entire conversation. All though there were crowds of people waiting to shake his hand, when he was talking with Randy, they were the only two in the room. They chatted for a while more and shook hands. I asked Randy if we could go back over there, so we followed as he led the way. We got right behind him as he was talking with a few other folks. Once Randy got his attention, he introduced me and my daughter. I shook his hand and told him how great I thought he was. Let me tell you, this man has the kindest, sincerest eyes. Seeing him at the debates you can see his kindness, but television doesn't capture the authenticity as it does when you're face to face. He was very personable and told me, "Your husband was just telling me about his music". Can you get anymore personable than that? Keep in mind, we ventured back over to Mike about 25 minutes after Randy first met him. Mike easily met another 10-15 people during that time frame, and yet, he recalled the face and conversation.
As I watched the stage during intermission, they were auctioning off some t-shirts, drumsticks, books and Mike's old guitar. The lady holding the auction was the same lady that came to our table with the light sticks. Then it hit me, that was Mike's wife! She too, was a very sweet, down to earth, people person.
Later in the night there were a few performers that came to join in with Capital Offense, one of them was the original member and founder of the band Boston. Another was a female lead singer to a band out of New Jersey. They rocked out to 'More than a Feeling'. Very awesome!
Mike did give some words of encouragement a few times throughout the night along with a few wise cracks. One of the amazing things was that while he performed, he let his band be in the spotlight. Every once in a while he'd step out further on the stage to nod and smile at the crowd. Someone also asked him while he was out on the floor if he could pay tribute to a lady name Joyce as it was her birthday. So, while he was on stage he asked Joyce to join him and the whole crowd sang happy birthday. After rocking out on a few more songs, like 'Sweet Home Alabama', 'Stand by Me', and 'Twist and Shout', the show was over. No one wanted to leave, they were standing around waiting to see Mike. We grabbed a few bumper stickers, yard signs and CD's on the 'Fair Tax' plan and got in line. As I watched Mike with people, he was very personable to all of them.
When it was our turn to talk with Mike again, he immediately knew who we were. This time he met my daughter and noticed she had a cross country shirt on. They chatted for a bit about how far she's ran and he gave her some words of encouragement like a proud father would do. We got a picture taken. This was a very memorable evening.
Seeing him that night only made me feel more convicted to be part of the Huckabee camp. We watched CNN this morning while he was being interviewed by Wolfe Blitzer. Blitzer tried many times to catch Mike up. He told Mike about the controversy written about him by liberals and conservatives and gave about 4 different examples. Mike didn't crack once. He made it very clear that he respected their point of view, even if they don't agree. He stood firm and spoke from the heart.
I know without a doubt that Huckabee is the man to be the next in line to lead this nation. He has showed me time and again that he is a man with a gift of great communication, a compassionate heart and one who holds the foundation of Christ.
Over the past few months, Mike has gained poll numbers and even ranked higher than Romney in one of them. Ladies and gentleman, it is so important to know what the candidates stand for. They should be able to answer tough questions, speak from their heart and hold true to 'saying what they mean, and meaning what they say'. I have witnessed a man who does not seem to change faces based on the surroundings. Mike is someone who is confident with himself, his beliefs and his path. I will do all I can to support and encourage him on this campaign. The decision is ultimately in God's hands, but we all need to do our part and listen, learn and pay attention to where this country is heading. The choice is ours, what will yours be? As for me, I'm for Mike!
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