Mike Huckabee saves a life -- and it's a Republican's!

It looks like Mike Huckabee, the former radio announcer, Baptist preacher, governor, bass guitarist, author and Republican presidential candidate, can add another occupation to his resume: paramedic.

Republican presidential nominee-to-be Sen. John McCain, take note.

At a luncheon preceding the North Carolina state Republican Party convention this weekend, Huckabee, the convention's keynote speaker, noticed that a fellow diner appeared to be choking on some food and having difficulty breathing.

The other diner was state Sen. Robert Pittenger, a GOP lieutenant governor candidate. This appearing to be a bad year for Republicans, they can't afford to lose even one vote.

So Huckabee, who received EMT training in college and is a former lieutenant governor himself, leapt up and immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver on Pittenger.

Pittenger began breathing normally again. Huckabee was declared a hero by unanimous vote. The breakfast and convention went on as scheduled. Pittenger is even back on the campaign trail.

After he regained his breath, Pittenger said he had been laughing when he choked on a piece of food and instinctively stood up. "The governor came over," he said, "and did the Heimlich and got the relief."

In fact, Pittenger added, Huckabee "called me in the car as I was driving home to make sure I was OK."

Huckabee's daughter, Sarah, who also serves as his spokesman, said her father reacted instinctively, as he has in other similar incidents, according to the Palmetto Scoop.

Some cynical commentators online are suggesting the incident was staged, and that Pittenger probably suffers from acid reflux or something and Huckabee's efforts were perhaps unnecessary. Not according to Pittenger.

Obviously, the commenters are Democrats worried about the possibility of a heroic Huckabee as McCain's vice presidential running mate running around the country campaigning this fall, saving the lives of Republicans, independents and disaffected Democrats wherever he goes.

And don't forget to take the vice president's poll here.

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo Credit: AP / Charlie Neibergall 

Comments

[Ryan Mercer]

McCain is a good man with more integrity in his pinky-finger than the rest of the republican party combined. I pray he has the good sense not to turn to Huckabee for answers.

Mike Huckabee is sugar coated bigotry. He has clearly shown his genuine contempt for blacks, liberals, and the secular mind. Perhaps even unbeknown-st to him, his personality shows the many subtle signs of a self-righteous fascist. Not only do I believe he is entirely capable of staging such an event, but I honestly fear what kind of man -- be it democrat, republican, or independent -- real power would allow him to become. Mike Huckabee is a silver tonged devil that will only bring miracles to those filled with his brand of hate. He is a danger to all of us, mark my words.

[Debra]

Gov. Huckabee has integrity and character to always "do the right thing" and in many cases "be in the right place at the right time"!

A McCain/Huckabee 08 Ticket would be a huge win in November!
➢ Proven, tested, unchanged stands/records on Tax Reform, Fiscal Responsibility, Social/Traditional Family Issues, National Security/Immigration (secure the Border first), and both have conservative Democrat and limited Government allies to reach across the aisle outside the GOP.

➢ Vetted, trusted, proven integrity and character, and would appoint conservative JUDGES who would not legislate from the bench, and undermine the people and the traditional values this country was founded upon. “I will never sacrifice principles for anybody’s politics.”—Gov. Huckabee No surprises or “skeletons” in these closets to bring the country and the office of the President of the United States disrespect.

➢ Respect/Like each other!
McCain: “Governor Huckabee got millions of votes from people across this country when he ran for President. He reached out to people. I am very grateful to have him with me as a role model.” (Little Rock, AR, 4-25-08)
Huckabee: “One of the reasons I am supporting McCain is I admire him for understanding how government works and not giving more power to the government, but to the people.”
McCain: “We will be careful stewards of your tax money, as Gov. Huckabee was when he was Governor of Arkansas.” (Little Rock, AR, 4-25-08)
Huckabee: “We ran the most civil campaigns in the entire Republican primary.”
(Little Rock, AR, 4-25-08)
"When I think about the leadership our country needs, there's no doubt in my mind it needs Sen. McCain.” (Greensboro, NC, 6-8-08)

Why Gov. Mike Huckabee for VP?

• Strong, unwaivering record on social issues, fiscal responsibility, tax reform as Governor, huge evangelical, southern states support
• Still has 65% approval rating in AK, and got millions of votes from supporters during presidential primaries, including 65% African-American vote
• Since 1976, there have been five states who have voted for the General Election winner every time in all of the eight elections since then. The states are: Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Ohio. This year, in all of these states, Gov. Huckabee either won them or came in second to McCain.
• Reaches across party lines with his likeability and character
• Likability, personable, and earned the title, “The Great Communicator” says Ed Rollins, Campaign Mgr.
• Would bring a huge, still-active Army of grassroots supporters to ENERGIZE the Republican Party and rally for the McCain ticket!
REAL CHANGE Republicans with REAL ANSWERS in solving the Problems we face in this country!

Debra, Michigan

[LV_Repub]

...I have preformed the Heimlich twice so far since I received my EMT training, when out in public, does this make me a hero? no, why would it make him one?

I simply did the right thing, as did he.

Hero is a word that has lost most of its significance the past 7 years, much as how "awesome" has become nothing but filler in conversation.

[xbjllb]

Heimlich maneuver? That can't be right.

Are you sure he didn't just LAY HANDS ON HIM and PRAY HIM back to life?

Sure... that HAD to be what happened. THAT'S what our lord and savior George Bush would have done...

[Adrian Bennett]

I am very pleased to read this story. I would really love to see Mike Huckabee as the GOP VP candidate.

[Jeff]

Andrew Malcolm, you are implying that "ALL" democrats are cynical and you are trying to inject politics into this topic. I don't have to be a republican to appreciate that a life was saved and to be proud of Rev. Governor Huckabee.

(Inject politics into a politics blog? OMG, what an outrage! You protest too much. Just read the words that ARE there. And relax.)

[John W.]

Huckabee's a good guy. he'd make a great VP choice for McCain. But why would it "obviously" be dems that are feeling cynical about the state of our republican party? You write for a newspaper... do ever read it? It's just one embarrassment after another. I'm not so sure I'm even going to vote this year.

[eric]

No matter what 'side of the isle' you sit, you gotta "heart hucakabee.

[Ben]

Well I think he's a total tool, but a good deed is a good deed. Nice work Mike.

[hsmith]

Huckabee is a man of many of many talents - I hope McCan will choose him as VP.

[Travis]

Good for Mike (and even better for Pittenger), but I hardly think former POW John McCain needs Heimlich Huckabee to add hero stature to the republican ticket. I hope Pittenger's good fortune does not become this country's misfortune, and I pray McCain does NOT choose Huckabee.

[Granny T]

New words to add to the Huck-a-word list:
Huck-a-medic
Huck-a-lifesaver

[Linda Rayborn]

I attended the luncheon where Governor Huckabee saved the life of fellow politician Pettinger, and I can tell you, it was certainly not staged!! The Governor acted quickly and saved the day!! Then, he just went back to his seat as if he had done nothing special! He even called Pettinger on his way home to make sure he was ok, it was reported. His speech was powerful, witty, humorous, motivating and inspiring!! The atmosphere in that room was electrifying! He received a standing ovation and the crowd was so pumped they didin't want to stop clapping. He certainly did Senator McCain proud!!! THIS is the charismatic, communicator who can help McCain go up against Obama. McCain has the foreign policy expertise that is so important, has a credible long standing senate record and is seasoned in Washington. Huckabee has domestic/executive exp (10 1/2 yrs) shares the same McCain idealogy and has consistently praised McCain throughout the campaign. Huckabee can give McCain the competitor's edge against Obama's speeches because as speeches and debates go, there is NO ONE better than Huckabee. AS far as exciting the base of the party, THERE IS NO ONE BETTER THAN HUCKABEE. I know the democrats are very scared of Huck getting on the ticket with McCain. The interent is full of posts saying he would have been hard to go against Obama, even suggesting Huck should be Obama's vp. They will be mighty scared of McCain (so much experience)/Huckabee(so much charisma). Team McCain/Huckabee'08....unbeatable!!!

(Thanks for adding your first-person account, Linda.)

[Robert]

Huckabee is the man. That is the sort of guy we need leading out country...one who cares about people and their needs.

[LLOYD]

Gov. Huckabee took care of a problem. His humor can show us the real Sen. Obamah. Gov. Huckabee loves this country and its people. Sen. Obamah loves Sen. Obamah and the power of public office.Get Sen. Obamah in town hall meetings with Gov. Huckabee and we will see the real Sen. Obamah.

[John]

This would be a good time to explain to Mike the values of science. But he'll probably say god taught him, and him only, the Heimlich.

[Jimmy Doors]

Did Hucklebuck make jokes about an Obama assassination attempt, like he did for the NRA? Or did he just ask "do you want fries with that, Mr. Pittenger?

[Monte Day]

Gov. Huckabee is the man for the job!!

Loved reading the first hand account of the meeting, the "rescue" and the speech. Huckabee is a GREAT Communicator, and the Republicans REALLY need him in this upcoming election.

McCain, wise up, and pick Huckabee!!!!

[FrankB]

I watched Huckabee on Meet The Press the other weekend and it was hard to listen to him struggle to answer basic questions re: the upcoming GE.

He got what he wanted out of his nomination run: exposure. For what? I'm not sure, but I am sure that POTUS material he is not.

Gratz on the quick reaction to a person in need. But it doesn't make him worthy of anything more than our gratitude.

[Sandy]

Just because of politics, I don't think that Gov. Huckabee should be McCain's V.P. choice, but I think that he would make a great Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. With his personal weight loss experience, Heimlich skills, and heart for the common folk, he could be a credible spokesperson and have a very positive impact on this country in that cabinet position. Someone should let McCain in on this thought.

[David Anderson]

Mike Huckabee is a man. Those who malign him are like cockroaches who instinctively run from the light.

[Vicki]

He's what this country needs, backbone and a conscience.

[Oregon voter]

Performing the Heimlich maneuver doesn't make anyone a hero, but it does show that you can think clearly and decisively in a stressful moment. Simply performing the Heimlich maneuver doesn’t qualify a guy for POTUS, or VP, but it’s nice to know that the guy probably won’t freak out under stress. To say that the thing was staged is more than a stretch… Can you really imagine Sen. Pittenger allowing himself to get set up like this…? Come on, these things really do happen, people really do choke from time to time, but not on purpose in front of an audience for someone else’s political gain… my 3 year old doesn’t even have that good of an imagination… I respect Mike Huckabee for his quick thinking. And I liked his leadership in Arkansas. He left the state in good shape, in terms of infrastructure and economy. He united blacks and whites because of genuine compassion. Anyone that calls him bigoted should supply one instance or quote of bigotry. He is always quite respectful and even speaks highly of those who differ with him. That’s a fresh breath of air!

[PiRSquared]

Great report...Mike Huckabee was the right man at the right place and at the right time.

[OCMOM]

I love this guy,
There is no one more loyal , more interesting and more enjoyable. He is right on all the issues
The next president will win with the evangelical vote. But you got to get us Chritians out there to vote,.
We may know the Obama lacks values, lack true faith and has no ideas. But Obhama's quiet narcisitic manner will not move us enough to go to the polls to vote.
McCain is a HERO but he needs a Man Like Huckabee is on the ticket.

I like McCain he is real and a hero. But I love Mike Huckabee.
No one for either side can say they have people that like the canidate as much as Huckabee people like him.

He just gets more likable as time goes on,.

[dave]

who to boldly perform the heimlich maneuver on america choking on its bloated corrupt government if not for the american people?