On Fox News, Mike Huckabee claims Barack Obama is beatable -- especially if Huck is the GOP nominee.
"Here's the reality: I think he can be beat.
I, frankly, think that I would be in a very good position to do it, because I believe that standing head-to-head with him, articulating the very clear, decisive difference between our positions would be a great contrast.
But it's the process of getting to that nomination that's tough."
This has turned into a pattern: Huckabee touts his ability to win a general election, but laments the nominating process and prospect of going through another GOP primary.
He's complained about the many debates in 2008....
"It was the same tripe, and I found it just incredibly disgusting, and ultimately meaningless."
.... and also knocked the drudgery behind fundraising.
"The thought of sitting on a telephone in some office… and just cold calling people I don't know and begging them for money, that's not my forte."
Having said that, he frequently alludes to his lofty standing in the polls when talking about a potential bid.
"I'd be less than honest if I said, 'Oh no, I never think about it.'
Of course I do, especially when poll-after-poll puts me in position that shows me in a real position to win all the way to the White House."
And in a December interview, he pointed to his success with women in polling as a sign he'd be competitive against Obama.
"I think I would be one of the best at drawing real contrasts with President Obama.
A lot of the polls show I do exceptionally well, far better than any Republican candidate, with my support with women."
So you get the sense that Huck is grappling with a rare phenomenon -- he doesn't want to run, but can't easily dismiss the polls suggesting he could win.
