Please tell me this is a joke.

Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and defeated contender for the GOP presidential nomination, is currently at the top of John McCain's short list for a running mate. At least that's the word from a top McCain fundraiser and longtime Republican moneyman who has spoken to McCain's inner circle. The fundraiser is less than thrilled with the idea of Huckabee as the vice presidential nominee, and many economic conservatives—turned off by the populist tone of Huckabee's campaign and his tax record as governor—are likely to share that marked lack of enthusiasm.

No, no, NO. Huck is theoretically supposed to help shore up McCain with the GOP base. True, he might bring in a few evangelicals who vote based on identity politics, but that isn't a huge group. Oddly, Huck would turn off many evangelicals who vote based on their conservative values (like me).

He seems to be less a Christian conservative and more of a Christian Democrat of the European Socialist mode. This ideology holds a social gospel outlook in which the power of the State is used to bring God's Kingdom to Earth. While well-meaning, the problems with this philosophy are legion.

First, government is woefully ineffective at social engineering. Second, expanding governmental power means a reduction in individual liberty. Third, an expanded state will be expanded even further by the next, more liberal executive to enforce a more anti-Christian social policy in the near future.

If McCain chooses Huck, he will vastly expand his deep problems with the GOP base. Don't do it, Senator.

Here was my Top Ten veep list created back in February. At this stage, I would probably switch Rudy and Mitt, but the analysis holds up pretty well, imho.