What do Zaboni and Huckabee have in common?
When we want to cut the grass, the vehicle we use is called a lawn mower or rider-mower. If we want to plow snow, the vehicle we choose is a snow plow. But when we want to shave or smooth the ice for a figure skating show or between periods of a hockey game, we don't use a vehicle called an ice-shaver or ice-smoother. We use a Zamboni, named for the guy who developed the vehicle/machine that does that job. We hold onto the name Zamboni because it is cute, almost Disney-like in the way it rolls off the tongue. And it is used for pleasant shows like figure skating, or during the peaceful periods between the violent game of ice hockey. It makes us feel good just to say it.
However when it comes to presidential candidates, we want good ole American names like Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, Clinton, Carter, Bush, or even Kennedy. It is a tough climb to the White House with a name like Kucinich or Giuliani or Duckakis. Obama is not a truly 'murican enough sounding name, but when you couple it with Oprah, and have Oprah and Obama together, it has a commercial ring to it that plays to U.S. audiences.
Huckabee is an interesting name. It combines both the Disneyland aura with images of American pie and innocence. And it was helped when Hollywood used that name in a fun movie that met with success. Mark Huckabee is benefiting from all this. Huckabee feels warm and cozy. Huckabee is a name that you can trust. Huckabee wouldn't hurt anyone, but it is American enough to protect our heritage (or perceived heritage).
Zamboni and Huckabee tell you alot about the intelligence, insight, and understanding that Americans have of what is important in the president of the most powerful military machine in the history of the world.
