This book is the 1997 predecessor for the 2007 book Character Makes a Difference. Since Huckabee was running for President in 2007, the newer book is heavily influenced by his preparations. In other words, the 1997 book is the more "honest" version of the same book. The 2007 book is not promoted as an update of the 1997 book -- it just FEELS like an update, because the two books share whole passages in several parts.

The two books have a lot of overlap. They both discuss the legacy of Gov. Jim Guy Tucker, who resigned in scandal making Huckabee governor. Bill Clinton was Tucker's predecessor, so he figures prominently in this book as well (and Clinton also inspired the book's title, in the negative). This book also leans more on policy issues (Huckabee as governor) than on character issues (Huckabee as presidential candidate).

The two books have whole passages in common, however, and the 1997 book gives the same feeling as the 2007 book:

If you feel like you've missed one too many Sundays at church, this book is for you. Gov. Mike Huckabee, a former pastor, preaches the Gospel (literally) in this ostensibly political book.

From OnTheIssues.org book review of "Character Makes a Difference"

We dug back into the past to review this book because Huckabee is clearly running for president in 2012. Political junkies will recall that Huckabee was the last of McCain's opponents to withdraw, waiting well beyond when it was obvious that McCain had a mathematical lock on the nomination. Huckabee's line then was, "I didn't major in mathematics; I majored in miracles." Pundits heard that as, "I am using the bully pulpit of still running for president to get better known for 2012." Because he dropped out last, Huckabee can accurately claim that he got the 2nd most deelgates at the 2008 GOP Convention.

Political junkies might also note Huckabee's new national TV show, called "Huckabee", which focuses on political interviews and homemade music (Huckabee's other passion). The mainstream media thereby acknowledges that Huckabee can draw an interested audience. The political pundits acknowledge that Huckabee can thereby stay in the national spotlight until he formally announces sometime around 2011.

-- Jesse Gordon, jesse@OnTheIssues.org, Dec. 2008