FixCam: Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris -- Perfect Together?

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.) knows how to stand out in a crowd. His witty one-liners during debates, self-deprecating nature on the stump and strong social conservative credentials have catapulted him from an asterisk in Iowa to a solid second.

And now, with his first ad in Iowa, Huckabee is at it again. In a bow to pop culture, Huckabee has chosen to feature "actor" Chuck Norris in the 60-second ad, which serves as an extended riff on a humor Web site that lists "facts" about Norris. (The Fix's personal favorite? "There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.")

Will the ad work? That is, will it help Huckabee build his momentum in the state, which is rapidly becoming his best chance at making a major splash in the nomination fight?

It will certainly get people talking and raise Huckabee's name identification in the state. But, we have real doubts about its long term efficacy. Everyone who meets Huckabee likes him -- poll after poll reflects that. Even so, there are many people who simply don't believe he can win or that he is up to the job. Putting Chuck Norris in an ad doesn't help him make the argument that he is the best choice to take on the most important and difficult job in the world.

Check out the ad (and more of my thoughts on it) above. Disagree with me? Agree? Use the comments section below to offer your own take on the ad and whether it helps or hurts Huck.

By Chris Cillizza  |  November 20, 2007; 3:37 PM ET
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