Officially out of the race, former Governor Mike Huckabee weighs in on the rest of the 2012 field

Natalie Gonnella
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In a follow up to his 2012 announcement, today on Fox News Sunday Mike Huckabee offered some thoughts on the remaining pool of potential presidential contenders.

Although refusing to offer any specific endorsements, here's a look at what the former Governor had to say about the prospective field of contenders (referring to several of them as "very dear friends") and the impact of his decision on the GOP Primary:

On Donald Trump:

I believe that Donald Trump would be better for America than Barack Obama because he understands business. Donald Trump has taken a pro-life position. He believes we are getting shanghaied by China, which I agree with.

On Rick Santorum:

I don't know but I think there are a number of people who are similar to me in terms of point of view. Rick Santorum, for example. Strong social conservative, but also strong fiscal and I think defense conservative, and foreign policy conservative as well.

On Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin:

Tim Pawlenty, another person [with similar views]. Newt Gingrich. Michele Bachmann [too]. I think all of these folks, very clearly might benefit from [my decision]. Sarah Palin, should she decide to get in.

On Mitt Romney:

You know, there has been a lot of talk about Mitt Romney and me. And we don't socialize together. We're not close, you know, in personal ways. But I want to make it very clear today, if Mitt Romney is the nominee for our party, I will support him because I believe that Mitt Romney would be better president of the United States than Barack Obama on any day,"