Jon M. Huntsman Jr., the U.S. ambassador to China, sent a resignation letter to President Barack Obama on Monday and now is likely to explore a Republican presidential bid, a close associate told POLITICO.
Huntsman is the sort of candidate who should be pretty high up on my list. He clearly understands the dynamics of Southeast Asia, our foremost economic competitor, and he’s both pro-life and pro-civil unions, meaning that he is socially conservative while being culturally modern at the same time. My guess is that Huntsman would do quite well among suburban independents, who I believe will decide the coming election. But there is more to life than winning an election, and my question with regard to Huntsman is this: does he have the courage to right our fiscal ship? Will he have the fortitude to speak truth to power, the “power” being the American middle class, which is going to have to prepare for massive vegetable-eating in order to stave off national bankruptcy? Would he move forward with Paul Ryan’s entitlement reforms and tax simplification plans? Or Mitch Daniels’ health care reforms? Or Chris Christie’s public sector reforms? Huntsman is a well-spoken, telegenic, attractive candidate. But he’ll need more than that to win the nomination, let alone the election.
January 31st, 2011 at 6:23 pm
yeah just heard he’s let obama know he’s resigning effective April 30th and hopes to have explotortory up and running by spring and announcement on yes or no by june july time frame i just heard on tv
January 31st, 2011 at 6:26 pm
can we offically say 2012 kicks of today lol?!
January 31st, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Link here http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/48454.html
January 31st, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Wow! That’s crazy. Now I am torn. I have always been a Romney guy and will likely still be in his camp, but I really like Huntsman. I had the chance to brief him and visit with him a couple years ago and he is extremely impressive. It will be interesting to see how things go for him.
I think that while he will be ostracized by some on the Right for working in the Obama admin, I think it could be a strength. He could potentially use his “inside info” against Obama, something like, I had the opportunity to work with the President very closely and as a result of not liking what I saw and seeing where he was taking us, I decided to resign and run for President against him.” It could be a very strong position.
This is going to be a crazy primary cycle!
January 31st, 2011 at 6:38 pm
did hunts man basically through a fast ball today ? since this guy is basically on obamas cabinet Does this already make and other 2012ers run around panicking in terms of moving up there timetables i wonder?
January 31st, 2011 at 6:56 pm
Well, that pretty much seals it; Huntsman is running. He’ll certainly bring a different prespective to the GOP race.
Come on in Ambassador (or is it Governor?) the water’s fine.
January 31st, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Now I’ve got another favorite to stand alongside Mitch Daniels.
January 31st, 2011 at 7:03 pm
i really did not think he would send obama a resign letter so quickly SO does this change the 2012 announcement decision calendar or do others just stick to the original time tables??
January 31st, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Huntsman Jr
Huckabee
Pawlenty
Gingrich
Daniels
Romney
Thune
..now that’s a good field! 8)!
January 31st, 2011 at 7:06 pm
In the Hunt(sman)!
January 31st, 2011 at 7:11 pm
All Huntsman can do is hurt Romney.
Nothing else.
January 31st, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Don’t rule out a Romney/Huntsman ticket. I know that it sounds odd now but many scoffed at the idea of Clinton/Gore when it was announced, asking why put two baby boomer Southern Baptists from neighboring States on the same ticket? Might be an interesting strategy.
January 31st, 2011 at 7:21 pm
what about all the ones that work at fox news that might mean it’s soon decision time right?
January 31st, 2011 at 7:40 pm
JA Pruce Says:
“Don’t rule out a Romney/Huntsman ticket”.
==============================================
Yeah,but there is a small
inconvenience before it
can happen.
It’s called the nomination.
Last spring when Romney was
far ahead in polls from Palin
and Huck,Rombots were talking
every day about who is going
to be Mitt’s VP.
Now I see Huckanuts dreaming
of Huck’s VP.
Great entertainment.
January 31st, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Jon Huntsman May Launch Pro-Life Republican Presidential Bid
“Former two-term Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has stepped down from his position as ambassador to China and may launch a bid for the Republican nomination to face the pro-abortion president for whom he currently is a diplomat.
Huntsman, who is pro-life and supported and signed into law parental consent requirement for abortion, is a Republican but is known for bucking the establishment and he did so when he accepted the nomination to become ambassador to the Asian nation. He did so in part because he learned to speak Mandarin while on Mormon mission to Taiwan during college.”
http://www.lifenews.com/2011/01/31/jon-huntsman-may-launch-pro-life-republican-presidential-bid/
Go Huckabee/Huntsman Jr 2012!
If not my first choice of Huck/Kasich
January 31st, 2011 at 7:41 pm
‘Don’t rule out a Romney/Huntsman ticket.’
Two rich, white Mormons?
January 31st, 2011 at 7:43 pm
wow New hampsire wants to have a debate/ summit in April by April 29th no joke! a http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/31/2012-contenders-invited-to-new-hampshire-for-conservative-summit/#more-145227
January 31st, 2011 at 7:45 pm
What i’m thinking is romney might not run. Personally, i think he should run for senate in Nevada this cycle and worry about a prez run in 2016. Of course, i don’t believe romney and huntsman like each at all, ditto huntsman sr and romney even though he endorsed him but that was more CYA, so this could be more of spite on huntsman part if romney is in fact running. If i was gonna bet with these developments, i’d take mike huckabee winning the nomination but i’m not sure he runs either.
January 31st, 2011 at 7:50 pm
I’d say Huntsman endorses his son, Junior ONE billion per cent over Romney.
And we could have a Huntsman Jr/Huckabee ticket in the making!
(Or vice versa)
Obama can be beat.
January 31st, 2011 at 7:50 pm
JA Pruce Says:
January 31st, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Don’t rule out a Romney/Huntsman ticket
===
2 mormons on the same ticket. Mmmm…..
January 31st, 2011 at 7:50 pm
I know it’s a trivial point but I am curious about how Hunstman will want to be addressed: Ambassador or Governor? Either one sounds good in a debate and on the trail.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:00 pm
How ’bout Govassador?
January 31st, 2011 at 8:12 pm
i am getting the impression most of the 2012 people want palin to say yes or no first don’t they before the rest decide ?
January 31st, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Gotta think this is gonna hurt romney.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Yes Greg,
They are all praying,going to
church praying that Sarah Palin
doesn’t run.
To even think of dealing with 800
lbs Barracuda in the room is
frightening.
That’s why they’re sitting and praying.
Who can blame them?
January 31st, 2011 at 8:38 pm
Unless Huntsman wins Iowa or New Hampshire, his entrance may help Romney. He will make Romney appear more conservative and one more Mormon in the race may help in debates especially if someone like Huckabee starts playing the religion card again.
Or so it could be…
January 31st, 2011 at 8:38 pm
Very pleased to see Huntsman entering the race. Another choice for those of us who do not desire any of the old names with all of their baggage. Noticed Axlerod thanked Romney today for giving the Obama administration some ideas on healthcare. Obviously a political shot, but those for whom healthcare is a major issue will not vote for Romney. If Huntsman is Romney without the healthcare, he has a chance.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:41 pm
Jay Says:
January 31st, 2011 at 8:38 pm
…but those for whom healthcare is a major issue will not vote for Romney.
===
that is for the primaries and not the General, right?
January 31st, 2011 at 8:48 pm
26.
Steve,
Huck and Hunt are friends from way back.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Definitely in the primaries. Should Romney get the nomination, some may sit out the general or vote third party. Some will hold their nose and vote for Romney.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:57 pm
“Now I am torn. I have always been a Romney guy and will likely still be in his camp, but I really like Huntsman.”
This is exactly why Romney came as close to cursing today as he ever has in his life.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Pruce,
“Don’t rule out a Romney/Huntsman ticket. I know that it sounds odd now but many scoffed at the idea of Clinton/Gore when it was announced, asking why put two baby boomer Southern Baptists from neighboring States on the same ticket?”
Right, except 1/3 of the country is Southern, Southern Baptists are the largest non-Catholic church in the US. and the religion of Democrats rarely matters anyway, to them or anyone else.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:17 pm
“Don’t rule out a Romney/Huntsman ticket.”
Here’s a game for us: What is the most unlikely ticket? That one is certainly well up there.
Somebody (jokingly) proposed Santorum/Hutchison the other day, which is even more unlikely, but only because neither of them has any chance at all. That would be too easy.
The ticket has to be composed of people who actually have a decent chance to appear on the national Republican ticket.
I propose Romney/Giuliani, because both are Northeasterners not much trusted by Socons.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Yeah, i think you see a obama/palin ticket before romney/huntman.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:47 pm
John Huntsman Jr is a moderate, he will draw away votes from Mitt, Newt and Mitch Daniels(If he runs)…too many people will be suspicious of John motives having just left the Obama administration whether it’s right or wrong to do so.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Huntsman wasted no time taking his cue from the WH in handing in his resignation. He might be angling for 2016. Run now, let the dust settle, come back again with the necesary scars and name recognition Republicans require of their nominees. I chuckle at the thought of Huckabee and Huntsman squaring off for the nomination in ’16.
January 31st, 2011 at 9:58 pm
By the way, am I the only one starting to get annoyed by articles that start with “It begins”?
I hate that!
January 31st, 2011 at 10:09 pm
36.
Why would Huntsman run against an incumbent Republican President Huckabee in ’16?
January 31st, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Not only is “It has begun…” cliched, but this tendancy of some folks, every time a new face pops up, to put them at the top of the heap.
I thought the Mama Grizzly ad from this summer, which generated such profuse and fervent praise, that no one but Palin would be the nominee.
Seems like the “flavor of the week-itis” is running rampant.
January 31st, 2011 at 10:19 pm
If Huntsman is as formidable as the “Anyone but Romney” crowd is hoping, then he’ll be taking out the all Fox News Stars as well. They are either past their expiration date, toxic or unable to compete long term.
January 31st, 2011 at 10:23 pm
By the way, am I the only one starting to get annoyed by articles that start with “It begins”?
I hate that!
Okay, from now on I will swap that phrase out with…
“It starts”
“It initiates”
“Make it so!”
January 31st, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Doug,
“If Huntsman is as formidable as the “Anyone but Romney” crowd is hoping, then he’ll be taking out the all Fox News Stars as well.”
He has the potential to win it all. He’s (mostly) right on the issues, as far as I can tell, he’s an ex-gov, telegenic, and very rich, with no known skeletons (yet). That at least makes him a legit contender. I’m not saying it’s likely, but it’s possible.
January 31st, 2011 at 10:35 pm
“It’s on….”
January 31st, 2011 at 10:36 pm
you need to add Huntsman and Herman Cain to your banner
January 31st, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Dave,
How about, “It is embarked upon…..”?
January 31st, 2011 at 10:42 pm
“It commences…..”
January 31st, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Lame. Use “it”, and whatever follows feels lame.
Some suggestions:
Huntsman joins the pack?
Barbour leaves the chair!
Daniels: MD is the prescription!
Huck chucks the mike!
Santorum: Return of the reject!
Bachmann, Turner, Overreach!
T-Paw in the Majors.
Newt news: a final affair!
Will Mitt catch on?
Come now. Let’s be done with “it” altogether.
January 31st, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Oh, oh, China Rogue!
January 31st, 2011 at 11:40 pm
a Huntsman, Jr. run could hurt Romney. Of course, Huntsman Jr. never really did much himself. He’s an impressive guy, but what’s he done?
January 31st, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@Watchintall.
Hilarious!!!
January 31st, 2011 at 11:48 pm
I think Huntsman is a decent guy and was well-liked as governor of a small state during good times. However, he is still young and would likely have been better off staying in China (unless it was wearing on his family). He owes much of his success to his father’s name, wealth, and influence (much like a former governor/president from Texas). I would not trust Huntsman to have the capacity and fortitude to provide the leadership necessary to tackle the substantial issues that lie before us. If he does in fact throw his hat in the ring, it will evidence a degree of hubris and ego that I was hoping was beyond him. I don’t anticipate that he will be much of a factor in 2012–but he will serve as a gravy train for a host of consultants that at present must be providing advise based on their interests rather than Huntsman’s.
January 31st, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Huntsman will be a magnet for the old McCain coalition. Most of the bigger names are already in his camp.
It will be interesting to see his platform. I predict he will focus on getting to a balanced budget without raising taxes….along with just about everyone else in the race. Credibility on that score will devolve to those who have actually done it, which will narrow the field considerably.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:02 am
Ogre, Mike,
According to the PEW Foundation, Utah was the best governed state in the nation when Jon was Governor.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:06 am
Ogrepete,
“He’s an impressive guy, but what’s he done?”
==================================================
Great question.
And also,what’s so impressive
about the guy?
He’s to the left of Mitt Romney,
on second thought he won’t take
any votes from Mitt.
Did he resign his Governorship?
You mean he left the people of
Utah,like Sarah Palin did,to do
something else?Shameful.
Why nobody is talking about that?
Oh,he’s “impressive” guy.Really?
Some of his fans please let me
know what he’s done?
Ambassadors and Consuls are dime
a dozen,what he’s done in Utah as
Governor?
February 1st, 2011 at 12:09 am
Reasons not to discount Huntsmania:
He’s got the McCain people, and as much as we all deride them, they did in fact do much more with a much less politically astute candidate the last time around.
He’s a Westerner. Since 1960, the GOP nominee has been from a state west of the Missouri River in every election but one — and the exception, Gerald Ford, would never have been the nominee had he not fallen into the presidency thanks to Watergate (AND he was almost denied the nod by a Westerner!). Republicans, for whatever reason, like western candidates.
He can self-finance.
He doesn’t kill any sacred cows.
His tone and modernity on cultural mores and multiculturalism, along with his obvious intellect and his ability to articulate his ideas, will make him seem electable.
The media will love him, at least until he has the nomination.
I still need to be sure that there’s a “there” there before I add him to my list of preferred candidates.
February 1st, 2011 at 1:14 am
How easily we fall in love with the new guy, the flavor of the month. Just wait until the debates, the stump speeches, and all the rest of the vetting when warts become visible.
None of these new guys have been through the ringer like Palin, Huck, and Romney have. Time will tell if they really have the goods.
February 1st, 2011 at 1:43 am
“Since 1960, the GOP nominee has been from a state west of the Missouri River in every election but one”
Interesting … and you could push it back farther than that, since Ike (though he resided in NYC at the time of election) was born in Texas and grew up in Kansas.
February 1st, 2011 at 3:03 am
lol greg aka JA.
But what is Jon playing out? All I can think of is that he must HATE Mitt with a passion. He can’t win, of course, but he can do Mitt damage. If Jon & Rudy run I would go so far as to say that it would be very difficult for Mittens to win. Which is a shame as he may be the only one who can beat Barry.
February 1st, 2011 at 6:26 am
Huckanuts would never accept Huntsman. They will window dress with him, but when push comes to shove, that little mormon issue will rise up and bite – again. Pity really. Both Romney and Huntsman are so much better qualified than Huckabee.
February 1st, 2011 at 10:54 am
Huntsman is McCain 2.0
February 1st, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Bob,
Here’s a game for us: What is the most unlikely ticket? That one is certainly well up there.
MWS/Matt Y.
I win!
February 1st, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Yeah, I agree with the above sentiment. A Huntsman will take out Romney and Jon will not win, but it could set himself up well for 2016. There must be some really bad-blood between him and Romney since the 2002 Olympics. He must be still miffed that he wasn’t chosen to run it. Wowzers, look out this is going to be a nasty primary cycle.
April 24th, 2011 at 6:02 am
Romney and Huntsman do not get along. Nobody gets along with Romney. But it makes no sense that a two term governor who was the youngest US ambassador to serve in 100 years (to Singapore under 41) then trade representative under W… Huntsman has tons more executive, foreign policy and private sector experience than Romney. No way he takes the #2 spot.