The Manchurian Candidate (Jon Huntsman hints about 2012 run)

Newsweek ^ | January 1, 2011 | McKay Coppins

[Hawk720]

...The moderate Republican had once been considered a rising star in the GOP and a likely 2012 contender, with David Plouffe, Barack Obama’s campaign mastermind, even identifying Huntsman as the only Republican who made him “a wee bit queasy” about the next race. But speculation ended abruptly in 2009 when Obama tapped Huntsman for the ambassadorship. National pundits called the appointment a shrewd move by the White House to sideline a potential rival, and then promptly forgot about him—which is probably why last fall’s Beehive State buzz was drowned out on the national stage by the noise of the midterms.

Now, it appears, the ambassador is ready to make some noise of his own. Sitting in the echo-y living room of his new Washington home, Huntsman, a tall, lean man with silver hair and impeccable posture, pauses only briefly when faced with the question of presidential aspirations. “You know, I’m really focused on what we’re doing in our current position,” he says. “But we won’t do this forever, and I think we may have one final run left in our bones.” Asked whether he is prepared to rule out a run in 2012 (since it would require him to campaign against his current boss), he declines to comment.

The winking response—about as close to a hat-in-ring announcement as you’ll get from a sitting member of the incumbent’s administration—could just be a hollow cry for attention. But sources close to Huntsman (who requested anonymity to speak freely without his permission) say that during his December trip to the U.S., he met with several former political advisers in Washington and Salt Lake City to discuss a potential campaign.

[DaxtonBrown]

Designated loser for the Republican Party.

[Friendofgeorge]

I think they should just start saying that “Moderate Republicans” and Democrats share one main characteristic....that being they both support/celebrate infanticide

[GBA]

I've listened to his Dad and can honestly say that I like his father better than I like obama’s father (whomever obama’s daddy actually is).

[Frank_2001]

“I don’t recall ever seeing the phrase, “moderate DemocRAT” being used by the state run “media”.

You’re correct! For the MSM, Republicans come in two varieties: “moderate “ and “rabid”;)

[wjcsux]

Great, another worthless RINO.

[pissant]

WHy not. One more RINO into the already crowded RINO field can’t hurt.

[uscabjd]

So, what’s the problem with him? A “moderate” on some issues? Hard right, or hard left, candidates aren’t going to win the Pres in ‘12. He seems fine to me, and I’m hard right.

[greyfoxx39]

Designated loser for the Republican Party.

Mitt Romney redux.

Biography

Jon Huntsman

Ambassador

China

Term of Appointment: 08/11/2009 to present

Jon Huntsman was tapped by President Barack Obama to serve as United States Ambassador to China in May 2009 and his nomination was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Huntsman was sworn in as Ambassador immediately following his resignation as the Governor of Utah on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

Huntsman was elected twice as Governor of Utah, including in 2008 with a record percent of the vote, including the majority in all 29 counties. As Governor, Huntsman governed with his eye toward maintaining Utah’s unparalleled quality of life, continually increasing the state’s economic competitiveness and maximizing funding to Utah’s public education system.

Huntsman’s breadth of experience in Asia has been developed over a lifetime of interest and involvement. He has previously lived in Asia three times and speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

Huntsman’s public service career began as a White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan and has since included appointments as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Asia, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. As a U.S. Trade Ambassador, Huntsman negotiated dozens of free trade agreements, trade and investment framework agreements and brokered other bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade agreements for the United States with China, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, India, Vietnam, West Africa, South Africa and other Asian and African nations. He played a critical role in launching global trade negotiations in Doha, Qatar in November of 2001, guiding the simultaneous accession of China and Taiwan into the World Trade Organization.

He is a founding director of the Pacific Council on International Policy

The Pacific Council on International Policy is a non-partisan organization headquartered in Los Angeles with members and activities throughout the West Coast of the United States and internationally.  The Council is governed by a Board of Directors co-chaired by John E. Bryson, former Chairman and CEO of Edison International and Ambassador Robert H. Tuttle, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.K.  Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher is Chairman Emeritus, and Jerrold D. Green is the President and CEO of the Pacific Council.  Founded in 1995 in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations, the Pacific Council is a 501c(3) not-profit organization whose work is made possible by financial contributions and in-kind support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations.  http://www.pacificcouncil.org/page.aspx?pid=373

and has served on various boards such as the Brookings Institute Asia Policy Board, the Center for Strategic and International Studies Pacific Forum, the Asia Society in New York and the National Bureau of Asian Research.

During his tenure as Governor, Utah was repeatedly recognized by many prestigious organizations for its dynamism, business climate and quality of life. Perhaps most importantly, Utah was named by the Pew Center as the Best Managed State in America. Even in times of economic hardship, Huntsman worked collaboratively with stakeholders to minimize impacts to critical human services while maintaining job-stimulating construction projects and keeping the State's Rainy Day Fund intact as a tool for any future fiscal distress.

Recognized nationally for his leadership, Huntsman served as chairman of the Western Governors Association and on the Executive Committee of the National Governors Association.

As a dedicated public servant, Huntsman is committed to serving in this critical post as Ambassador to one of the most important international relationships for the United States of America. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has four honorary doctorate degrees.

Huntsman supports civil unions

By McKay Coppins - 11 Feb 2009
http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/71135

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman revealed Tuesday that he supports civil unions for gay couples, baffling many political pundits and prompting some to speculate he is planning a presidential run in 2012.

“He could have some kind of aspirations for higher office,” said Quin Monson, a professor of political science who closely follows state politics. “But as a Republican I’m not sure that’s a wise position to take.”

While campaigning for governor in 2004, Huntsman said he supported an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage and civil unions.

But on Tuesday, Lisa Roskelley, spokeswoman for the governor, said he is in favor of state legislation that would extend additional rights to gays, adding that “he supports civil unions.”

According to a recent Salt Lake Tribune poll, 70 percent of Utahns oppose civil unions, which would give gay and transgender couples many of the same legal rights as married couples. With such a strong majority of the electorate disagreeing with Huntsman’s newly-revealed position, Monson said the news was unexpected.

“It’s quite surprising, not only because it runs counter to public opinion in this state but also because it seems quite unlikely that he’s going to change anything within the legislature in terms of civil unions,” Monson said.

[EGPWS]

Sarah, PAWLEEZE don’t consider this RINO for ANY cabinet posts!

[Jedidah]

Careful there. You sound like a voice of reason, and that’s generally not tolerated in discussions such as this.

My mind is wide open. I want to see who is willing to run, what they have to say, whether they have the strength to stand against our considerable challenges, and whether they can rid Washington of the current plague.

It’s absurd and unwise to discount or reject anyone this early in the game.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

DOA.

[Daisyjane69]

I’m here in S. Utah and he won’t even win THIS state for POTUS, believe me. He’s a first class RINO and most around here were thrilled when he left for China.

[broken_arrow1]

Not a chance.

[KoRn]

Well, he’s a Dream Theater fan, so he couldn’t be ALL bad! lol

[uscabjd]

Well, he was elected your governor by the people of your state, and your state is very conservative. As per the article, your economy is/was the fastest growing. He aggressively pro business. If you want me to discount him b/c is not sufficiently anti gay or immigrant, forget it.

This is a big country, and not everyone is as hard right as you and me. Beating BHO is mandatory. Remember, it was independents who swung the election in ‘10. To beat BHO, I’d take 3/4 of a loaf any day.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Here's some more on this steaming pile of RINO dung...

Huntsman advisor: We’re doomed in 2012 if Palin’s a major player in the GOP

Ironically Funny: Loser GOP "Strategists" Give Advice

Utah Governor Huntsman Becomes Obama's Ambassador to China

Huntsman strategist: If Palin and Limbaugh dominate, GOP 'headed for a blowout' in 2012

Shock: Barack Obama co-opts top 2012 Republican to be his ambassador to China

Utah's GOP governor seeks more moderate party [Huntsman] [was praised by McCain, Obama operatives]

Obama's campaign manager fears Jon Huntsman the most in 2012

(Governor) Huntsman: Gay marriage ban unclear on civil unions (RINO alert)

Huntsman takes aim at GOP

UTAH: GOP governor [Huntsman NOT taking a stand]: Congressional leadership 'inconsequential'

Huntsman wants to push cigarette tax to $3 (Utah)

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

A propaganda “pamphlet” that masquerades as a “News Magazine”.

Yeah, it sure is. But it's pretty clear that Huntsman's people contacted the rag and asked for this profile. Get ready for even more Romney-style skullduggery within the GOP with this loser.

[EGPWS]

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman revealed Tuesday that he supports civil unions for gay couples, baffling many political pundits and prompting some to speculate he is planning a presidential run in 2012.

A political hack RINO without conviction.

[hosepipe]

A Mormon ANY Mormon has no chance of being POTUS...
even if they would make a good one..

It would be like electing a scientologist..
Never happen.. unless America has gone thoughly GAw-GAw.. and become droolers..

[Hawthorn]

>> I’d take 3/4 of a loaf any day <<

Even when the candidate is a well-groomed Mormon who speaks fluent Chinese?

But it could be worse: He might speak French with a pure Parisian accent!