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Jon Huntsman’s Original Sin

By on 1.6.12 @ 6:08AM

A pre-mortem on the candidate who broke the 12th Commandment of politics.

Would conservatives support a presidential bid by David Petraeus?

The Iraq surge architect isn’t a candidate. But for years prominent conservatives from Rep. Peter King to Andrew Breitbart have touted the soldier-scholar as a dream conservative candidate to take on Barack Obama.

The question is, if Petraeus had run, would his service in the Obama administration — first as head of U.S. Central Command, then as Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan and now as CIA Director — have counted against him?

It’s safe to say conservatives wouldn’t have re-purposed the old “General Betray-Us” moniker for the man who has become one of President Obama’s most trusted advisors on national security and intelligence matters. By serving the president, most people understand, Petraeus has been serving the country.

But serving one’s country has been seen as a negative factor in former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s bid for the Republican nomination. Huntsman served as the Obama administration’s ambassador to China from August 2009 until May 2011. That service, and the way in which he ended it, is a major reason why his candidacy has floundered.

Though he doesn’t always talk like one, Jon Huntsman is a conservative.

He combines many of the best qualities of the other Republican candidates. He has the deep policy knowledge of Newt Gingrich, the business background of Mitt Romney, and the record of conservative governance of Rick Perry. And his pro-life credentials, both personally and professionally, are as impressive as those of Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum or Ron Paul.

What’s more, Huntsman’s foreign policy background is unmatched in the Republican field. He held foreign policy positions in the administrations of the last three Republican presidents.

All this helped to make Huntsman a perfect choice to be America’s top diplomat in China. And by all accounts Huntsman, who speaks Mandarin fluently, did an exemplary job in China. He earned high marks from former ambassadors, China experts, human rights activists and business leaders.

Unlike other Obama administration officials, Huntsman wasn’t afraid to praise Chinese dissidents or criticize the communist government, especially for its human rights violations.

You might think these things would have endeared Huntsman to conservatives. And they probably would have, except that he did them as a representative of the Obama administration.

If Republican primary voters know anything about Huntsman it’s that he worked for Obama — and for most that’s all they need to know. As a commenter on the conservative blog freerepublic.com wrote about Huntsman’s acceptability as a GOP candidate, “Nope. He worked for Obama. Nope. Nope. Nope.”

Huntsman realizes how his service has been received by Republican voters, telling the Washington Post last month, “I crossed a partisan line when I went to serve this administration, which as an outgrowth of my personal belief that you always put country first. People looked at that and they concluded that I had committed an egregious sin, and they then just sort of glossed right over us and went on to the next candidate.”

Huntsman didn’t help himself by breaking one of the cardinal rules of modern American politics. Ronald Reagan popularized the 11th Commandment of politics: never speak ill of another Republican.

Huntsman broke what could be called the 12th commandment of modern Republican politics: never speak well of a Democrat. But Huntsman didn’t speak well of just any Democrat. He complimented the three Democrats most loathed by Republicans: Barack Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Page: 1 2  

About the Author

Daniel Allott is a writer in Washington, D.C.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (135) |

WGMOW| 1.6.12 @ 6:23AM

Go General Petraeus! He is my dream candidiate - getting us back to statesmen instead of politicians, charlatains, creeps, and racists like Obama.

Timothy L. Pennell| 1.6.12 @ 9:53AM

Look. This is simple.

NOBODY is gonna pull the lever for a guy that has BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, written on his Job Application, where it says: "Previous Employer".

The fact that he THINKS we would, is also a disqualifier.

I'm just saying.

Moe Blotz| 1.6.12 @ 10:22AM

Maybe our Barry appointed John Huntsman Ambassador to China in hopes that we would trash him for accepting the position. If so, his strategery worked.

Bob Grant| 1.6.12 @ 11:08AM

So Huntsman's political shortsightedness is one of many reasons not to vote for him.

The reasons just keep adding up.

Bob K.| 1.8.12 @ 10:30AM

How about this reason. It might explain why he speaks Mandarin. It looks like his Family Corporation is heavily invested in China's Chemical Industry.

http://www.huntsman.com/china/.....ageID=6750

Rick| 1.8.12 @ 11:36PM

He was also ambassador to Singapore under Bush 41. That explains the Mandarin.

Timothy L. Pennell| 1.6.12 @ 11:25AM

Moe. You are thinking way too much, on this one.

MoeBlotz| 1.6.12 @ 8:11PM

You may be right Timothy, I have been thinking so much my hair line is moving toward the back of my noggin.

Nancy in NC| 1.6.12 @ 1:33PM

I really don't know much about Jon Hunstman. I have a lot of admiration for his father, so I'm sure he's not all bad. However, he comes across as a pompous ass, plus he is too buddy-buddy with Obama. I think he should have thought about his actions carefully before joining the Obama team. It's a shame, cause he may just be what the country needs. But he has shot himself in the foot and suffered a mortal wound.

Bob K.| 1.8.12 @ 10:32AM

He was in China because his Family Corporation appears to have big investments there.

http://www.huntsman.com/china/.....ageID=6750

Jack in Wi.| 1.7.12 @ 2:02AM

I haven't comented here because I think Huntsman is just a rich, Mormon, stalking horse, for Romney to split the libertarian vote. All you anti Paul people should be happy. I think he is costing Ron at least 10 points in New Hampshire. The elites and their banker friends are pulling out all the stops to try top stop the Revolution. Will Willard succeed in his goal of being yet anther Bush clone driving us over the cliff? I saw a picture of Willard at Kennebunkport being anointed by ole Herbert Walker himself. It made me want to vomit.

By the way my nephew's father in law just had lunch with old George Bush at Kennebunkport. It seems that they old boy is using a motarized chair. Well he is 87 and most people are in bad shape by that age.

rhoetus| 1.9.12 @ 9:23PM

I voted for Ron Paul in 1988 and have never considered voting for Huntsman. BTW when my father was 87 he was still driving his motorhome across country and was fit as Jack LaLane.

RCV| 1.6.12 @ 12:59PM

Itsays a lot more about you than about Huntsman that you would consider serving your country as Ambassador to China to be a negative. Pennell is one of those guys who would be delighted to hurt his country as long as it secured a political advantage for his side. Sad excuse for an American.

carnot| 1.6.12 @ 3:59PM

uh huh. just like we all know oodles of Leftists/Democrats who have served in the military.

play that card some place else. it rings hollow....like most bumper stickers.

RCV| 1.6.12 @ 7:42PM

Well you may not, but I do.

Austin Jim| 1.11.12 @ 5:35AM

Gingrich, Romney, Sant, Rumsfeld, Cheney, etc. Very few conservatives have served in the military. Most are just chickenhawks.

Occam's Tool| 1.6.12 @ 11:09PM

I am not enamored of Huntsman. However, I must call foul on Ron Paul's supporters running an ad criticizing him for adopting a Chinese kid.

The thing about paul is that he made a LOT of money pandering to, and accepting money from, the most despicable racists, such as Willis carto's Spotlight, and, of course, StormFront. His followers also freely use the term SandMonkey to refer to Jews , as well.

Lie down with maggots, wake up with flies.

Occam's Tool| 1.6.12 @ 11:11PM

Sorry about the Captalization screwups above.

Incidentally, I do not disagree with my friends Stuart and Dr Right on this one, that Huntsman is probably not useful as a candidate. But there are limits to criticism that civilized people obey. Both Stuart and Dr Right know these limits and would never dream of attacking the Ambassador in this manner. But nothing is too craven and low for Paulbots.

RCV| 1.7.12 @ 1:13PM

You said it, OT!

Clint| 1.7.12 @ 6:07PM

The Israel Firster Smear Bund Ass Clown,Tool Job Is The RINO-CINO, Who Said He'll Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.

" Pay close Attention to Romney’s appointment of Walid Phares to chair the Middle East and North Africa working group of his Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team. Mr. Phares currently serves on the board of ACT! For America, a lobbying group that Politico described as being part of an "effort to transform anti-Islam crusading into a mainstream lobbying effort". He has stated that global jihad is already in progress and within a short period of time jihadists will have ten million suicide bombers ready to wreak devastation on the West. To beat jihadists he is a strong proponent of preemptive strikes and “putting our allies’ forces on existing and new battlefields.”

We Are Being Set Up By The Israel Firster RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges.

These Are The Israel Firster RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges , Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....

The Tea Party Rebellion Is On The East Coast

Happy Independent| 1.8.12 @ 5:15AM

CLINT how many place are you going to post this paranoid nonesense. you are posting it in every article here. Grow up

Stuart Koehl| 1.6.12 @ 6:24AM

I'm not so much concerned that Huntsman worked for Obama or said nice things about the Clintons as I am that he received plaudits from former ambassadors and China experts. Any U.S. ambassador to China not declared PNG is schlepping water for a murderous regime with hegemonic pretensions.

Doctor Right| 1.6.12 @ 7:50AM

While I completely agree with you in spirit, I must disagree in principle.

The job of an Ambassador, any Ambassador, is to serve the administration's stated policies. He/she is appointed by the President, and serves at his/her pleasure.

That Obama's policy towards China is weak and furthers (or at least does not hinder) the goals of a brutal regime is indisputable. However, an Ambassador cannot make or enact his own policy. He cannot pursue objectives that differ from those of the administration he serves. No President, either Democrat or Republican, would or should tolerate a "rogue" Ambassador, and that person would be removed from their post.

Ambassador William Dodd is an excellent example. Through his post in pre-war Berlin, he saw Nazibrutality up close, yet felt repeatedly stymied by a Roosevelt administration that seemed more interested in Germany's debt than in their threat to the world. But Dodd was unable to go against administration policies.

Personally, I don't see Huntsman's service as an issue. I merely view him as another "moderate" Republican who speaks in platitudes rather than specifics. He's clearly a smart, accomplished individual...but so is Mitt Romney.

R Martin| 1.6.12 @ 8:44AM

I'm not sure your example of Ambassador Dodd supports your point. Dodd was indeed stymied within the administration, but that was largely because he was not a career diplomat and was therefore rejected by the old boys club. However, he did take his Nazi opposition public and supported anti Hitler demonstrations in the United States.

Huntsman is different. He exudes a craving to be in the club, and his gushing over the Clintons and Obama clearly reveals that.

Dai Alanye | 1.6.12 @ 9:53AM

And his gushing over the Chinese regime.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 10:10AM

Both you guys are correct about Ambassador Dodd and Huntsman. Dodd was certainly not a member of the "Pretty Good Club" and was sabatoged by the likes of rich Ivy League fops like Jay Pierrepont Moffat.
I don't know why, nor do I care in his reasons, that Huntsman accepted this post in the Obozo Administration, having to do the bidding of the Muslim Marxist, to fellow Marxists, but it's a total disqualification for me. QED.

fmm| 1.6.12 @ 12:58PM

If one holds an appointed position, that person usually agrees with the perceptions and policies of their boss - enough said.

Stuart Koehl| 1.6.12 @ 11:03PM

The endemic problem in the State Department is "clientitis"; i.e., the tendency of diplomats (including ambassadors) to switch from representing the United States in a foreign country to representing a foreign country to the United States.

Occam's Tool| 1.6.12 @ 11:13PM

Yeah, Stuart, completely correct. Funny how that never seems to happen to US Ambassadors to Israel, but it happens all the time to US Ambassadors to Saudi Arabia.

Bob K.| 1.8.12 @ 10:36AM

Good point!

See this. Dollars to donuts says it is the Huntsman Family Corporation.

http://www.huntsman.com/china/.....ageID=6750

rhoetus| 1.9.12 @ 9:26PM

They are Liberals carrying the Progressive agenda.

Mike Hawk| 1.6.12 @ 6:35AM

Huntsweenie has as much charisma as a box of Post Toasties. There is a reason nobody notices his whopping 700 plus avalanche in the caucuses.

Vern Crisler| 1.6.12 @ 11:36AM

Actually, after watching some interviews of Huntsman, I'm beginning to like him. I think his main problem was that conservatives didn't really know who he was, and the first thing most of us knew about him was that he made some patronizing remarks about evolutionary mythology and global warming mythology.

These are third rail issues for many conservatives, so it's better for new candidates to make noncommital answers on such controversial issues, or just quote Ronald Reagan, and then shut up about it.

I have a feeling Huntsman will be a major player in the coming years.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 11:42AM

Well Vern, the Boston Globe agrees with you about Huntsman.
Yep, the lefty accolades just keep on coming!!!

Vern Crisler| 1.6.12 @ 2:19PM

So does Haley Barbour: "Jon Huntsman and I served together, and while we don't agree on some issues, there's no question that he's a conservative."

So with your logic, Haley's a lefty.

BTW, Newt's my choice. Formerly it was Herman, and before that Sarah.

Huntsman is more VP material at this point.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 2:49PM

No Vern, I follow Anthony's Maxim #2 "Find out the motivation". I like Haley, but his endorsement doesn't swing with me, and no that does not make him a lefty.
But since your other choices match mine, I'll not mention the Boston Globe to you ever again.

Chef Schnauzer| 1.7.12 @ 8:50AM

I thought his comment about the only thing they pick in Iowa was corn was one of the dumbest most condescending comments I've heard a loser/politician make. If you must expose your self as a smug ass, throw in some humor.

Shamus| 1.6.12 @ 6:57AM

Huntsman doesn't connect with average people. It's a bit of a puzzle how he got elected governor.

Doctor Right| 1.6.12 @ 7:55AM

Excellent point. He doesn't connect, comes off as patronizing and disingenuous.

Lee Ghume| 1.6.12 @ 10:24AM

He has the nicest teeth BHO ever came across.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 1:54PM

Whoa, don't even go there. Maybe Obozo is the 19th wife?

Mac Jehoff| 1.6.12 @ 8:14PM

Maybe the twelfth Imam, and his Moochelle the twelfth Imama.

Peppermint Tea| 1.6.12 @ 11:14AM

I'm from Utah, and didn't even know about the love letter, but am against him. First, He is a Global Warming Believer, or Opportunist. As Governor he held a Blue Ribbon committee and signed on to a Global Warming agreement without consent of the legislature. Second, he was supposedly for school vouchers, but let the state UEA get a big headwind and never spend political capital on it. Third, he drives a CNG car. Fourth, he has no constituency--like McCain his is only the press--and he endorsed McCain four years ago. Utah would chose Mitt over Huntsman any day. How did he get elected Gov? Money. The one good thing he did was quit the Gov-ship to go to China, which let his Lt. Gov, a good conservative, take over.

loganma1| 1.6.12 @ 6:20PM

I am also from Utah and can hardly stomach the man. He got elected because he is a Republican in Utah (We have few Dems here). His money scared away any serious competition. I don't like the "love letter" he wrote to Obama, but his Global Warming position is the killer. He signed on to the Western Climate Initiative over the protests of most of his constituents. I wrote in another candidate when he ran for re-election rather than vote for him or a Dem. He is the definition of a political opportunist. He has no soul. While I have doubts about all the candidates, I would choose nearly any other Republican over him.

rhoetus| 1.9.12 @ 9:29PM

Bush had no vision, McCain had no convictions and Huntsman has no soul. Put America on Suicide watch.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.6.12 @ 7:10AM

More lame excuses covering for a failed candidate.

If Hunstman thinks Hillary Clinton is brilliant then he's an idiot not worthy of further consideration.

I wouldn't consider his having written that a sin. It was simply stupid.

Douglas Fletcher | 1.6.12 @ 8:07AM

He blew it. No way would I vote for him in any primary after he worked for Obama. I saw the menace coming from day one, why should I trust a politician who didn't find any problem with signing on with this President.

NJ Mike| 1.6.12 @ 8:14AM

It's not so much he worked for the Usurper, it is more the...."judged by the company one keeps".....he may be to the right of Reagan, but he is looked at-at least by me- as a LaHood type. A putative "R" who comes out with assinine policy statements like LaHood's 50/50 funding split between roads, tunnels, bridges etc... and FRACKING BIKE PATHS!!
Add in the fact that other than the apointment to the ambassadorship, no one outside of Utah knows the guy.
Tough row to hoe.

Kate| 1.6.12 @ 8:17AM

It was reported that Huntsman's letters to Obama and Clinton were written in 2009 at the time he was appointed, NOT in 2011 when he resigned, so I think this article is partially inaccurate.

What is this country coming to if Republicans (and I am one) think that writing a gracious thank you note to a President and a Secretary of State on whose behalf one will serve is a bad thing? Whatever happened to statesmanship and putting one's country first? I would be surprised if Henry Cabot Lodge, a Republican who served as US Ambassador to South Vietnam under President Kennedy, and who won the NH GOP primary in 1964 as a surprise write-in candidate, was subjected to similar criticism. It is a sad commentary on the political state of affairs that some conservative Republicans wrote off Huntsman at the start of the campaign without doing any due diligence of his record and supported candidates as grossly underqualified for the presidency as Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann are.

Huntsman is eminently qualified to be president and, as the author states, is a conservative. If he does not do well in the NH primary next week, it will be the GOP's and the country's loss. Hopefully enough NH Republicans will realize this and rally to Huntsman, the candidate who can win the general election. Huntsman is our best candidate.

A Balrog of Morgoth| 1.6.12 @ 9:14AM

Sorry dear, but Huntsman wrote himself off at the beginning of his campaign, and he did so merely by opening his mouth.

Dai Alanye | 1.6.12 @ 9:58AM

One thing most voters want in a candidate is that he see the world as they do. The fact that Hunstman could rave about someone as foolish and dishonest as Obama is in itself disqualifying for a conservative.

Unless, of course, he was simply kissing up to the big names in the Democrat party. In which case, too bad he doesn't know how to kiss up to conservative voters.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.6.12 @ 8:17AM

Nope Nope Nope!

Bob K.| 1.6.12 @ 8:25AM

He is just another spoiled child of a billionaire. A H.S. dropout who played in a Rock Band and finally got his GED.

He got into Penn and received a degree from there and then became CEO of his daddy's big Corporation: Huntsman Family Holding Company.

He will need someone to hold his hand if he ever gets elected President.

He makes George Bush look like a Rhodes Scholar! If Obama is afraid of this guy he is dumber than most of us think he is.

Bob K.| 1.6.12 @ 8:40AM

Huntsman wasn't born on 3rd Base, he was born 3 inches from Home Plate and he scored and now he thinks that the next logical step for him is to be President of the USA.

And Mr. Allott, another Beltway Thinktank Pundit, is encouraging this hubris!

Indy| 1.6.12 @ 8:32AM

My biggest issue with Huntsman is his position on Global Warming...show stopper for me

A Balrog of Morgoth| 1.6.12 @ 9:12AM

Same here. And the tenor of his statements when he began campaigning was offputting.

Renaissance Nerd | 1.6.12 @ 9:47AM

That's what got me as well. Anyone who buys the biggest fraud of all time is suspect. It's the reason I never wanted Gingrich too.

TL| 1.6.12 @ 11:34AM

He not only pushed climate fraud (or bought into it if you are more inclined to assume he is a dupe than a shill), but he also supported fascistic medicine (or statist medicine if you tend to prefer pussilanimous words). But no, substance could not be an issue with us stupid voters. It must be optics that has tricked us.

sjccoach| 1.6.12 @ 9:12AM

Anyway that you cut it Hutsman is another RINO. He talks conservative but reaches across the aisle and does the politically correct thing. His biggest mistake was starting his campaign by appealing to the moderates and bashing the conservative base. When you criticize the people you need to win the nomination you are either stupid or a RINO. He is both.

LarryM| 1.6.12 @ 9:17AM

Ambassadors are political appointees. In fact, most of them are party donors with little or no qualifications. The attempt here to equate a politically-appointed ambassador to a general like Petraeus is silly.

Louis Jenkins| 1.6.12 @ 9:21AM

Jon Huntsman? While I agree that embassators are one step removed from the military in allegiance to the man who appoints him, Jon's politics are slightly askew as cited in the above posts, particularly Agenda 21, and his stance on global warming. We have enough kooks without adding another one.

David W| 1.6.12 @ 9:38AM

If he had intentions of running for President then he should have been smart enough to avoid serving in "the One's" administration. It is very possible that Obama saw in Huntsman a potential rival and decided to take him out in a nice way (that "keep your enemies close" thing).

He may very well be an excellent candidate, but he poisoned his own well - I saw it coming, why couldn't he?

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 9:58AM

Memo to Mr. Allott:
Whoa pal, you're demonstrating the idiocy of the punditry class that is the subject of another blog at TAS today. You're attempting to be too clever by half.
To compare the service of a professional soldier, serving his/her country, even under a disgrace of a Commander-In-Chief like Obozo, is nothing like those folks seeking Ambassadorships.
Professional soldiers do their jobs regardless of the civilian in charge, despite many a tongue having been bitten.
For whatever reason, Huntsman agreed to serve in the diplomat corps for Obozo. These posts are usually rewards for faithful big money supporters. Rarely do they go to folks based upon merrit.
I don't know why Huntsman did what he did, and frankly I don't care, because he has never been on my presidential radar screen.The fact that Huntsman has good things to say about Obozo and the Clintons is proof enough that he is a fraud. End of story.
I disqualify Huntsman based upon his accepting this post under Obozo. I would never disquality a professional soldier stuck with the unenvious job of working under a leftist Marxist, unless that soldier turned into a Wessley Clark.

JAWilson| 1.6.12 @ 10:00AM

I remember Plouffe commenting on Huntsman, but I didn't believe it then or now. And Huntsman was never in legitimate contention except in his own mind. that's why Cain came on because he was legitimate once he hit the media stage and became known.

Bob Grant| 1.6.12 @ 10:02AM

My early impressions of him was that of a panderer. Last spring, the first few weeks of his candidacy, I can distinctly remember him in a sporting goods store wearing bright orange hunting attire.

He looked completely out of place. Like his little 'hunting excursion' would cause people to forget his recent history.

Pandering at it's worst.

missbosslady| 1.6.12 @ 10:19AM

Huntsman is the Republican version of Obama.

'Nuff said.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 10:28AM

"Can I get mehere a hunt'n license?"

PolishKnight| 1.6.12 @ 10:06AM

As the author points out, it may have been Obama's team that leaked the letter complimenting Obama in order to torpedo his chances for a presidential run. This should be a top five commandment:

Thou shalt not trust Democrats.

It's one that John "Maverick" McCain broke. And even the great Reagan broke. It was broken by George "I'll raise taxes to help the Dems" Bush Sr. Heck, I think most Republican presidents in the last 50 years have broken the commandment to their detriment.

missbosslady| 1.6.12 @ 10:17AM

There are so many things wrong about Huntsman I wouldn't know where to begin!

Oh, and he comes off as just plain creepy, to boot.

The desperation of the extablishment Repub/Conserv pundits to foist on us a candidate that they believe can bring over Dems reeks to high heck.

No, no, and no to Huntsman, or more simply put; yuck!

Willis| 1.6.12 @ 10:53AM

"Creepy" is, perhaps, the best description of Huntsman. Spot on. Also, isn't it about time we elect a president with strong enough Y chromosomes to pass some on to his progeny?

albert constantine jr.| 1.6.12 @ 10:18AM

I think what is forgotten in this discussion is that a couple of decades ago, there was another figure like Petraeus who also served first a Republican and then a Democratic administration: General Colin Powell.

During the era following his retirement when some folks were suggesting he would be an excellent Republican Presidential candidate, I kept recalling his support of continued sanctions over force against Iraq in 1991 (while Chairman of the JCS), or his standing before the cadets of West Point next to then President Clinton touting how they would make DADT work (in an era when DADT was seen by conservatives as a poor compromise from the previous status quo when homosexuals were screened by questioning and banned from military service if so identified).

Eventually, in 2008, Colin Powell revealed the full depth of his “republicanism” when he endorsed Obama over Mc Cain, but he was giving clues about it nearly 20 years before.

I have great respect for Gen. Petraeus’ ability and accomplishments, but when he considered and then decided against resignation over his disagreement with the Afghanistan policy, and instead accepted the CIA Director’s position, he was revealing the state of his suitability for conservative political leadership.

missbosslady| 1.6.12 @ 10:20AM

Amen!

Bob Grant| 1.6.12 @ 10:40AM

You MIGHT have a point comparing Powell to Patraeus.

Admittedly, I don't know enough about Patraeus the man, I couldn't fathom him becoming the self-promoting, disloyal individual that is Colin Powell.

I would have to wait and observe his actions after he leaves this administration: how many self-promoting books will he write?; how often does he undercut his former bosses in order to push some pet agenda of his?; does he place race ahead of qualification before endorsing someone for public office?....you know, stuff like that.

albert constantine jr.| 1.6.12 @ 10:28PM

I'm not ruling Petraeus out, but I think the above noted behavior is a flaw which needs to be considered when comparing him against others in any potentialfuture candidacy.

Dave | 1.6.12 @ 10:25AM

Huntsman working for Obama is kind of like getting caught at the drive-in necking with your best friend's girl, then stammering: "Oh, man ... we're just ... friends. Nothin' goin' on here. Honest, Frankie."

Right!

Crassus| 1.6.12 @ 10:28AM

From what I've seen of Huntsman it appears that every time he opens his mouth it's just to change feet. The guy is the worst horse in a weak field.

hardcard| 1.6.12 @ 10:30AM

he was elected gov of Utah BECAUSE HIS DADDY IS A GAZILLIONAIRE AND THEY ARE MORMANS

bill| 1.6.12 @ 10:34AM

Jon Huntsman is a Obama-Dog. He should get lost.

bill| 1.6.12 @ 10:35AM

Huntsman has a cousin, Mitt Romney.

Peppermint Tea| 1.6.12 @ 11:18AM

All the above comments are true. 4 years ago, I called him a Pretty Boy. While both Mitt and Jon have nice hair, Jon is always looking for a mirror.

bill| 1.6.12 @ 11:38AM

Romney and Huntsman are both "big government liberal socialist RINO."
No country for "big government liberal socialist RINO."
Better luck 2016!

W| 1.6.12 @ 11:27AM

Obama is a clever politician. He appointed Jon as ambassador to remove his as a future candidate. Jon is not qualified to be the Rep nominee because of his stupidity in accepting the appointment. I am sure Obama could have found some rich Dem contributor who wanted to spend some time in China. If Jon was smart he would have spent the time in Iowa and NH instead of China.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 11:48AM

Too clever by half, ole W.
Obozo ain't no genius. Nobody heard of this guy, and having listened to him for months, we don't want to hear anymore from him period.
I don't know which Obozo guru thought Huntsman was a threat, but if these clowns were that smart, they would have offered the position to Sarah Palin.

W| 1.6.12 @ 12:25PM

Read "Game Change." Obama is smart and clever. He knocked off Hillary when everyone had annointed her as the nominee. He knows what he wants and does it whether it is constitutional or not.
I am not saying I agree with him, but don't underestimate him.
Palin was never a serious threat. She quit as governor to make money. She took herself out of the running.

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 1:31PM

Sorry W but "Game Change" is a book written by fawning lefties about their hero Obozo, not a serious book.
Palin was not a serious threat but Huntsman is??? How can you say that with a straight face???
I think you're posting on the wrong web site, try the HuffPo.

bill| 1.6.12 @ 3:02PM

After Nov 4, 2012, Obama is going back to Kenya while Huntsman is fleeing back to China, as refugees.

W| 1.6.12 @ 4:01PM

Are you serious? Do you think Obama considerered appointing Palin to anything? Did you read the book?
Being a conservative does not mean I have to believe Palin was a good candidate or that I have to agree with you about Palin. If you can't take opinions that differ from you then you should try the Huff where everyone is on the same page.

RJ| 1.6.12 @ 11:40AM

While I didn't know that he thought Mrs. Bill Clinton' analysis of world events was "brilliant," let's set aside his work in the Obama administration. He lost it for most of us on the debates. As the author said, he often doesn't speak like a conservative. He also comes across as annoying and nutty. In one of the early debates he compared Mitt Romney to Kurt Cobain. No one got the joke. He doesn't connect with the voters and if he is truly a limited government conservative, he has done a good job in covering it up.

lehrue steevens jr.m.d.| 1.6.12 @ 11:41AM

I have 2 problems with Huntsman 1-he believes man made globalwarming is settled science. BALONEY 2-He comes across as a bit of a know it all.Maybe he does but he needs to temper the arrogance.

Dixie Pixie| 1.6.12 @ 11:41AM

To quote Bill Clinton::::
“If you listen to my speeches, I am a conservative guy.”

So if Huntsman and Romney are “Conservatives” what is the accurate and current definition of a “Conservative”.

It seems clear to me the New York / Washington Insider definition is:
Conservative....Noun Pejorative....A type of gullible Bible-thumping Redneck voter who is too stupid to notice the falsehood of a Political Re-branding Media Maneuver and too lacking in memory to remember the countless betrayals.

For example, John McCain was considered as John Kerry Vice Presidential mate and seriously considered Joe Lieberman as his, making McCain a Democrat all but in name.
Yet he always runs as a “Conservative” in every election and always betrays the voters afterwords.

In every Liberal ranking system, Huntsman is the closest to Obama in political philosophy closely followed by Mittens Romney.
So pray tell, what is the definition of a political “Conservative” ?????

Anthony| 1.6.12 @ 2:01PM

Thanks for clearing this up for me Dixie, I thought Clinton said " if you judge me by the size of my cigar, you'll know I'm a conservative".
And to think all this time I was laboring under a false impression. Many thanks!!

RJ| 1.6.12 @ 6:54PM

Hi Dixie - Thanks for reminding me about John McCain and his VP activities, both as a potential Democratic selection and in potentially selecting a Democrat. I had pushed it out of my mind. I sure wish we had more candidates who shared our values in limited government.

PCP Smoker| 1.6.12 @ 9:02PM

You are so fucking brilliant. You need to be writing articles. Thank you. The bastardization of the "conservatism" is the reason the GOP has been limping since the end of the Reagan era.

rhoetus| 1.9.12 @ 9:33PM

You should let Rich Lowry at NRO know- he's in the dark.

rhoetus| 1.9.12 @ 9:35PM

Ron Paul is the closest one- every other one is dead.

cicero| 1.6.12 @ 11:47AM

While all of your objections about who and what Huntsman is may be valid, the fact that he served his country as ambassaddor to Chiina under a Dem adminisstration, standing alone, whould not disqualify his. Cross him out for the valid reasons, not invalid ones.

Joe D.| 1.6.12 @ 12:02PM

I think there is a little more to this then just that. I was not a perfect conservative as a Utah governor if my memory serves me (fiscal). He praised Obama for the wrong things as well. I am sure I am missing something else. But working for him did not help, I will agree.

RSS Ronald Reagan | 1.6.12 @ 12:19PM

Huntsman's service in the Obama regime threw up a tremendous obstacle, but I don't think it would have been an insurmountable one. His bigger problem is the petulance and dismissive attitude he's projected at virtually every debate. He strikes me as a guy with a MAJOR chip on his shoulder. If I was looking for that in a president, I'd vote for the incumbent.

Wayne| 1.6.12 @ 12:20PM

Benedict Arnold was a great general. Huntsman was in China when the Tea Party arose and the 2010 election that won back the House of Representatives occurred. He was too busy making Obama look good in China's eyes. So that makes Huntsman completely out of touch with the Tea Party and the reaction to the most unAmerican president in US history. By siding with Obama Huntsman exposed himself as being as much Republican as the Crist in Florida (who gave Obama a big hug for the stimulus).

J.C.Eaton| 1.6.12 @ 12:24PM

I'm mystified as to the logic of Mr. Huntsman and those who echoed his statement that serving Obamastag is tantamount to serving the United States of America. They are in no way identical. Obama's China policies are no more beneficial to this nation that the late policies of HillBilly were. In fact, I argue his policies were inimical to America.If implementing the wild and crazy incumbent's burlesque of how to conduct international business is not a bad thing for a faux-conservative to do, then "bad" needs to be redefined.

Machias Privateer| 1.6.12 @ 12:35PM

John Huntsman's biggest failure is his unwavering support of the global warming agenda despite being heir to a chemical company fortune which should have put him in contact with people who know something about atmospheric physics. And look what China is doing, refusing to re-up on the Kyoto Treaty. So he would in effect hinder American companies with AGW legislation while China moves into the position of world's biggest polluter.

Puh-lease!

Conserdude| 1.6.12 @ 1:20PM

right on! i discussed this below.

George S| 1.6.12 @ 12:36PM

The Republican nominee has to wage an ideological battle with Obama in order to win. Can (will) Huntsman do that or will he pick up where John McCain's Civility Tour left off?

Mike Hawk| 1.6.12 @ 1:10PM

Not to worry, Huntsweenie isn't a factor.

Ron| 1.6.12 @ 12:54PM

Huntsman's failing: Believing NerObama to be "remarkable" (maybe a remarkable fraud?) Huntsman could have written a resignation letter and stated he appreciated the opportunity to serve the United States and left it at that, instead of the gushing to NerObama and about Billary Cartoon...If he is that short-sighted, then I say add him to the rubbish heap.

Or better yet, he could have told NerObama how destructive his domestic policies and foreign policies are in other spheres of influence. But he choice the weasel's way out.

Conserdude| 1.6.12 @ 1:18PM

To the obsequious letters from Huntsman about Obama and Hillary, I will add another problem: likability. Gov. Huntsman started off badly in the debates, though not nearly as badly as Gov. Rick Perry. Still, Huntsman took a hard-line position on his belief in global warming and derided anyone (Republican voters included) who believed otherwise. Huntsman claimed the science is settled when the truth is the opposite. He was smug throughout. While he improved in later debates, the damage was done in my view.

AhiaGuy| 1.6.12 @ 1:35PM

"Daniel Allott is...a Washington Fellow at the National Review Institute..."

Poor Bill must be turning over in his grave to see how quickly the excellent institutions he spent his life constructing are being co-opted by RINOs.

RIP, WFB.

bill| 1.6.12 @ 4:46PM

A Conservative Manifesto:

To help win the 2012 election and defeat Obama, I propose my 18 points plan:

1. Ban abortion in all 50 states
2. Ban same sex marriage in all 50 states
3. Legalize guns in all 50 states
4. Pass the BBA
5. Abolish Dept. of Education, Energy. Interior, Commerce, EPA, and HUD
6. Abolish the public sector unions (SEIU, teachers' union)
7. No more aid to Pakistan, Palestine, Egypt
8. Increase cooperation with Israel
10. No more cuts in the defense budget
11. Help build the military industrial complex
12. De-fund the planned parenthood
13. Repeal ObamaCare and the Dodd-frank Bill
14. Give waiver to all 50 states on NCLB
15. Mandate a term limit on lawmakers (in the senate and House of Representative)
16. Deport all illegals
17. Mandate the E-Verify system in all 50 states
18. Prohibit hiring and harboring illegals in all 50 states.

I hope all conservative voters will embrace my plan and help America save from liberals.

Occam's Tool| 1.6.12 @ 11:17PM

Bill. Why don't you run. Now. Tomorrow.

I love your plan.

rogelio| 1.7.12 @ 1:57PM

10. Americans like Bill learn how to write in English

Steven In CA| 1.10.12 @ 3:01AM

d-e-f-e-n-s-e is how you spell "defense" in America. If you want to misspell "the fence" move to England where they do that sort of thing.

rhoetus| 1.8.12 @ 4:01PM

I don't support all 18 but I have been a true conservative since I was 12 (the past 48 years).

Steven In CA| 1.10.12 @ 3:14AM

Pretty good over all. I would quibble that number 2 is not properly government business at any level. Marriage is a holy sacrament that should neither be promoted nor hindered by any government. Civil unions are legal procedures with no religious significance, and as such should be administered by the states.

As we have seen from similar measures in the past, numbers 4 and 15 are pointless exercises in the absence of a vigilant electorate. Finally, numbers 17 and 18 will be irrelevant if we implement number 16.

Otherwise I am on board!

mgh| 1.6.12 @ 6:47PM

Jon Huntsman is a bright, conservative man with the broadest resume of any republican candidate. He deserves a thorough look by conservatives. His record as Governor is far more conservative than Romney. He would make an excellent President. Instead of remaining in the "wilderness" outside of politics for three years, he gained valuable experience as our Ambassador to China. Why should we exclude him for having such foresight?

Wayne| 1.6.12 @ 7:05PM

Believing in Al Gore and junk science should disqualify anyone.

bill| 1.6.12 @ 7:05PM

Jon Huntsman is paid to sabotage the GOP effort to oust Obama, and it's not working at all.

Jeff Krasney| 1.6.12 @ 7:19PM

This article contains the stupidest analysis I have read on the American Spectator.

Gov. Huntsman is primarily not catching fire in the GOP primaries because he did not fight spending and pushed for higher taxes while he was governor of Utah. Huntsman's performance is one of the major reasons why there was a conservative rebellion in Utah in 2010 and Mike Lee is now a U.S. senator.

Also, Huntsman intentionally marketed himself as the Republican candidate for people who don't like Republicans. The average GOP primary voter is pretty sick and tired of Republicans who talk conservatively while running for election and then govern liberally in Washington. Huntsman represents the worst of this phenomena.

Wm Howard| 1.6.12 @ 8:33PM

Huntsman may have been a good choice had he not served the Supreme Socialist. How can we trust hime after that?

PCP Smoker| 1.6.12 @ 8:58PM

A Fellow at the National Review Institute. I started reading this garbage and just knew the writer was one of those weak DC conservatives.
Allott, we like conservatism a lot around here, but not NRO/David Frump/David Brooks white guilt crappy "conservatism". In other words, get the fuck out of here.

POST American| 1.6.12 @ 9:12PM

---------------------FINAL WORD-----------------------

'Original Sin'? ---we'll take a few guesses---

CFR-Trilateral vetted?
----Globalist stand by op?
------Cyber 'CALM--PRO--mized'
---------Rockefeller cypher?

----------------------------Choose one.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Consitution has been
overturned with the passage of NDAA 1031.

The CFR-Trilateral front op 'Republicans'
have about as much moral authority as
a used kleenex.

----------------HUAC/ Nuremberg 2012--------------

PCP Smoker| 1.6.12 @ 9:35PM

i love the format of your Final Word. Reminds me of Dos Passo's first novel.

EBL | 1.6.12 @ 11:07PM

Why Huntsman is Floundering.

Occam's Tool| 1.6.12 @ 11:20PM

Didn't this guy get blown away by Michelle Bachmann in the caucus? Why is he still here?

Stuart, good to see you back. I look forward to your explication of what Israel and the US should do with Iran given recent developments.

Dale Liston| 1.7.12 @ 1:02AM

Good article but I disagree. Amongst myself and friends and family the fact he worked for Obama or said nice things about them wasnt the issue. The fact really unforgivable sin is for a Republican or Conservative to go before the media or a liberal audience and bash other Conservatives. John Mccain did it

Marc Jeric| 1.7.12 @ 2:07AM

Huntsman also believes in the globaloney warming hoax - and for me and the other 31,000 independent US scientists that is a disqualifying fact.

Chef Schnauzer| 1.7.12 @ 9:23AM

His comment about the only thing they pick in Iowa was corn was one of the dumbest most condescending comments I've heard a loser/politician make. If he must expose himself as a smug ass; he should throw in some humor.

rick| 1.7.12 @ 1:05PM

wonder why the blog writer left out the fact Mr. Huntsman signed the Western Climate Initiative which he hoped would lead to international cap and trade. This intiative, or treaty, included foreign signatories. And correct me if i'm wrong, didn't i hear that Mr. Huntsman contribute to Obama's campaign. This is a dishonest column.

threeleafclover| 1.7.12 @ 8:43PM

I have had the random bad luck of hearing Huntsman speak 2 or 3 times - each time I have heard him boast that he can speak to the Chinese in their own language, followed by his favoring us with a small dim sum of Mandarin. . .hell, he could be making it up - how would we know? Sounds like and advertisement for Rosetta Stone. His grown daughters behave like teenage idiots.

Has there ever been an Ambassador to any country who was not appointed as pay-back for a political contribution? Has there ever been an ambassador who made a bit of difference?

Tom| 1.8.12 @ 11:00AM

Huntsman commenced his campaign FOR THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY by distancing himself from, if not outright dissing, the conservative base. His "somehow he got it without being a publicly disclosed major donor" ambassadorship might be explained away, but the recognition that if he was dissing conservatism before the primary would only get worse once he was in office rendered him a non-starter. He had to know this. So his actual goal is something besides procuring the GOP nomination.

obadiah| 1.8.12 @ 12:27PM

Huntsman obviously lacks the abusive character that Republicans require. He did not get the message that Obama must fail. He acted as if he wanted Obama to succeed. He has no political sense whatsoever.

rhoetus| 1.8.12 @ 3:58PM

Anyone who supports Cap & Trade, CO2 restrictions is out absolutely.

nate| 1.9.12 @ 5:16PM

Are you implying Huntsman was the exception to the rule in Obama selecting "special"(those with Ivy league status) envoys. Just agreeing to serve in this administration will tar a person's reputation. Does Huntsman believe HE is the only person capable of dealing with China? Now he lives with his lying down with dogs decision.

Steven In CA| 1.10.12 @ 2:53AM

"Love letters" indeed! I found myself snickering at Huntsman's choice of words. After all, has Obama's leadership not been truly remarkable? Who, in fact, has not remarked on it? And considering Obama's understanding of the world, were not the Clintons brilliant, at least by comparison? I could not have subtly rebuked the Commander in Chief more perfectly if I had years to prepare.

Matt| 1.10.12 @ 2:24PM

Huntsman is one of the smarter candidates among the GOP hopefuls (OK, OK, so that's not saying much.) He may just be electable, which is probably not true of any other candidate except (maybe) Romney. He understands science, which is important in today's world. He may not appeal to the extreme right, but he's attracting more moderates and independents as time goes by.

sweeterjan| 5.29.12 @ 2:03AM

As one who has nearly worn out http://www.vendreshox.com/nike-shox-r3-c-8.html my vocal chords trying to convince conservative leaders for a full year that Santorum had a real shot (and who accepted none of that "wisdom" in the paragraph above except, before the battle was really joined, the bit about Hillary being sure to beat Obama), it always astonishes me how seldom so many smart people actually pay attention to political fundamentals

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