Comments about ‘Video of Jon Huntsman Jr. at a rally for 'Jasmine Revolution' in China causes stir’

It is very foolish and naive of Huntsman to wander through a rally like this, whatever his intentions. Regardless of where we might stand on the issue of democracy in the PRC, as the highest ranking US official in the country, he shows an incredible lack of judgment. I don't know Huntsman or his policies well, but his stock just fell off the charts in the eyes of all who are looking for trustworthy leadership. He will never again have the trust of the Chinese government after this stunt - innocent or not.

Well, he's leaving what does he care--oh wait, he wants to be President--oops!

Seems like he just wanted to see what was going on. Nothing symbolic or foolish going on here.

You've got to admit one thing, though: he looks REALLY cool. That black leather jacket and sunglasses just scream (in an Austrian accent) "I'll be back!"

Watch out, China. You may own us financially, and grossly outnumber us, but we totally outcool you!

@hatumai

Nothing symbolic or foolish if he doesn't get caught on camera and made aware to the PRC officials - all of which has now happened. It's OK for you or me to wander into a rally, but when you are a public official EVERYTHING can be symbolic to someone (1.3 billion of them now). If you don't understand, please don't ever get into a position of leadership responsibility.

Are the smear campaigns starting so early?

Someone must think Huntsman is a real contender.

Huntsman is an empty suit. He was governor of Utah when there was a surplus of funds and he didn't have to make any tough choices. He got steamrolled every session by the legislature but came out smelling like roses because of the legislature's good management of the state funds. The only thing Huntsman did do while in Utah was sign on to Arnold's environmental pact. And institute the 4 day work week. He was elected governor of Utah because of his daddy's name, nothing more.
If Huntsman does run for President, he'll be done soon after the first debate. Not much there. Walking around in a protest in China proved that.

@ eastcoastcoug

There's a huge difference between carelessly parading around in public and coincidentally being spotted in a sticky situation. I think most people can tell the difference. Obviously Huntsman wouldn't have done this if he'd known the outcome beforehand, he's not stupid. It was unintended, and mistakes like this happen all the time even with public officials. Even good leaders are only human. Besides, President Obama has had much worse associations in the past (i.e. William Ayers), but that didn't prevent the majority of people from seeing him for what he is. Sure, there will always be a few who are ignorant and exaggerative about things like this, but I don't think there's a chance 1.3 billion Chinese are that stupid.

Also, please don't be condescending to people who don't hold your view. I don't need you to tell me what a good leader is or how to live my life.

Perhaps we should wait for the facts to sort themselves out before passing judgment. Or must we always give in to the bogus argument that biased and half baked perception is reality. Of-course we are becoming experts at not bothering to know the facts regarding political issues in this country too. We tend to believe whatever we feel like believing to support our warped and parochial view of reality.

Good grief. Give the man a break. I doubt if Huntsman and his family even knew the rally was going on. This is another attempt at the news to create a story out of nothing.

We should support those in China fighting for greater freedom and less autocratic rule. Hard-line Chinese nationalism is increasing and left unchecked will likely lead to conflict in East Asia in the coming decades; conflict due to our treaties and alliances that will likely involve us. I think it was a coincidence that he was near the protests but if was on purpose I give him credit for supporting those seeking greater freedom and challenging the ultra nationalistic communist government. I love the spin of those who don't like Huntsman; heaven forbid we offend the communists.

Maybe J.H. was just checking out the nearby gun show. You know - exercising his right to shop.

When John Huntsman ran for Governor I was a strong supporter. But now, as a small business man who spends about 10% of his time in China, and who has many "non political" Chinese friends, I am embarrassed and ashamed.

When I visited the U.S. Embassy in Beijing on my first trip to China about 12 years ago I was advised that the worst thing I could do in China was to do anything that might embarrass any Chinese Official, regardless of his or her rank. And the worst sin of all would be to embarrass the Central Government itself.

Now, it appears that our own American Ambassador has violated that very rule.

If Ambassador Huntsman was there with the prior knowledge of the Chinese Government, then there is nothing to worry about. But if he was there without their prior knowledge, whether by accident or by intent, it will be a loss of face to them and and I fear that they will never trust him again.

As far as I know of, this is the first time Huntsman has disappointed me.

You people are making a mountain out of a tiny anthill. He was nothing but a curious onlooker and was far from any actual political action, not involved at all. Its a real stretch, and very irresponsible of you or those Chinese photographers and interviewers to assume that he was encouraging, or involved at all. They even covered their own faces to avoid identification. Evidence of fearmongering and falsehood.

@hatumai

I think you miss the point: Huntsman is well known enough that someone in the crowd immediately recognized him a (even with sunglasses and leather jacket albeit with a US flag). This is now on Chinese websites and we can assume (since they watch everything) now at the attention of authorities who are likely to also question why he was there.

I don't have any idea why he was there. Could be accidental as some say. I would love to see China become fully democratic and support the rally. Huntsman was there (for whatever reason) and was recognized and now many Chinese question his motives. In Asia, it is all about trust and relationships. He has likely violated that and this is extremely unfortunate and even holds implications for his candidacy since the Chinese will now question what he was doing.

Agree with the comments about not judging so quickly.

While on a mission in Lisbon, my companion and I exited a metro stop and found ourselves literally in the middle of a gay pride parade... arguably the LAST place one would expect to find a pair of LDS missionaries. Did we have any intent whatsoever to be there? No way. Would it have caused a stir if someone took a video clip and posted it online? Um, yeah. (Thank Heaven that was 15 years ago.) Not everything is as it appears; I, for one, believe Huntsman if he declares he and his family found themselves there by chance. Unfortunate timing, yes.

I don't have a dog in this fight. But Huntsman blew it. Big time. Big time! Don't we have spies, informers, etc., to tell the American Amb. what is happening in the capitol city? He did not need to be there.

If it is all innocent, opps thing, then he should have left immediately, quietly, without the "American" look. Like I said before, I don't have a dog in this fight. But Huntsman showed very poor judgement in something that is very important.

If the Chinese put as much effort into treating their people right as they do being suspicious of everything that moves, they wouldn't have to be worried about protest of their own people.

I don't get it. Who cares? Oh wait... he must be considered a threat in 2012, I get it now.