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Huntsman: the 'Next Big Thing' in politics?

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JIM LEWIS | 11:43 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

HOW ABOUT MITT ROMNEY AS PRESIDENT AND JON HUNTSMAN
AS VICE PRESIDENT? I THINK 4 YEARS OF PRESS BUZZ
WILL EVENTUALLY BYPASS THE SO-CALLED "MORMON PROBLEM" BY 2012. THEY'LL HAVE MY VOTE.

Here we go.. | 11:50 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I just love it when the liberal media (Washington Post) tries to anoint (dictate)who Republican candidates will be. No surprise that they like Huntsman because he kowtows to the Greenies. They're determined to jam the global warming nonsense down our throats.

Mchael | 11:50 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Huntsman is a reasonable moderate republican.... I even found him reasonable enough to be the first republican to earn my vote for governor. And I was in California when Reagan was running for governor.

But Huntsman is far too decent, moderate and appealing to independent and moderate voters to ever have a chance to win the Republican nomination unless he chages his tune and message and becomes a gutter fighting right wing extremist.

As a result, Republicans will continue to stay pure - with anti-abortion, anti-environment, pro-oil and dirty coal- and will continue to be banished to the wilderness in general elections.

Comments continue below

Ted | 11:55 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Jim Lews: Huntsman would never, nor should he ever, play second fiddle to Mitt Romney. Huntsman has already proven himself to be twice the governor Romney was, and with another four years under his belt he will truly be a political force to be reckoned with. The Washington Post is just one of many national media outlets that will be watching our governor with greater and greater interest. And well they should.

Nonconsequential | 11:57 a.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Why is this information making its way to be published? Obama is not even president yet and we're already speculating the next president. Is the media this desperate for a story? According to the story, Huntsman himself said he only concerned with the governors office for the next four years, and is surprised to see politcal speculation. Move on to a story that has some sort of consequence.

Aaron | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Mormon problem? Wow that is a new concept I had never thought about. This is an earth shattering revelation that being a member of the Mormon Church could be a political liability! This is a idiotic article. Yes Huntsman will be rumored about being a candidate, but really is there anyone in the country that does not know about the "Mormon problem"?

Wendy | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I wouldn NEVER vote for jon Huntsman for president! I think he is a spoiled kid who panders to everyone. Yuk!

dal | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

A Governor from UT on the presidential ticket. Thats almost as bad as having a Governer from Alaska.
People from smaller isolated states don't have the draw.
Besides, he's LDS. There is little chance in heck of any LDS being supported by the Christian right.

ich dien | 12:16 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I'm DiaryBarnacle BillMonday 8 Dec 2008with Wendy. Never, never, never.

ich dien | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I'm not sure what happened in my earlier attempt, but what I wanted to say what that I'm with Wendy. No on Hunstman, No, no, NO!!!

Cats | 12:22 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I can't imagine any governor from Utah being elected President. He has two strikes against him. He's from a Mountain State and he's LDS. I think the only Mormon who has a chance to be President is Mitt--and I really think he could do it. After four years of the third Clinton White House, I think the country will be ready for a change.

I hope Mitt goes for it again. This year was just a Democrat year no matter who the nominee was. Four years from now will really give Mitt a shot.

liberal larry | 12:36 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Jon Huntsman would be a very formidable national candidate. Moderates and independents wouldn't really care about his mormonism if he carried it off with a little humor and charm. I agree with mchael that his real problem would be the evangelicals, and the far, far, right wingers who are more worried about ideology, than competency.

Romney's troubles have as much to do with this wooden personality, and policy confusion, as his religion.

Consistency | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Being Mormon didn't cost Mitt the presidency - having no backbone and flip-flopping on important issues cost it for Mitt. Jon Jr. doesn't have that problem. He is still a longshot, but would make a great president if the opportunity arose.

better than Mitt | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I'd vote for Huntsman any day over Mitt. He doesn't have Romney's baggage about changing tune on social issues. He's more bipartisan and not an attack dog like Romney.

John Hunstman | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

The best democrat to be running the state of utah since... well since a long time ago.

Build The Ego! | 12:55 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Gov. Huntsman the next choice ... that should build his ego more!

RC | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Wendy seems to think that wealth and status means spoiled. A very small act can say a lot about a person.....A month ago today I was sitting on a Delta flight to Atlanta waiting for boarding to be completed when I saw the governor and his wife enter the plane. (Obviously his route to the govenor's convention went through Atlanta.) I assumed they would turn left and head into first class. No sooner had that thought crossed my mind, when they turned right, marched down the aisle through coach and sat about 5 rows from the BACK of the plane.

He may be a wealthy man but it made me feel like he was spending my tax dollars wisely. That is a pretty important characteristic in today's economy. (By the way, he gave his wife the window seat.)

Utah Voter | 12:57 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I would vote for Huntsman long before even considering to support Mitt Romney. Mitt makes me sick, I feel like he would do anything, say anything and flip flop on any issue to get elected.

SAD | 1:02 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

From the comments posted here, it sounds like only politicians who meet the following criteria have a chance to become the president:

1. They must serve in one of the more populated states.

2. Their political ideology needs to be either extremely liberal or extremely conservative, and absolutely loyal to their respective parties.

3. They must not be affiliated with any "minority" religion.

I think it's sad that this may be an accurate analysis of our country's political state. Do we really believe that competent political leaders can only be found in California, Texas, New York, Florida or Illinois? How many qualified leaders are automatically eliminated based on this reasoning?

Can politicians succeed in serving the interests of the American majority if the only way for them to be elected is to pander to the extreme left or extreme right?

Should a politician be automatically disqualified from consideration simply because his theological ideology and religous beliefs differ from the majority?

It seems to me that we (as Americans) disqualify many of our best choices based on non-important, arbitrary factors.

And then we complain about how our leaders are corrupt and/or incompetent.

Ema | 1:05 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

We just finished the 2008 elections a month ago, and now we're already talking about 2012? Can we please have at least two years free of elections talks?

Anonymous | 1:12 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Mormonism isn't his obstacle, it's the fact that he's not really a republican. If you thought McCain was bad...

HSFAN | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

HUNTSMAN IS ANYTHING BUT A REPUBLICAN>>>>HE IS TOO GREEN IN MORE ways than ONE!

Now about his father?....I would vote for him in a New York Minute...too bad the gov is not a chip off the ol' block! One would think by his voting record that the Gov is actually more of a John McCain instead of his father John Huntsman! The apple fell far from the tree and rolled off a cliff!

Roller Mills | 1:21 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Wow, another socialist presidential candidate. Just what this country needs.

Blogger 801 | 1:26 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Huntsman will have to ask his daddy for more money.......... funny how he is all big on going green now, when his dads fortune comes from one of the top polluting companies in the nation......... Huntsman doesn't stand a chance against Mitt

Bad Joke | 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

You surely must be kidding.

Blogster | 1:45 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Go Mitt!!!!

Lover of Utah | 1:52 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

It's sad that Governor Huntsman spends more time pushing moderate national issues and incresing his recognition than leading his own state. Don't forget about us, the regular people you're supposed to be making decisions for.

Dave | 1:58 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Please. Enough of this silly speculation, which is only being discussed by some very ignorant people in Utah.

With the annointed one soon to take power and the media (including the Deseret News) fully supporting him, Obama will have a very prosperous eight-year term.

I personally can't stand Jon Jr. I'd just as soon give myself a swirly than see him (or any other socialist dressed as a Republican) in office.

Huntsman | 1:59 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

would not be a good president

SAD | 2:01 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Anonymous from 1:12 pm and HSFAN just illustrated my 2nd point. They say Huntsman is too "green" and he's "not really a republican". What they are trying to say is that they would not support him because he is not in line with every single stance of the far-right.

When a political leader takes a moderate stance on any issue, they are attacked by members of THEIR OWN PARTY. If the leader is a republican, they are labeled as a socialist. If the politician is a democrat, they are labeled as an elitist.

Am I the only one who thinks it's ridiculous that you cannot be a "good leader" unless you appeal to the political ideolgies of the most extreme groups of your party?

Isn't it possible to be an environmentally-conscious republican? Can't someone be a pro-life democrat? The extremists in both parties say "no" to these questions, and we believe them because the extremists are the most vocal. They don't represent my opinion, and I don't believe they represent the majority of Americans.

Too early | 2:07 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

for Huntsman or Romney, wait for 2016, it will take at least that much time for the country to get rid of the bad taste of Republicanism, and grow to hate the bad taste of Democrat/Liberalism.

Give Me A Break | 2:08 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Mitt has shown leadership. Mitt is smart, savvy, and hard working. Huntsman favors popularity. If you work for Huntsman just don't make waves, because waves cause problems which lowers your popularity. Huntsman likes the perks of being governor, but seems to hate the work. There's no way he would survive even 1 day on the hard hitting presidential campaign unless he becomes the anointed, untouchable savior by the media (as was Obama).

Utah Citizen | 2:15 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Huntsman is not qualified to be dog catcher (apologies to all dog catchers).

GO MITT!!

ken benson | 2:29 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Good idea . Let the rats keep selecting the GOP nominees .

Andrew Price | 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Huntsman - another individual who believes Jesus is the Devil's brother . Thank God many Americans will not accept such an individual as their President .

How About... | 2:31 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Romney for president and Huntsman for vice president?!?!

I personally Love the idea

democrat | 2:37 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

HAHAHA! They said Bush is a guy you can sit down and have a beer with but mormon vice pres. and mormon pres. it would be someone you could sit down and have family night with!

sj | 2:39 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I don't believe in smoking either and I voted for Obama. Just show the resumes next time and leave off gender, race, age and religion and lets pick the best person whoever that is. We just vote for what we don't want rather than what we want.

Wow | 2:47 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Wow....Huntsman presidential timber? Ha, Ha, Ha!!

I guess if republicans want to keep losing elections they will stick with a Huntsman or a Palin.

Now Romney, he would have to be taken seriously. As a democrat, I WOULD have voted for him.

Mark | 2:49 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Generally speaking, Governors are viable presidential candidates only if they come from powerful states. Senators tend to be in the national spotlight more often, so they may stand a chance.

If Mitt Romney moves to Utah and Utahans send him to the Senate, or Huntsman somehow ends up in the Senate, we could see a Mormon U.S. President or VP. But they can NOT be viewed as overly conservative, or concerns of the influence of the LDS Church will arise among the Republican party's base and with moderates and liberals during a national campaign.

They must avoid any philisophical shifts to appease the Republican base as well. They should position themselves politically to just right of McCain and learn to speak Spanish. Blacks and Hispanics are the future of the Republican party!

2012 will be a campaign against Obama, and I don't think the Repubs can win unless a major moral issue has stirred the country (like gay marriage?). Now an LDS Democrat (socially conservative) may be a viable candidate in 2016, because I think the coutry will inch back to the moderate right following Obama. But Bush has destroyed the chances ofr far right candidates for 20 years.

Anonymous | 2:50 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

So Huntsman is good enough to lead the country, but according to the stooges in our state legislature, Huntsman cannot pick a judge for the court of appeals.

History Nut | 3:16 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Comments here just solidify why the Republican Party is doomed. The social conservative wing insists the party is theirs. Never mind that without the moderates, they are doomed to be fringe party forever. Ideological purity, to them, is more important than winning.

Moderate Republicans like Huntsman, Crist, Whitman, Schwarzenegger, and the like ought to bolt the party and leave it to the fringies. Obama would welcome them with open arms.

You have to lose | 3:33 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Most GOP winners in times past had to lose a few races before they won. Romney lost in '94 to Kennedy for senate and now in '08 to McCain/Huckabee. Romney is worlds ahead of Huntsman, despite losing, Romney knows who is who in the Washington power club. Huntsman needs to lose before he wins. Also, I think deep down Huntsman has for decades believed a woman should go to jail for an abortion and he is wondering how to sell that to a pro choice country; once he figures out how to sell that he will begin a campaign.

Statesman? Not! | 3:40 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Governor Huntsman is a Democrat in Republican's clothing. Here's how Huntsman has made decisions the last four years in office: Hold his finger to the wind and see which way it's blowing in terms of how it will look on a national stage. He RARELY governs based on what is best for the people of Utah who voted him into office. He's had his eye on national office since day one and Utah's interests havw suffered many times because of it. I hope Governor Huntsman goes for it, so I can have the satisfaction of watching him get beat out by Romney or some other true conservative Republican.

Henry Drummond | 3:52 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Mitt Romney is a salesman. If you compare his positions when he ran for Senator and Governor of Massachusetts to what they were during this last election it is quite a jolt. I think Jon Huntsman has a more consistent political philosophy and has concentrated on actually being a governor, not just using it as stepping stone to higher office. I also suspect that Huntsman wouldn't be alienating his fellow candidates the way Romney did which in my opinion blew his opportunity to be nominated as Vice President which certainly would have made him the front runner in 2012 over The Bridge To No Where...

The real key is going to be how much clout the conservative wing of the party will have after all the disasters that have come out of the Bush presidency. Those are the people who really have problems with both moderates and Mormons.

Utah kid | 4:08 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Huntsman has no chance to be president in 2012 or any other year. The reason is that he is LDS. The country will not tolerate having a Latter-day Saint as president. The tag team that McCain and Huckabee did on Romney during this year's campaign proved that. It's sad, but that is America in 2008. Hate speech against any group is politically incorrect -- except for Mormons. It is open season on Latter-day Saints.

TELL ME WHAT HE'S DONE? | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

It's Obama mania again over someone that no one can actually point to what he has done, except defy the will of the people and stick his thumb in our eye with the soccer stadium.

PLEASE, enough already about Huntsman. Moderates are the ones who have been in power the last decade or more and look at the disaster they are responsible for. A moderate is just another name for a liberal wearing conservative clothing. A moderate is someone who stands for nothing. They have no core values. They are weak and afraid to take a controversial stand. They make it up as they go along.

Huntsman is a perfect example. What does he stand for? He doesn't even know. And any credit for economy goes to luck and sheer timing. What has he done?

It's amazing how much we can do without when the economy goes down the tube, but Oh we needed it during the good times. The brilliance of Huntsman for cutting jobs after the economy tanks. Brilliant! Huntsman, Huntsman!!!

I weary of people worshipping politicians who are empty suits who spend other peoples money while they take credit for something they build with it.

AND SO THIS IS CHRISTmas | 4:40 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

I like huntsman as governor-he appears impressive so if it's there ..he'll go get but not like that spoiled Bush kid!

Mitt | 4:41 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Huntsman for Pres!

J.C. | 4:44 p.m. Dec. 9, 2008

Look what happened to the last morbot that ran for president a.k.a. Mitt....no one wants a mormon prez...so i dont know what all you Utahns are getting your hopes up for...and it was so funny when Mitt threw the towel in because he knew he had been beat by McCain hahahahahaha

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