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Obama names Huntsman ambassador to China
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Frank | 8:29 p.m. May 15, 2009
What a good choice. Utah's loss is America's gain.
Yama | 8:35 p.m. May 15, 2009
Great for Huntsman. Congratulations! Not so great for us. We're stuck
with Herbert.
Joel Wright | 8:39 p.m. May 15, 2009
Best wishes Governor. Thanks for all you did for Utah.
Comments continue below
Huntsman!!! | 8:49 p.m. May 15, 2009
Cool!!!!!!!!
mc | 8:50 p.m. May 15, 2009
Congratulations, Governor Huntsman. Thank you for all that you have done for
our state and now what you will be doing for our country.
Applause... | 8:59 p.m. May 15, 2009
I've always been impressed with Gov. Huntsman's willingness to listen
to both sides of the aisle and decide what was best for our state. I know others
don't care for him, but I've appreciated his time as our governor.
I'm interested to see what Lt. Gov. Herbert does as a governor.
Great | 9:10 p.m. May 15, 2009
Utah's gain is America's gain. Huntsman will be a better ambassador
than governor.
Nick | 9:16 p.m. May 15, 2009
My thoughts are Obama is making this decision for one of two reasons:
#1 He thinks he can win the Utah 2010 Governors Election. He may think his popularity is still strong and by throwing a legitimate contender like Scott Matheson or Jim Matheson he can take the governors office.
#2 It is reported that Huntsman met with Obama late last year and they have been talking about Huntsman joining Obama's administration.
I dont think Huntsman would do this unless he is getting something in return. He has already been ambassador so returning to this position again does nothing for his political resume.
So I think Huntsman has been promised that when Justice Stephens retires Obama will move Hillary Clinton to the Supreme Court (partially to get her away of thinking about a 2012 or 2016 run for president) and he will make Huntsman the Secretary of State.
#1 He thinks he can win the Utah 2010 Governors Election. He may think his popularity is still strong and by throwing a legitimate contender like Scott Matheson or Jim Matheson he can take the governors office.
#2 It is reported that Huntsman met with Obama late last year and they have been talking about Huntsman joining Obama's administration.
I dont think Huntsman would do this unless he is getting something in return. He has already been ambassador so returning to this position again does nothing for his political resume.
So I think Huntsman has been promised that when Justice Stephens retires Obama will move Hillary Clinton to the Supreme Court (partially to get her away of thinking about a 2012 or 2016 run for president) and he will make Huntsman the Secretary of State.
I Like Herbert | 9:20 p.m. May 15, 2009
How are Huntsman and Herbert different in their positions on issues and
ideological outlooks?
There are a number of differences, both in tone and substance. For example, Huntsman supports civil unions for gay couples, while Herbert does not. Huntsman is quite moderate on environmental issues, signing on to the Western Climate Initiative cap-and-trade proposals to reduce carbon emissions. Herbert attends meetings with traditional energy developers and expresses strong support for carbon-based energy sources. He isn't jumping on the global warming bandwagon. Herbert recently attended a planning meeting of the Utah Public Lands Multiple Use Coalition, which intends to ignite a second "Sagebrush Rebellion" to "take back Utah" from federal bureaucrats. In interviews with the national news media, Huntsman criticizes congressional conservatives in Washington as out-of-touch. Herbert is much more respectful of party elders, and he attends and speaks at most county Republican conventions, where he tosses out conservative red meat to the delegates. Huntsman supported John McCain. Herbert supported Mitt Romney.
There are a number of differences, both in tone and substance. For example, Huntsman supports civil unions for gay couples, while Herbert does not. Huntsman is quite moderate on environmental issues, signing on to the Western Climate Initiative cap-and-trade proposals to reduce carbon emissions. Herbert attends meetings with traditional energy developers and expresses strong support for carbon-based energy sources. He isn't jumping on the global warming bandwagon. Herbert recently attended a planning meeting of the Utah Public Lands Multiple Use Coalition, which intends to ignite a second "Sagebrush Rebellion" to "take back Utah" from federal bureaucrats. In interviews with the national news media, Huntsman criticizes congressional conservatives in Washington as out-of-touch. Herbert is much more respectful of party elders, and he attends and speaks at most county Republican conventions, where he tosses out conservative red meat to the delegates. Huntsman supported John McCain. Herbert supported Mitt Romney.
oh baby!!! | 9:23 p.m. May 15, 2009
Herbert will be so awesome as governor. This is such great news.
Anonymous | 9:29 p.m. May 15, 2009
Great, we are stuck with Herbert.
Huntsman is a great pick. This choice is good for the US, good for China, and good for Utah.
Huntsman is a great pick. This choice is good for the US, good for China, and good for Utah.
Katie | 9:33 p.m. May 15, 2009
I'm a bit saddened by this news....I really like Huntsman as governor, and
would rather he stayed and didn't become an ambassador. But I guess if
this is better for him, he should take the job. Utah will miss him.
Jonathan Beutler | 9:41 p.m. May 15, 2009
This should be a fantastic position for Gov. Huntsman. He is sharp on matters
of foreign affairs. His Mandarin is fantastic... I heard him speaking Chinese
at the Milken Institute's Global Conference in Beverly Hills last month.
Great news!!
NOOO! | 9:45 p.m. May 15, 2009
Looks like all the moderate progress we have made these last 5 years is now
over. Herbert is like any other Republican in the state. You know the type. At
least Huntsman was not afraid to stand up to the clowns in the legislature. Utah
is heading back to becoming a fringe state, you know weird!
True Perspective | 9:47 p.m. May 15, 2009
If anyone believes this is some nefarious political move, please, get a grip.
Huntsman is not a threat to Obama in any bid for a second administration. As
someone who I suspect was a native Utahn said here a few weeks ago, Huntsman as
a serious presidential contender: "Ain't going to happen." This
should appeal to everyone as something far more dignified. Here it is: a native
Utahn who is capable of tolerance and progressive thinking who is selected by
the first African-American president to be ambassador to a country that is
crucial to the wellbeing of the U.S. and the world. Put away your insularity and
see what pride you should derive from this.
joe | 9:51 p.m. May 15, 2009
Well, he might as well go over to the demos side. He has shifted so far left
that the state will be better off with him gone. At least we will have a real
conservative in office to protect our individual rights. Utah will be much
better off with him gone.
Henry Drummond | 10:00 p.m. May 15, 2009
This is most encouraging. This is probably the most important ambassadorship
both in economic terms as well as political and military terms. The fact that
the President is asking somebody from the other side of the political spectrum
and that Governor Huntsman accepted speaks volumes about both of them. I look
for great things to come out of this for Utah, the Nation, and the World.
Anonymous | 10:02 p.m. May 15, 2009
Yes, this bodes well for both the republican party and Utah as we should be very
proud of Jon for achieving such status in the eyes of the Obama admin. This
surely enhances our image in Utah and keeps us on the political map and in the
political arena and makes me proud that the democrates see the talent OUR
Governor posseses. Perhaps this will be a stepping stone for a future
republican presidential candidate from Utah!
Louis | 10:07 p.m. May 15, 2009
Absolutely, True Perspective! We Utahns should all feel very proud. Huntsman is
a perfect pick to make a positive difference in our relations with China. I do
worry a little about some of Herbert's views but we can change things in
2010 too. Congratulations, Gov!
Cody | 10:10 p.m. May 15, 2009
Gov. Huntsman,
Thank you for all you have done for our state. Seriously there has never been better. We hate to see you leave after all you have done but best of luck.
Thank you for all you have done for our state. Seriously there has never been better. We hate to see you leave after all you have done but best of luck.
one and the same | 10:13 p.m. May 15, 2009
This is also a clear example of how there is actually no distinction between the
democrat and republican parties. They are both the same, both pursuing the same
agenda.
Not that Huntsman isn't qualified. He's the obvious choice I suppose. It's just that things really aren't partisan. They never really have been, but there will be fewer words spoken about party lines as we get further into the fascism that is the United States of Socialist America.
Not that Huntsman isn't qualified. He's the obvious choice I suppose. It's just that things really aren't partisan. They never really have been, but there will be fewer words spoken about party lines as we get further into the fascism that is the United States of Socialist America.
Interesting | 10:14 p.m. May 15, 2009
Huntsman avoids the Lincoln Day Dinners and County Republican Conventions in
order to distance himself from the people that put him in office.
Now we see why: the transition is now complete.
He can forget about a Republican run for president now.
So we've got that going for us . . . which is nice.
Now we see why: the transition is now complete.
He can forget about a Republican run for president now.
So we've got that going for us . . . which is nice.
Maggie | 10:19 p.m. May 15, 2009
Thanks Governor Huntsman for all you've done for Utah. I've truly
appreciated you for your balanced, unintimidated approach to governing, which
certainly wasn't lost on President Obama. I'm certain you will
understand and proceed to strengthen our very important relationship with China.
All the best to you and yours!
Re: Henry Drummond | 10:21 p.m. May 15, 2009
Well said! We need a good ambassador to China, and Huntsman will serve our
nation well in this assignment.
Anonymous | 10:22 p.m. May 15, 2009
If I had to work with the Utah legislature, I'd move to China too.
Looks like | 10:22 p.m. May 15, 2009
Huntsman is playing his cards well, playing himself into the circle of powerful
elitists. Good for him...
To: Nick | 10:37 p.m. May 15, 2009
I've got to give you credit for thinking of such an elaborate scheme, but
honestly I do not think that much went into this decision. Not only does your
theory not pass the smell test for me, it also gives Hillary a little too much
of a chance to beat Barack in 2012. The reason I say it gives her a little too
much of a chance is because she has no chance at all. An incumbent president,
especially one that will be extremely popular no matter what he does (because of
his charisma), does not lose his in his own primary. It just won't happen.
Hillary would not run against him, really she wouldn't. You are creative
though!
Good choice? | 10:42 p.m. May 15, 2009
Gary Herbert will represent more fully the values of Utah! Huntsman has
increasingly taken some stands on important moral issues that have cause many to
become disenchanted with his politics. From someone that appeared to be a
conservative, he has increasingly become more liberal. It will be a blessing to
see him gone!
Jane Doe | 10:47 p.m. May 15, 2009
Why is it that we elect officials and then when they get a better
"gig" they pick up and leave. When they leave they cost tax payers
money by having to hold special elections. There should be a law that states
they need to finish the job they were elected for and if not they need to pay
for the special election out of their own pocket!!!
Jane Doe is complaining | 10:55 p.m. May 15, 2009
that the tax payers get to vote again? It doesn't happen all that often,
we only get to choose between two people, and you're complaining? Bring
out the voting booths again and let us pretend once more that the government is
for the people and not for the law makers.
suzyk | 10:56 p.m. May 15, 2009
To: Jane Doe..that's a good question and the only answer I can give you
would be that it is all in the name of power, position and the almightly dollar.
This seems to be what politician's do..it's what is good for them, not
those who put them in. But I'm sure there are exceptions to that rule.
Orem Mom | 11:08 p.m. May 15, 2009
Since Pres. Monson in the Oct. 08 conference has asked members of the church to
pray for the opening of other nations to the gospel, our family has been praying
daily for this. We have many friends from China and are anxious that they may
soon enjoy religious freedom. I think it is not a coincidence that Huntsman has
been offered such an important position. I feel that Huntsman may facilitate
the opening of China to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He
will be in our prayers.
Let's have an election! | 11:12 p.m. May 15, 2009
I don't want to wait for the regular term to be over. There ought to be a
provision for a special election when the governor resigns. It seems to happen
all too often here in Utah lately. No one votes for a ticket based on the #2,
anyway.
I have the feeling that Huntsman contributed to a successful Utah these past few years. I also liked the tone he brought to our great state.
I'm sad to see him go but I have a feeling he will love speaking his mission language more and working in such an important position. Hopefully he will remember us here in Utah and help out trade between Utah and China. This is one connection Utah has a potential to really benefit from.
Let's make Utah the richest per capita state in the nation!
So now it's Romney 2012 and Huntsman 2016 if Romney loses, right?
I have the feeling that Huntsman contributed to a successful Utah these past few years. I also liked the tone he brought to our great state.
I'm sad to see him go but I have a feeling he will love speaking his mission language more and working in such an important position. Hopefully he will remember us here in Utah and help out trade between Utah and China. This is one connection Utah has a potential to really benefit from.
Let's make Utah the richest per capita state in the nation!
So now it's Romney 2012 and Huntsman 2016 if Romney loses, right?
Utah has lost | 11:23 p.m. May 15, 2009
Before Huntsman and Olene Walker and Rocky Anderson, Utah politics was a good
old boy network, a fraternity of sorts, only a few were in and it was protocal
to work your way up to the top and you don't get in line of another more
senior good old boy, Huntsman shattered that and didn't have to answer to
anyone. Let's pray Utah moves forward and not backward. We need more
rich people in politics that get in and get out and don't make it a career.
Chuck | 11:24 p.m. May 15, 2009
Gary Herbert is a good, solid individual. He will do well as governor.
Anonymous | 11:31 p.m. May 15, 2009
To those who say that Huntsman is a "liberal," I suppose you are the
ones who also say that Orrin Hatch is a liberal. You would probably say that
Genghis Khan was a liberal if he were in office.
Contrary to the way our cable news culture has tried to train us to think, there doesn't have to be a conspriacy or ideological reason behind this nomination and acceptance. Could it simply be a pragmatic decision about (gasp) competence?
President Obama sees in Governor Huntsman a knowledgeable and skilled individual who can do a fantastic job as ambassador to China, and so he nominated him. Governor Huntsman feels he can serve his country well as ambassador to China, and so he accepted. Very simple and very beautiful. Hopefully we'll see more common sense decisions like this in the years to come.
This can only be good for Utah and for America.
Contrary to the way our cable news culture has tried to train us to think, there doesn't have to be a conspriacy or ideological reason behind this nomination and acceptance. Could it simply be a pragmatic decision about (gasp) competence?
President Obama sees in Governor Huntsman a knowledgeable and skilled individual who can do a fantastic job as ambassador to China, and so he nominated him. Governor Huntsman feels he can serve his country well as ambassador to China, and so he accepted. Very simple and very beautiful. Hopefully we'll see more common sense decisions like this in the years to come.
This can only be good for Utah and for America.
Sad | 11:49 p.m. May 15, 2009
I'm so bummed. I wanted to get out of Utah before Huntsman left. I think he
was the only sane republican in the state (and yes, that includes republican
voters).
Make way for more pollution in Utah, more erosions of our civil rights and freedoms, more corruption, and more insanity in the state. Thank you, Gov. Huntsman, for giving us hope that all Utah Republicans aren't crazy.
Make way for more pollution in Utah, more erosions of our civil rights and freedoms, more corruption, and more insanity in the state. Thank you, Gov. Huntsman, for giving us hope that all Utah Republicans aren't crazy.
sarah jane | 12:14 a.m. May 16, 2009
I am happy that Huntsman is leaving Utah. Enough is enough.
Deja vu | 12:14 a.m. May 16, 2009
Lets see, a candidate for office promises a potential opposing candidate a
lucrative job if he doesn't run against him. Hmm...Seems familiar.
So, who's ready to charge the Pres?
So, who's ready to charge the Pres?
Wonder if .... | 12:38 a.m. May 16, 2009
Will Huntsman promote US interests in his new position instead of kowtowing to
the Chinese? I certainly hope so; but somehow given the track record of the
current and previous administrations I do not believe the Chinese government has
much to worry about.
Go Gary! | 12:46 a.m. May 16, 2009
I'm so excited for Lt. Gov Herbert to take over the reigns. Talk about a
Utah guy through and through. Huntsman is a great guy but his heart has always
been with international issues, so he will love his new job, but now we will get
someone whose heart has always been right here in our great state as is evident
by his long service as a County Commissioner and Lt. Governor.
Ronald Fox | 12:50 a.m. May 16, 2009
Well, if reports are true, Congratulations to both Governor Huntsman and
Herbert. Jon Huntsman is one of the finest minds in the affairs of China and
Asia. He can speak to subject better than any Harvard University Professor or
Senator on the Foreign Relations Committee. He has served Utah and the Nation
well in the past, he will continue that now. China is our greatest trading
partner and potential threat to national security, Huntsman will be an able
representative. In the late 80's he became one of the youngest Ambassador
in our Nation's History. He again will bring honor to our Nation and State.
Gary Herbert, is a good and decent man, hard working with solid Utah values. He has been a successful businessman and individual who has served and worked in local government. He has traveled the State from one end to another supporting Gov. Huntsman and economic development in the State. In four years he has redefined the Lt. Governors office and brought it forward like few have in new technologies and service. He will serve Utah well as its 17th Governor.
May God watch over and bless these good men and their families.
Gary Herbert, is a good and decent man, hard working with solid Utah values. He has been a successful businessman and individual who has served and worked in local government. He has traveled the State from one end to another supporting Gov. Huntsman and economic development in the State. In four years he has redefined the Lt. Governors office and brought it forward like few have in new technologies and service. He will serve Utah well as its 17th Governor.
May God watch over and bless these good men and their families.
To Sad | 1:12 a.m. May 16, 2009
Sad, after reading your mentally disturbed opinions, I can see why you are sad.
A few years ago I moved away from Utah to another state. I can hardly wait to
get back home where most of the folks are intelligent, except, of course, poor
Sad.
rightascension | 1:13 a.m. May 16, 2009
Huntsman, we hear, wants to be President. To that end it is better for his
future political career to go to Beijing -- which does not swim in red ink and
which still has power to spare -- than to hang around Washington or Salt Lake
City where he will find himself embroiled in all sorts of local unpleasantness
in the next three years.
From 1895 to 2002, no Utah governor died in office or resigned. All the governors' terms stood neatly in a row in increments of 4 or 8 or 12 years. Now -- Utah will have FOUR governors in a row with uneven terms. It seems so untidy
Leavitt 1993 to 2003
Walker 2003 to 2005
Huntsman 2005 to 2009+
Herbert 2009- to whenever
From 1895 to 2002, no Utah governor died in office or resigned. All the governors' terms stood neatly in a row in increments of 4 or 8 or 12 years. Now -- Utah will have FOUR governors in a row with uneven terms. It seems so untidy
Leavitt 1993 to 2003
Walker 2003 to 2005
Huntsman 2005 to 2009+
Herbert 2009- to whenever
rightascension | 1:16 a.m. May 16, 2009
It is amusing to see what AP considers "liberal" reform.
The liquor reform is mostly image and could not possibly come at a worse possible time. If we want insurance reform, we first need health reform in the public, which means less smoking, less illicit drugs, less alcohol, less marijuana, more exercise, more healthy fruits and vegetables.
AP forgets to mention that his support of civil union legislation in Utah fell on completely deaf and bigoted ears in the Utah legislature -- or as we locals refer to it out here in the west -- the Politburo.
I do not look forward to a special election for governor. Heaven only knows that we should base the governor's election on economics, health insurance reform, health care reform, education finance reform, county boundary reform, and it will probably get bogged down in whether or not only heterosexuals should have the right to multiple sex partners and easy divorces.
The liquor reform is mostly image and could not possibly come at a worse possible time. If we want insurance reform, we first need health reform in the public, which means less smoking, less illicit drugs, less alcohol, less marijuana, more exercise, more healthy fruits and vegetables.
AP forgets to mention that his support of civil union legislation in Utah fell on completely deaf and bigoted ears in the Utah legislature -- or as we locals refer to it out here in the west -- the Politburo.
I do not look forward to a special election for governor. Heaven only knows that we should base the governor's election on economics, health insurance reform, health care reform, education finance reform, county boundary reform, and it will probably get bogged down in whether or not only heterosexuals should have the right to multiple sex partners and easy divorces.
indy1969 | 1:54 a.m. May 16, 2009
Wow--this is some great political news--the best I've heard in a while!
Gov. Huntsman has been using the governor's office and policy
decision-making in Utah to set himself up for national political office instead
of reflecting the position of Utah voters who elected him. I, for one, and glad
that our civil union-loving, global-warming supporting governor gets his wish
and that the people of Utah will get another opportunity to elect a governor who
will act consistent with the people's wishes.
Anonymous | 1:55 a.m. May 16, 2009
Huntsman is making silly choices because he is jealous of Mitt. Mitt will always
be a better man and politician.
bluegrouse | 2:05 a.m. May 16, 2009
The simplest explanation is generally the right one -even our convoluted and
corrupt political system. I think anonymous has it right. Obama thought he was
the best choice for this role and this relationship with the MOST IMPORTANT
foreign country for us (now and in the future) in the world so he offered the
job. Huntsman knows he can do the job well, wants to serve his country and
accepts. I agree that this is good for the US and ultimately will be good for
Utah but as a moderate republican, I too am concerned that this will return
power towards the nutjob, ultraright fringe in this state. It was good to have
an intelligent, non-reactionary, thoughtful person leading our state. I hope
Herbert follows suit but am not holding my breath.
And to "sad", not all republican voters are insane. After all, they are the ones that elected Huntsman in the first place.
And to "sad", not all republican voters are insane. After all, they are the ones that elected Huntsman in the first place.
Anonymous | 2:26 a.m. May 16, 2009
Glad to see Huntsman go. The communists will warm up well to the socialist
Huntsman! Don't know how they will feel about civil unions though....
Kurt from Zagreb | 5:08 a.m. May 16, 2009
This is great news for the Church!!! Not only a political ambassador for the
United States but a great representative for the Church in China!!! Only good
things will follow.
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Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press
President Barack Obama announces the nomination of Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., center, to U.S. Ambassador to China in the Diplomatic Room at the White House Saturday in Washington. At right is Huntsman's wife Mary Kaye.
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