Deseret News | Obama names Huntsman ambassador to China

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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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Obama names Huntsman ambassador to China

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Obama names Huntsman ambassador to China