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Obama names Huntsman ambassador to China
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Springmeyer | 3:20 p.m. May 16, 2009
Bob Springmeyer tried to get the clown Huntsman to commit to us for the next 4
years and he wouldn't do it. Guess we know why and that we should have all
looked at the candidates instead of Rep or Demo. Bob was by far the better
choice and now we're stuck.
@Defend Marriage | 7:17 a.m. | 3:26 p.m. May 16, 2009
Since President Obama has never endorsed abortion and socialism, I have no idea
what point you're trying to make. You're just another Obama basher, I
guess.
Utah Man Am I | 3:28 p.m. May 16, 2009
I mean this tongue in cheek, but it would be nice to see the Obama
administration put forth legislation to ban comment boards on newspaper websites
(after he fixes the BCS of course, go Utes!). The percentage of moronic posts
here is ridiculous.
Gov. Huntsman was (is) a good governor. He may not be the conspiracy hoarding/mud-slinging/animosity festering/rush limbaugh sort of conservative, but he is an honorable conservative with the best interests of the state of Utah in mind.
Obama's choice of making Huntsman ambassador makes sense and is a smart move. Give him credit for that. Good move for our country, because China and the U.S. are so interconnected, but a loss for UT.
Gov. Huntsman was (is) a good governor. He may not be the conspiracy hoarding/mud-slinging/animosity festering/rush limbaugh sort of conservative, but he is an honorable conservative with the best interests of the state of Utah in mind.
Obama's choice of making Huntsman ambassador makes sense and is a smart move. Give him credit for that. Good move for our country, because China and the U.S. are so interconnected, but a loss for UT.
Comments continue below
Utah's loss, country's gain | 3:29 p.m. May 16, 2009
We're losing a good Republican and true conservative (something we have few
of, given the plethora of extremist radical far-right authoritarians that have
taken over the Republican party and hijacked the conservative label). I'll
miss him.
Re: Pedro | 3:33 p.m. May 16, 2009
Well said. You're not the only one.
Former Utahn | 3:38 p.m. May 16, 2009
What a perfect manuever by Obama. He removes a Republican contender from the
2012 race (one with unlimited funds) and he returns the statehouse of the most
Republican state in the country to a Democrat (Jim Matheson). Obama is nothing
if he is not sly. If Huntsman has an ounce of intergrity (hmmm...) he will leave
the Republican party and become a Democrat. He'd be a lot happier there. I
would be happier to see him there, too. By the way, I do not believe for a
second that his Mandarin is still fluent... but at least he has a head start.
So long, liberal! | 3:48 p.m. May 16, 2009
Gary Herbert is a conservative. Jon Huntsman isn't. Glad to see him gone.
He's better off with Obama anyways.
RE: Anonymous | 2:00 p.m. | 3:52 p.m. May 16, 2009
"I'm glad to help others through my taxes."
UNfortunately that is a choice liberals want to force onto everyone else.
Paying taxes is not a choice.
UNfortunately that is a choice liberals want to force onto everyone else.
Paying taxes is not a choice.
Barry Allen | 4:27 p.m. May 16, 2009
re: LDS Democrat | 9:34 a.m. May 16, 2009
I don't disagree w/ your theory but have issues w/ the semantics. A Neocon, as I understand, is a liberal leaning/more moderate republican.
I've heard Neocon described as a liberal who has been hijacked by reality and/or a liberal who is a hawk in terms of national security/military issues.
This would IMO put Huntsman in the same camp as W and maybe even Hillary C.
Where then would most people in this state fall? I think Paleocon like Dick C or Joe McCarthy might be closer to the truth.
I don't disagree w/ your theory but have issues w/ the semantics. A Neocon, as I understand, is a liberal leaning/more moderate republican.
I've heard Neocon described as a liberal who has been hijacked by reality and/or a liberal who is a hawk in terms of national security/military issues.
This would IMO put Huntsman in the same camp as W and maybe even Hillary C.
Where then would most people in this state fall? I think Paleocon like Dick C or Joe McCarthy might be closer to the truth.
Dart of Hearkness | 4:46 p.m. May 16, 2009
Best thing that's been said on this entire board:
Utah Man Am I | 3:28 p.m. May 16, 2009
"I mean this tongue in cheek, but it would be nice to see the Obama administration put forth legislation to ban comment boards on newspaper websites (after he fixes the BCS of course, go Utes!). The percentage of moronic posts here is ridiculous."
I DON'T mean it tongue in cheek. If the DesNews won't deep-six these comment boards, *somebody* needs to show some sense and do it for them.
But on second thought, there's no point.
Even if the idiotic comments went away, the underlying stupidity of the people who say them would still exist. It's no wonder this nation is in trouble.
Utah Man Am I | 3:28 p.m. May 16, 2009
"I mean this tongue in cheek, but it would be nice to see the Obama administration put forth legislation to ban comment boards on newspaper websites (after he fixes the BCS of course, go Utes!). The percentage of moronic posts here is ridiculous."
I DON'T mean it tongue in cheek. If the DesNews won't deep-six these comment boards, *somebody* needs to show some sense and do it for them.
But on second thought, there's no point.
Even if the idiotic comments went away, the underlying stupidity of the people who say them would still exist. It's no wonder this nation is in trouble.
A sad day for Utah | 4:53 p.m. May 16, 2009
Congratulations to Governor Jon Huntsman. He is an honorable and qualified man
who will do a wonderful job as the ambassador to China.
However.. with Huntsman out of the way, I can just hear Energy Solutions celebrating and laughing all the way to the radioactive landfill bank in Tooele.
With a main opponent gone, Utah is almost guaranteed to become the next nuclear waste dumping ground for the world.
However.. with Huntsman out of the way, I can just hear Energy Solutions celebrating and laughing all the way to the radioactive landfill bank in Tooele.
With a main opponent gone, Utah is almost guaranteed to become the next nuclear waste dumping ground for the world.
Great News for Utah | 5:02 p.m. May 16, 2009
The most liberal governor in the history of this state is gone. YES!!!
And no, Obama did not cross over. Huntsman is a socialist Democrat who has been masquerading as a Republican in order to get elected in Utah. Too bad most Utahns vote for the R without thinking.
Let's elect a conservative next time. Let's trim spending and get out of this expensive, global-warming alliance non-sense.
And no, Obama did not cross over. Huntsman is a socialist Democrat who has been masquerading as a Republican in order to get elected in Utah. Too bad most Utahns vote for the R without thinking.
Let's elect a conservative next time. Let's trim spending and get out of this expensive, global-warming alliance non-sense.
Good Riddance | 5:07 p.m. May 16, 2009
Now there are two guys perfect for each other, Oblama and Huntsman. Good
Riddance!!
President? | 5:12 p.m. May 16, 2009
Huntsman for President? now that would be a JOKE!!!!
Ex Republican | 5:17 p.m. May 16, 2009
This is a great dqy for the state of Utah. Hebert will much, much better for
Utah than Huntsman. Huntsmant is the most liberal governor this state has ever
had.
Let's get out ourselves out of all of this global warming non-sense and start building our communities back up. Intead of our wealth going to Al Gore and a few liberal elitists, let's all get a piece of the pie.
Let's get out ourselves out of all of this global warming non-sense and start building our communities back up. Intead of our wealth going to Al Gore and a few liberal elitists, let's all get a piece of the pie.
Re: Utah Man am I | 5:21 p.m. May 16, 2009
Listen to yourself. Obama is already trying to take away our right to speak our
minds. The most basic rights and freedoms which this country was founded upon
are under attack and YOU support this tyranny.
I'm glad that most Utah Men ore not like you.
I'm glad that most Utah Men ore not like you.
I can | 5:23 p.m. May 16, 2009
smell a conspiracy here. Please give me a break. So the President of The
United States called on Hunstman to be Ambassador to China? What is wrong with
that?
Bear Laker | 5:44 p.m. May 16, 2009
His Mandrin is fluent. He has had lots of use for it thru the years. Good luck
to him. I think that most of the predictions from both sides of the political
spectrum will not come to pass. I for one intend to see what happens with
Herbert as Gov. I'll give him the same chance all the Obama lovers have
ask for their savior. If Huntsman is capable to be President I hope this helps
him. I think there are many of you that are so angry or unhappy that you
couldn't have a rational thought if your life depended on it. Why is there
so much negativity? Just because someone doesn't share you opinion
doesn't make them bad. None of us have a complete picture. Thats one of
the reasons I wade thru these blogs is to see what others think but some of you
oviously aren't capable of thinking, only tearing down.
Marsha | 6:03 p.m. May 16, 2009
Utah has had a period of real prosperity under Jon Huntsman. We should all be
grateful for that even when we disagree with other aspects of his
administration. The man thinks like a diplomat and a successful businessman.
If that is offensive to some hardline Republicans, they are foolish. He
won't throw his country under the bus, nor his religion, but he is wise
enough to try for government that includes instead of excludes. He may be our
best hope in dealing with Chinese officials. He understands their mindset.
Anonymous | 6:20 p.m. May 16, 2009
Huntsman is the best choice.
An excellent political move, on both parts, period.
It's all political?..of course, this is politics, so what would you expect??
China is very important, and becoming more important by the day. Huntsman is a good choice to deal with the technicalities of this culture.
If you think Huntsman is not the man for the job, come up with someone better.
An excellent political move, on both parts, period.
It's all political?..of course, this is politics, so what would you expect??
China is very important, and becoming more important by the day. Huntsman is a good choice to deal with the technicalities of this culture.
If you think Huntsman is not the man for the job, come up with someone better.
slowdive | 6:34 p.m. May 16, 2009
i went to school w kids of herbert in orem... back then and now, seem/ed/s a
good guy-has put in his time at GOP insider, but methinks it will be his own
party that gives him boot... kind of like what's happened Huntsman ---
Obama gave him an offering and he took it. i think the Eagle Forum types (holier
than thous) got to him, and to them he decided Good Riddance. i'm on to
bigger and better. 2016 for Pres a possibility, but it's still the GOP and
the evangelical siren calls of Mormonism as Cult that will negate his (and prob
Ken Boy Mitt) national run... someday Rs in utah are going to wake up and
realize the first Mo Pres is likely to be a Dem rather than R.
Captain Kirk | 6:37 p.m. May 16, 2009
Excellent!!! I would be glad to see Huntsman gone.
But what will Herbert do??
But what will Herbert do??
socalmon | 6:48 p.m. May 16, 2009
In all credit to Obama, he recognizes Utah talent. If Huckabee was president, he
would have sent an exorcist to Salt Lake to save Gov. Huntsman.
Gee, the Democrats aren't so bad after all. Maybe some swing voters in the beehive state will take a second look who really cares about them and respects them.
Gee, the Democrats aren't so bad after all. Maybe some swing voters in the beehive state will take a second look who really cares about them and respects them.
CONGRATS!! WE WILL MISS YOU!! | 7:01 p.m. May 16, 2009
Congratulations to Governor Huntsman!! You have made our family proud to live
in the state of Utah from the day that you were elected to office until now!!
You've done it again!! Our very best wishes to you! President Obama has
made another wise choice. We have no doubt that you will serve our country
well. Thanks for all you have done to show an open mind and concern for all.
You remind us of what the Republican Party used to be and we hope and pray will
be again someday. God bless you!
Politico | 7:15 p.m. May 16, 2009
Huntsman is ok, but he's no Mitt Romney!
@ Marsha | 8:40 p.m. May 16, 2009
John Jr. is not a successful businessman. John Sr. is. His brother Peter
is.
John Jr. was elected to a four year term as Governor of the state of Utah. He is not honoring his commitment, especially to the voters who voted for him. I guess something better came along that was superior for his personal aggrandizement.
John Jr. was elected to a four year term as Governor of the state of Utah. He is not honoring his commitment, especially to the voters who voted for him. I guess something better came along that was superior for his personal aggrandizement.
Foolish Choice | 9:10 p.m. May 16, 2009
Huntsman is foolish for taking this position. This will be the last you see or
hear of him. He will be hidden away just like Leavitt is now. Take good leaders
who make REAL and THE RIGHT KIND OF CHANGE in AMERICA and bury them in a mosh of
politics and issues and other personnel that will keep them silent and
ineffective and providing 0 lasting change or effect. That's the way
American politics works...this why there is such a LOW percentage of effective
leaders among US politicians. Good leaders get moved aside or buried. He should
have stayed the course and been a voice that Americans could turn to.
scary stuff | 9:14 p.m. May 16, 2009
It becomes more clear with everyday and every post from the neocons that every
republican is going to have to take a close look at their party and decide if
the types of views being espoused by the neocons and talk radio pundits us
really where they want their party to to go. they have moved so far into the
shadows of reality that there is no room for any honest debate you either
totally toe the line with no questions asked or your out.
Anonymous | 9:22 p.m. May 16, 2009
Congratulations, Huntsman. This is the perfect role for you. Your first item of
business will be to address civil rights violations in China. Your position on
same-sex marriage in Utah is a well-reasoned civil rights position. You will do
well and make us proud.
Alterior motives? | 9:30 p.m. May 16, 2009
I will miss Huntsman as I have been impressed with the directions he has
taken in the state - despite what some have said, I think he has made decisions
with the state's best interests in mind and not those of loud and obnoxious
ultra-liberals or ultra-conservatives - realizing that there are bigger things
to consider for the good of the state than what some of the idiots in the state
house would have you think that everyone believes (that was a really long
sentence and probably doesn't make sense... oh well, my backspace key is
broken:) ).
I don't think there are many, if any, who are more qualified for this position, but I also have to wonder if President Obama is also trying to get Huntsman in a less visible position to make him less of a threat to a re-election bid.
I don't think there are many, if any, who are more qualified for this position, but I also have to wonder if President Obama is also trying to get Huntsman in a less visible position to make him less of a threat to a re-election bid.
Anonymous | 9:31 p.m. May 16, 2009
This is great for America but terrible for Utah. Herbert is awful. Huntsman
was a great gov. Now we are stuck with Herbert.
Observation-ist | 9:52 p.m. May 16, 2009
Good Ridance! I can't believe how socially liberal Jon was. I is in a
much better position to do good as the Ambassador to China. Good luck and Good
Bye!
Totally Awesome | 10:09 p.m. May 16, 2009
Just think, if SuperDell would have won the governorship, HE would be heading to
China. Man, crazy.
Don't let the door hit...... | 10:27 p.m. May 16, 2009
Finally a decision by Obama that can be agreed with. Get Huntsman out of Utah.
He has not represented this State well since elected. He has no leadership, no
vision and spends his time kissing up to special interest groups.
Anonymous | 10:33 p.m. May 16, 2009
I'm all for it, get him out of Utah. I lost all respect for Huntsman when
he first jumped on the global warming bandwagon, then jumped on the gay marriage
bandwagon. Let China have him, and maybe we can get a governor who supports the
values of those who live here, and isn't in a big hurry to be Republican
liberal.
Totally Funny | 10:40 p.m. May 16, 2009
Totally Awesome, that made me laugh.
LDS Democrat | 11:31 p.m. May 16, 2009
Re: Barry Allen
You make a good point. I checked out neocon on Wikipedia and found the following which supports your comment:
neoconservatism is a political philosophy that emerged in the United States of America, and which supports using American economic and military power to bring liberalism, democracy, and human rights to other countries. Unlike traditional conservatives, neoconservatives are generally comfortable with a minimally-bureaucratic welfare state; and, while generally supportive of free markets, they are willing to interfere for overriding social purposes.
Also on google searched the following:
define: neoconservatism
neoconservatism (an approach to politics or theology that represents a return to a traditional point of view (in contrast to more liberal or radical schools of thought of the 1960s))
A right wing political movement that opposes liberalism in political, economic and social fields
These definitions seem to support my usage of the term. Maybe the term is morphing in its common usage. It does seem a bit confusing, I was using the term to describe a Rush Limbaugh type republican. After your post I'm a little reluctant to use it. What do you think would be more appropriate?
You make a good point. I checked out neocon on Wikipedia and found the following which supports your comment:
neoconservatism is a political philosophy that emerged in the United States of America, and which supports using American economic and military power to bring liberalism, democracy, and human rights to other countries. Unlike traditional conservatives, neoconservatives are generally comfortable with a minimally-bureaucratic welfare state; and, while generally supportive of free markets, they are willing to interfere for overriding social purposes.
Also on google searched the following:
define: neoconservatism
neoconservatism (an approach to politics or theology that represents a return to a traditional point of view (in contrast to more liberal or radical schools of thought of the 1960s))
A right wing political movement that opposes liberalism in political, economic and social fields
These definitions seem to support my usage of the term. Maybe the term is morphing in its common usage. It does seem a bit confusing, I was using the term to describe a Rush Limbaugh type republican. After your post I'm a little reluctant to use it. What do you think would be more appropriate?
Happy | 12:29 a.m. May 17, 2009
Happy to see Huntsman go. Looking forward to a true conservative governor.
Republicans should be conservative on all issues, and moderate Huntsman is
obviously not a true conservative, so he will feel quite comfortable serving in
the Obama administration with our pals Reid and Pelosi.
Old Joe | 12:44 a.m. May 17, 2009
I don't think most of you know what you're talking about. You sound
like parrots of Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh.
Huntsman is an outstanding, intelligent and educated man, unlike most of you folks who can barely spell.
To borrow one "your" old worn worn-out adages, if you don't like this country then leave it!
And get over it too! The election is over Obama won! The conservative agenda is finished!
Huntsman is an outstanding, intelligent and educated man, unlike most of you folks who can barely spell.
To borrow one "your" old worn worn-out adages, if you don't like this country then leave it!
And get over it too! The election is over Obama won! The conservative agenda is finished!
Anonymous | 1:29 a.m. May 17, 2009
LDS Democrat | 11:31 p.m You need to read about the founder of neoconservatism,
Leo Strauss. You would se Limbaugh and Foxes mission. You have a small group of
intellectual conservatives using noble lies to control the base. Strauss was a
atheist but he believed religion and patriotism were the reins to control their
follower. It's a humorous notice Neoconservatism started at the University
of Chicago.
RE: Orem Mom 11:08 pm | 5:27 a.m. May 17, 2009
You said exactly what I was thinking.
wow | 6:55 a.m. May 17, 2009
It is apparent that some of the writers here are just anti-intellectual.
Huntsman is well educated. He is a perfect fit for the amb. job.
Thank you, President Obama, for being bipartisan and thinking about the nation first.
Thank you, President Obama, for being bipartisan and thinking about the nation first.
Anonymous | 11:03 a.m. May 17, 2009
Let's just hope Huntsman is ambassador first, and a Mormon somewhere way
down the line of priorities!
Arizona | 4:54 p.m. May 17, 2009
How will this impact the issues that REALLY matter, like:
Getting our missionaries into mainland China
Restoring relations between China and Taiwan
Increasing adoption opportunities for China's orphans
Creating and maintaining fair trade between the US and China
Ending China's barbaric one-child plan
Ending the human-rights abuses
Getting our missionaries into mainland China
Restoring relations between China and Taiwan
Increasing adoption opportunities for China's orphans
Creating and maintaining fair trade between the US and China
Ending China's barbaric one-child plan
Ending the human-rights abuses
Anonymous | 5:14 p.m. May 17, 2009
I hope that the governor will do good in his new possion and i hope the new
governor will do a good job you never know.
Anonymous | 6:33 p.m. May 17, 2009
To Arizona,
Keep your missionaries OUT of China! China has enough problems as it is without your cult preaching in there!
Keep your missionaries OUT of China! China has enough problems as it is without your cult preaching in there!
Barry Allen | 9:12 p.m. May 17, 2009
re: LDS Democrat | 11:31 p.m. May 16, 2009
That is a good question you posed.
Due to rules of this board, I really can't cut loose with my true 2 cents on what to call Repubs of the Limbaugh mentality?
Until the GOP kicks Limbaugh, Hannity, Palin, W, Cheney, & the evangelical right to the curb, we might as well call them extinct.
That is a good question you posed.
Due to rules of this board, I really can't cut loose with my true 2 cents on what to call Repubs of the Limbaugh mentality?
Until the GOP kicks Limbaugh, Hannity, Palin, W, Cheney, & the evangelical right to the curb, we might as well call them extinct.
sad to see him go. | 11:11 a.m. May 18, 2009
i guess it's good for huntsman. obviously he wouldn't have done it if
he didn't feel it was right for him and his family. but it puts us utahns
at a disadvantage. huntsman was a great leader who wasn't as close minded
and dogmatic in his views and beliefs, but you knew he still had a core.
open minded republicans are getting the label of democrats in disguise. (which bring up another point, why the labels at all when you can switch so easily so often and then back again?)
if what i hear about herbert is true, then 2010 wont come soon enough.
open minded republicans are getting the label of democrats in disguise. (which bring up another point, why the labels at all when you can switch so easily so often and then back again?)
if what i hear about herbert is true, then 2010 wont come soon enough.
Vicky | 1:11 p.m. May 18, 2009
One thing that has impressed me about Obama is his willingness to put party
lines aside when selecting people for his Cabinet or other such positions, such
as ambassador to China.
His cabinet is full of people that would be considered moderate to extreme on both sides of the coin. This diversity of thought will bring about much good, in my opinion.
The 2008 UT Governor's race was a farce. Here's hoping to get some real candidates on the ballots in 2010.
His cabinet is full of people that would be considered moderate to extreme on both sides of the coin. This diversity of thought will bring about much good, in my opinion.
The 2008 UT Governor's race was a farce. Here's hoping to get some real candidates on the ballots in 2010.
Obama didn't offer | 7:10 p.m. May 18, 2009
Huntsman lobbied for this and there is nothing wrong with that and I
wouldn't be surprised if there was money under the table as is the case
with most ambassadorships-----given to the biggest donors in the party.
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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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