E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
John Makely / msnbc.com
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman makes a campaign stop in Concord New Hampshire on Monday, January 9, 2012, in Concord N.H.
NASHUA, N.H. – Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is hoping he experiences the Santorum effect here in New Hampshire.
Huntsman has done the Granite State the "traditional" way, concentrating his campaign on winning Tuesday's first-in-the-nation primary, and seeking votes one handshake and kissed baby at a time.
His efforts might finally be paying off. After failing for months to gain much momentum, there are signs voters are moving towards Huntsman, a shift driven by his strong weekend debate performances, a looming primary deadline and undecided voters who are breaking his way late.
Recommended: Voters head to the polls in N.H.
“I’ve done my due diligence on the GOP candidates, and his policies really resonate with me,” said Barbara Morris of Concord, N.H., who said she only settled on voting for Huntsman in the past few weeks.
Morris is just one of the voters in Tuesday’s primary who decided recently for Huntsman. His performance Sunday at the NBC News-Facebook debate on Meet the Press, during which Huntsman forcefully answered criticism of his service as President Obama’s ambassador to China, appears to have driven some undecided voters in his direction. That line of criticism came from Mitt Romney, the former governor of neighboring Massachusetts, and the leader in polling of today’s primary.
“I listened to the Sunday debate – it was the first once I had listened to – and I was very impressed by his responses for most of the debate,” explained Erin Crowley, of Bedford, who attended Huntsman’s stop in Nashua late Monday afternoon.
Recommended: The road ahead looks favorable for Romney
Huntsman supporters cite his temperament and somewhat centrist tone as a reason to vote for the former Utah governor. But they also point to his service as an ambassador – both for Obama and in both Bush administrations – as giving him the kind of foreign policy credentials no other candidate has.
“He’s an American first, because he participated in the Obama administration, and served over in China,” said Marian Towle of Henniker, N.H., where Huntsman stopped on Monday as part of a seven-stop barnstorm of the Granite State. “I like that he’s an American first, and a conservative Republican second.”
Adam Hunger / Reuters
Republican presidential candidate and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman gestures during a town hall meeting in Exeter, New Hampshire January 9, 2012.
Huntsman also has a degree of crossover appeal – one of the reasons why Democrats had expressed initial misgivings about what a Huntsman candidacy would do for Obama’s re-election prospects.
Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman tells TODAY's Ann Curry that the GOP presidential nominee must be able to steal some votes from President Obama and that he's the man for the job, citing his support from voters across the political spectrum.
“When I post on about Facebook about Jon Huntsman, my liberal friends are like, ‘Yeah, you know, Huntsman’s the only candidate who’s not completely crazy!’” said Sarah Neville, a New Hampshire native on break from Tufts University, and who’s spending part of her break volunteering for Huntsman. “And that’s basically why I support him, because the other ones are just so far out there.”
Other New Hampshireites cite Huntsman’s dedication to the state for his late surge here. While Huntsman had never been expected to compete for Iowa, he had an initial strategy that focused on New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida – a strategy that was scaled back eventually over the course of the summer to focus only on winning this first primary.
While his efforts have experienced some setbacks, Huntsman appears to have rebounded to a degree. The final Suffolk University tracking poll of the primary showed Huntsman up to third, at 16 percent, and just behind Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who ranks second, at 18 percent.
The campaign here is, in many ways, a race for second since Romney (at 37 percent in the Suffolk poll) seems to enjoy a healthy lead. Huntsman supporters don’t necessarily expect him to beat Romney, but said they’re hoping for a strong enough finish to catapult him out of the state.
“If he finishes second, he’ll be able to attract money and go to South Carolina,” said Bill Mauser, another late-decider for Huntsman, yesterday in Nashua. “If he gets more than 20 percent, that’s a big deal.”
There are also signs that Romney’s lead is weakening. A few voters made reference to Romney’s work at Bain Capital – the subject of tremendous scrutiny for the campaign’s frontrunner – over the last few days as a reason they were turned off to the former Massachusetts governor.
“I think people are starting to read things about Romney and his record – like that thing, the pink slip?” said Ann Willis of Amherst, N.H. “Those kind of comments? I said how far out of touch is he with people with real economic concerns?”
Nonetheless, expectations for Huntsman among his supporters seem pretty clear.
“I would say top three gives him momentum,” said Jim Waddel, a state representative who supports Huntsman, at Monday’s Concord rally. “I would say something in the 20 percent range is going to give him some momentum.”
But some supporters, like Nashua’s Larry Stubbs, have their misgivings.
“I do realize that people have the first vote have the advantage of identifying the key candidates,” speaking about the intense effort Huntsman’s put on New Hampshire. “Hopefully he’s got some strategy for picking up some other states really quick.”
But maybe best of all for Huntsman would be a surprise victory, an unlikely if not impossible scenario given the number of independent voters who could participate in today’s election.
“Most of the independents haven’t decided yet, and I think when it comes down to it, they will vote with their heart and their country in mind,” said Epsom’s John Grant, a supporter of Huntsman’s who thinks the former Utah governor can win today.
Leave a Comment:
Huntsman supports the Patriot Act, NDAA, and the TARP bailouts.
video here:
He's more of the same ole same ole. just because it looks good doesn't mean it tastes good, people.
All of these candidates come from the same ghastly mold, but the only real positive I can think of for Huntsman is that he has not signed Grover's pledge. That shows some level of integrity which all of the others candidates lack. However, given this integrity and given the fact that he worked under the Obama presidency, chances are that Huntsman will probably never get his 15 minutes of fame like all of the other republican candidates.
Wayne - Personally I've always thought Huntsman was running more for 2016 than 2012. In the GOP it really helps to be "the next in line." If Huntsman can do well enough to be considered a viable candidate this time his next attempt could be more successful.
Bush did the TARP bills, Patriot act and started the moce to turning our nation into a police state.
More of the establishment media, ignoring the fact that Ron Paul has the best chance for second. Unbelievable! Huntsman is just more of the same ol' same ol'.
Frank - OT, but your avatar is offensive. Godwin's law.
He's the only candidate running to Mitt's (for lack of a better term) left and that bodes well in NH, if nowhere else...
I'm a firm Mitt Romney supporter, but Huntsman would be my next choice. He is indeed an exceptional person. I just think Romney will do better with the economy. If the biggest issues of our day were foreign policy then I would be pushing for Huntsman.
Huntsman is just another passing leaf in the wind. He is just the next candidate in line for the media to elevate and then destroy as they solidify Romney's candidacy. Romney is the least threatening candidate to the media's world view and, if President Obama has to lose in November, Romney is the least painful pill for the media, and the political machine behind them, to swallow. A few of the most conservative GOP candidates were quickly disposed of with the coloring of being religious fanatics applied with the medias paintbrush. Others have been methodically picked up and elevated by the media for a season and then undermined. Romney will be given their nod and then, as we get close enough to the election to eliminate a rethinking of Romney, the media will go to work on him to give their real choice a fighting last chance at a second term.
Huntsman is clearly the best of the GOP hopefuls and the only one that doesn't exhibit symptoms associated with mental conditions, have personal baggage, and doesn't and won't pander to the far right. I'll be surprised if he ever cracks 15% in the primaries, though, and may have to drop out at some point as the game gets way too expensive for him to stay in.
The problem come down to primary versus general voters being so different. The primaries (and caucuses) will attract people who are politically active and will be dominated by the far right, religious right, and fringe groups. They general will be mostly voters who may be fiscally conservative, but are much more moderate on all the other issues. Huntsman will never win over the crazies to even make it to the general. Even if he did, though, the GOP is doing such a great job of tainting their brand, it may not matter anyway so let one of the crazies run and lose.
Jon Huntsman is WAY OVERQUALIFIED to run as a Republican candidate for President. He has NO CHANCE with that crowd. Best candidate out there in ANY party. Which is why he doesn't have a prayer in a country like ours where 2 parties have a lock on the process.
Huntsman would have made a great candidate in a Republican Party not ruled by its right wing.
On the other hand, Huntsman wears magic underwear.
An ignorant comment at best.
How can the Party of No/Bagger electorate not be catastrophically embarrassed that they change candidates more often then toilet paper rolls (if they get 2-ply extra-absorbent)?
This is not a rhetorical question.
Shinelight..."Huntsman is just another passing leaf in the wind." yep, that he is...republican voters, ignore this man, Romeny's the next nominee, remember that!
Here are my choices:
Obama-Strong Number One
Romney-Number Two
Huntsman-Number Three
Nobody else.
Romney is a moderate and despite his Tea Party rhetoric of late he'll go back to being a moderate if he manages to get elected, which I doubt.
Huntsman seems intelligent and reasonable and would be an acceptable choice.
None of the others need apply.
But I think President Obama is doing a good job and I believe he will be re-elected by a big margin.
Obama/Biden 2012
Here are my picks:
Each of them has more integrity than all the other candidates put together.
Huntsman may be the ONLY Republican that could possibly contend with the President for the office.Realistically,politically viable thinking humans don"t appear to have much appeal to the Republican voters currently.And DMC#. I thought it was Mitt that had the magic underwear,not Huntsman.Pretty sure all the rest of the righteous righties have tea-bagger approved underwear,but I wonder,what about Santomoron?
A Messenger-2926105
Not that I would defend Huntsman in the least, but we've got to get out of these rumor, conspiracy theory, "I've got a secret" posts. Do you have a verifiable link to your notion?
The GOP voters are looking like a five year old kid at Toys R US with the fifty dollars that grandma sent. I want this. No I want this. No wait I want this. No wait. I want this. No wait I want this. (YOU DON"T KNOW WHAT POS YOU WANT)
SPARTAN-501
Good choice but only one of them is not off their rockers. President Obama and here is why.
Ron Paul - would be and isolationist, close the rest of the world out don't care what they do. It reminds me of the 1800's, all the racist news letters, letting Iran have a nuke, end social security, medicare, get rid of the all 5 government agencies. Sorry paul but the world has evolved to much to go back in time.
John Huntsman - Supports the Paul Ryan plan to tax the poor and give the rich the biggest tax break in history, while getting rid of social security, giving more corporations tax breaks - while today the IRS reported 68% of corporations pay no federal income tax that's up from a year ago of 46%. WOW a 22% jump. It would cut Pell Grants that help the poor get and education to help them self gain employment. The plan would run debts pass 28 trillion dollars in 2016 four years from now, we are currently at 15 trillion that would almost double four years from now. That's not a fiscal conservative model by any means. The poverty rate would skyrocket along with
Skip and Spartan,
Good choices. Ron Paul might not be able to drive any of the "radical" legislation he calls for, but he would be "directionally correct". I actually like Obama, Huntsman, Romney, and Paul, in that order.
Huntsman clearly seems to be not only the most intelligent of the GOP candidates, but by far the most reasonable and most principled.
The pandering flip-floppers lack character.
1. Barack Obama
2. Jon Huntsman
3. Nobody that's running this time around
As opposed to the REAL racist ads the GOP used so successfully in 2010?
This ain't the party of Lincoln anymore. Far from it.
Devil's Son,
LMAO! It's like they are trying to figure out how to pick up that turd by the clean end.
Off Subject:
You liberals are crying like a *&^ because the guy has an avatar of Obama looking like the joker.
There is a MF'er sitting in here with a swastika on his avatar and I haven't seen or heard a peep from any of you so-called bad azz progressives.
Thanks LMarkT, I was thinking the same thing.
One thing I like about Huntsman is that after being the ambassador to China he came back and said that we need a more protectionism view of that nation by supporting domestic manufacturing, bring jobs back to the US, and recognize that China is not our friend, and they should not be pandered to.
Something that resonates well with me.
http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/jon-huntsman-the-outsider/
Couldn't progressives on here say the exact same thing about conservatives? Conservatives certainly didn't speak out when there were joker/Obama avatars.
Can't take the heat?
@ Devils Son.
Totally agree. The right wing voters are such a fringe group of people and so devoted to the fringe that they cannot see that what this country needs is good fiscal policy, good diplomacy policy, and marry those with a social program agenda that actually works.
Let's hope that someday when the Democrats lose the WH, Senate and House they will learn the lesson and leave their fringe at home.
I'll call you on that "in the middle." I was at one time a republican. I was never a nazi, that's for sure. Dad fought them for two years and never wanted to see anything to do with them in the house. I am with you. It is offensive. Now, how do you feel about that "joker?"
In the middle, Nisl did call him on it above. Not to mention some of us have reported him. based on the fact that the comment is collapsed I'd say I bunch of us have reported it.
If Jon Huntsman does well, it should send a resounding message throughout the Republican party. When Mitt Romney said he had a problem with Huntsman because he worked for the Obama administration, and Huntsman came back with "This nation is divided, David; because of attitudes like that" it struck a chord with ALL American voters. A vote for Huntsman says stop trashing, tearing down and dividing this country, Mitt. That goes for all the other Republican candidates as well. It says Americans want COMPROMISE. It should tell the Republicans that if they ever want to be in the position of majority party in this country again, they'll need to learn to PLAY NICE. However, it is my belief that this message will go unheard by most all conservative voters until the party is completely dissolved and a replacement party is built from the ground up. Hint: it will not fly a yellow flag, and it will not be a Tea Party, figuratively or literally. This is a do or die moment for Republicans, and from what I see, the vast majority of them are not wise enough to even know it.
Called it.
Frank, the avatar is offensive really. I'm not pro republican, but its a bit over the top. Elephants really are offensive to most people. Also, the swastika doesn't look good either. It's not that I'm anti-nazi or anything, its just that intersecting lines with right angles are generally inappropriate. What is this, a geometry class? get real, it makes me shudder to think I might have to do a geometry proof or something. But yeah, on the other hand, Hitler really was a failed dictator. promised 1000 years of reichdom? Come on, he just started unjustified wars. Poland had NO weapons of mass destruction at all, his intelligence was way out of whack. So, what I'm saying is, I don't like your avatar.
Trying to turn a turd into a blossom? Result: Turd-blossom (ha ha)...
Romney's comment about Huntsman working for President Obama, was offensive to me as a Veteran. I "worked" for both Lynden Johnson (Democrat) and Richard Nixon (Republican) and it was with great honor that I served my country. When the President of the United States looks to you to be Ambasador to China, it must be the most humbling event in your life. The lives of millions of people (Americans and Chinese) depend on your good character. You become the face of America in a far land. Your handshake becomes the glue that binds American and Chinese commitments. I welcome John Huntsman into the fold of those who served their country with honor. Mitt....major mistake.
I agree with those who think Huntsman is the smartest of the GOP candidates. However, I do not understand how someone that smart can buy the whole Mormonism thing. If you read the non-Mormon historical account of Joseph Smith it really spells out what a con man he was. Then again, all religion is a con. I know Romney and Huntsman were born into it and therefore it is ingrained in them but it really defies logic that otherwise smart people fall for it.
I DO have respect for the fact that Huntsman and Romney do not tout their religious beliefs such as Bachmann, Perry and Santorum do. I would not want a President who forces their beliefs on others. However, I still would suspect that Mormonism would worm it's way into social issues and that is why I will never vote for a Mormon unless he were the lesser of two evils. In this case, I think we have Huntsman's common sense in President Obama without the magic underwear.
Stoopid your post is hilarious... In the middle TX your post is disgraceful. Franks avatar is definitly over the top but if you condemn him for speaking his mind then you must also be condemned. Harsh reaction to harsh action is a perpetuation of the problem. Okay that said this newsvine isn't about Frank it's about the latest frosted flake in the GOP breakfast bowl. To my fellow liberals rest assured that conservatives are united on one thing and that is taking Obama out so VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!! I have spoken.
IMT, TX: several people have condemned the avatar you've written about.
Back on point: Jon Huntsman is like Mitt Romney, if Romney had integrity. Unfortunately, Mitt Romney has spent the last 4 years pandering more and more to the right, making himself more and more a conservative nut job, destroying his chances of being elected. Romney may get the nomination, only to lose the general election.
It really is too bad that the GOP has gone so far off the deep end that intelligent, well qualified candidates (like Huntsman) are not viewed as viable. The GOP of today is so conservative that Ronald Reagan and Dwight D. Eisenhower would be labeled communists by the Teavangelicals who make up the very loud fringe minority which is controlling the GOP.
Huntsman does bring a modicum of sanity to the Republican candidatecy which is missing from all of the others. No man should be questioned about his service to any American President. If one is asked he serves. What flag the President flies is immaterial. It is akin to being a soldier. One thing gives me pause however and that is his governorship over Utah. Say what you will but Utah is Mormon Country through and through. I doubt he could have been elected governor without the blessing of the Mormon Church. The LDS has some strong views based on religious convictions and some of them are in conflict with Constitutional mandates. Utah did not officially outlaw, (wink, wink) polygamy until the 1950's. I would like Huntsman to address his political-religious views, which may be in keeping with current law or does he intend to use the office to change some laws back to the so called conservative values of yesteryear.
I predicted last summer that the Teapublicans would eliminate any candidate who could appeal to moderates, thus would eliminate any candidate who could seriously challenge Obama. I'm still holding to that, but if Huntsman starts winning big, my prediction just might fail (and the tea-party will collapse!)
Both Huntsman and Romney are Mormons in good standing, thus could be wearing those holy undies - but they're not required to wear them, and since they're not going to be running around in their undies, we'll never know for sure. Romney went on a mission to France, Huntsman went on a mission to China. Huntsman is still fluent in Mandarin, but we never hear Romney speak French, either he's forgotten it, or he doesn't want to upset the Teapublicans by being smart and speaking a foreign language.
Santorum is a Catholic, but sounds more like a Southern Evangelical, and I'm not at all interested in his undies.
Thomas Bones-4905205 - Huntsman is right about putting country first, and about ending anti-intellectualism and what have you. But he is just like the rest when it comes to the failed, debunked "trickle-down" tax cuts and deregulation, belonging to a wacky religion and fundamentalist beliefs, being pro-military industrial complex, etc.
Until the GOP updates itself to the 21st Century, which will mean taking ownership of the economic meltdown due to voodoo economics, out-of-control spending on military nation-building, getting priorities in proper order (which are NOT abortion and gay marriage), and talk about real ways to restore the American Dream by strengthening the middle class -- And most of all, we need a president who will represent ALL Americans, not just the 1%, or Christians, or Big Business, etc. Voters MUST reject any Teapublican candidate.
President Obama represents America more than any of these clowns, and has proved it time and again by reaching across the aisle and offering olive branches, listening to military commanders, listening to businesses, embracing all races, religion (or non-religion), sexual orientation, etc.
How can there be a POTUS and leader of the free world who only represents maybe 30% of the US at best? Come on, none of these wannabes even talk about making an effort to represent all Americans to the best of their ability. Heck, Boehner said "compromise" is not in their repertoire, McConnell said destroying the president is all that matters to the GOP/TP, and most are racists (Gingrich, Paul, Santorum) who want to wage class warfare. WTF is that? It's UNACCEPTABLE is what that is.
Obama/Biden - 2012!
That is a terrific post True Patriot! You have outlined exactly why only 1% should be voting republican.
Huntsman is Obama without the experience or the guts to take the ridicule from his own party let alone the amplified version from us liberals. I hate to tell ya but you righties don't have a dog in this fight you got a bunch of pigeons who do nothing but defecate on the presidents statue.
I see Huntsman as a arrogant, obnoxious, pious little man who maybe was good at tea parties with the Chinese, but how can we translate that into great foreign policy creds. If we are having such problems with China, what did he really do to improve the issue resolution while he was in China?. I do not trust Huntsman. He comes across as completely catty and is devoid of any personality! The Democrats experienced that with Al Baby Gore (Mr Personality) and Huntsman seems to follow in the same mold! He really is someone who I think would say and do anything to be elected. Not good enough in my book!
Easy to see why so many liberals like Huntsman. He is as close to a Democrat clone as one can get. Remember the last Republican, well one who ran as a Republican then defected to the Democrat Party? Don't need a repeat and this would be one. Arlen Spector in case you forgot, who helped Obama with some of his BAD legislation. He and Snow are not Republicans in my book. I am wondering just whose super pacs or Union boys are really putting out these abominable ads---anyone else wondering?
To those who don't have a clue about political control, study the KKK, I doubt if ten white men out of a hundred gave a damn about the blacks so long as he did not try to marry his sister. But a few rabble rousers can use peer pressure to force many to put on a hood and beat hell out of some black and sometimes white man if he was labeled a N----r lover . Too many white men and women helped blacks to get away from slavery and oppression in the south for me to put a blanket label on the entire south. Lynch mobs were made up of a few die hard segregationist and men who didn't want to be labeled as "lovers". Peer pressure is a powerful incentive to go along with the crowd. The Tea party is cut from the same cloth. Put your hood on and go along with the crowd or we will label you as a liberal lover.
Fed Up Senior: I think you are confusing Mitt Romney with Jon Huntsman on the do or say anything to get elected front. Can you tell me if Mitt Romney is in favor of or against everyone having health insurance ?
True Patriot 445
True patriot of what country? Before any Nanny State vote buying began this was the land of the American Dream. It will never be again if you "volunteer" posters get enough lamb brains to vote for Obama again. Fortunately by the time the election rolls around even more every day people will have come out of thier long term coma of non attention and will be at the voting booths to insure that does not happen again! You want ot live in a Socialist country? Move!
Bart Conner,
Who cares about idiot avatars on either side. They are all childish nonsense and have no value or anything to do with the real issues of this most important election.
Fed up Senior
I haven't decided who I would like to see win the nomination yet, but as far as I'm concerned, pin a tail on Huntsman and you have another Democrat.
commonsense
I get your posting name now. You are still wishing you had some, or that so many other Americans weren't gaining so much.
@Shaking my head- Are all teapartiers offensive, type A personalities? You are one of those who feel we need to go back to the past, to the time of the upstanding, ask for nothing, give nothing mountain man. We live in a civilization. That counts for something. My bet is that if you God forbid lost your job and were unfortunate enough to develop cancer, you would be calling for Medicare. Do you want to live in a heartless, give nothing, take nothing society? Move to Afghanistan.
IntheMiddle, TX
Others already commented, but let me say that "Frank's" swastika is disgusting and should be collapsed (it is)... but your comment generalizes inappropriately and pretty well sucks.
Mormon, Mammon same thing.
At least the representatives of the Judaic tribes have been open about what they want.
Just sayin... A vote for a Mormon is a vote for the devil.
If Obama will create a socialist country, then the GOP will create a fascist regime. Pick your poison.
Given the two options... the fascist, religious extremists of the GOP are much worse.
You want to live is a fascist country governed by religious law? Move!
Shaking My Head: You cannot be serious about Jon Huntsman being a Democrat. He is extremely conservative. Research him.
Obama can't seem to win with you people.. One day he's a closet gay macho Muslim. The next he's a fun lovin' Judaic Communist rent boy. What is it with you fukkarse clowns?
Keep on looking, fools.
They should look for a different candidate. That would be much more successful.
The #NHPrimary is a pleasant first date compared to the depraved basement make-out session that is the #IowaCaucus.
In Iowa's defense, it's like a co-worker signed Iowa up for an online dating service and every nut on the Internet sent racy pictures to Iowa's email address.
New Hampshire was introduced to a few losers through a well meaning relative, but the real crazies were weeded out by the time New Hampshire held it's primary.
Huntsman supports the Patriot Act, NDAA, and the TARP bailouts.
video here:
He's more of the same ole same ole. just because it looks good doesn't mean it tastes good, people.
where's the video?
Huntsman also supports the Ryan plan to gut the safety net--social security, medicare, medicaid, etc. Even if he did not sign Grover's pledge, these other things may hurt him. Too bad--he is the only TPGOP candidate that is reasonable--not ultra right wing crazy!
"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly
History will show that the best political ad for Democrats will have been their tight lips during the 2012 Republican nomination process. The Republicans have been falling all over themselves for the past few months busily brading the rope with which to hang themselves. In November, prepare to hear a resounding 'snap'. It will not be the rope.
I agree the enemy is us. We have allowed the democrat and republican politicans to create a $15 trillion dollar debt on our behalf. We havent held them accountable for that and we need to in order to turn this country around. It is very possible a moderate can not or will not make the hard decisions that are going to be necessary to fix this mess created by Bush and Obama. The one thing the attacks on Romney regarding Bain Capital have convinced me of is that he knows how to make hard decisions in order to turn a company around. Bain did not invest in healthy companies it invested in companies that were headed to bankruptcy and would have definitely been bankrupt (causing job loss) without help from Bain and Romney. The fact he was able to turn the majority of these problem companies around is impressive, the fact that he can make the hard decisions, like laying people off, in order to fix problems is also evident. We need someone in the white house who can make the hard decisions and turn this country around. Obama seems unable to make even a simple decision like approving the Canadian Pipeline. Huntsman does seem like a nice guy, but I don't think a nice guy can fix this country as broken as it is. And it is our fault it is broken we have let these politicians get away with what they have done and have not held them accountable. Throw every single incombent out of office this election and put people in office who will fix the problems we are facing.
A pipeline is not going to put Americans back to work. It will only benefit big oil. Last I heard big oil raked in nearly two hundred billion in PROFITS, every year since Obama was in office. Why can't they pay for the pipeline out of their profits? But you are right about getting rid of the incumbants, Congress won't get off their hands until they know they hold a job only so long as the stop political bickering and get the job done. Every newly elected Congressman(woman) should be told that we want Congress to adhere to the same laws they pass for the public including retirement benefits and medical insurance. We could get rid of one third of the Senators and all of the Representatives, they have a two year deadline to get the ball rolling or we will put another third of the Senators out and every representative who does not vote for reform. America does work, if we make it work. No one is going to tell me we can't find five hundred and thirty men or women out of our three hundred million who cannot get the job done.
@ Boyd-4008127:
I think that we are not as much to blame as the two political parties themselves. The Democrats and Republicans have been in power in this country far too long and have become far too powerful as a result. This excessive power and overentrenchment of the Reps and Dems is due in large part to the campaign finance system and balloting rules that these parties have installed for themselves, which 1) keeps these parties in power longer than they should be (based on history, these two parties should have fallen from favor over 50 years ago), 2) ensures that no third party can ever become a legitimate option (despite the fact that nearly 1/3 of Americans are Independents, over 99% of our elected representatives are Republican or Democrat), and 3) causes elected representatives to focus only on the needs and desires of the party with which they affiliate and the few large organizational contributors to those parties, so that the representative can ensure that he or she has sufficient funding for the next reelection campaign. And as the Republicans and Democrats have become increasingly powerful and entrenched, they have moved increasingly far from the center such that they are now diametrically opposed on essentially every issue. Because most Americans actually reside rather close to the center, this forces Americans to simply vote for the candidate that they dislike the least as opposed to the candidate that they actually feel represents their interests and ideals.
This is not how a democracy is supposed to operate! Our representatives are supposed to focus on the needs of their constituents and not the party itself. I encourage everyone to check out the American Overhaul Act at www.americanoverhaulact.org, which proposes a set of Constitutional amendments designed to correct the systemic deficiencies that are allowing these problems to persist. The Act is focused on six areas of concern: Federal Election Campaign Reform, Elimination of Party Favoritism, Congressional Compensation Limits, Congressional Term Limits, Congressional Size Limits, and Federal Budget-Deficit Reform. Please check it out, and, if you agree with the proposals, show your support for the Act, and also share it with your friends and family so that we may continue to gain the support needed to cause our government officials to take notice of this Act.
The odd thing is that no matter what, Bain made millions, even if the company failed. In most cases the company failed precisely because Bain pulled out millions in operating capital. In some cases Bain put in inept management that made nonsensical "cost cutting" measures, which also lead to failure.
Those "turnarounds" resulted in offshoring jobs or laying off people and hiring a few of them back at far lower wages and no benefits - while Bain still made millions. That clearly shows his priority - benefit the rich (including himself, of course) and screw everyone else. He has already stated his plans to cut taxes for the rich, eliminate taxes for wealthy investors, and raise taxes on the working poor and middle class, while eliminating regulations that protect the rest of us from the wrongdoings of powerful corporations.
Romney's tax plans will make the deficits even larger, which will give him the excuse to eliminate social welfare programs and any other Government operation that doesn't directly benefit the Rich. Firing thousands of government workers and continuing offshoring will increase unemployment, thus dragging the economy down even more.
Oh, but the rich will save millions, and maybe they'll hire more gardeners and maids - or maybe not. After all, with more money and a growing National Debt, they can increase their investments in Treasury bonds until they quite literally own the country.
Do we really want the entire country to be treated like a Bain Capital acquisition?
Everybody thinks their horse will win. It's reality TV...only the enthusiasm for a particular candidate doesn't necessarily translate into victory. What will be interesting is to compare the polls they're taking now to the primary outcome and see just how closely these pundits can predict the election.
Independents really could sway things...
I am an independent and the only republican candidate I would consider voting for is Huntsman. Romney has become Pat Paulson, Perry is a moron, Paul is a nut and Santorum missed his calling. He should have been a priest. There must be something at the white house that Newt wants to steal. Is this the party of Lincoln?
Ron Brock - totally agree. Huntsman has shown integrity and the willingness to cross party lines to serve our country. He is the only Republican who has not lost his mind to the far right wing fringe and he is intelligent. So, clearly he doesn't have a chance with the GOP.
I'm a registered Democrat, but I would seriously consider voting for Huntsman over Obama. It depends on what happens with the economy between now and November.
I would not vote for Huntsman because I have some fundamental differences with his economic policies. On the other hand, I would not fear for the country if he were in the White House. That certainly would not be the case with any of the other scoundrels, religious fanatics and imbeciles in the GOP wannabee list. I think the country is best served when two qualified, intelligent people of good character compete for the job, so I would welcome a Huntsman candidacy, even at the risk of my horse losing....
I agree with CAL USA, and will add that I think Huntsman is the only Republican wannabe who could attract significant numbers independent voters.
He seems to be the only GOP candidate who
1.isn't crazy
2.isn't pandering to any specific religion
3.has solid foreign policy experience
4.a clean record when it comes to his personal life-as far as we know
5.can actually articulate a thought and respond coherently during a debate-comes in handy against Obama
6.a candidate many democrats would be ok with in the White House
Rest assured the average GOP voter will not see it that way and will nominate one of the other 5 clowns.For Obama that might not be such a bad thing.
Huntsman doesn't stand a chance at getting the nomination. He's not a mindless puppet. No way the owners of the GOP will stand for that.
Sorry, he is just one of the boys! He is a member of council for foreign policy, which is the New World Order. Thats as far as I have to go to say no way Jose.
This is what happens when you make religion a key aspect of your party. You alienate all the folks who don't see things the way you do. A big tent becomes empty and integrity is confused with self service. If you want to take America back you might want to start with your own party which has been hijacked by zealots and corperate greed. Who are you taking America back from anyway??? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. LMAO then vomiting.
I like Huntsman to a degree, and push back at those candidates who criticize him on his appointment to China...when Obama asked him to serve the American people by going there, what was he to do? Refuse because he's in the republican party!!?
I hate party politics, and I applaud the president for reaching out across the table - However, The US Patriot Act and the TARP bailouts has really made me a critic of both parties! We really need an "Alternative People's Party," neither republican or democrat - My hope is that the moderate independents like myself, will one day, very soon, galvanize a serious effort to make such a movement happen in America!!!
Rah13, unfortunately, you're dreaming. I like the thought of the third party, it would be like the "checks and balances" of the three branches of government - executive, legislative and judicial. However, we are not there yet and the vote would not succeed. The closest thing we have to buck the establishment is Ron Paul!
It's called the Libertarian Party.
Why is it that those who call for a third party don't look at the politics in countries with multiple parties. Instead of polarization on two sides, you have three or more groups who are unable to reach a majority and can only govern through coalitions. Every coalition involves back room deals and is subject to fracture on a daily basis. Do we really want our government to follow the Italian model?
At one time prior to the mid-20th century there were many political parties in the USA. Many people don't even seem to realize that the Republican and Democratic parties are not mandated by law. Our election process is too ingrained in the bipartisan system today and the worse part is that neither party is interested in how to best serve the people, just how to best serve the party. The government would probably work fine if it were allowed to work the way it was intended before being corrupted by bipartisanship.
How about NO parties? Just let the candidates run on their own merits, or lack thereof.
Thomas Jefferson was strongly opposed to political parties because he forsaw what they would become as a corrupting influence on the representative system. A lot of our current political arguments can be traced back to the same opposing views at the time of the founding of our nation. The election of 1800; the name calling; the bitter rivalry; all a part of the dysfunction American Republic that always stuggled with the notion of equality. We now have a two class nation where the politically connected elite rich are above the law, and the rest of us need to be obedient to the God of their power, the corporate oligarchy that controls money and government. The religious culture war in politics is nothing more than who will win - the powerful elite or government by the consent of the governed?
rah13, keep republicans out of the white house and we will not need TARP ever again.
George Washington was also against political parties, or as he called them, factions and warned about the danger of political factions in his farewell address. He was an Independent. I'm proud to follow in his footsteps.
rah13 the patriot act was pushed through in the middle of the night by Bush/Cheney? and Rove and TARP was Bush as well and was basically free welfare for the people who needed it the least. Obama continued the bailouts but to his credit he expected those bailouts to be repaid which were by the way and NDAA again was a reach across the isle and give the pooping pigeons what they want and btw if they want it to be acted upon they would have to produce an administration that was disgraceful enough to use it. I don't agree with this strategy he should have vetoed it, but i had to admire the way he played it. You wanted it you got it but you have to use it because I won't. Better keep the 1% party away from the white house or you might be in a prison camp for having a voice.
If you think you got it bad now, what condition do you think we would have been in if Obama hadn't pushed for saving the banks and GM and Chrysler through bailouts. Despite your blaming him it was Congress who voted to do this, he was only the impetus. You might not have a bank to deposit your checks in, a million more workers would be drawing unemployment. Foreclosures would number twice a many as they do at present. You should thank your lucky stars that you still have a job if you do, because of the bailouts. Bite your lip and say a prayer that you have a President who thinks about all of the people, including you.
N.C. Thornton: well said. I just think the government should have put all of the controls which were part of Glass-Steegal, as well as some very strict controls on derivatives, in place before just giving the banks money.
Unfortunately, GWB and Hank Paulson just opened up the Treasury to the banks without any controls. It took President Obama and Tim Geitner to put the controls in place, after the fact.
If they'd vote for Huntsman, why not just re-elect President Obama? Huntsman and Obama are both moderates and Obama has the experience.
From the tone of your posting, I assume that you think that being a "moderate" is a bad thing. I wish we had more of them. They're the only reasonable people left in DC, but they're rapidly becoming extinct.
What experience?
?
I think moderates are a good thing, that's why I support President Obama. Just saying, if you want a moderate, stick with the one who already has the job (and send him a reasonable House to work with.)
Amy -- If the President indeed had more experience he would figure out a way to work with the House just as Clinton did. His is a failure of leadership pure and simple.
Moderate= I really don't have a stance so I will go with which ever way the wind blows!
james-1937467
I cracked up when Gingrich bubbled about how he was able to work with President Clinton to get stuff done - and he wasn't giving Clinton credit for being reasonable, he was boasting of his own talents at compromise. Apparently, it's a two way street, and we all know Obama has reached across the aisle dozens of times. Maybe Gingrich should give this year's Republican leaders some lessons in working with a Democratic President.
As far as President Obama working with Republicans, he's been standing on the dance floor with his hand extended. He can't force House Republicans to join him on the dance floor.
James - How is it possible to work with somebody who refuses to work with you.
From day one all the girls have said they wouldn't dance with the president. And they haven't, they've PT'd him once or twice, never setting foot on the dance floor.
The only reaching across the isle Obama has done is with his middle finger. Do it my way or I'll call you unwilling to compromise.
Rocco, substantiate your claim with specific examples!
@bushisanidiot-980652
Pretty simple:
Step 1) Cave in on ALL of your requests.
Step 2) Give the other side EVERYTHING they want.
Step 3) Cordially thank them for even giving you the time of day and ask if there's anything else you can give them.
I think if Obama followed my simple Three Step Plan, the House would gladly work with him...
clotho -- yes, his hand is often out but the middle finger is prominently displayed -- "republicans are welcome to participate as long as they sit in the back", "elections have consequences".
bush -- leaders make things happen, blames make excuses.
Moderate= I'm a mature adult who won't throw a tantrum every time I don't get what I want.
Not to mention I seem to recall a govt standstill in 1996 that stopped the government completely due to Gingrich's "compromise" abilities with Clinton....
So which way was Obama's? Extending the Bush tax cuts for the upper crust? Signing NDAA into law? Or was it one of the other many issues on which he caved to try to appease the do-nothings in Congress?
Obama has never reached across party lines. He wants bipartisan solutions as long as everyone agrees with him, and with his vast list of accomplishments, it is smarter to vote against him. That way you will probably be right.
Genenut:some of us do remember Newt living up to his bio-status as a"toad"..........forced out of his position by his own juniors,what an ignominious little snot he turned out to be!
History shows that in order to get anything done, then it will involve compromise!
The majority of our country is moderate.
If you combine Independents, Right leaning Democrats, and Left leaning Republicans, that is a Moderate majority.
That must be why the integrity-challenged Tea Party/GOP votes against Obama even when he proposes one of THEIR OWN ideas?
I'd like to see Huntsman win in NH, unlikely, or at least give Romney a good showing. I like Huntsman, but he's far to moderate for the Republicans.
He's worked for both Republicans and Democrats and that shows me that he can be bipartisan. However, I have not heard a whole lot from him as he's fought for recognition in the Republican campaign. So far he's been mostly sidelined and not much attention has been paid to him.
You may be right "Iowa - Guy". In my opinion it is the extremes ( ultra liberals/ultra conservatives) that have hurt both the dems and repubs. The far left and far right continue to divide the country in an unhealthy manner.
It is my opinion that the U S of A needs people firmly in the middle who understand that it is better to compromise than to divide it's people.
Extremists, regardless of what kind, can never see past their ideology. They are dangerous and should never be allowed to hold any position of power.
Huntsman supporters are looking for a breakout in New Hampshire, huh?
Well... no kidding. After camping there for months, it isn't going to happen anywhere else. If Huntsman doesn't finish a strong second there, the only relevant question to him will be who he endorses, now that he's out of the race.
Here we have the big dilemma in party politics. Huntsman is a moderate and very electable as President. However, in order to get the nod from the Republican party, he has to sell his soul to the devil and become an extreme right wing Republican. Once he does this, he backs himself into a corner that is very unattractive to moderates.
I shouldn't have to point this glaring fact out yet feel that I must. The extreme fringes are where the battle is won while the middle is where the war is won. If Republicans would ever get it together and elect a moderate to champion the cause, this could quite possibly be a slam dunk.
As long as the Republican party continues to look to the extremes for a candidate, you can pretty much look for four more years under President Obama.
Pls people: look up huntsman on the internet. He is part of the Center for Foreign Policy, New World Order, his company made polystyrene for eggs, you know, the plastic like styrofoam which is horrible, (thats why states are banning it). Yea, he looks like a moderate, but his is just another jerk like all the others EXCEPT RON PAUL. Why can't you people pull your panties up, and become an American who can take the heat to fix our country? Everybody says this country is on the wrong track, yu like want ron paul says about economics, but you are voting for the same people you say you don't want. Ron Paul can't make those changes that you don't like by a snap of the fingers, it will take time. And isn't it the PEOPLE who run this country? Well, you put these other repubs in, and WE ALL GET MORE OF THE SAME! Those other candidates don't give a sheet about this country, and you know it!!! Pls people, do your homework, look on the internet to see who these people are.
A breakout may not matter. Huntsman did not make it onto the Arizona ballot as reported yesterday. In addition, he is not on the ballots in Illinois or Virginia. It's mathematically almost impossible for him to be nominated. A protest vote for him would be a bit too vague.
Perhaps Huntsman's goal is to gain enough attention and votes in early primaries so that he will look like an attractive candidate for the role of Vice President?
Or maybe Huntsman is trying to build a following now so that he can make a more powerful presidential run in 2016?
If Romney is the nominee, he couldn't go with Huntsman. There's no way people would buy off on two Mormons. Sorry to say, but it's true.
There's no way I would.
The vast majority of the Republican Booboisse is not going to all of a sudden support Huntsman. He is much too thougtful and civil a candidate for them. His mormonism is problematical also for the the bible thumpers. Hope i m wrong because it would be nice to hjave one honest,sane GOP candidate in the race.
WHY?
sweet puff piece
Why? Because it would make a more thrilling challenge and a more interesting race, with 2 serious candidates.
Instead, it looks like it's going to be a lopsided race between an intelligent, rational, moderate and well spoken incumbent and a wild-eyed ranting extremist.
CM: the wild-eyed ranting extremist already dropped out, say good-bye Ms. Bachman.
Regardless of who wins in NH, we as Americans need to keep our eye on the final results. Being from a state that not only voted for Obama in the last election, but also is as liberal as California, my vote is like a tiny ember in a blizzard. My vote will go to Anybody But Obama '12 but since I am in the State of Washington, my grasp of sanity is over run by the supporters of the worst President in the history of America. Including Jimmy Carter.
ABO'12
Jimmy Carter wasn't a bad President, he was an ineffective politician. If we had listened to Carter, we would have developed our solar and wind energy industries by now and we'd be independent of Middle Eastern oil. The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars would never have happened. If only we knew then, what we know now.
If you voted for GWB , you have absolutely ZERO credibility.
Brennan----Being your neighbor in the red state of Idaho, where your eastern residents come to buy fuel, liquor and cigs, I also am an ember in a blizzard. I too vote against the party that has the worst presidents ever---Reagan trickle down that really f--ked the USA and Bush 11 " I'll finish daddy's war".
Amy B. Portland, ME: I couldn't agree more that we need to develop our solar and wind energy capabilities to move forward in a more efficient manner. Wouldn't it be great if we were independent of all foreign countries for our energy needs?
However, I'm not completely convinced that the wars in Iraq/Afghanistan would have been prevented if we we had already been independent of the oil producing countries in the middle east. One of the reasons I fail to believe it is because we import the largest amount of our oil from Canada; almost twice the amount of the next highest exporter, Saudi Arabia. On a positive note (if there is one) as a result of the wars, Iran may come out a much safer place for it citizens to live, and the top person and many of his upper tier people have been killed because of factual information obtained by our people in that area.
She's right to a point, however I don't think Romney is crazy but desperate but the others, yes crazy is the word I would use to describe them.
Michael, as a journalist you should know that Ambassador Huntsman was not the Ambassidor FROM China but the Ambassador TO China. Sloppy, sloppy work indeed.
nisl
I totally agree, it would be a good move to become known this time around and run in 2016. The chair will be open at that time. The looney bin will have swallowed up the others by then and a level headed Republican might just have a chance.
Although not a supporter I like the bumper sticker: HUNTSMAN NOT CRAZY!
I won't be voting for our current president no-how no-way. Unfortunately the republicans are doing a poor job of getting a viable horse in this race. Out of the bunch, I personally like Jon Huntsman and would most likely vote for him. If only he could do something to get himself in the race. He needs much more face time with the American voters.
I am a registered Democrat, but given the chance, I would strongly consider Huntsman. He makes more sense than ANYONE in the race. Please NH, SC, and FL, let him be heard.THank you.
Benramz2 - When you call Obama the worst president American history, it is not fair to George W. Bush. It took 8 years of incompetence for him to win that title. I feel it is a sign of disrespect to our former president to overlook his failures so soon after leaving office. You owe him an apology and I demand that you retract your above statement and issue a public apology to George W. Bush immediately
HUNTSMAN 2012! Jon Huntsman has flown under the radar long enough. I really don't get the young, Indy voters supporting Ron Paul - he's Bat Sh!t crazy!! Sure, he's got some good talking points but he'll NEVER be in a position to implement anything as destructive as elminating the EPA, the FAA, or the DOE. Eliminating income tax sounds great - but he plans on cutting what would amount to 8% of our GDP in order to compensate?! On what planet?!
Huntsman is a proven leader who, much to the staunch right's chagrin, has shown his willingness and ability to work across the aisle to do what's right for the country! Look at his record as governor of Utah, job growth, education reform, and fiscal responsibility - cutting taxes while cutting inefficient spending creating a balanced budget! This is the guy who can show Obama how the job should be done!! Do we want four more years of gridlock with Obama?! Do we want four more years of partisan rhetoric with Romney or Paul?! Or are we finally ready to say damn the party and get this country back on the path to prosperity?! GO GET 'EM JON!!
jon2012.com
Hey Concerned Independent:
Maybe, just maybe, you have taken up residence under a Siberian rock pile during the last three years to make such an inane statement. Either that or you flunked civics in high school and never really bothered about it until someone advised you that you were old enough to vote. Obama is not king. He has had the misfortune of being president during a time of profound dysfunction in the House led by a band of ideological buffoons and a Senate who has gotten drunk on filibuster moonshine. All of whom have made it their singular goal to remove him from office by any means necessary, including putting this country at risk, financial and otherwise. He has reached out to the Republican Tea Bagga Neanderthals on more than one occasion to the chagrin and dismay of his own party. Being rebuffed that many times I say it’s about time he gives them the double middle finger. Good for him. Good for America. That way, next time you vote, you’d think twice about giving Bellevue rejects an opportunity to occupy Congress. Don’t b**ch about the gridlock when you wasted your so-called "Independent" vote that sent them there in the first place!
...the young are driven towards extreme ideas because the polar opposites have yet to be defined by real life experiences for the majority of them...for the same reason most inexperienced wine drinkers prefer a Cabernet instead of a Pinot...
I'm from UTAH and lived here under Huntsman Era. Not impressed.
I'd take Romney over him any day. He brags about his changes he did in our state... Wrong!
He was a rubber stamp for our legislators, he had no real ideas of his own. I'm sorry, but I'm not impressed with him. But I do have to give him credit for his foreign policy work, he has done well with that.
Want to know why he hates Romney, it's personal, check out the Olympic scandal that got him out of the organizing of it, and Romney brought in because he had integrity, not Huntsman. Now there's a thought, and I ought to know about it because I worked with all agencies on the investigating of it. Most Americans haven't brought that up, but look it up. Makes one think who ought to be touting integrity????
DId you know Dr. Paul opts out of the Lucrative Congressional Pension Program. "Taxpayers should not have to pay for my retirement.
Uh, please! That mousy wingnut is one starved brain cell away from vegetative state. When that happens (and we know it will) he and his drool cup will be at the front of the line seeking government hand outs. Everybody hates or rags on the gov’t until the s**t of their misfortune hits the wallet fan. Then they rag on the gov’t some more when they don’t get help fast enough. Want to applaud something courageous? How about him signing a pledge refusing anything from the government other than a paycheck during the time he is employed in Congress? No healthcare on the gov’t dole; no FEMA assistance for hurricane or storm damage to his home; hell, not even a social security check or a paved road leading to his lamp-lit house on the TX border. Have him sign that and get back to us. Until then we’d continue the collective eye roll about his “noble” decision to forego the Congressional Pension Plan. Puh-lease!
Hmmm...Reminds me of the Howard Dean of the Republican Party.
The Republican Party's strength these days lies in the south and inter-mountain west, not New England. Don't see Huntsman getting the nod this year...although possibly in 2016. Of course, then he'll have competition from the likes of Chris Christy, Mitch Daniels, Marco Rubio, and a host of others.
Keep trying MSN...
To me, Huntsman comes across as kind of a smarta**. His smug comment about why he didn't campaign in Iowa, for example. Hope he's not expecting any votes from there if he gets his party's nomination.
Can you imagine Huntsman winning the 2012 GOP / Tea Bag nomination then going-up against Obama ?
He'd babble & B.S. like the current wackadoo 2012 GOP / Tea Bag field only in Mandarin ... and as to why Chinas' Communist-Capatalism should be the *new U.S. economic model* ... and all the right-wing wackadooz will vote for their new Messiah simply because of their allegiance to their mottos *Anbody but Obama* and *Obama is a one-term president* ...
Wait, Bachmann did that one already in English ... errrrrr ....
I'll be damned .. Romney just right now praised Chineese Communist-Capitalism on CSPAN ...
LOL
Whats wrong with Chinese Capitalism? It creates everything you consume and has fueled the fastest growing economy on Earth!
Another true ideological idiot post.