Huntsman capitalizes on Romney attack



 

HAMPSTEAD NH—Over the past week, Jon Huntsman has said he needs a “market moving event” to perform well in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary. Today might have been his exactly what he was hoping for.
Throughout the day, the self-ascribed underdog Huntsman has turned an attack by Mitt Romney into an opportunities to hit back, expressing exactly how he feels about the front-runner.

At this morning’s Meet the Press/Facebook debate, Huntsman opened with a reference to an attack from Romney at another GOP debate last night, in which the former Massachusetts governor criticized Huntsman for
serving as Obama’s ambassador to China.

"I was criticized last night by Gov. Romney for putting my country first," Huntsman said this morning on the debate stage in Concord. "He criticized me, while he was out raising money, for serving my country in China, like my two sons who are in the United States Navy … I will always put my country first. I think that's important.”

Later this afternoon, at a coffee shop miles away from the stage, Huntsman was asked if he felt that he “found his voice.”

Clad in his signature bomber jacket emblazoned with “Governor Huntsman” and an American flag, Huntsman did not politely steer away from attacking his rival as he is wont to do. For once, he capitalized on the attack and fired back.

“Let's just be honest about it. I put my country first. Apparently, Mitt Romney doesn't believe in putting country first,” Huntsman told
reporters. “He's got this bumper sticker that says ‘believe in America.’ How can you believe in America when you're not willing to
serve America? That's just phony nonsense.”

Referring to Romney’s ubiquitous blue bumper stickers and signs that far outnumber his red counterparts along New Hampshire roads, Huntsman explained a position he and his wife Mary Kaye have articulated ad nauseam at more than 160 public events across the state.

“I say I served my country, I step up when my president asked and I always will, its part of my philosophy. I know it may be hard for Mitt Romney and some people to take, but most of America is with me because in the end they want this America to be working together.”

With just over 36 hours hours to go until voting begins in the first-in-nation primary, Huntsman declared he will continue to make his case to voters until the final hour. He has told reporters he doesn’t have to come in first, but only needs to “beat market expectations.” With polls ticking up for him in recent days, Huntsman is optimistic that his decision to focus his entire campaign in the Granite State will propel him to the next stop, South Carolina.

"We're going to barnstorm this state as we have been doing for months, more so than any other candidate," Huntsman said. "We're going to remind people that the underdog is out there, the underdog that can change this country. But in order for the underdog to perform at the top, we need the help of the people."

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Willard has some nerve attacking Jon Huntsman who currently has two sons serving our country!

While Willards 5 sons are playing tennis at the country club!

By the way, where was Willard during the Viet Nam war?

Answer: Hiding out in France under multiple deferments!

  • 40 votes
#1 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 5:58 PM EST

Of course Willard has some nerve - he's a politician.

In this case, Huntsman had a good line. In the end, though, it doesn't matter. Good tactics in a fatally flawed strategy will only get you so far. Putting all your eggs in the New Hampshire basket when the other Mormon - the one who wasn't part of the Obama Administration - has been campaigning there for six years, lives there in the summer, was governor next door...

Just not the stuff fans of Sun Tzu would get excited about.

  • 4 votes
#1.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 8:04 AM EST

I'm not a repub by any means, but I believe Huntsman would make me reconsider my vote....I've been saying all along that Huntsman is the only repub nominee that has half a brain.

It baffles me how Mitt is the front runner, especially after his stupid comment that only the wealthy should hold office. I just don't get it.

But oh how I loved that moment in the debate that Huntsman handed Romney his arse, after Romney tried to attack Huntsman for putting his country above politics.....Priceless!!!!

  • 32 votes
#1.2 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 10:17 AM EST

Jon Huntsman is the only Republican that is not a lunatic. Ron Paul is also very honest, but some of his policies coud hurt the disabled and old. If Ron Paul decides to run as an independent, that will be the end of Mitt Romney's hope for the job.

I hope Ron Paul runs as independent!

Rick Santorum and Rick Peery need to pack the skid marked underwear and head back to their dungeouns.

  • 21 votes
#1.3 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 10:22 AM EST

I think Jon Huntsman is actually the most sane economic conservative in this election. I am glad to see that he understands that as president part of his job is to actually restore trust in the US. I hope he makes it far enough in the primaries to hit to my state.

  • 24 votes
#1.4 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 10:46 AM EST

Good Morning to Feisty and Connie. I agree with you. Mitt should have been laughed off the stage.

  • 13 votes
#1.5 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 11:43 AM EST

I would vote for Huntsman over Obama. I won't for the rest of the GOP idiots running. Huntsman was an ambassador, not a member of the cabinet or the adviser staff. My God have we gotten to the point you are not allowed to serve your country in any capacity if the "other party" is in power? Apparently so for the redneck right.

Huntsman is a solid conservative and the most honest man on either side in the race. Which means he has no chance.

  • 18 votes
#1.6 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:03 PM EST

Robert,,,, Huntsman's Chinese is pretty good too

  • 6 votes
#1.7 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:15 PM EST

Feisty, lets be honest, the reason you are defending Huntsman is because it gives you a chance to bash Romney. If Huntsman were the front running you would be looking for reasons to bash him, no matter how many kids he had serving in the military. You are a raging liberal who is in love with Obama, so why do you even comment on threads like this?

  • 3 votes
#1.8 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:25 PM EST

Rhino,,,, Do you think either Romney or Huntsman will survive South Carolina?

They don't think too much of Mormons in that part of conservative land

  • 4 votes
#1.9 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:34 PM EST

Not so, Rhino. Clearly you are not paying attention. So while we are on the subject, "let's be really honest". The only reason you are on this board is to insult the other posters and demean their opinions. Why do YOU comment on threads like this? Really?

  • 9 votes
#1.10 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:37 PM EST

Basically, Romney is not a patriot, and Huntsman is.

For Romney it's not about public service or what's best for the nation. It's all about what's best for rich people near term, even if it's bad for America in the long run.

  • 13 votes
#1.11 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 1:00 PM EST

They don't think too much of Mormons in that part of conservative land

....Or anybody else that is not a Baptist and in love with the Confederate Flag.

  • 9 votes
#1.12 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 1:03 PM EST

I don't vote for the GOP because of the Tea-ReTards, but l think Huntsman is the Best of them all, Huntsman is a man of Honor, integrity and he's not a fool like the rest. But - the T-Tards don't like him because he will not sign that pledge of allegiance to Grover Norquist and he doesn't like tea. The problem is he's to honest for them. Throw all the Koch paid Bums Out.

  • 11 votes
#1.13 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 1:24 PM EST

Answer: Hiding out in France under multiple deferments!

Cute Fiesty, except the active drafting of US Citizens ended in 1973. One of the important elements of humor is the element of truth - and there isn't any element of truth there!

    #1.14 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:06 PM EST

    You're right about 1973, but Gov. Romney was born in 1947 and was draft eligible during the Viet Nam War. Like many, he took advantage of the deferment system by attending college and serving his church. He may well have been a conscientious objector, but didn't need to declare due to the ability of the LDS to grant deferments to its members.

    • 6 votes
    #1.15 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 4:00 PM EST

    Rhino - I have no use for Romney or the rest of the GOP field but, I would consider Huntsman. He is not an obstructionist and truly puts the US first. He is an HONEST Republican who isn't owned by the far right. He hasn't agreed to make women slaves and doesn't kowtow to anyone. He's a true American unlike Romney, Gingrich, Perry, Santorum.

    • 7 votes
    #1.16 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:33 PM EST

    President Obama v. Governor Huntsman would make for a great election. The VP picks alone would be popcorn-worthy. (Anyone else think the President is going to announce a new VP running mate shortly after the GOP nomination is decided?)

    With Ron Paul possibly running as an independent, we might actually have a dialogue that represents how a broad majority of Americans feel. Sadly this would leave the Tea Party on the margins, so I somehow don't see it coming to pass.

    • 2 votes
    #1.17 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 6:12 PM EST

    I comment on these threads because I actually care who the GOP nominee is. I have been a supporter of Romney ever since he ran the Olympics. I am actually from Utah so I know Governor Huntsman very well. I agree with everyone who says he is a good, decent, and intelligent man. This is all true. Romney is still the better candidate. Unlike Huntsman who inherited his wealth, Romney, though not poor, still built his own wealth. Romney really does understand how the economy works and he is also a very good and decent man, and in my opinion, actually smarter than Huntsman, which is saying something.

      #1.18 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 7:24 PM EST

      Huntsman - so far it is not clear what he is all about but running his mouth about serving America. Come on man, you can do better, I hope.

        #1.19 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 8:07 PM EST

        Here's Willards' experience with war ... Bain Capital ...

        The Third Reich invades the Soviet Union, everyday they overrun tiny hapless villages and burn them to the ground ... then send the booty back to the Feuhrer with reports to the Fuerher of magnificent campaigns ... the Fuehrer then broadcasts to the people of the greatness of the Third Reich and they are captivated ... (however, the German people were perfectly happy what Hitler had done for them pre-1939 invasion of Poland and the world respected the new German economy as well ... so why war ?)

        This is what Bush did ... this is what McPalin did with regards to the *Liberal Communists* ... why would Mittler think this is going to work for him ?

        Lots of points for pontification and posturing on this one ...

        • 2 votes
        #1.20 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 8:58 PM EST

        Rhino, interesting points. I have this nagging feeling that Romney would say anything to get elected, and I was already thinking what Gingrich said, which is he is hiding the politician he will really be if elected President. Smarts require an equal part integrity to be beneficial, and that's where I think Huntsman is one-up.

        • 1 vote
        #1.21 - Tue Jan 10, 2012 2:29 AM EST

        @semaphore: if Romney had no personal integrity he would have distanced himself from his religeon. He would have disavowed Romney care. Romney's only failing is that he allows his opinions to be nuanced. And Nuance does not play well in a sound bite world. If you are willing to get past the sound bites and really look at what he has said and what he has done then you will find a great leader.

        Don't get me wrong, I like Huntsman too. I think he would be a great secretary of State, but Romney should be President.

        • 1 vote
        #1.22 - Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:19 AM EST

        OK I read you. How about it terms of electability? As other have noted, I think the Obama administration would be much more concerned with a Huntsman candidacy. A good share of moderate liberals who previously voted for the President would probably jump ship more for Huntsman than Romney.

        • 1 vote
        #1.23 - Tue Jan 10, 2012 2:44 PM EST
        Reply

        As you hide at your kitchen counter collecting ssi bashing the hand that feeds you

        Let the games and name calling begin!

        Go get 'em Mitt

        • 3 votes
        #2 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 6:18 PM EST

        Your nose getting a little brown there, Rob? Let's repeat what Fiesty said. Huntsman's two sons served; none of Mitten's sons served, and neither did "the man" himself.

        Yeah, go 'em, Mitt. Spoken like someone else who doesn't believe in serving his country. . . .

        • 21 votes
        #2.1 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 6:58 PM EST

        Mitt is just not the kind of guy that goes and gets them, he gets a deferment and lets somebody else do the go getting.

        • 22 votes
        #2.2 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:09 PM EST

        Feisty: don't you remember? Mitty said his little guys were serving America by helping him get elected.

        • 16 votes
        #2.3 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:16 PM EST

        [Huntsman's two sons served; none of Mitten's sons served, and neither did "the man" himself.]

        Gingrich managed to evade serving as well...seems his excuse was that "he had a son"...

        • 17 votes
        #2.4 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:19 PM EST

        Obama never served in the military either, so what's your point. If I remember right Bill Clinton lied, and cheated to keep from serving as did a lot of politicians.

        Just plain stupidity on the part of you liberals.

          #2.5 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 9:26 PM EST

          Gingrich had a son? My dad had THREE daughters and he served-- was a POW for 39 months in WW2. Of course, he was already serving when he married and had three daughters.

          And from what I have heard, Gingrich didn't support his children when he kicked his family to the curb. The CHURCH did.

          Like Dickless Cheney-- he couldn't serve because he kept his wife barefoot and pregnant so he got exemptions.

          Bill Clinton was a student-- automatically exempted. There were MANY of those.

          There were lots of chickens--ts who ran to Canada to escape the draft.

          BTW sir-- retired SFC:: My dad served in the Regular Army for 34 years-- after serving in the Texas National Guard for 8 years.

          • 5 votes
          #2.6 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 9:42 AM EST

          Don't forget those with silver spoons in their mouths like GW Bush who through family connections got assigned to country club duty in stateside non-deploying reserve units.

          Of course being drunk and stoned for an entire tour, functionally AWOL to "help Daddy's campaign" and then having one's service records miraculously disappear when it's time to run for office takes things to a whole new level of utterly contemptable behavior.

          • 12 votes
          #2.7 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 11:56 AM EST

          Mitty said his little guys were serving America by helping him get elected.

          His son's should then be bought up on charges for subjecting the American people to such stupidity...surely it has to be a crime..

          • 4 votes
          #2.8 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:41 PM EST

          It sounds more like Mitt is bashing the hand that feeds him.

          But then he thrives on lies, so why not?

          • 5 votes
          #2.9 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 1:04 PM EST

          Obama never served in the military either, so what's your point. If I remember right Bill Clinton lied, and cheated to keep from serving as did a lot of politicians.

          Just plain stupidity on the part of you liberals.

          Could be, but none of those people were "determined" to send troops to Iran as soon as they opened the door at the White House. It is particularly annoying to see a prick like Santorum - he has never even tried a uniform to see how he looks on it - full of sanctimonious BS, saying that Iran is a "theocratic" place -And what is he? With all the BS about gays, birth control and abortion that spews around?

          • 10 votes
          #2.10 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 1:08 PM EST

          I am a ultra conservative but Huntsman comes across of a pios, self-centered arrogant, snobby opportunist that hopefully will be out of the race for the Republican nomination after New Hamshire. He probably did quite well in the AmbassAdor role wiht all the pompous parties to hold for the Chinese leadership! hE HAS NO CHANCE OF BEING NOMINATED!

          bY THE WAY, i SERVED IN THE USAF FOR 26 YEARS AND ALL THIS YAYA DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING AS IT RELATES TO HOW GOOD A LEADER ANY OF THESE GUYS WOULD BE A COMMANDER IN CHIEF.

          • 2 votes
          #2.11 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:12 PM EST

          Jack,

          It's called an "all volunteer" military. The reasons to join vary from income, discipline, love it, patriotism, education, and learning skills.

          My son doesn't want any part of the military - that is his choice. Besides, Mormons are divided, just like other churches as to whether they serve or not.

          • 1 vote
          #2.12 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:13 PM EST

          Just curious Fed up Senior who would you vote for?

          • 3 votes
          #2.13 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:29 PM EST

          Just curious Fed up Senior who would you vote for?

          I was curious about that myself. Gotta be a difficult choice, as all the Republican candidates come across as "pious, self-centered arrogant, snobby opportunists". Of course, Santorum has an extra dose of "pious", Perry has extra "arrogant", Paul is more "self-centered", and both Gingrich and Romney are overdosing on "snobby opportunism".

          Maybe he's hoping for a Palin revival... nah, that's another "pious, self-centered arrogant, snobby opportunist".

          • 6 votes
          #2.14 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:33 PM EST

          I am not a fan of Obama nor do I feel military service is a pre requisite for my vote. I am a Ron Paul supporter. I will say though in defense of Obama he would of been a child during the draft so in those terms he was to young. The difference is that we had a draft where many americans were forced(my father)(some chose) to serve in war. Many though used special tactics and tricks to try and avoid having to serve like gingrich and romney yet are still pushing for more war. Its offensive to push a risk for others lives when you took personal measures to avoid it yourself. Now I wasn't born till after the war so I can not describe the culture at the time, but people I know like my father and family members have, and I don't have much love for draft dodgers.

          • 3 votes
          #2.15 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 6:03 PM EST
          Reply

          As far as beating "market expectations", Huntsman should be successful as I don't think the market is expecting anything. It is interesting to me that he is consistently more critical of Romney than Obama. I think he's positioning himself to switch parties in 2016 for another shot at Romney.

          • 4 votes
          Reply#3 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 6:22 PM EST

          I'd vote for a Democrat Huntsman in a heartbeat. I still like Obama, and think that he would be great for helping our nation recover. And then Huntsman can take over the reins after the economic recovery...

          Obama 2012

          Huntsman 2016

          • 3 votes
          #3.1 - Tue Jan 10, 2012 12:09 AM EST
          Reply

          “Let's just be honest about it. I put my country first. Apparently, Mitt Romney doesn't believe in putting country first,” Huntsman told reporters. “He's got this bumper sticker that says ‘believe in America.’ How can you believe in America when you're not willing to serve America? That's just phony nonsense.”

          You go John. It's about time somebody bitch slapped Romney. Keep it up!

          • 12 votes
          Reply#4 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 6:24 PM EST

          So what you are saying is that the ONLY way to serve America is by being in the military? What about EMT, Fire Fighters, Polce Officers and those who teach our children such as teachers or community organizers etc. ? There are many ways to serve America.

          When did Gingrich serve? What about Michelle Bachmann? When was Sarah Palin in the military? How about Todd Palin? Check and see just how few of our Presidents did serve in the military. You might be surprised at how few there are.

          • 3 votes
          #4.1 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:09 PM EST

          When one serves, or has family serving, might make one think twice before willy nilly starting another war.

          • 7 votes
          #4.2 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:40 PM EST

          Seems like someone didn't read the article. Huntsman was referring to the way Romney slammed him for being an ambassador to China.

          To be even more specific, Romney has never served in any capacity for public service other than being governor... and most people served him.

          • 5 votes
          #4.3 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:49 PM EST

          BB,

          Just speaking generally about service. Still wound up over game. Did you watch it?

          • 3 votes
          #4.4 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:51 PM EST

          brianb we have a first. I kind of agree with you. But I won't vote for him. Huntsman is a smart man. To smart for the republican/tea bag party. Thats why they don't like him.

          • 4 votes
          #4.5 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:53 PM EST

          Always thought when your president asks for your help in the interest of your COUNTRY one should do it and party be damned.

          • 7 votes
          #4.6 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:56 PM EST

          phancy - I monitored it through MSN. My TV is in the bedroom so I didn't get the chance to watch it. I'm glad Denver won... Amazing kid, that T-bow. You know, I have a home in Florida... Just can't stand Miami Dolphins... LOL.. I'm a Buffalo fan... and the way they played this year I guess you'd have to call me die hard! LOL.

          Smitty - I'm a pretty simple guy. I know who I like, and why and who I don't and why. I don't like Romney and I don't like Perry.

          • 1 vote
          #4.7 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 9:06 PM EST

          Tebow is from my town, so we all feel like we have a vested interest in him.

          As for Romney and Perry (I'll throw Newt and Santorum in, too), they are pitiful excuses for the GOP. But, hey, it's their party - it is all to the President's good that the GOP favors them!

          • 6 votes
          #4.8 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 9:12 PM EST
          Reply

          He has a way more effective message than Romney, this guy can pull independents, and even flip a few democrats, which is something Mitt can't do.

          • 12 votes
          Reply#5 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 6:25 PM EST

          Remember last election cycle... Huckabee was out ahead at this early stage of the game... I feel Mitt might happen the same way... fingers crossed.

          • 4 votes
          #5.1 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:52 PM EST

          It Seems to me Huntsman is the only GOP candidate that is not running to the far right for the bagger vote. He is appealing to the independent vote center right.

          • 11 votes
          #5.2 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 10:06 AM EST

          We are safe however thanks to the likes of Bob (below) that will overwhelm him in SC. It will be interesting to hear the spin should he (as he well could) exceed 25% tomorrow.

          He at least makes it easier for the truly independents to choose.

          • 3 votes
          #5.3 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:40 PM EST
          Reply

          The progressives love Jon Huntsman, for some reason.

          He practically has his talk show on MSNBC already. There he can brag about how 'sane' and intellectual he is, and bash Republicans, to the moonbat's delight.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#6 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 6:57 PM EST

          Not only the progressives, Bob #s. See BrianB's comment up there in #4? Ouch! Must hurt, huh?

          • 10 votes
          #6.1 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:06 PM EST

          Don't mistake it Jack... I just can't stand Romney or Perry. I'd be very happy if both of them dropped out of the race right now. Both of these guys are huge new world order fans.

          • 3 votes
          #6.2 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:56 PM EST

          Hunstman has a fundamental problem. The GOP base is made up, as George Will recently admitted in support of Santorum, of what used to be called Reagan Democrats - older, less educated, and fearful of change. [Hey, don't bash me; Mr. Will said that, and he's a conservative.]

          As an educated, thoughtful man who recognizes the need for compromise and that being an American trumps being a Republican, Hunstman is not aceptable to this base that will nominate the candidate. Of course, he is more acceptable to independents and to most Repulbicans, but that is not the party they have allowed to develop. Too bad for the country!

          • 2 votes
          #6.3 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:57 PM EST
          Reply

          Like bubbles in a bowel they rise to the top and then burst. I just don't undeerstand why the GOPers are so anti Romney. He seems to be the wisest choice if they expect to beat Obama. The others are virtual unknowns (kind of late to become known) or so extreme that anyone in their right mind wouldn't even consider voting for them. Hutsman isn't as extreme as the others but his familarity is lacking big time. Some of those names are house hold words. Huntsman isn't one of them.

          So like the rest, Huntsman's bubble may rise to the top of the bowl but it will, like the rest, burst and he'll fall back down in the bowl.

          • 2 votes
          Reply#7 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:03 PM EST

          Romney had a GREAT weekend!

          He already looks like he's the president!

          Finally, we are about to have a leader.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#8 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:24 PM EST

          There is just no Romney...sorry but there is just nothing there. It might be too late for Huntsman to go to the top now. What a shame. He seems to be the only one who had his head on straight. What a shame to have to settle for Romney. Just awful.

          • 8 votes
          #8.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:05 AM EST
          Reply

          Romney will smoke Barack Hussein Obama in the debates as he did with his rivals this weekend.

          • 1 vote
          Reply#9 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:27 PM EST

          [Romney will smoke Barack Hussein Obama in the debates...]

          Funny...I hear Romney is going to hammer Obama on RomneyCare....now THAT should be interesting...right Raab?

          • 13 votes
          #9.1 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:43 PM EST

          smoke

          I think the only smoke is the doobie you've rolled. Hold it in real deep there, Rob, and Romney will look more and more like The Man to you. But the rest of us will remain straight, thank you very much, and go with the more intelligent of all the current candidates, Barack Obama.

          • 13 votes
          #9.2 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:48 PM EST

          "Romney will smoke Barack Hussein Obama"

          I'm having a difficult time visualizing that. Not gonna happen. Sorry to burst your bubble.

          • 9 votes
          #9.3 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 7:50 PM EST

          He can't even smoke the other nominees, technically he won Iowa, but effectively it was a three way tie between him Santorum and Paul, two guys that were not even supposed to be competitive much less tie him, and he outspent them by an outrageous margin. He got 25% in Iowa, so 75% of those people are not nearly as excited as you are Rob.

          • 11 votes
          #9.4 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:01 PM EST

          Romney --- first republican nominee to win Iowa, NH, SC

          Back to back to back

          The train is starting to roll!

            #9.5 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:16 PM EST

            Better get him his own personal baggage car, he has already been turned down by his party in 2008, a lot of republicans are just not into this guy being the top dog.

            • 12 votes
            #9.6 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:23 PM EST

            Romney --- first republican nominee to win Iowa, NH, SC

            So 50 years from now, when it happens again, the pundits will look back and say:

            "Well, the last time a Republican nominee won Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, back in 2012, he got steamrolled by his Democrat opponent. So it doesn't look good for [fill in name] as he heads to the Republican Convention. Back to you, Rob."

            • 9 votes
            #9.7 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:38 PM EST
            Reply

            "The train is starting to roll!"

            But how far can a train roll uphill? Not to the White House - that's for sure.

            • 11 votes
            Reply#10 - Sun Jan 8, 2012 8:20 PM EST

            If the GOP has any sense at all, they will get behind Huntsman. He is the only GOP candidate that has a chance against President Obama. POTUS will destroy anyone else who trys to debate him!

            • 8 votes
            Reply#11 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 11:41 AM EST

            I see there are several posters on here who believe that Gov Huntsman is the only sane, level-headed candidate. Although I intend voting again for President Obama, if Huntsman was the GOP primary winner and should he become president then at least I could sleep at night instead of worrying what nutty decisions and actions might be taken by any other of the GOP candidates for president.

            • 15 votes
            Reply#12 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 11:45 AM EST

            Gotta agree Lee. However, if Romney wins, let's at least hope he still has enough sense left to team up with Huntsman as his running mate. That would be the most formidable team the GOP could muster.

            • 3 votes
            #12.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:06 PM EST

            Never going to happen. No way, the GOP would let a double-Mormon ticket run the country.

            • 3 votes
            #12.2 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:49 PM EST
            Reply

            I would have to give Huntsman strong consideration, were it to be between him andPresident Obama. He is conservative in areas where I tend to be conservative, and doesn't pander to the worst parts of the idelogical right. He is a pragmatic man, who accomplished a lot as governor of Utah.

            • 8 votes
            Reply#13 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 11:50 AM EST

            It's nice to see a Republican who puts country first, party second. Going back to November, 2008, what Mitch McConnell should have said is, "We look forward to working with President Obama to make sure that the Republican Voice is heeded and plays a significant role in developing the future of America", rather than "We plan to make President Obama a one-term President." Then he and the Republicans in congress should have worked like hell to reach across the aisle and find common ground.

            Huntsman gets this. He's smart, engaged, and pragmatic. If the republicans value these traits, he's their guy.

            • 10 votes
            Reply#14 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 11:58 AM EST

            The only other hope, should Romney get the GOP nod, is for Paul or Huntsman to go Independent in the general election. Paul has done it before and may be the most motivated to do it again, but you gotta hope there would a strong 'other' GOP and Independent contingent that would back Hunstman to do the same.

            Wouldn't this be a great time for a strong Independent AND a fourth 'populace' party to come about. That surely would be the end of the TEA.

            • 3 votes
            #14.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:13 PM EST
            Reply

            MSNBC: Why don't you allow the BLOGGER to be the one who decides when the final draft of his copy is ready to be put online?? The "time limit demands" you put on the rewrites causes what might have been good copy to be bad!

              Reply#15 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:11 PM EST

              If they waited it would be "Old News"

              Tell me something, did you ever run your own newspaper?

              • 2 votes
              #15.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:17 PM EST
              Reply

              Romney, Santorum, and Gingrich, as well as Obama, are qualified Poster Children for the corrupt Esablishment and Corporate American profiteers. Please think about it...do we really want more of these type of men in Washington, or are these the very people we are trying to rid ourselves of?

              I'll support any Candidate that wants to dismantle the corrupt status quo, and return control of our government back to us, the people. We need the man who they fear, chide, ridicule, and ignore...Ron Paul.

              • 1 vote
              Reply#16 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:19 PM EST

              What type of "men" would you like in D.C? More conservatives like Vitter with "Diaper Fetishes"?..... Men's Room Toe Tappers?,,,, Transvestites?

              How about some old hippies?

              Should being a "Man" even be a litmus test as religion is? -- How about a cat or better yet a wabbit?

              • 3 votes
              #16.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:24 PM EST

              Who fears Ron Paul? -- He's been in Congress for 35 years & nobody knows who he is until he starts whining

              Fear conservative candidates? LOL ---- Like we feared Herman "999" Cain, Sarah "moose" Palin, & Christine "I'm not a witch" McDonnell?

              Think about it dude,, If conservatives had listened to liberals in the 1st place you wouldn't have such a field of idiots running as wanna-be Reagans

              • 6 votes
              #16.2 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:42 PM EST
              Reply

              I have to agree with a lot of these people posting-Huntsman is the only consistently rational candidate on the right. He alone do I even listen to any more. As of now I am sticking with Obama, but Huntsman I admire, and I sincerely hope he continues to work with Obama in the future. As he has class, I think he will.

              Speaking of Romney, I hope you all took note of the non-partisan analysis on his plans done by the Tax Policy Center: cut taxes average 6.8% for those earning over 1 million / cut taxes average 2.5% for those earning 50-75 thousand / RAISE taxes for those earning under 40 thousand, by not extending a few of Obama's tweaks. Talk about same old same old, steal from the poor to feed the rich! As if they didn't get it yet, after watching 7 straight years of Bush tax cuts turn into not more jobs but into disaster instead, the truth is tax cuts only swell the coffers of the wealthier. Alright, I'll concede a few more jobs where they build yachts, and design evening gowns.

              • 7 votes
              Reply#17 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:42 PM EST

              As an Obama fan, all the research I have done on Huntsman scares the hell out of me, and he is a nice guy to boot.

              • 2 votes
              #17.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:35 PM EST

              Ok so what do you not like about Huntsman?

              • 1 vote
              #17.2 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:42 PM EST

              Buffaloes Roam-As an independent since my first election in 1972, I will always hope for 2 qualified, dignified candidates, so that even if mine does not win we still have something. If it were Huntsman and he DID beat Obama, I would scratch my head and hope for the best. But it does not look like we have to worry about that possibility.

              Hey, MiddleGround, The only thing I don't like about Huntsman is the company he keeps. No, wait, that doesn't work...his party affiliation? Well, yeah. For example, who would be his VP pick? Where would he find enough Republicans who shared his own middle-lane vision, to make up a cabinet?

              • 2 votes
              #17.3 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:22 PM EST

              John - who would be his VP pick? There's been some buzz of a Romney/Rubio ticket. How about a Huntsman/Scott Brown ticket?!

              ...the ultra lefty and righties wouldn't know what to do with themselves.

                #17.4 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:52 PM EST

                Huntsman and Scott Brown work for me.

                Where would he find enough Republicans who shared his own middle-lane vision

                Middle Republicans still exist even though their party is trying really hard to kick them out.

                • 2 votes
                #17.5 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 6:50 PM EST

                Me too, John. I hope that Jon Huntsman gets a position in Obama's foreign policy position after 2012. And maybe it wouldn't be bad to have President Huntsman... I'm still for Obama, but at least we'd have something to live for with Huntsman.

                • 3 votes
                #17.6 - Tue Jan 10, 2012 12:15 AM EST
                Reply

                I've been saying this from the start - liberal or liberal leaning outlets will not give Huntsman more than 5 minutes of "shine-time" because they know if he were somehow to get the nod, he could pose a formidable threat to a very unpopular Obama administration. The conservative media outlets don't dare utter his name because he's too moderate and would be more than willing to reach across the aisle for comprehensive, forward-moving reform - a thought that makes extreme rights gag.

                The difference between Huntsman and all the other 15 minutes-of-fame front-runners is that he's not a trainwreck and won't be near as amusing to watch. Sadly, I feel this surge is too little too late. Come November, your ticket is going to read D - Obama, R - Romney, I - Paul; and at the bottom it will say, "Doesn't matter, we're f*****."

                HUNTSMAN 2012!!

                • 6 votes
                Reply#18 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 12:50 PM EST

                Well, I am a liberal...and you are, I am afraid, quite right. He can win.

                • 1 vote
                #18.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:34 PM EST
                Reply

                Could or would any one expain why not one mention of GWB presidency in the last two debates? Not even from the other Texan genius Rick Perry or the bagger bloggers for that matter. Wassup wid dat?

                • 1 vote
                Reply#19 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:01 PM EST

                They don't want to remind anybody of that embarrassing era. Especially not Rick Perry, who comes across as a GW Bush clone with a lower grade point average.

                • 3 votes
                #19.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:47 PM EST
                Reply

                Well done !!!!Slap that taste right out of Mitten's mouth.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#20 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:35 PM EST

                If only he could slap that smirk off of Mitt's face.

                • 2 votes
                #20.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 2:37 PM EST
                Reply

                I support much of what the tea party advocates, but Huntsman is my candidate of choice. Hopefully he'll be getting a few more looks by individuals who can actually think for themselves, and understand that Limbaugh's just a wind bag.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#21 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:45 PM EST

                It’s Martini Time, Y’all!

                "Romney got rich at Bain by laying off middle class American workers and shipping jobs overseas, and Gingrich is sort of the $60,000-a-speech influence peddler. He didn't have to be a lobbyist because he was making so much money," the strategist said.

                "They are doing and saying whatever they can to win over the tea party vote, but they have both come from this 'martini lifestyle' where they don't understand the problems of middle-class Americans and aren't offering policies that respond to them."

                Amen and pass the unlimited Super PAC funds...The GOP Debacles: Where greed and ego Trump All

                • 1 vote
                Reply#22 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 3:58 PM EST

                Ok America you wanted a straight talker and someone who made a contribution to our nation - and now you got him. Don't blow it this time. My vote is for Governor Huntsman.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#23 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 4:17 PM EST

                @Fedup Senior. I am tired of "ultra conservatives". Most are clueless about conservative politics and yearn for time gone by. Conservativism rightly understood is a political philosophy that promotes the greatest possible change in our society because Conservatism is about maximizing freedom. And when people are free things change.

                Barry Goldwater is my political hero and he was part of the old conservative guard in congress when he served. He said this about conservatism: "My faith in the future rests squarely on the belief that man, if he doesn't first destroy himself, will find new answers in the universe, new technologies, new disciplines, which will contribute to a vastly different and better world in the twenty-first century...To my mind the single essential element on which all discoveries will be dependent is human freedom."

                That's what I call being a conservative.

                  Reply#24 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 4:33 PM EST

                  You've confused "Conservative" with "Libertarian", they overlap but are not the same. Libertarianism favors personal liberty, but too often goes to the extreme "your on your own/buyer beware" approach to de-regulating everything, and often borders on anarchy when it comes to government and laws. Conservatism is all about "conserving" the status quo by resisting change, it generally tends to favor the wealthy and the powerful. Libertarianism and Conservatism overlap in the area of "free market Capitalism", but tend to clash over social issues like drugs and gay rights.

                  Libertarianism overlaps with Liberalism in the social areas like women's reproductive rights, gay rights, and freedom of expression. They clash over concern for the poor and underprivileged, however.

                  • 3 votes
                  #24.1 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 6:01 PM EST

                  CM: Reagan said this about Libertarianism and I think it is true. "When you analyze it, the very heart and soul of conservativism is libertarianism." -- Reason Magazine 1975

                    #24.2 - Tue Jan 10, 2012 11:28 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Have you heard about a liberterian Called Ron Paul that tries to get your atention while ALL the media discrediting him calling him "Unelectable"..? Don't you ever wonder why the media all owned by the 1% dont want you to elect Ron Paul who wants to lay waste to NDAA, Patriot act and Sopa and give you The 99% your rights back ? There is almost nothing about Ron Paul on CNN, Msnbc, Fox or ABC about him. Santorum gets more attention than Ron Paul. Dont you wonder why ?

                    I cant post a link hear but if you youtube this :

                    Judge Napolitano: What if they're lying to you about Ron Paul?

                    You will get the answer why. Please give five minuts of your time and check the answer ! I promise it will restart your brain and you will be happy you did this.

                    Best Regards

                      Reply#25 - Mon Jan 9, 2012 5:00 PM EST
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