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Subscribe to RSSCHARLESTON, SC -- Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman won the endorsement of South Carolina's largest newspaper, The State, on Sunday morning. The announcement comes six days before the Palmetto State primary as Huntsman attempts to quickly gain last- minute traction after spending very little time in the state. Huntsman finished a distant third in the New Hampshire primary after campaigning there for nearly six months straight.
This is the second time Huntsman has been endorsed by a major newspaper with just days to go before an early state primary this cycle. Shortly before the New Hampshire primary, the Boston Globe also backed the former ambassador to China. Like the Globe, The State praises both Huntsman and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney but stops short of endorsing the front-runner.
"There are actually two sensible, experienced grownups," The State editorial said, giving a nod to front-runner Romney. "And while Mr. Romney is far more appealing than any of the other choices, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is more principled, has a far more impressive resume and offers a significantly more important message."
The State, which endorsed Barack Obama and John McCain in the 2008 primary and McCain in that year's general election, said Huntsman stands "heads and shoulders above the field on foreign policy," praised his economic recovery plan and called his terms as Utah governor demonstrative of a "true conservative" record.
Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele and former DNC Chairman Howard Dean discuss the endorsement of Jon Huntsman by The State newspaper in South Carolina.
The paper also highlighted Huntsman's decision to accept a post as Obama's ambassador to China as a strength.
"He was a popular and successful governor in an extremely conservative state, well positioned to become a leading 2012 presidential contender, when Mr. Obama asked him to serve in arguably our nation’s most important diplomatic post, U.S. ambassador to China," the editorial said. "It could be political suicide, but he didn’t hesitate. As he told our editorial board, 'When the president asks you to serve, you serve.'"
This endorsement will certainly boost Huntsman's struggling campaign here in South Carolina but could be a last-minute addition that comes too late. Although Huntsman has been long supported by big names in the state like former state attorney general Henry McMaster and sitting attorney general Alan Wilson, his organization here is struggling. With very little financial resources, a tiny and often frustrated staff, and low name recognition, Huntsman is working hard not to finish last. In the latest state-wide polls, Huntsman remains in the single digits, well behind Romney and Newt Gingrich.
"I want to beat expectations like we did in New Hampshire. You have to beat expectations to keep moving on," a cautious Huntsman told reporters last night in Hilton Head. "Let's not draw too many conclusions until we get to the 24- or 48-hours mark."
Regardless, the campaign is "so pleased" that the paper chose Huntsman. "This endorsement continues the momentum our campaign is carrying out of a late surge in New Hampshire," spokesman Tim Miller told NBC News on Sunday morning.
At the same time, the candidate has long been generally skeptical of the actual impact of endorsements at the voting booth.
"Endorsements, I think, are way overplayed in politics," Huntsman said last night, before receiving The State's backing. "It still comes down to individuals having to determine for themselves who are best able to lead this country."
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Huntsman is too rational. He needs to switch parties. To run for vp with obama. I still remember when rommey said he was the manchurian candidate & huntsman answered him in chinese. It didn't go over well with 'you are either with us or against us' ditto heads.
If was not voting for PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, I would................still vote for PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA :-)!
Obama is embracing the middle class solely to get reelected. He has no plans of taking care of the middle class once elected. It will be business as usual.
Huntsman should just run as an Independant ... he's far too rational for the urine filled gene pool that has innoculated the republican field of clowns ... They are all damaged goods, with the exception fo Huntsman ... which is exactly why Republicans don't have the capacity or intelligence to pick Huntsman ... they're soo busy making believe they are devout christians, when in fact they are nothing but a bunch of evil charlatans...
Huntsman doesn't have a chance, except possibly as a VP candidate. Unfortunately, our misinformed, uneducated electorate would rather have an empty, talking ideologue like BO leading our country. Substance stopped being important long ago. If you vote for BO again, please spare us YOUR laments about our country going to the dogs.
Ummm... John Huntsman offers little to no substance, as well, so not really sure where you are coming from with that...
Such a shame that the most qualified and most intelligent of the Republican challengers receives the fewest votes. It can only mean that he isn't Christian enough, right wing enough, and he is far too well educated. Can speak a foreign language and that alone is a threat to the right. Receiving an endorsement from a newspaper is usually a good thing in states where the majority of the population can read.
NOT the most qualified. DEFINITELY not the most intelligent.
Where are the true leaders? In the interest of full disclosure I lean to the left but I don't see a true statesman, leader, someone who is not in the pocket of special interest on either side. Just a bunch of flame throwers.
don't care who gets in as long as it isn't odumbo, their is talk about 6 dollar a gallon for gas, well their will be a depression because their will be noway in hell anyone can go to work and make 8 bucks an hour, obama got this country going backwards and don't understand why he thinks he is doing such a good job, biden loves the taliban, WHY they were our enemies and will again once they have all our trust. they will invade this country. lets hold this country for us the Americans. screw the rest. We do need a Republicain in office to get us through this crap obama put us in, and i will not believe this is all bush's fault, this is the democrats fault starting the last 2 years of bush's presidency. get the drilling going, get that pipeline building, their is work obama just doesn't won't to do it. they might be bringing jobs back from china. well they better bring with those jobs their f-in buggies and mopeds because you will need them to get to those jobs,. Why did the Whitehouse keep obama ion office when he is doing nothing.
There is no place in this forum for Michael's stupid, insulting rants.
right on MIchael...obama is the worst. obama need to be sent back to chicago where he can ruin, oops i mean "organize" a community. ANYONE BUT obama IN 2012!
Michael: Your post is so damned poorly written I can hardly make sense of it. You must be from southern state to write such BS. By the way, the American Republic is now an oil exporting nation. Do you know what "oil exporting country means?" Why is the price of oil so high? It's not because of supply and demand in the USA. It's because big oil companies send their oil to countries where the prices are higher than in the U.S.
You wrote: "Why did the Whitehouse keep obama ion office when he is doing nothing." What in hell does that mean? The only person who seems to understand you is mcpaddywack! I'd guess he's at about the same intellectual level.
Michael, your rant is unintelligle. I gave up after about 3 words. I think you need "Hooked on Phonics".
Good for Hunstman. Another candidate much more qualified to sit in the oval office. Of course, that is not saying much; just about anyone is more qualified than the fraud obama. ANYONE BUT obama IN 2012!
With a nick mcpaddywack, anybody but
Paddy is a flippin' nut
The people of SC should take a good, long look at Huntsman. They will see a man of intelligence, experience, and skill. He would truly provide the public an excellent general election matchup.
Regardles of endorsements including God himself there is not one of the Republican candidate this life long Republican would walk across the street for. I believe people are deciding who they dislike the least.
Republicn wants: less government, less or no regulations More control over your personal lives and living and to oppress women who want to make the correct decisions for their mental and physical health and welfare.
WHAT PART OF THIS BI-POLAR PLATFORM DO YOUR NOT UNDERSTAND. LOL
invisible hand: the name sounds like you got caught with the hand in the cookie jar. and who's ranting. i spoke my mind, i thought thats what the forums are for to speak ones mind, not calling someone stupid, i read this stuff all day long and also the stocks and still don't understand why a president lets people stick it up others peoples ass's. i'll help anyone and thats what this country is made of, not just the rich, so be a puppet and call people names, been called worst than stupid when i was in the service.
Michael- LMAO at your post's, All the problems started on the day our President took office in 09, in your mind! Grow-up, factcheck it's easy to do. In between all your stock checking!
Ron Paul to Receive Game-Changing Endorsement at Event in South Carolina
Gets consequential support in run-up to the Palmetto State’s January 21st presidential primary COLUMBIA, SC – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will receive a consequential endorsement related to the South Carolina primary at a special event in Myrtle Beach. The event will take place on Sunday, January 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the Palisades Conference [...]
Should be interesting to see what this is about and how much coverage MSNBC gives it.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE SENATOR TOM DAVIS
SC Senator Tom Davis will announce his endorsement in the Palmetto State’s “First in the South” presidential primary, backing a candidate who can beat Barack Obama while at the same time staying true to the principles the Republican Party was founded on. His endorsement will take place Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pallisades Ballroom, 10000 Beach Club Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.
Unless Huntsman says or does something stupid, he will not get Republican support. Perhaps a racist or sexist remark would help.
Huntsman hasn't a chance. He's probably hoping for a top level position in a Republican Administration, if a Republican wins the White House. I'd guess he's hoping to be appointed Secretary of State. Unfortunately for Huntsman, President Obama will be elected by a landslide. Everyone knows it.
If the people of this country are stupid enough to elect Obama again, then this country deserves to fail as Obama has.
calmconservative: Well, there are a good many people and nations who want to see the American Republic fail. I, however, am a very strong patriot and I do not! Looks as though you have several people who join you in your wish. I wonder if any of you are members of al Quida?
the only thing that could prevent the fall of the US if Obama is re-elected is for conservatives to have control of at least one branch of Congress. Even with that, Obama has declared that he believes he has dictatorial power to implement his marxist policies without Congress.
Imagine just for a moment what the outrage would be by the media and the liberals if Bush had made statement like this as Obama did on 10/24/11 (and since then)
Robinson: Let's consider the possibilities, Robinson. "Where they won't act, I will." Why not, "I'll speak to the American public about what the dysfunctional Congress is doing and not doing?" Seems to me that's about all he has done."
You wrote: "I’ve got an obligation to act on behalf of the American people. And I’m not going to stand by while a minority in the Senate puts party ideology ahead of the people that we were elected to serve. Not with so much at stake, not at this make-or-break moment for middle-class Americans. We’re not going to let that happen." Why not I'm going to campaign against this dysfunctional Congress; I'm going to call them out for what they're doing?" Seems to me that's about all he has done.
So, what are you suggesting has been a violation of the Constitution, Robinson?
why don't you ask Obama- he's the one threatening to bypass Congress.
I'll ask again, what would be the reaction if Bush made the same kind of statement?
Robinson: I was never a Bush-hater, although those who are might well try and make the same argument against the President. Let's review our conversation for a moment.
You quoted the President as follows: "I’ve got an obligation to act on behalf of the American people. And I’m not going to stand by while a minority in the Senate puts party ideology ahead of the people that we were elected to serve. Not with so much at stake, not at this make-or-break moment for middle-class Americans. We’re not going to let that happen."
But, you refused to follow up with the rest of his statement as follows:
“I’ve told my administration to keep looking every single day for actions we can take without Congress, steps that can save consumers money, make government more efficient and responsive, and help heal the economy. And we’re going to be announcing these executive actions on a regular basis,” the president said.
The President of the United States is the "boss" of the Executive Branch of the national government. As such, he can direct the various bureaucracies to do exactly what he says in the quotation above. There is no violation of the Constitution here, Robinson. Now, let's look at what he saying specifically.
The president said he would take "...steps that can save consumers money, make government more efficient and responsive, and help heal the economy. And we’re going to be announcing these executive actions on a regular basis." He can do that in the Executive Branch which is what he is talking about. You have said repeatedly in past posts that you have a complete disregard for the role of the federal government to help the poor, the down and out, children, and the elderly as well as the middle class. It is easy to see why you oppose him and his concern for the American people. Take your case to the American people, Robinson, and tell them all of what you believe.
You wrote:
"I've been a minister with two major denominations, but have been mainly independent for the past 12 years. I have pastors and other board members from 6 different denominational affiliations on my board. I am a long time member of the National Association of Evangelicals and the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America.
I oversee churches in the US, Philippines, Mexico, El Salvador, and the Bahamas. I have also served as a
missionary in Taiwan, China, Philippines, and South Africa. My wife and 3 of my sons are people of color."
You claim all of this, and yet you call the President of the United States of America a "dictator," a "communist," and a "Stalinist." You go on to say, "...the only thing that could prevent the fall of the US if Obama is re-elected is for conservatives to have control of at least one branch of Congress. Even with that, Obama has declared that he believes he has dictatorial power to implement his marxist policies without Congress."
Robinson, such statements are beyond bizzare for a man who is a minister and who claims to be educated. Educated Republican leaders would not and do not make such statements about the President of the United States because such statements are simply accusations of treason. You obviously believe in your troubled mind that he is that. It is one thing for an uneducated fanatic to make such charges, but it is unacceptable for an educated person to do so.
I have served on and have chaired Pastor Parrish Committees over the years and I know exactly what would have happened had a minister made such charges against the President of the United States. The congregation would be so completely outraged that both liberals and conservatives would demand the minister's immediate release---and I mean immediate! Therefore, it would be difficult for me to believe that you did not have a great deal of trouble with many of your parishioners, if you made such statements to them.
"...The president said he would take "...steps that can save consumers money, make government more efficient and responsive, and help heal the economy. And we’re going to be announcing these executive actions on a regular basis."
Dictatorship IS efficient, isn't it? No messy rules like a g-dammed republic.
But, whatever... The man has suggested (albeit, rhetorically) that he would merge the dept. of commerce and the dept. of the Interior. Talk about a @!$%#ty idea.
PS-NDAA is in DIRECT violation of the US Constitution (the provision for indefinite detention of American citizens, without due process)...
PPS- COMING SOON! The Enemy Expatriation Act that will serve for those ACCUSED (not guilty of, mind you; due process has NO place in a police state) "terrorist" involvement to be stripped of their NATURAL US CITIZENSHIP. Thanks Joe Leiberman-T (for traitor).
Yeah, no conflict with the Constitution, here...
BTW, in 8th grade civics class, you learn that the POTUS is at the BOTTOM of the INVERTED pyramid that comprises a Republican (not the party) form of Government. Not the "boss" as you'd like to believe. He is the "commander in chief" solely of the military who, also by the way, are going OVERWHELMINGLY for Dr. Paul.
diagtribe: Go back to the 8th grade, study civics again, and while you're about it, grow up!!!! You're way above your head in this discussion.
There are three branches of the national government, Executive, (President), Legislative (Congress) and the Judicial (headed by a U.S. Supreme Court). Each of the three branches has a check and balance on the others. Political Scientists have talked for decades about a fourth branch of government, namely, the Bureaucracy, including the President's Cabinet. So, what is the Bureaucracy?
The Department of Eduction, for example, is headed by a Secretary of Education who sits on the President's Cabinet. Thousands of bureaucrats work in the Department of Education under the Secretary of Education. Who is the Secretary of Education's "boss?" Hint: The President of the United States. That is only one example. There are hundreds more examples where the President appoints Department heads who hire the bureaucrats who work in the Department. Millions of people work in the federal bureaucracy and the vast majority of those departments, agencies, etc. are located in the Executive Branch (headed by the President of the United States). I have provided you with a resource below. Look it up and study it before you make a damned fool of yourself lecturing people about subjects you know just enough about to be dangerous!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_federal_agencies
Huntman, hunt man, or manhunt. Who is this guy??????
LOL
Ron Paul lives in fantasy land.
What Paul supporters don't understand is that he is far too radical right now. Both parties don't like him but both parties aren't goin' anywhere either.
Instead of going to Washington he should have gone to his statehouse as Gov. instead. It is there he could have enacted his program more easily. Then other states could have followed. Then the movement would have built up better.
What about doing a story on the governor supporting Ron Paul
huntsman should have run as a democrat.
No, he is much more a conservative than Mitt Romney. I suggest you look into his positions and his stint as the governor of Utah. You display your lack of knowledge with such a comment. You are simply upset because he was this administration's ambassador to China. Google him. Read about him. You might learn something.
But then again, that would be easy, and much better to just make an uninformed snarky comment.
Anyone other than Obama? Too many people listening to Kush Limpbag and Fux News dribble points.
Ron Paul is the only candidate Not bought out by your real leaders, the corporate bankers. The only one that won't push his religious beliefs on you. The only one that values personal freedoms. The only candidate that will stop the war machine, bring power back to the people, right of choice. Live Free America!
RON PAUL 2012
This is dirty politics > Monster Bug Wars: Huntsman V Jumping Piss Ants : Video : Science Channel
A rational republican option? He has no chance.
Have Faith chris-507809
America is waking up!
I would like a president in the White House who actually puts America first. We don't have that now, and we will not know if anyone else will until they get there. Actions always speak louder than words.
Of course the State would support Huntsman. It's a liberal rag anyways.