E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Jon Huntsman will drop his presidential bid and endorse Mitt Romney, according to campaign sources.
"He doesn't want to stand in the way of the person who is going to be the nominee," a campaign source said.
Huntsman will make the announcement during a speech in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Monday at 11 a.m. ET, spokesman Tim Miller said. Huntsman, who earlier Sunday was endorsed by The State (the largest newspaper in South Carolina), had vowed to stay in the race despite his third-place showing in New Hampshire. He boasted in a speech on primary night Tuesday that he had a "ticket to ride" and that it was "on to South Carolina."
The move to endorse Romney is especially ironic, considering Huntsman up until yesterday, was saying nobody wants a "coronation." Huntsman also delivered his most searing line of the campaign -- at Romney's expense -- in a debate just before the New Hampshire primary. Romney criticized Huntsman's service as ambassador to China under President Obama to which Huntsman replied, "This nation is divided because of attitudes like that."
NBC's Chris Donovan reminds that Huntsman also was harshly critical of Romney on Meet the Press, questioning his consistency. "When there is a question about whether you're running for the White House or running for the waffle house, you've got a real problem with the American people," Huntsman charged.
He went on to add that he believed because of Romney's inconsistency, he was "unelectable."
"I think when you're on too many sides of the issues of the day, when you don't have that core, when there's that element of trust out there," Huntsman said, "I think that becomes a problem, and I think it makes you unelectable against Barack Obama."
He later went on to say he'd support Romney if he becomes the nominee, "but I think the electability issue is a, is a very real one."
Political reality apparently set in for the former Utah governor. He did not poll well in the Palmetto State, never rising above low single digits. The path for him was not at all clear after New Hampshire, and he acknowledged that his expectations in South Carolina were "very low."
"Gov. Huntsman is proud of the race he ran and his message of restoring trust in Washington," another campaign source said. "But he did not want to stand in the way of the candidate best prepared to beat Barack Obama and turn the economy around. That's Mitt Romney."
Brian Snyder / Reuters
Businessman, governor and ambassador: a look at Jon Huntsman's public life.
Huntsman decided "days ago" -- shortly after the New Hampshire primary -- that he would not go on with his campaign, according to a high-level source close to the campaign.
Senior staffers in South Carolina say the campaign struggled to get Huntsman to campaign in the state following his third-place finish in New Hampshire. They say the campaign had no infrastructure in the state and suffered from lack of resources and communication issues. Not even signs had arrived yet from New Hampshire. Many volunteers had no work assigned to them.
One senior South Carolina staffer said he was disappointed with what he had been promised by the campaign and was already mulling returning to his previous job.
Senior supporters and consultants were continually frustrated, they said, by a lack of fundraising to support what the national campaign originally promised -- a full-fledged campaign. Senior sources also noted that many fundraisers questions why Huntsman chose not to fund his campaign with his personal wealth. They were frustrated also that more resources were not devoted earlier.
NBC's Garrett Haake reports that Huntsman's campaign advance director was told the candidate was dropping out by a Romney staffer, who had been told by an NBC reporter minutes earlier. According to that Romney staffer, Huntsman campaign staff were at the debate walk through (there's a debate tomorrow night) asking "real" questions and were seemingly fully involved.
Much, if not all, of the Romney campaign team was also unaware -- despite Huntsman endorsing him tomorrow. The campaign's political director, for example, found out via a news alert.
Several members of the Huntsman advance team, who flew down just this morning, were unaware of the decision. Huntsman's regional political director found of the decision via an NBC reporters' Tweet.
Huntsman's YouTube channel -- which used to have lots of anti-Romney videos on it -- has been scrubbed already and none of the anti-Romney videos are there any longer. Also taken down are www.scaredmittless2012.com and 10Kbet.com -- both were created by the Huntsman campaign.
Leave a Comment:
Can you say, Jon Huntsman, Secretary of State.
kew sho wa ye meoi ta doni.....Mandarin for "go back to Utah........"
For Obama, that would be Hillary Clinton- S of S 2008-2016
Ron Paul has read the constitution, he just wants us to go back there, the year it was written, I mean he doesn't even believe in civil rights. As a woman, I could never vote for someone that touts Freedom, but wants to tell me what to do with my body! Wants NO social programs, thinks church's should pick up the slack!
No one would be telling you what to do with your body, but they would say that if you are willing to spread them, then you must have them. Don't like it, then keep your legs closed, get protection, or anything else for that matter. I believe in the freedom of choice and the the notion that one must take full responsibility for those choices also.
Ron Paul is an idiot. I mean, he actually wants to cut $1 trillion from the budget EVERY YEAR. That is $4 trillion over 4 years!!!!!! By then the budget would be less than 10% of what it is now. He'd send this nation into a death spiral, and compromise the recovery. And don't give me that constitutional crap. We already had that discussion decades ago. Social programs ARE NEEDED. Poverty among seniors has decreased substantially with entitlements. We'd be screwed if it weren't for a strong federal government. Sure they make mistakes, but they aren't perfect. We just have to soften up the rough edges of democracy to improve it.
Obama Biden 2012
Ron Paul is just as crazy as Rick Perry, must be the water or air in TX. No wonder they both want to abolish the EPA. No thanks, I want to make sure the water I drink don't combust spontaneously. Watch "Gasland" before you chant drill baby drill.
Pretty much a guarantee the guy is shooting for a VP spot, unfortunately with Mitt at the helm and Huntsman at VP, that's a very scary tandem...not one to be feared so to speak, just a scary tandem...and the only reason it will happen is Mitt panders to get what he wants. Period...and will flip and flop on you to get what he wants.
The good ones are going down...Jon Huntsman better luck next time.
So we are left with Moe, Curly and Larry, I just wonder which one is Shemp...lol
Mark...There's 5 comedians left: Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp...and Curley Joe!
The only other Stooges are the ones voting for these turds!
BTW: Obama/Biden win in 2012! No doubt!!
Obama is Shemp
Proof-positive the Repubs are certified as the Party of and for the Insane!
Your logic is a little confusing. A possible candidate realizes he will not get the nomination, decides to drop out, and support the person who most likely will get that nomination, therefore "the Repubs are certified as the Party of and for the Insane!". Did you feel that same way when Edwards or Clinton dropped out and conceded to Obama?
This means Romney may be the winner.
Not in the slightest. Huntsman was spending large amounts of money to garner 3 - 5 percent of the vote. Even if Romney gets the bulk of it, hit is not enough to seal the deal.
Get back, get back, get back to where we once belonged, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence...Get Back America...
Nominate Dr Ron Paul for President of the United States of America 2012
The road to PEACE is paved with FREEDOM.
Let it be Jeffrey,so ya say you want a revolution by voting for Paul,even though Huntsmen had a ticket to ride ? Rocky Racoon has a better chance of being President !!! And in the END the love you save is equal to the love you gave...(I buried Ron Paul)......
We the people need a revolution. Have you heard of the "Enemy Expatriation Act"? It is worse than the "National Defense Authorization Act"
We the people will be lucky if we are allowed to vote in 2012.
Jeffrey- Paul has got to get on the ballot in the general election, ain't going to happen - this old codger is collecting delegates - so he can flex a muscle at the convention in Tampa
too bad, one of only 2 not looking to start WW111, but the republicans need a hawk who can fly and he'd never get off the ground.
Romney
is NOT a capitalist ! He is a Corporatist owned by Wall street just like Obama.
In 2008 he and Obama voted for the 1,4 Triljon dollars bailout that went right
into the top of wall street banks. In fact they used the tax money bonusing the
CEO's...google it.
TARP was signed by Bush. Google yourself.
Cynthia, he said voted, not signed. Congress passes things, and presidents then signs them things.
Ooops! sorry 'bout that!Yes, I know how a bill is passed or filibustered, etc. However, Romney wasn't in any position to cast a vote on TARP.
Obama/Biden 2012
As a democrat supporting Obama i liked Huntsman if he were to win somehow, he was the most sane of the bunch. however, i don't get this about politics, if we all know he's going to withdraw today, why do we have to wait until monday to hear him say it? i mean this goes for everyone, stop soaking up the limelight from the other people still in the race, just drop out and move on with your lives so we can move on with ours
That is a shame, I was going to vote for him; But now my vote goes to Obama, no matter who wins the GOP. I'm not necessarily voting for Obama or the Dems (or against the GOP), but all of the GOP nominees scare the hell out of me.
Though, any party that practices brinkmanship with our countries well-being and standing in the world, deserves to lose. The GOP also has proven that it wont listen to it's own constituents, which is absolutely amazing to me. Huntsman was the only person that seemed to be able actually work with both sides of the aisle, and work for the good of the People for once. And, he didn't sign the Norquist agreement, which is a remarkable showing of character, even though I'm sure he was threatened with isolation and being shunned by the GOP elites.
Huntsman is being realistic and applying for a government job at the same time. Romney will end up with his money and Huntsman will end up politically bankrupt. Never go to dinner with a vulture, John.
Richest candidate always wins.....
Looking GOOD for Ron Paul!
Finally the rest of the world might be able to breathe a big SIGH of relief...
What ever happened to inteligence and statesmen?
You know like President Obama and Vice President Biden!
You know like Dwight Eisenhower, and not Richard Nixon, Romney reminds me of Tricky Dicky Nixon!
Both men are liars, but Nixon has stopped.
Well, I see most of you people that posted here are nut jobs and don't know what you're talking about. You that called yourself a "progressive", that's just an old fashioned name for LIBERAL. So, why don't you go to a Liberal site and post there. I resent being called a "Taliban Christian". Must have come from an athiest that's trying to take God from a country whose roots are based on Judeo/Christianity. As for what's left, anyone; but, Paul can and will beat Obama. Long live the Independent and Patriots of this country. God Bless America.
What are you talking about??? This is a liberal site. Over 75% on here are democrats. This is the liberal version of Fox news.
MSNBC has bias, Fox has lies. That is the difference.
Ron Paul is a right wing version of Ralph Nader. They both have run for president several times while spouting extremely wacko nonsense. And they both have no chance of getting the nomination, let alone getting elected. If Paul should run as a third party candidate, he will probably siphon enough votes away from Romney to assure four more years of Obama, just as surely as Nader's run cost Gore enough votes to give us Dubya.
Bob, I'm so happy to see that the local psychologist and all-around psuedo know-it-all has spoken. Try some sentence structure before spouting off a nonsensical diatribe about what you don't know. The country was based on freedom from tyranny. Are you that risible?
When Perry quits the I.Q. of this group of circus clowns will increase by 100%
At least Perry keeps his damage to himself. The others plan to spread damage like the swine flu.
Too bad; he was the best of a truly ghastly bunch...
No doubt a behind-the-door deal with Romney. The Huntsman votes will now be Romney votes. We need a few conseratives to drop out to consolidate the votes. Romney can only be the nominee if the votes continue to be split.
Go Newt!...
Hummbird
I'm not even close to a Ron Paul Supporter and I know that he was upset that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would not achieve it's goal. Here's part of his statement.
Did the 1964 solve the civil rights problems we have? Hardly, from what I see here on Newsvine. Today, we judge people more harshly over race than ever. NLK's goal was the correct goal - a colorblind society.
Here's what the NAACP says about Ron Paul
http://www.therightperspective.org/2011/12/24/ron-paul-no-racist-naacp-austin-president/
How about if we drop the racist anti-civil rights dung and start looking to get along with people of a different Political ideology OKAY?
I don't like Ron Paul either, but I wouldn't necessarily call him a racist. I mean, he is a likable guy, and I highly doubt that he endorsed those racist newsletters. It could have been an accident that his name was put onto them. But then again, who knows??
I didn't like Huntsmans stance on immigration anyway.
I like Romneys much better. Deportation for all illegal immigrants as soon as possible.
They have been killing my wage level. Hard to compete with 25 single guys that share meals,home,and their ride to work. I have a family to raise, I have 20 years exp, it is mentally demanding (lots of math), conditions are tough and dangerous for $15 per hr.
That is B.S. SEND THEM HOME !!!
THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR OUR LAWS !!!!!
Romney is a panderer. He knows how to tell people what they want to hear, not what he plans to do.
You do know Romney's family is from Mexico? There is no way he'll win the Latino votes if he keeps on talking about deportation.
Dear Dirt-bag Redhead - the only one who is certifiable crazy is Mr. 57 states himself...your Messiah, Barack Hussein Obama....mmmm, mmmm, mmmm.
Do you have all rush rants memorized?
a.friend-3401376
with a friend like you... (_______)?
Sounds like you're pissed because your mother's red-headed and your father's black.
mmmmmmm, mmmmmmm, mmmmm sounds like a new rap song from the notorius "carrot top black".
Watch out A. Friend ! Fiesty's little tattletale friend Cynthia has sicced her on you ! Be prepared for an onslaught of righteous indignation ! Protect your ankles at all costs ! Get your armour on ! :-)
PacemParabellum How nice of you to defend inflammatory comments made by A. Friend-3401376 Would you also defend this one?
A. Friend-3401376
#199 - Fri Jan 13, 2012 10:02 PM EST
Cynthia, I was not defending his comment, I was warning him that he should not cross the feisty one. Feisty is just so "terrifying" and does the "heavy work " , Ha ! Ha !I condemn his comments that you just posted. Cheers.
Did I detect righteous indignation ? Check..... :-)
he ain't no friend
he ain't no friend because he wears his heart on his sleeve and makes inflammatory comments. he also ain't no friend cause he don't agree with 100% of the one-sided clique that believes it owns this discussion group ? Is that it ?
and....Mate !
Ron Paul Will die in Office. He nearing 80. I do not think so. He may even die before november. We will see,