Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman – a self-styled moderate who watched as pretty much every other Republican running for president got a turn as the “Flavor of the Month” – has finally followed our advice and dropped out of the 2012 race.
That’s the good news …
The bad news? Huntsman is endorsing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the leading GOP establishment candidate.
Wait … Huntsman is endorsing Romney? Just last week while campaigning in New Hampshire, Huntsman was slamming Romney.
“I will always put my country first,” he said. “It seems that Governor Romney believes in putting politics first.”
A political action committee supporting Huntsman also ran ads in New Hampshire referring to Romney as a “chameleon” and urged Granite State voters to “stop him.”
Anyway, Huntsman will officially announce his withdrawal from the race on Monday – less than a week before South Carolina Republicans go to the polls to express their presidential preference. He becomes the fourth candidate to abandon his presidential aspirations during the current election cycle, following former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Godfathers Pizza CEO Herman Cain and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.
Ironically, Huntsman’s exit from the race came just hours after The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper – one of the largest newspapers in the early-voting Palmetto State – endorsed his candidacy.
“We need a president who can work within our poisonous political environment to solve our nation’s problems, not simply score partisan points,” The State wrote. “Someone who understands that negotiation is essential in a representative democracy, and that there are good ideas across the political spectrum. Someone who has a well-defined set of core values but is not so rigid that he ignores new information and new conditions.”
Speaking of “new conditions,” Huntsman clearly isn’t ignoring his disappointing third-place finish in New Hampshire earlier this month or his total lack of support in South Carolina. Nor is he ignoring the likelihood that Romney will wind up capturing the GOP nomination – whether he’s electable or not (and we think not).
So … why didn’t Huntsman’s bid ever catch fire?
Well, last July Huntsman blamed his slow start on the “dog days of summer” (as opposed to his his eco-radicalism or his former “bromance” with Barack Obama).
“Nobody’s going to pay attention to this race until you’re into September, October, and by then we will have the organization on the ground and we will have a message honed,” he said.
Ummm … not so much.
Huntsman did eventually put forward a decent tax plan, but his campaign was just too liberal on too many other fronts for the GOP electorate to take him seriously – and most Republican voters never bothered to look past the fact that he was Obama’s ambassador to China.
His effort was also beset by petty internal squabbles that called into question his leadership skills.
Huntsman bet the farm on scoring a solid second-place showing in New Hampshire – but the unexpected evolution of Ron Paul from fringe candidate into major player dashed those hopes.
Good …
As much as left-leaning newspapers like The State loved Huntsman and his middle-of-the-road approach to being a Republican, that’s the sort of thinking that started this country down its current path to bankruptcy … and the GOP down its path to irrelevance.
It’s also why we believe that Romney is “unelectable,” which is exactly how one of Huntsman’s top advisers described the former Massachusetts governor a week ago.
***
By SCModerate January 16, 2012 at 1:01 am
Huntsman is the only candidate who could have defeated Obama. A recurring theme of those who supported Huntsman was that he was the only Republican they would vote for against Obama. (and I’m sure the Obama team and many liberal media establishments still had a fear in the back of their minds- that if Huntsman stayed in long enough, and voters were forced to look past being Amb. to China- they would find a candidate with the best jobs record in the country and a tone that many on both sides are hungry for). You have to give Rham & the Obama team credit for appointing Huntsman, thus taking out one of Obama’s strongest threats in 2012.
The timing of his departure makes it seem that he has taken bad advice from advisors. The way this election has gone thus far, with its ups and downs, Huntsman had nothing to lose by participating in the two debates this week… At a time when people were finally starting to notice him and recieved The State’s endorsement. After all SC is a state where many independents and moderate Dems will likely vote in the Rep primary. Not to mention, with his wife being from Florida, any late momentum in SC as a result of the debates (the first look many SCians would have had at Huntsman) in a field with consistent shifts, who knows what could have happened. Why not wait a week?
Oddly enough- endorsing Romney not only hurts Huntsmans brand, it will likely help the non-Romneys. I for one was going to vote for Huntsman, but now would be far more likely to support Newt over Romney. And would certainly not vote for Romney over Obama. (based if nothing else on the fact that Romney is so hollow in his convictions, regardless of what the are).
For Huntsman to drop out before the debates, you would think Romney was in talks of some sort- but why Huntsman would endorse Romney. Maybe he would appointment him Secr of State, but he will obviously not appoint another mormon to a VP. Also, Huntsman should have a pretty good idea that Romney will most likely loose to Obama. So why not stay neutral or finish out the week? Also on the Romney endorsement- Assuming Romney is going to loose to Obama- it is also less likely the party will nominate a Mormon in 2016 (as the party will blame that for one of the reasons Romney lost). Where as if Newt of Santorum get the nomination and then loose- Huntsman would look like a good prospect for 2016.
In the end I still don’t see why voters don’t see that he in more consistently conservative than Romney, and appeals to swing voters (not to mention understand China & Asia, indepth foreign policy, pasted a flat tax in his state, supports the Bowles Simpson plan, passed a voucher innitiave in Utah, Served Reagan-Bush & Bush, and Had the #1 jobs record in the Country as Governor?)
By CriticalMass January 16, 2012 at 1:43 am
The State endorsed McCain in ’08, right?
So, if Huntsman is the only candidate that could’ve defeated Obama, does that mean The State learned their lesson and now has it all figured out?
By seafan2 January 16, 2012 at 10:12 am
I agree with you about Huntsman. He was the best thing going. However, if you think Romney is hollow in his convictions, please tell me why you think the others are not? Especially Gingrich. I have to respectfully disagree with your characterizations of Romney and his chances to win the primary – and the general. Anyone who does not now vote for Romney is giving a vote to Obama.
Anyone who knows anything about business or has been in business for themselves, as I have, knows what venture capitalists are, and they are not typically what is being portrayed in the press. Many small business owners or businesses on the verge of going under pray for a venture capitalist to become interested in their business. If all the attack ads were taken away and a true and factual account of how Romney’s company helped the economy more than it hurt were done, it would be quite different. But then, this is an election and I think somewhere it is written that it has to be down and dirty or it doesn’t count.
And Ron Paul? FITS – please get over the fact that he has an (L) after his name and look at the man. He’s older than I am and Lord knows I’m old as dirt! Not to mention his little girlie hysterical voice. There is no way under the sun that he could work with either party in the congress to accomplish anything he is talking about doing – or anything that needs to be done. Things would be at a bigger standoff than they are now. His record in congress also does not reflect what he is promising now. A vote for him is definitely a vote fo Obama. Being idealistic is not a bad thing, unless it makes you blind to the obvious.
By Buena Vista Social Club January 16, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Agreed, seafan2.
Yesterday Tim Scott forecast on Meet the Press that if Romney wins in SC, the primary race is basically finished. Agreed, Tim.
By Mike at the Beach January 16, 2012 at 1:49 am
The State – Candidate slayers…
As for Romney endorsement- that’s nice, but very few will care.
By Robert January 16, 2012 at 7:54 am
Sorry to see Huntsman, and his wife, leave the campaign.
Romney/Huntsman????????
By Alabaster II January 16, 2012 at 7:57 am
Wonder if the LDS leaders were behind this decision as to give Romney a better chance to win the SC primary.
By debbie January 16, 2012 at 1:36 pm
It is a good chance. Huntsman took down all his anti-Romney video’s leaving only the video’s up on other candidates. At the end of the day Mormons stick together, the backlash is great if they do not.
By eggaday January 16, 2012 at 8:13 am
La Socialista(aka The State) surely looks stupid this morning, as does the state of SC….
and the beat goes on……..
By I wonder January 16, 2012 at 8:20 am
Ah now that Huntsman has recognized he doesn’t have a snowballs chance in hell he’s going to withdraw. I wonder if or political puppet Alan Wilson will let Adam Piper start back on the job tomorrow? I mean hey they’ve gone this long without Piper why do they need him back?
By NEWSFLASH January 16, 2012 at 9:48 am
I was told by an AG office employee over a week ago that Piper was returning to work this week. It was announced at a staff meeting. So it appears Huntsman’s exit was planned.
By NEWSFLASH January 16, 2012 at 9:51 am
I have to agree with you…if spending is so tight and he’s been gone this long why bring him back? He would still be probationary anyway.
By agreed January 16, 2012 at 12:40 pm
I agree that was indeed a bad move on Wilson, but he continues to make one epic failure after another. This GOP circus will not be re-elected so it doesn’t matter. Piper and Haley’s teenage staff will be looking for other jobs in the next 3 years because surely to God our state will not be stupid enough again to vote for Haley, Ard or Wilson. Goodbye to the 3 stooges!
By Smirks January 16, 2012 at 8:46 am
Not surprised he dropped out, although I figured he’d wait until after the SC primary. I’m extremely surprised (and disappointed) he is now backing Romney, though. That makes me feel like I misjudged his character, and it makes me feel a bit of regret backing him. I’ll end up supporting Paul now for sure.
I feel like I did in ’08 when I voted for Fred, and we ended up with McCain. Now we’ll end up with Romney, who Fox News and company want so desperately for us to believe that he’s the best chance to beat Obama. Might as well say that the Pinto could beat the Edsel; yeah, you may be right, but both of them suck ass.
By Ken E. January 16, 2012 at 9:10 am
Fox News (i.e. Roger Ailes) does not like Romney, either. However, they like Ron Paul less.
By STFU January 16, 2012 at 9:07 am
Ok Perry, your turn.
Herman, Bachwomen, where are you, now or never, neither of you would ever be considered in a Mormon cabinet, maybe as a driver and a sister wife, but forget moving forward with a church founded on white supremacy
By Ken E. January 16, 2012 at 9:08 am
Huntsman is too liberal. That’s a good one, FITS. When do you go on tour?
By Cid January 16, 2012 at 9:59 am
Yeh
Huntsman a solid and well known conservative is now a “liberal?”
You’re joking
Right?
By TJ January 16, 2012 at 9:24 am
Huntsman’s dropping out makes Romney a lock to win the SC primary, now that Romney doesn’t have to worry about splitting that critical SC Mormon voting bloc…
By STFU January 16, 2012 at 9:26 am
And Gresham, what are you waiting for, you going to get screwed again listening to others rather than doing what you know should be done.
Play that card, because Davis just played his, and the mainstream will appreciate the strike later at the convention when the battered and humbled Bainster limps to the convention and the folks that made the Prop 8 deal with the Mormons show that no deal is absolute.
The GD NYT article by Laurie Goodstein is all you need, it ain’t Christianity, Sindy, Woody, come on, the Truth now. Ask the question Santorum, Are you wearing magic underwear Mitt ?
If an angel tells the Prophet Smith something, who is Mitt to change it. Does Mitt think he is a god, I thought that came later in Mormon ontology.
The stupidest move the SC GOP can do, since they did the Freddy shuffle in 08, is to help move forward a rich, plutocrat in magic unswear as the nominee.
At least Barry plays basketball and golf. Mitt does not drink coffee, why, will coffee caffiendishly gives him lusty thoughts. The mainstream press will make the negative ads currently run against Mitt look like kindergarten.
By vicupstate January 16, 2012 at 10:44 am
Newt has blown his chance. Romney wins SC and the nomination. It’s all over on Saturday.
By ceilidh10 January 16, 2012 at 11:29 am
I agree.
By dirtbogger January 16, 2012 at 12:03 pm
how about a Paul / Davis ticket???????? once you go Paul you don’t go back. Ron Paul supporters will give Obama a 2nd term because we will not just vote for Romney because he gets the nomination. If you are really that serious about getting Obama voted out, you had better vote Ron Paul!
By CriticalMass January 16, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Do you realize that those two statements are inconguous?
1. “Ron Paul supporters will give Obama a 2nd term because we will not just vote for Romney.”
2. “If you are really that serious about getting Obama voted out, you had better vote Ron Paul!”
Translation: Ron Paul supporters will stay home in November and let Obama win… and if all of you want Obama voted out, YOU WILL ALL STAY HOME, TOO.
Real smart, Einstein.
By James the Foot Soldier January 16, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Actually, Ron Paul is Romney’s best friend. With Ron Paul sucking libertarians away from viable candidates, the good ship Romney has smooth sailing.
Thank you Ron…btw…great work in Borat.
By MLK, the hero January 16, 2012 at 3:00 pm
“With Ron Paul sucking libertarians away from viable candidates”
Ron Paul, who finished top 3 in both primaries unlike ALL the other remaning candidates in both primary’s except Romney is “unelectable”?
You’re reasoning is absurdly flawed. How about try that line of thinking again when just ONE of the “ABR”‘s (anyone but Romney) finish in the top 3 of more once in any of the future primaries.
Even further, what makes you think that the GOP would get even half of the “Libertarian” vote? I sincerely doubt they’d even get 1/3 of it. Not to mention close to ZERO cross over Liberals that Paul gets…
That also doesn’t consider all the Independents Paul draws that won’t be pulling the lever for an ABR or Romney himself and “new voters” who came out soley to vote for him.
He’s far more electable than any of the ABR’s…and Romney for that matter, as most polling is done with registered(likely) voters.
By Jake January 16, 2012 at 1:36 pm
This is why I have zero respect for politicians. Romney called Huntsman unAmerican for serving his country as Ambassador to China. Now instead of telling him to call to hell he endorses that fake asshole.
By seafan2 January 16, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Hello? It’s about getting Obama out of the White House. Does that work for you?
By Ken E. January 16, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Country Second!
By MLK, the hero January 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm
“It’s about getting Obama out of the White House.”
Neocons and their progeny are using this strategy fairly effectively, of course, for many of the sheeple the following question is never asked:
“What if the guy who replaces Obama is just like him?”
No, no, can’t ask that question my sheeple…just stay focused on what we smart GOPers tell you what is best for you & our beloved GOP.
By NEWSFLASH January 16, 2012 at 3:05 pm
The line about Romney being the only candidate that can beat Obama has been repeated so much that people are getting brainwashed.
MLK got it right: “What if the guy who replaces Obama is just like him?”
By CriticalMass January 16, 2012 at 5:46 pm
You can ask this question as often as you like:
“What if the guy who replaces Obama is just like him?”
But it’s based on the false premise that Romney is just like Obama.
He is not.
I’m not hugely excited about him, either, but HE’S NOT JUST LIKE OBAMA.
Get yourself a better premise and try again.
By Help Wanted January 16, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Thank God, Alan Wilson never found anyone to fill Adam Piper’s important job at the Attorney General’s Office.
By Lawdy January 16, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Oh yea what would our state ever do without our prepubescent Adam Piper? Wilson will hear about this and all the other foul ups he’s managed to accomplish or SHOULD I SAY NOT ACCOMPLISH!
By dirtbogger January 17, 2012 at 1:23 pm
CriticalMass, your are eather nutty as a squirl turd or plain stupid. translation is Obama will not be voted out without the support of the RP voting block, we will most likely vote third party which will give Obama a 2nd term. But honestly I am starting to believe that RP just might win the whole thing.
By CriticalMass January 17, 2012 at 10:48 pm
“I am starting to believe that RP just might win the whole thing.”
THAT’S the nuttiness right there, dirtbogger.
I understand what you’re saying about the RP voting block, and believe me when I say that I find a lot to like about a lot of what RP has been saying for years. He’s right on the Federal Reserve and a LOT of things.
But he won’t be elected Prez in 2012, and if you consider yourself part of the RP voting block, and he doesn’t decide to run third party, what are you gonna do, STAY HOME?
If he does decide to run third party… and I assume you know that his son Rand has said often that he WON’T… you won’t be able to substantively and logically defend your vote if you DO vote for him and it puts Obama in for another term.
I agree with Jim DeMint and many others who say that the RP supporters have to be treated with respect and their concerns are valid and need to be addressed.
I’d love to see the Fed gone, as well as all those other agencies he wants to close. I definitely respect many of the things he stands for, he definitely knows his stuff, and I think many/most of those things should be part of any presidential candidate’s platform, but realistically speaking, there is no way RP could win in November with the demographic makeup of this country the way it is.
And if somehow he did get the Republican nomination (and he won’t), can you imagine all the ads from Democrat SuperPACs making fun of his age, his squeaky excited voice, saying “he’s out of touch and probably doesn’t even know what Twitter is,” etc.? The same youth and hope and change mindset that swept Obama into office would sweep Paul under in a virtual landslide.
People just won’t go for an old guy for Prez… it’s an almost cultural thing now. It happened with McCain, for sure.
I know there’s a huge RP following among younger people.
It’s just not a large enough group.