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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Huntsman Enters Republican Presidential Race

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman announced his GOP bid for President at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. today. (AP)

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman announced his GOP bid for President at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. today. (AP)

Here & Now Guest:

  • Matt Bai, New York Times Magazine chief political correspondent


Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who was until recently President Obama’s ambassador to China, entered the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination today. He announced his candidacy in shadow of the Statue of Liberty, the same spot where Ronald Reagan launched his campaign in 1980.

In his speech, Huntsman said he respects Pres. Obama, but added that he and the President have “a difference of opinion on how to help the country we both love.”

Other stories from Tuesday's show

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

  • BHA in Vermont

    I don’t care about a candidate’s faith as long as they understand the Constitutional requirement of separation of church and state. I don’t care what church, synagog, temple, mosque they practice their religion or if they are not religious at all. Anyone who wants to ‘rule’ based on their religious beliefs should not be elected.

  • Olorcain2

    I agree.  Religion is not the first thing I look for in a candidate, unless they are assuming that I am somehow un-American and have no values because I don’t happen to believe in god.  Your religious preference is your right as an American as is mine not to have a religion.  If you can govern without prejudice then what do I care who you pray too.  But if you think we need a national religion please stay home.

  • Wolfger in Vermont

    A candidate’s religion may not be important to some people but I suggest that the teachings of the religion are important.  For example, if a candidate’s religion aims to create a religious state as is the case in some Islamist countries, we wouldn’t tolerate this here, I believe.

    Many people are beginning to realize that the current human population is unsustainable and that any further growth is undesirable for the future of the human race.  The Mormon religion advocates for large families and is one of the reason why Utah, 60% Mormon, has had a population growth rate of 30% in the last decade over twice the nation’s average with 88% of that growth from within the state.

    Jon Huntsman, father of 5 ….. Mitt Romney, father of five ….  These are not the kind of presidents I would like to see set an example for family size. Two is the sustainable example.  Thank you, Obama.

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