Before I begin this piece, let me start off by sharing some key information to protect my journalistic integrity: just as I have been fortunate enough to work for and know both of the Clintons over the years, I also know Ambassador Jon Huntsman. I went to college with his daughter, consider her a close friend, and have developed a strong personal relationship with his family. But again, as with my Secretary Clinton post, this is not about his family or me. This is about him.
When I am asked who I have been most impressed with meeting throughout my years in the political arena, I always name the same three names: "Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Jon Huntsman." Why? Because as I have already written before about the Clintons, I will write about Ambassador Huntsman: pure brilliance. These three are the three most brilliant minds I have yet to encounter in my life and my political endeavors.
Jon Huntsman is clearly the least known, not only of these three, but also in a field of future potential Republican presidential contenders. With him in China right now, I don't know if I foresee a 2012 run. And who knows if he will ever run? Right now he seems to be enjoying his job over in China very much and who knows where he will go from there. Regardless, as a Democrat, something is clear to me: the Republicans will one day need him back, and should all take courses from him on how to survive if they want their party to thrive.
Just look at his record as governor: Utah - arguably one of the most conservative states in the nation - and Huntsman proudly led as a progressive Republican with incredibly high approval ratings throughout his time in office. A nearly impossible feat; Teddy Roosevelt would have been proud. In fact, the McCain in 2000 would have been proud too (the McCain in 2008 actually was, but I still don't know exactly who that McCain was myself).
All this being said, Jon Huntsman has continued to impress me throughout the years and I don't expect him to disappear from the political or policy arena anytime soon. In fact, I would keep an eye on him if I were you. He is someone to watch.
I might be close to his family. Journalistic integrity is important to me; I would just say this as if I didn't know him at all - I wish there were more Republicans like him. And when you have a leader like him, it doesn't matter what side of the aisle you are on - you still should take notice of this rising star.
David Helfenbein has also posted this blog posting on his site, http://www.TheBeanPredicts.com, under his blog, The Bean Blog.
Follow David Helfenbein on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DavidHelfenbein
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