I grew up in Utah but have not lived there since 1998. I just saw this on msn.com, John Huntsman is now the ambassador to Russia. This is obviously a big job given the political climate- I don't know much about Huntsman, is he TBM? What is the general opinion of him? I have the impression he is a somewhat progressive mormon type, is this wrong?
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/huntsman-to-be-russia-ambassador/ar-AAo2vC7?li=BBnb7Kz

Yes, he is NOM-ish and relatively progressive. He is the former ambassador to China, and as such is used to dealing with important and delicate diplomatic ties. I think he's a terrific pick for this critical post.

Jon Huntsman has his roots in Silicon Valley.

He's as good or better a candidate than many of the others called to serve thus far.

He may be the first appointee in this administration that actually has experience doing what his new job will be -- he's been an ambassador twice before :)

That's my thought as well, he might be the first person in the administration that has actually had experience for the job he was just appointed for.

Well he's no wuss but he has yet to face Vlad.

He's not likely try to use the fake Mormon schmooze with Putin like we know Mittens would.

My understanding is he isn't very Mormon.

Seems like an accomplished ambassador. Don't see why it's a bad pick.

I actually like Jon Huntsman a lot... best pick by far, IMHO, of this administration.

yes Cynful (nice name by the way) he seems like the best pick so far to me as well. Like I said, I have limited knowledge of him, but my general impression has been positive, responses to my op as well as yours seems to confirm it. So go Utah!

Well, Jon Huntsman seems to meet the first prerequisite for a cabinet-level position:

He's rich.

is huntsman the heir to the very large fortune his dad lucked into when mcdonalds decided to use styrofoam and he was the only company doing it?

his dad is a billionaire and may be dead or close to dead- his brother david is a mp in northern va -quiet, nice, great family- i often wonder what david really believes as he is definitely not a nazi mormon.

I'd imagine daddy Huntsman probably made a good campaign donation. But whatever the reason, the apple isn't all that close to the tree in the Huntsman clan, which is good. Even though yeah, he'll probably inherit a fortune and I'm sure the Donald wants to keep the billionaires close.

True. Although compared to Trump's other pics, he makes a teacher's salary.

And the Russian leader's insecurities...

When Huntsman was governor here I encountered him once in the breezeway of the Salt Lake Hilton...

I'm less than six feet, but he barely came up to my chin.

Google tells me Putin is five seven...

Huntsman is a very reliable yes man. He does as he's told and doesn't screw up. Getting him out of Utah helps Orrin Hatch and helps Trump with his Russian conduit.

Huntsman speaks fluent Chinese and was previously an ambassador to China. He's got a solid record as a moderate Republican and seems like a decent guy overall.

No complaints from me on this appointment. He's a great choice.

I like Huntsman a lot. It's hard to believe the current administration would make a wise move like that. But for whatever reason, with all the Russia stuff going on, it is probably an excellent choice.

I was impressed that Huntsman accepted the appoint as ambassador to China from Obama. Many of the Pubs were upset that he'd let himself be appointed by Obama. He said something to the effect of "when your country asks you to serve, you serve your country."

I dont think could work for Trump under any circumstances. I guess we can hope that he will be a moderating influence, but my admiration for him has suffered.

I wish he were the president.

rhgc Wrote:
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> I wish he were the president.

Me TOO!!! And I'm a lifelong Democrat!!! I always liked him, especially when he said he believed in SCIENCE and would NOT thump a bible for votes. AND, he is a SANE person.

Additionally, I too admire that his country came first when he was asked to serve as Ambassador to China by President Obama... thank you for that awesome reminder NormaRae! :-)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/09/2017 11:23PM by cynful.

This article, from a conservative/libertarian site (with a focus on economics) thinks Huntsman's appointment indicates that Trump will be taking a harder line on Putin and Russia:

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03-09/trump-offers-russia-ambassador-post-putin-critic-jon-huntsman

OTOH, Trump may also be trying to offset various charges that he's too cozy with Putin.

SMARTER THAN HIS BOSS

just sayin'

This will probably ruin his reputation.

Exactly.

It has in my eyes.

cludgie Wrote:
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> This will probably ruin his reputation.

True... it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't. Serve your country and try to do some good, while at the same time being affiliated with this awful mess of an administration.

He'd better serve his country by running against Orrin Hatch. But I can understand the allure of being a diplomat. But a diplomat to Russia under the Trump administration?

Check the article link in my post above. Trump as Putin's buddy or worse, puppet, makes for a handy progressive meme, but "conventional (liberal) wisdom" may be off the mark.