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| Jon Huntsman in 2010. Photo courtesy of wikipedia. |
It was to be expected that media coverage of last night’s Republican debate would include dissing Jon Huntsman for his ability to speak Mandarin. But it figures. Too often pundits and commentators in both the old and new media appear to have mastered the technical skills of journalism, but are so ignorant in other areas as to fail to grasp what an asset Huntsman’s language skills might be for a U.S. president in today’s climate in which China is emerging as a world superpower.
Incidentally, how often do we find a U.S. ambassador who has actually taken the trouble to learn the language of the country where he or she serves?
Up to now, the media has virtually ignored Huntsman who is obviously the best qualified Republican candidate to compete with Obama in the 2012 general election. With his extensive background and “my country first” attitude, Huntsman could serve our nation well as president.
The Atlantic at least gives Huntsman some credit for his performance in this morning’s debate:
2. Jon Huntsman's breakout. Huntsman picked up a thread from the night before to jab back at Romney, who had dinged him for serving in the Obama administration. "He criticized me while he was out raising money for serving my country in China. Yes, under a Democrat. Like my two sons are doing in the United States Navy. ... I will always put my country first." When Romney replied that conservatives ought to oppose Obama, not support him, Huntsman replied: "This nation is divided because of attitudes like that." It was the best job he's done at making his centrist vision accessible and relevant.
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