If you're an centrist or liberal Republican, Independent or Democrat watching the Republican primary has been a case study in lunacy outdoing lunacy as candidates who have a shot of winning the nomination out-Trump each other. We've had Tim Pawlenty trying to "out-Santorum" Rick Santorum while Mitt Romney keeps faltering trying to pin the blame for the economy on President Obama. Which is why Huntsman entrance into the race is at least a little refreshing. Don't get me wrong, he's anti-choice and his position on gay rights while "moderate" for the GOP are still far to the right of mainstream America that's willing to accepting gay marriage. Yesterday was his last day as a member of the Obama administration and today he released a statement on the killing of Osama Bin Laden that was completely different than the other Republican candidates.
"This is a proud moment for all Americans. Our success in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice is a tribute to our entire intelligence and military infrastructure," Huntsman said in a statement released Monday afternoon through Horizon PAC, which has been building a campaign-in-waiting for his potential GOP presidential bid. "I applaud the President's handling of the mission."
The former Utah governor just ended his term as ambassador to China last weekend. He hasn't been allowed to campaign for any office since he took that job in August 2009 because of restrictions on political activity by government employees.
Huntsman also thanked U.S. troops. "In Utah, the hardest part of my job was presiding over the funerals of our brave National Guard soldiers. This is a reminder that the lives that have been lost fighting the War on Terror were not lost in vain," he said. "We are so grateful for their sacrifice and for the service of all our young men and women in the armed forces."