One of the lessons of 2008 was that Mormons are big donors if they get the word that the church leadership wants 'em to ante up -- just ask Mitt Romney or the proponents of Proposition 9 in California.  Utah -- and other states with a large LDS presence like Nevada or Idaho -- is a small state but in fundraising terms it is a heck of a base.  Mormons may want low taxes but they sure know how to support each other and pass the collection plate.  They are fantastic record keepers too.  I admire much about thier church and they really, really want one of thier fellow Latter Day Saints in the White House some day.

There's no doubt in my mind: Huntsman is definitely trying to position himself as the candidate who's NOT from the loopy right wing of the right wing of the GOP.

What convinced me was a few weeks ago when he came out in favor of civil unions for same-sex couples. Now, being from Utah, he doesn't have to worry about ever being put on the spot to do something about that position.

So why suddenly make the effort to appear, if not downright gay friendly, at least not a gay-basher? What other answer is there but, to repeat, he's trying to prove he's an alternative to the Palins and the Jindals and others of that ilk on the loopy right wing ... of the GOP.

Of course, putting on a Dumbo hat doesn't disguise the fact that, to his core, he's a disgustingly smelly elephant. But he's trying.

Me, too. But if we have to a Republican president in 2016 or after it might as well as be someone like him. We should be hopeful that he is offering an alternative to the Republican Party.

because even in the event he or someone like him wins a Presidential election, then it means the Limbaugh/Palin/Jindal wing of the Republican Party is dead.

Yeah... He's scary... He comes off sane and rational, even if his policies are bad.  

Frankly, policies aside, I actually respected some of the things he said... I loved the TR and Lincoln playbook line.

If Mitt runs, I don't think huntsman will run... But yeah 2016 he could be a force.  Must. Destroy. Him. Now.

Like it or not, both parties do better when they are operating against a loyal, but effective, opposition.  That's how the best ideas rise to the top, and that's how the party power stays as close to honest as possible.  

I probably will agreee with Huntsman on very few of his policy positions, but he seems like someone you can actually sit down and discuss policy with, and in turn make your own policy positions clearer and better reasoned.  If that's the case, then more power to him.  

Well Hunstman and Charlie Crist are sane which sets them apart from the rest of their party. They are honourable men. I can respect honest philosophical differences and both Huntsman and Crist are also cognizant that the GOP has to stand for something before they can even think about governing again. He is aware that the GOP just can't stand up and offer up the same old tried and failed policies.

or do these guys always seem whiter then white?

Like 1950s kind of whitey white?

It's kind of zombie-like to me.

Something about him makes me think of the movie the Stepford Wives....

the last thing any progressive should want is an unchallenged democratic party - they're corrupt and self-serving enough as it is. A lucid loyal opposition (republican or something else) is absolutely essential. The unfortunate thing that reagan ushered in is a takover of the republican party by their radical insane fringe.

as a staunch left/progressive/liberal I'd be more than happy to listen to republican ideas that aren't more of the same old lies and sop to the ubber wealthy. Haven't heard any as long as I can remember but would be glad to listen to anything not putting lipstick on the same old republican/conservative anti-average person pig.  

I have accrued a tremendous amount of respect for Gov. Huntsman over the past few years, as he both endorsed the redistricting map that would keep Jim Matheson in his seat, as well as firmly establishing himself against intelligent design/in favor of teaching evolution. In arguably the most solidly conservative state in the country, I give him a lot of credit for such principled moves.

It's about time we had an actual debate, rather than merely right-wing mouth frothing.

Huntsman has made a very smooth debut on the national scene.  He's definitely one to keep an eye on.