Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) accepted the job of U.S. ambassador to Russia on Wednesday, according to reports from several outlets.
Huntsman, who ran for president in 2012, accepted the position according to reports from Politico, CNN’s Jeff Zeleny and Fox News’ John Roberts.
Huntsman served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore in President George H.W. Bush’s administration and U.S. ambassador to China in President Barack Obama’s administration.
In 2011, Trump called Huntsman a “joke” candidate with “zero chance” of being elected.
During the 2016 presidential election, Huntsman called upon Trump foes to back off of their crusade to stop Trump from becoming the Republican nominee.
“We’ve had enough intraparty fighting. Now’s the time to stitch together a winning coalition,” he said in May.
In October, he then called on Trump to drop out of the race after a leaked “Access Hollywood” tape showed Trump bragging about being able to grope and kiss women without their consent due to his fame.
The Russia Ambassadorship is kind of a steamy pile to plunge into, right now. Is he stupid? Brave? Dirty?
I haven’t followed John that closely but I thought he was the best of the bunch in 2012 Republican primaries (admittedly a low bar). Seems sane and capable. Not a fit at all for this admin. Not sure why he would take job either unless Ben Carson did some surgery on him. My assessment, Trump could have, and certainly already has, done worse.
Jon’s a pious man, but he’s forgiven Donald since then.
I think his scripture says, “Let him without political ambition for a plumb ambassadorship cast the first stone”.
Or something.
I thought Huntsman had more sense to accept a job with this shitty administration.
Looks like I was wrong.
Full disclosure: While I did not vote to elect Jon Hunstman for governor, I did vote to reelect him. The guy ran a tight ship and stayed away from the usual Right Wing wedge issues. He was a good governor. Plus, he keeps progressive rock on his iPod and he showed up at a Return to Forever concert a few years back.
That said…
It says a lot about this train wreck of an administration that they picked for the job of ambassador to Russia a man who speaks fluent Mandarin.
It’s just how these clowns roll.