Huntsman sees momentum building, tempers expectations
Bedford, New Hampshire (CNN) - Dozens of people packed a home in suburban Bedford, New Hampshire to meet Jon Huntsman and listen to him speak Sunday evening.
The Republican presidential candidate was peppered with questions about budget cuts, taxes, immigration and foreign policy. Many in the crowd said they were still undecided ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary. Several times, Huntsman's answers were greeted with enthusiastic applause.
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The house party was held the same day two polls showed a slight increase in the former Utah governor's numbers. One survey, from Suffolk University of people likely to vote in the primary, put Huntsman at 11%, while he got 17% in an American Research Group poll. Both were conducted before this weekend's debates.
"I think it really is the natural phenomenon of the voters of the Granite State coalescing around their favorite candidates," Huntsman told reporters before entering the home. "I think it happens, you know, 24 to 48 hours out. I don't think it's unusual. I think it's a fairly normal thing to play out at this point and I believe that will continue."
Huntsman said he sees a huge opportunity. "There's a lot of blue sky in this race," he said.
While he remains optimistic, and said he is confident he will beat expectations, Huntsman doesn't want to set the bar too high.
"The fact remains that I am still an underdog," he said. "And we still have a long way to go."
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It is time for Huntsman's 15 minutes. Everybody else had their shot, now it is his turn. He is smarter, more articulate, more conservative and far more patriotic than any of those bozos. He is highly experienced as both a diplomat and as an executive – the perfect presidential resume. He's a Conservative that liberal America wouldn't be ashamed of. I agree with almost none of his positions, but he is honest and well reasoned in his beliefs. No racist, gay bashing, financial or other scandals – clean as they come. Come on, GOP, you have your winner if you weren't on your knees to the Tea Party.
If Santorum of all people can do it in Iowa, Huntsman (the sane one) sure can do it in New Hampshire.
Did anyone else see how nervous Willard was when Huntsman mentioned he had two son's serving in the military? Of course that's a subject Willard KNOWS not to touch. This guy (Willard) is so sneaky and slimy I can't believe anyone would take him serious.
He is the best of the bunch of Republican hopefuls for president.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Sorry, you're FAR too reasonable for the current Republican party. Too bad, ytou'd have made a good alternative to Obama and actually made me have to think about who I'd vote for.
Huntsman is intelligent, has common sense, and is genuine. Right now that makes him a non-Republican. Republicans have fallen off a cliff when it comes to character, integrity, honor, and even caring about the People of our country. They are extreme, full of hate, think it is fine to lie, to go back on their promises, and to ignore the real issues facing America. They only care about themselves, money, power, and have lost their way. They have sef-destructed and no one trusts them anymore. They need to go away and find their soul and humanity and face reality. Until then no one will take them seriously or elect them.
He needs to pick up some serious steam from New Hampshire. He seems to be the only reasonable man running for the nomination.
Ron Paul/Jon Huntsman 2012
Huntsman go home.
Good luck Mr. Huntsman. I'm a Dem., but you are the ONLY honest Rep. in this circus of clowns and you deserve to do well. I commend you on the adoption of your daughters.
The country has to be sick and tired of all these people. I don't care who they are what they stand for. Just pick a "winner" and go with it!!
Give us a break please!!!