Well, this won't help Jon Huntsman's campaign among Republican primary voters.
The former ambassador to China -- and possible GOP presidential candidate -- praises Obama in a handwritten note obtained by The Daily Caller website.
"You are a remarkable leader -- and it has been a great honor getting to know you," Huntsman wrote in an Aug. 16, 2009, note.
The word "remarkable" is underlined.
In the letter, the former Utah governor thanks Obama for "the graciousness and kindness you have shown me and my family -- particularly your confidence in my ability to represent you in China."
The Caller also obtained a Huntsman letter to former president Bill Clinton, praising Obama-appointed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
"I must report that Sec. Clinton has won the hearts and minds of the State Dept. bureaucracy -- no easy task," Huntsman wrote her husband. "And after watching her in action, I can see why. She is well-read, hard working, personable and has even more charisma than her husband! It's an honor to work with her."
The Daily Caller comments:
Jon Huntsman, President Obama's outgoing ambassador to China, is considering running against his boss in 2012 as a Republican. But two handwritten letters from Huntsman obtained by The Daily Caller raise the question of why he's not campaigning for Obama instead.
Of course, you can't discount the possibility that the White House leaked the notes out of worry about a Huntsman candidacy. Some administration aides said the former ambassador could indeed be a formidable foe in 2012.
The full text of the short notes, per the Caller:
August 16, 2009 Dear Mr. President,
I am most grateful for the graciousness and kindness you have shown me and my family -- particularly your confidence in my ability to represent you in China. Mary Kaye and I will begin our journey tomorrow -- leaving behind a state we love -- but also anticipating an extraordinary experience in Beijing. You are a remarkable leader -- and it has been a great honor getting to know you.
Jon
Huntsman's Aug. 10, 2009, letter to Bill Clinton:
August 10, 2009
Dear Mr. President, This being my last day as governor of Utah, I wanted to express my deep gratitude for your very thoughtful note. My only regret is that we were unable to find time for a China discussion before next week's departure for Beijing. I have enormous regard for your experience, sense of history and brilliant analysis of world events. Please save some time for me when I'm next in New York.
I must report that Sec. Clinton has won the hearts and minds of the State Dept. bureaucracy -- no easy task. And after watching her in action, I can see why. She is well-read, hard working, personable and has even more charisma than her husband! It's an honor to work with her. Hope to see you soon.
Jon
