Jon Huntsman, former Governor of Utah and U.S. Ambassador to China, made his candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination official today. Huntsman made his announcement from Liberty State Park in New York. Huntsman chose to channel Ronald Reagan, who also made his presidential announcement from Liberty State Park in 1980. Huntsman told the gathered audience that “today I am a candidate for the office of president of the United States of America.” In an attempt to continue the growing trend towards using social media and live online video feeds for campaign announcements, Huntsman’s speech could be seen via his campaign site.
During his announcement, Huntsman called it “totally unacceptable and totally un-American” to pass down to the next generation a version of America that is “less powerful, less compassionate, less competitive and less confident” than the one the current generation of Americans has enjoyed.
Hunstman also pointed out that Reagan made his announcement during a “time of trouble, worry and difficulty.” Huntsman added that “today, I stand in his shadow.” Huntsman also referred to the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, which could be seen to the left of him during his announcement. “Her lamp has been a beacon, reflecting America’s highest aspirations and values,” Huntsman said.
Huntsman’s campaign announcement was nearly flawless except for the misspelling of Huntsman’s name according to ABC News. Members of the press were given a press pass that read “John Huntsman for President” (with an extra H).
Hunstman resigned from his post as U.S. Ambassador to China at the end of April. At the time, Huntsman’s resignation came amid rumors that he would run for the GOP nomination. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that “the president and the American people expect that somebody who holds the post of ambassador from the United States to China would dedicate their full energy and time to that position.”
