In a recent letter, Peter R. Finn states, “the Republican Party must be cleansed and reborn.” Only then will the GOP provide solutions for “our most urgent issues” and restore “confidence in our democracy.” He concludes: Jon Huntsman’s “non-polarizing and…compromising demeanor” signals he is the right man to assist in this rebirthing.
Huntsman is an experienced politician and diplomat, public-spirited, competent and intelligent. He no doubt aspires to be remembered as a statesman. Unfortunately, because of his willingness to compromise, a critical mass of Utahns perceive Huntsman as not conservative enough. Can a not-conservative-enough political figure initiate the GOP’s renewal both in the Beehive State and beyond?
A 2022 Deseret News and Hinckley Institute poll asked all Utahns: Does Donald J. Trump or Mitt Romney “best represent your political and policy preferences?” Of Republican respondents, 51% identified with Trump; 42% identified with Romney; 8% with neither. Would Huntsman fare any better?
In the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on our nation’s Capitol, Huntsman stated: “Our light has been dimmed by repeated reckless behavior encouraged by our president, who has shown time and again he cares more about his own ego and interests than about building trust in our ever-fragile institutions.” MAGA Utahns no doubt interpret this as confirmation that Huntsman is far from conservative enough.
Within the current political climate, a Republican politician who is not ultra-conservative cannot significantly influence either the Republican state or national committees — especially since former President Donald J. Trump has remade the national committee in his own image and likeness.
Where Mitt Romney failed, is Jon Huntsman likely to succeed?
Andrew Bjelland, Salt Lake City
