Politicking Versus Voldemort?

Behind a backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, former Gov. Jon Huntsman (R-UT) announced his candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.  Huntsman  had already been campaigning in New Hampshire and his announcement was no surprise.  The lamestream media has been a twitter framing the field as needing another moderate candidate, or a RINO as the conservative base would call it. Of course, Huntsman’s recent service as the U.S. Ambassador to the Peoples’ Republic of China for the OBAMA Administration does not help shaking off the RINO label.

Instead of focusing on his foreign policy experience, Huntsman concentrated on “leadership that trusts in our strengths” to make tough decisions to preserve a powerful, confident, compassionate and compassionate America.  Such platitudinous rhetoric sounds soaring until presenting specific policies.

The interesting aspect of the Huntsman’s campaign is his commitment to a campaign of civility. Huntsman promised not to run down his Republican opposition to the nomination.  It is commendable to observe Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment.  But Huntsman has also has pledged not to mention his former boss (President Obama) by name, even when contrasting their visions for America. This is one step further than failed 2008 Republican Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who made mentioning his opponent’s middle name verboten, even though Obama used it during both attempts to take the Presidential oath of office.

While the boomlet for Donald Trump’s bid for the Oval Office fizzled after forcing President Obama to release his birth certificate in April, it is thought that much of his support stemmed from his pugnacious sensibilities to bring the fight for the Presidency.  After the recent New Hampshire debate, former Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) was roundly criticized for pulling his punches on “Obamney-care”.  Should we rally behind a prospective President who dares not speak the name of the incumbent opposition?  This is reminiscent of the paralyzing fearfulness at Hogwarts of mentioning Voldemort.



A winning campaign for Republican Presidential candidates must have a positive message that addresses the pressing problems which threaten America’s vitality. Those challenging President Obama need not demonize him or name call yet they can not afford to pull their punches or utilize a no-name strategy when opposing Obama, as the incumbent is not raising an estimated $1 Billion to campaign on achievements of improving the economy or a record of popular accomplishments.