Huntsman tells grads: "Never forget to rock 'n' roll"

Former U.S. Ambassador to China and ex-Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman addresses the audience at the commencement ceremony for the University of South Carolina Saturday, May 7, 2011, in Columbia, S.C.

/ AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain

Former Ambassador to China and likely Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman opened a window into life that might surprise some as he told the graduating class of the University of South Carolina that his life ambition was not to be a politician, but to be a rock star.

"In my late teens you wouldn't have recognized me - My hair was Rod Stewart shaggy," he said. "I wouldn't wear anything but super skinny jeans. I ended up leaving high school a bit short of graduation to play with a band called 'Wizard,'" the now-well-groomed Huntsman told the crowd of thousands at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C.

Although Huntsman's speech was filled with the usual "The world is your oyster" commencement advice for graduates, he did interweave delicately placed political language knowing that dozens of national reporters were in town to listen to his first public speech in the U.S. since giving up his post as America's ambassador to China.

Huntsman's service as ambassador under the direction of President Obama is seen as a possible weakness if he decides to run for president.

"Work to keep America great. Serve her, if asked," Huntsman said. " I was, by a president of a different political party. But in the end, while we might not all be of one party, we are all part of one nation."

Huntsman ended his nearly 20 minute speech by again dipping into his love for rock music, leaving students with a few words of wisdom courtesy of the song "The Luckiest."

"One of my favorite bands is Ben Folds Five. I love this lyric: I don't get many things right the first time. In fact, I am told that a lot. Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls brought me here. And I know that I am the luckiest."

[cktirumalai]

Of the actual and potential presdiential candidates, Jon Huntsman is probably the most intriguing at the moment: former governor of Utah, wealthy, telegenic, Mandarin speaker who does not hesitate to fault China on human rights. I suspect the public does not know much about him yet. Once it does, will he reshape the Republicn field, becoming a leading contender, or be rememebered as someone who made an impression for a brief time? Fred Thompson comes to mind from 2008: he made a strong start but quickly faded.
Candadai Tirumalai

[catmomtx]

So, after how many years of whining that President Obama had no experience and people know nothing about him, these same Republicans are now thinking that an unknown person who happened to have been appointed by President Obama to be Ambassador to China is experienced enough to be President. WOW!!!!

[Linc62]

I suggest you Google Jon Huntsman Jr. to learn about him. He has been a governor who attained 80% approval from his constituents, he has been ambassador to China, he has vast experience working for a number of Presidents, he has been a businessman, etc.etc.etc. Compare all that with Obama having a local social worker and one term congressman and that was all before he bacame President.

[euge005]

He might have picked a better place to mention Rock and Roll. That is the baptists' bible belt. They disapprove of music or dance in general. Much like the Taliban in fact. Maybe it shows he is an honest man, like McCain in 2000 before he sold out to the GOP big donars.

[user000049586849302948603]

by Unsilent_Majority May 7, 2011 2:48 PM EDT
Are you serious? He was Governor of Utah and has held the most important ambassadorship, to China, since being appointed by president Obama. He is an economic conservative, a social moderate, fluent in Chinese, has his own ideas on how to provide healthcare, and has always been nothing but respectful of President Obama. He would make a great candidate.

_______________________________________________________________


Where does he stand on women's autonomy over their own bodies?

[democracy5]

DJ_Independednt: User has just as much right to post on these forums as anyone else. If you don't like his (or her) comments, then don't read them, particularly if they are not addressed to you. As regards the rest of your comment, suppose a woman couldn't PROVE rape or incest. Does the government still have the right to control her own body? It's a valid question.

[Tenorlord]

Somehow, this reminds me of Springfield's Mr. Burns. You can almost hear him saying: "Don't forget to Charleston!"

[user000049586849302948603]

Oh yeah, that's some really great advise. (big eye roll)