Jon Huntsman: Iowa picks corn, not presidents

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Campaign 2012

Republican presidential contender Jon Huntsman on Thursday expressed confidence in his decision to skip Iowa and bet the farm on New Hampshire.

"They pick corn in Iowa," Huntsman said on CBS' The Early Show, "and pick presidents here in New Hampshire."

Huntsman, who threw the zinger at the Hawkeye state from Manchester, New Hampshire, has opted to cut his losses in Iowa, where the nation's first presidential nominating contest takes place on Tuesday. Instead, he is betting his candidacy on the Granite state, which holds the nation's first primary just a week later, on January 10.

The latest poll out of New Hampshire, conducted by CNN, Time and ORC International, showed Mitt Romney with a strong lead at 44 percent. Huntsman placed fourth with 9 percent. Still, the former Utah governor said he was pleased to be making some gains, explaining he was previously the "margin of error candidate."

"Market expectations were low as we started this journey," he said. "Every town hall meeting we are doing, like last night, they are bigger and bigger with more people turning out, and we are connecting with our message, and I have every confidence that as always, New Hampshire is going to up-end conventional wisdom."

Skipping the Iowa caucuses may be a smart move for Huntsman, who draws skepticism from conservatives for his moderate language and service as ambassador to China under President Obama. Iowa Republican primary voters tend to be more conservative than their counterparts in New Hampshire, especially on social issues.

Still, Huntsman's strategy is a gamble. Iowa sometimes does pick presidents. Both Mr. Obama and former President George W. Bush won the Iowa caucuses during their primary bids -- and they both lost New Hampshire.

And his support in New Hampshire is not exactly solid as granite.

The conservative editorial board of the New Hampshire Union Leader ran astinging editorial Thursday morning, charging that Huntsman would be polling better in New Hampshire if he took a stronger stance on some issues important to conservatives, like global warming.

"In our conversations with Republican voters, activists and uncommitted operatives, the reaction to Huntsman can be summarized this way: We are not sure who this guy really is or what his message is," the editorial board wrote.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

41 Comments +

Add a Comment

See all 41 Comments


by norcalruss December 31, 2011 12:59 PM EST: Jon Huntsman: Iowa picks corn, not presidents
++++++++++++++++++
The Iowa GOP caucus is pretty meaningless. They voted for Gomer Pyle's stand-in back in 2008, while the Democratic caucus picked Barack Obama who was elected President.; Reply to this comment


by Mick_Rom December 31, 2011 5:07 AM EST: Who is John Cuntsman? That guy that licks the crumbs falling off of the table.; Reply to this comment


by releggneh1 December 30, 2011 9:57 PM EST: That's why Iowa won't be voting for you! And who are you anyway???; Reply to this comment


by 2happy2ride December 30, 2011 11:59 AM EST: True, Iowa does pick corn. Problem is, NOBODY'S picking YOU.
Like Paul, much too whiny for my taste.; Reply to this comment


by Charleston Voice December 29, 2011 7:57 PM EST: Rothschilds Place Their Presidential Bet on Jon Huntsman

http://chasvoice.blogspot.com/2011/12/have-rothschilds-placed-their.html; Reply to this comment


by itzclay December 29, 2011 6:29 PM EST: So when the going seems tough, run to New Hampshire and criticize the entire state that didn't give you an easy time?

My generally positive opinion of Huntsman has really taken a beating the past 2 days.; Reply to this comment


by Alexander2028 December 29, 2011 6:01 PM EST: The problem with Jon Huntsman is that he is trying to buy the New Hampshire Primary with his dad's money. Actually, that's only the tip of the iceberg. He is also an individual who believes in free trade, not fair trade and corporatism over capitalism. Which means he prefers to send American jobs over seas so that the Chinese can overwork children in sweatshops. We need someone who likes capitalism, Fair Trade and is Free To Lead. We need Governor Buddy Roemer.; Reply to this comment


by _Liann_ December 29, 2011 4:56 PM EST: Why are more and more people googling: KOCH "ORGANIZED CRIME" "TEA PARTY"?

What are they learning? What is this KOCH-MURDOCH-AXIS, and why isn't it reported in main stream media? What are they hiding?; Reply to this comment


by rufrignkidnme December 29, 2011 4:36 PM EST: Let me guess, someone stole your sweet roll.

A small glimpse of the real Huntsmen. New Hampshire, what will he say about you to SC?; Reply to this comment


by dirktanius December 29, 2011 3:57 PM EST: Iowa is actually one of the more progressive states when it comes to social issues. They were early adopters of civil rights, women's rights, and now gay rights so...that kind of throws off everyone's backwoods ultra-conservative opinion. Also, Ron Paul is leading in the polls and he isn't even close to hardcore Christian's favorite candidate.; Reply to this comment