After every presidential debate, the candidates collect favorable reviews–or, much like movie ads, favorable phrases–and email them to their list of political junkies. Some of those compendia are, of course, more impressive than others. This is what came in today from Jon Huntsman:
Gov. Huntsman knocked it out of the park at last night’s CNN foreign policy debate, distinguishing himself as the only candidate we can trust to lead on day one. …
But don’t take my word for it; read some of the post-debate reaction and analysis:
MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough: “On foreign policy, Huntsman has no peer in this Republican field. That was obvious tonight.”
Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele: “Romney’s ‘commanders on the ground’ slammed up against Huntsman ‘Commander in Chief’ makes the decision and got rocked.”
The New York Times’ Nate Silver’s final debate grade for Gov. Huntsman: “A-”
Politico’s Jonathan Martin on Huntsman’s final debate answer: “One of best Huntsman answers of year.”
Huffington Post’s Jon Ward: “Good rebuttal by Huntsman to Romney on Afghanistan. One of JH’s strongest moments this campaign.”
Boston Globe’s Glen Johnson: “Jon Huntsman Excels in Foreign Policy Debate”
With the exception of Michael Steele, these are not endorsements that normally would be welcomed by Republicans or that would tend to influence Republican voters positively. It may be, of course, that this was the best Huntsman could do. But you do sometimes get the odd feeling that Huntsman isn’t quite sure which party’s nomination he is running for.
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