If Jon Huntsman ran this year...

[Vega]

How would he have done?

I actually think that had he jumped in later on (think September or October) and had a clear, concise strategy and message, he could have done well and beat Trump.

[NHI]

Difficult to say. He didn't pan out in 2012. If the establishment was able to rally around him instead of splintering than maybe, yes, but I think beating Trump is still hard.

[Kingpoleon]

If Kasich decided not to run, Huntsman could have taken the spot Kasich got in New Hampshire and get called amazing for it because the media prefers his looks to Kasich and would be more biased for it. He would also get a base in Nevada with Mormons and maybe win there.

At the very least, Huntsman could either have taken Kasich's votes or Trump's moderate voters. The former would help him in New Hampshire and the Rust Belt while the latter might propel him to victory in Nevada.

[Chief Justice Keef]

Huntsman could've been a better "establishment" candidate than anyone this year, though it wouldn't have been hard with lightweights like Rubio, Bush and Kasich.

[Fuzzy Says: "Abolish NPR!"]

Regardless of merit, Huntsman's status as an Obama appointee as Ambassador to China would have put him at the kiddie table in debates, where he'd have stayed.

Huntsman's Globalist credentials would have been an object of scorn even moreso than usual in this year's GOP field.  It does beg the question, however, of how Trump would have gone about insulting him.

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

Huntsman would be lucky to have gotten half of what he did in 2012 this go around.

[Blue3]

He would have followed the path of Perry. In the first couple "kiddie table" debates then drop-out.

[President Johnson]

He would have followed the path of Perry. In the first couple "kiddie table" debates then drop-out.

[Santander]

Nice guy, but he could never win the nomination of the Party of Lincoln and Reagan^TM

[skoods]

Would have finished 3rd in NH and withdrawn similarly to in 2012.

[Indy Texas]

Probably would have split Kasich's non-Ohio votes.

[Fuzzy Says: "Abolish NPR!"]

Huntsman did well to not run this year.  He may find himself in high demand in 2020 if Clinton is elected.  He would certainly have the credentials needed to be the "most qualified" candidate running.  Perhaps the resentment toward experience will be lessened over time by the GOP electorate.  If this happens, Huntsman could be a void-filler.

[IceSpear]

He would've gotten like 1% in Iowa, 5-10% in NH, then dropped out shortly afterwards. Basically 2012 redux, except he would've taken down Kasich by keeping him from getting a strong 2nd in NH.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

He wouldn't do much better then 2012 in reality he most likely would do worse then his 2012 run. Their just is not an general appetite for Hunstsman like candidates in todays GOP at the national level.

[pepper11]

How would he have done?

I actually think that had he jumped in later on (think September or October) and had a clear, concise strategy and message, he could have done well and beat Trump.

Huntsfield is the most annoying pol in America. Worse than even Gary Johnson. OMG he is moderate...he is also incredible pretentious.

[Fuzzy Says: "Abolish NPR!"]

How would he have done?

I actually think that had he jumped in later on (think September or October) and had a clear, concise strategy and message, he could have done well and beat Trump.

Huntsfield is the most annoying pol in America. Worse than even Gary Johnson. OMG he is moderate...he is also incredible pretentious.

All of this may play well in 2020.

[heatcharger]

He would've went straight into the Trump washing machine and come out the same way Jeb! did.

I also think it's hilarious that people think the 2020 Republican primary will be some sort of return to status quo. If Trump loses by a few points, the extreme right-wing will only get angrier and even more anti-establishment. Wouldn't be surprised if an Alex Jones-type, conspiracy theorist is next for the Grand Old Party.

[President Johnson]

He would, however, make a good running mate for TRUMP.

[Famous Mortimer]

Let's dispel once and for all with this fiction that Jon Huntsman is a good politician.

[Fuzzy Says: "Abolish NPR!"]

He would, however, make a good running mate for TRUMP.

Isn't he a Never Trumper?

[Santander]

He would, however, make a good running mate for TRUMP.

Isn't he a Never Trumper?

'
No, he was soft pro-Trump since like February and I think he officially endorsed Trump.

[pho]

GOP primary voters' reaction to Huntsman in 2012

Nothing indicated that they would have been any more open to the idea this year.

[Rules for me, but not for thee]

I would've been full-on with Huntsman post Rand Paul dropping out.  Also, this post above mine ^^^ is the problem.  We get the worst candidates every time.

[Doimper]

It's hard to imagine anyone that I'd consider voting for doing too well in the Republican primary... so probably not great!

You're a member of the Green Party, and you'd consider voting for Jon Huntsman, an extremist in moderate's clothing?

[Human]

He would've dropped out after New Hampshire.