Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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In this Sunday Edition, Bruce Lindsay discusses a recent Newsweek article spotlighting former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and his potential run for the White House in 2012. Joining him is the reporter behind the article, McKay Coppins, and the director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, Kirk Jowers.
Also, what do Utah parents really want for their children's public education? Jo Dee Sundberg of the Utah School Boards Association and Sue Carey of the Utah PTA joined us to weigh in.
Segment 1: Possible presidential run by Jon Huntsman
A recent article in Newsweek Magazine has sparked speculation and discussion across the country. "The Manchurian Candidate" is a piece about the presidential ambitions of Jon Huntsman, who currently serves as U.S. Ambassador to China under the Obama administration.
The article, written by McKay Coppins, shows Huntsman as a serious contender for the Republican presidential nomination next year.
I believe having done an immense amount of reporting for this story, [Huntsman] is seriously considering a campaign. As to whether he's a good candidate that's up to the voters to decide.
–McKay Coppins
"I think that he is certainly putting his name out there for consideration," Coppins says. "I believe having done an immense amount of reporting for this story, he is seriously considering a campaign. As to whether he's a good candidate that's up to the voters to decide."
In the 2,000-word article, Huntsman only declines to comment on his political future. Coppins writes, "Of the half-dozen Republican strategists and pundits contacted by Newsweek, not one listed him as a viable candidate in the upcoming race."
Coppins explains it wasn't what Huntsman said during the interview, it's what he didn't say that has spawned the speculation.
"I think the context of the ‘no comment' is important. The question that I asked him wasn't, do you care to comment on 2012. The question was, would you like to rule out a 2012 race given that you are currently working for the incumbent. And he said, ‘No, I would rather not comment.' If he was really ready to rule out a 2012 run, I think he would have commented there."
But the director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, Kirk Jowers, says three things will cause some problems for a potential presidential run for Huntsman.
"2012 is very difficult for him for a number of reasons. The most prominent would be that Mitt Romney is already ranked No. 1 in all kinds of polls and insider surveys of who is the top candidate."
Jowers says the other obstacles Huntsman will face include the fact that he is seen more as a moderate and that he current serves under the Obama administration.
"The final part is his Obama connection," says Jowers. "Can he make through a Republican nomination process as an Obama nominee and can he go against his boss?"
Segment 2: Utah's public schools
Somebody who is trying to stay anonymous put up the money to commission a survey by Dan Jones & Associates that find out -- among other things -- how satisfied Utah parents are with their children's education and what else they think schools need.
I think we have done as well as we've been able to do with the least amount of funding in the United States because of parents being involved and because of the quality of the teachers that we have in the state of Utah.
–JoDee Sundberg
The poll shows 67 percent of parents are dissatisfied with the funding for Utah schools, while 62 percent say they are satisfied with local schools in general.
"I don't believe that Utahns are satisfied with the underfunded state of public schools in our state," says Sue Carey from the Parent Teachers Association. "I think they are satisfied with what happens in our wonderful public schools. We do great things, with great teachers, and great administrators and great parent volunteers despite the fact that we are underfunded."
JoDee Sundberg of the Utah School Boards Association agrees, adding parent involvement is key to a schools success.
"I think what is happening through the school boards is working with the PTA, encouraging more parent involvement and also providing the necessary professional development to teachers, so that we have the best things possible going in the classroom," she says. "I think we have done as well as we've been able to do with the least amount of funding in the United States because of parents being involved and because of the quality of the teachers that we have in the state of Utah."
