Jon Huntsman, Jr. quotes

Jon Huntsman, Jr. is an American politician, diplomat, and businessman, recognized for serving as governor of Utah and holding ambassador posts in multiple countries. His career spans key roles, including U.S. Ambassador to China and Russia. He is respected for his moderate views and expertise in international relations. Here are 22 of his quotes:

I was criticized at some level within the Republican Party by those who say government should not be in the economic development business at all. My response is that the only country I know that doesn't have an economic development plan is Papa New Guinea.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

The rest of the world cares about how we conduct our affairs because they then take that lead. Were the only leader in the world today. Some are wishing us well, others think that were down and are not going to get back up again, but they are all watching with great interest to see how we conduct our business over the next couple of years.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Politics is a lot of serendipity. You're in the right place and the right time and you've got the right message, and it either connects for you or, or it doesn't.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

It's a tribal state, and it always will be. Whether we like it or not, whenever we withdraw from Afghanistan, whether it's now or years from now, we'll have an incendiary situation. Should we stay and play traffic cop? I don't think that serves our strategic interests.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

It's taken a lot of presidents to get us where we are today, a lot of deployments, a lot of wars, a lot engagements. You add them all up.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

The reality, sitting ten thousand miles away, is that we remain the country that inspires. We remain that shining city on a hill.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

We're fighting an enemy that is far different than any we have got before. It's a nontraditional kind of war, and I think we need to step back, recalibrate how we go about protecting our borders and protecting our people, and resetting our position in the world.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

My father, one of the great entrepreneurs and philanthropists of this state, taught me that capital - monetary or political - is to be used to benefit others. I intend to continue that tradition.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

And the trajectory that our debt is taking now beyond $14 trillion is going to have an impact on our currency. It goes south, and our currency's going to have an impact on our standard of living and affect every family in this country, and over time, our international competitiveness.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

When America closes its doors, so does everybody else. We are the primary engine of growth in the world and we are the only beacon of free trade left, and open markets.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

We have lost that which has made us great over the generations, and that is the sense of individual and personal responsibility that we can come up, we can pursue our dreams and our aspirations and we won't be blocked by government regulation, by the inability to get a loan as a small business to make our dreams come true.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Economic prosperity and quality education for our children are inexorably linked.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

My sense is that we're ready for another industrial revolution in this country. The great minds and innovators of Silicon Valley would come through China and say, The pipeline is full of ideas - there's personalized medicine, biotechnology, new forms to power ourselves, clean energy, etc., etc.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

People truly reaching across boundaries - be they religious or race, political or geographic. A state that is sincerely civil and respectful of each individual's pathway toward life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will be our goal.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

I respect the president. He and I have a difference of opinion on how to help the country we both love. But the question each of us wants the voters to answer is who will be the better president, not who is the better American.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

I'm a very spiritual person, and proud of my Mormon roots.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

I would vote to increase the debt limit if there was a corresponding level of cuts. And if there was some serious talk about a balanced budget amendment, which we as governors always had to deal with.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

If we can't find cuts in the defense budget, we're not looking carefully enough.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.

I'm not competing in Iowa for a reason.

Jon Huntsman, Jr.