It has two components, it seems to me: a focus on reversing American economic decline and on resurrecting civility in public debate. Here's the jobs part:
We must reignite the powerful job creating engine of our economy – the industry, innovation, reliability, and trailblazing genius of Americans and their enterprises — and restore confidence in our people.
We did many of these things in Utah when I was governor. We cut taxes and flattened rates. We balanced our budget. Worked to maintain our AAA bond rating. When the economic crisis hit, we were ready. And by many accounts we became the best state for business and the best managed state in America. We proved government doesn't have to choose between fiscal responsibility and economic growth. I learned something very important as Governor. For the average American family there is nothing more important than a job.
My italics. His Utah experience – two terms and massive popularity – will be a big factor. Obama's obvious vulnerability is unemployment. I suspect its resilience is a function of a debt hangover, a strapped middle class consumer, but more importantly, the integration of all of India and China into the global economy. The US has never emerged from a recession before in the face of such strong cheap-labor headwinds from abroad. Profits are way up, and growth is back – but the US jobs remain elusive. The challenge for the GOP is finding someone with credibility on this question to use it against the president. I don't think Romney fits that bill for multiple reasons – he made a fortune out of firing people and he seems fake. Huntsman? Not so much.
Then there's this pledge, which seeks to turn his working for Obama into an advantage:
I don't think you need to run down anyone's reputation to run for President. Of course we'll have our disagreements. I respect my fellow Republican candidates. And 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's the better American.
If the GOP really wants to win over the middle, they should listen closely to this insistence on civility. The Obama campaign has, in my mind, finally met an opponent they should fear for the best reasons, not the worst ones.
(Photo: Republican Jon Huntsman speaks during a press conference to announce his bid for the presidency at Liberty State Park June 21, 2011 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Huntsman, until recently the U.S. ambassador to China under President Obama, emphasized his record as a two-term governor of Utah. By Spencer Platt/Getty Images.)
The Dish 