While the political world was focused on claims made against Herman Cain, former ambassador and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman was focused on his prime rival in New Hampshire: Mitt Romney.
Huntsman launched two videos on You Tube attacking Gov. Romney. They focused on the former Massachusetts executive changing his stance on various issues, from abortion to climate change. Huntsman is banking his presidential prospects on the New Hampshire primary, going as far as moving his national headquarters to the Granite State. He’s taking on Romney who is very popular in the state. (Romney was polling at 40 percent late last week; Huntsman is hovering at 6 percent, according to Real Clear Politics.)
Reaction to the videos on Huntsman’s Facebook page was mixed as it often is with political videos. Some stated their support for the long-shot candidate; others were disappointed with the negative ads. But if reaction on Facebook is any indication, some voters who don’t consider themselves to be conservatives, are throwing their support to Huntsman.
Hope Harvard, whose profile picture said ‘Obama Girl,’ wrote: “If Jon Huntsman receives the nomination; I would really have some serious thinking to do. I have been watching him before he (stated) he was running. The only viable candidate vs. Barack Obama. Huntsman pick your VP very carefully – that is a game changer”
Other posters, who admitted to be supporters of Democratic candidates, said they were considering voting for Huntsman if he did end up with the Republican nomination. However some Republicans thought Huntsman shouldn’t be attacking his own.
“Jon Huntsman! This type of advertising is below your level! You are not running for county sheriff,” wrote Robi Bandzuch. “Whoever in your campaign came up with this ad needs to go. This is anything but intelligent and it will only backfire.”
Whether the ad works is anyone’s guess, of course. But the one thing we can predict with a fair amount of certainty: There will be even more political ads launched online as the presidential election grows closer.
Photo by Gage Skidmore