J Green wrote:I'm always sad to see others leave the faith, if that is what is happening (or has happened) here. But politics aside, there is no slight intellect at work with Huntsman. I met with him to give him updates (at his office and at his home) on the issues in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I gave him security briefings before he visited theater to talk to the men and women serving from Utah. He has a very quick intellect. He's very sharp. It didn't matter whether the subject was Iranian hegemony, Afghan corruption, tribal awakening vs a strong Iraqi central government, the nuances of Muslim sects, or the effects of PTSD--he contributed to the discussion with depth and intellgence. I can't (and don't like to) speak about US Political divisions, but on matters I believe I understand well, the intellect he displayed was considerable. Seemed like a bright, down-to-earth, humble guy.
My two cents.
Driven to shelter by a sudden May thunderstorm, and after leaving a tarp over my tractor seat and putting on a dry shirt, I happened on this post.
I sincerely value your perspective, J Green. It adds to the bigger picture.
My impressions of Huntsman are entirely based on the public projection of his sincerity and intellect. Based on my years of observing him as governor, he
has always seemed to me to be a little disingenuous. This is, of course, a very subjective, almost
visceral reaction to a man. I remind myself that I have before, in my life, had such an initial reaction to a person and then ultimately came to see a fuller picture of the person that either moderated or entirely altered my first impressions.
As for the question of intellect, I consent that, when it comes to people on the public stage, I probably tend to judge the attribute of intellect in a person based inordinately on his capacity for verbally expressing that intellect in a "think on your feet" type of atmosphere. In that respect Huntsman has never really impressed me--hence my earlier comment. On the other hand, I allow for the distinct possibility that he merely lacks a pronounced talent for extemporaneous speaking, but is a deep and deliberate thinker otherwise.
Again, thank you for your very substantive and informative contribution--something that, in the GSTP©, is conspicuous by its typical absence.