Days after his controversial tweet about global warming, Jon Huntsman continues to stake out a spot in the race as the candidate willing to criticize his fellow GOP candidates for some of their more controversial statements. He also doubled down on his position that the nation should trust the scientific consensus on global warming.
“When we take a position that isn’t willing to embrace evolution, when we take a position that basically runs counter to what 98 of 100 climate scientists have said … about what is causing climate change and man’s contribution to it, I think we find ourselves on the wrong side of science, and, therefore, in a losing position,” Huntsman told ABC’s This Week.
He criticized Rick Perry for saying Ben Bernake had behaved “treasonously” as head of the Federal Reserve.
“I don’t know if that’s pre-secession Texas or post-secession Texas,” Huntsman said, adding that voters would be unlikely to find Perry’s remark “presidential.”
Michele Bachmann also came under fire, with Huntsman saying her claim that she could ensure gas cost less than $2 per gallon was “completely unrealistic.”
“I just don’t know what — what world that comment would come from,” Huntsman said. “We live in the real world. It’s grounded in reality. And gas prices just aren’t going to rebound like that.”
Huntsman, who appears to view Mitt Romney as his main competition, spared no words about his Massachusetts rival. “If we were to talk about his inconsistencies and his — the changes on various issues, we’d be here all afternoon,” Huntsman said, referring to Romney’s recent comments suggesting a switch in his position on the flat tax.
The Democratic National Committee issued a press release quoting Huntsman’s comments about the GOP field and his rivals Sunday. Huntsman didn’t appear thrilled by the hug from the DNC, tweeting to them that “You missed 1. “Pres. Obama is too far left. His policies have failed.” Time to get economy back on track w/ new leadership.” Huntsman spokesman Tim Miller told ABC, “The DNC is shilling for a President who has failed on the most important issue to Americans – the economy and job creation. Governor Huntsman has a record of creating an environment for job growth and balancing budgets, President Obama has none.”
Video of Huntsman interview: