Bush & Company

Two seemingly trustworthy candidates low on the totem pole share this, too, in common: neither will win. So why doesn't Jon Huntsman follow the lead of rival Buddy Roemer (even Ron Paul) and stay honest and on message?

Jon Huntsman, a former ambassador to China, a former Utah governor and a businessman, with diverse experience and expertise, is informed on climate change and evolution and other issues that most of his competitors deny through ignorance or political expediency, yet he's flipflopped at least three times during his campaign, recently on December 6: Scientists "owe us more" on climate change; "There's not enough information to formulate policies." He had even said he'd "absolutely" run on a Michele Bachmann ticket if asked; the history-challenged Bachmann, whom he had roundly criticized; his evasive justification being, "If you love this country, you serve this country."

Jon, you can't win. Why not honor your statement, televised before millions, "I must be true to who I am"?

Others you may castigate
On the presidential slate,
Yet you sometimes take your cues
From their simpleminded views,

Though this contest that you're in
You must know that you can't win,
So those flipflops are in vain
That have sullied your campaign.

Here's a notion for you, Jon---
Be like Bud or even Ron---
Waffling is not their game---
Can't you try to be the same?

Spending only what Bud raises
Also merits boundless praises.
In this interparty war
From you we expected more.