Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. recently shared his candid observations on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' performance during the third 2024 GOP presidential debate. Huntsman, who served as the US ambassador to Russia and is associated with the centrist group No Labels, voiced his concerns about DeSantis' demeanor on stage, stating that it did not inspire confidence.

Huntsman invited journalists from the Deseret News to hear his reactions to the debate on Wednesday evening. During the discussion, he expressed his belief that it was a "foregone conclusion" that former President Donald Trump would secure the GOP nomination. He argued that the purpose of the debate was to determine who could position themselves as Trump's running mate.

The former governor also shared his perspective on DeSantis' standing in the polls, suggesting that he is losing ground. Huntsman characterized DeSantis' response to a question on why he should be the GOP nominee over Trump as "totally patronizing." These remarks hint at Huntsman's disapproval of DeSantis' performance overall, painting a less favorable picture of the governor.

Having been a presidential candidate himself in 2012, Huntsman seemed to adopt a critical stance towards the debates in general. While asserting his neutrality, he did take the opportunity to commend former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Huntsman praised Haley, highlighting her growing display of leadership and describing her as "showing some moxie as a leader."

As the 2024 election cycle continues to unfold, Huntsman's assessments provide insight into the sentiments regarding the GOP candidates. With his critique of DeSantis and his acknowledgment of Haley's leadership potential, Huntsman's viewpoint adds another layer to the evolving dynamics within the Republican party.

It is important to note that these assessments are solely Huntsman's personal opinions and may not reflect the broader sentiment among voters or the eventual outcomes of the GOP nomination process.