Huntsman Confronts Role as Obama's China Ambassador in Address

Updated: May 7, 2011 | 2:39 p.m.
May 7, 2011 | 12:25 p.m.

Huntsman: Another ex-gov in GOP mix. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

Possible presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, the Republican former governor of Utah and President Obama's most recent ambassador to China, used a commencement address at the University of South Carolina to defend his service to the Democratic president.

(PICTURES: Political Commencement Speakers)

During a speech to the class of 2011 in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Huntsman suggested that it was not important that his presidential appointer was of a different political party.

"While we might not all be of one party, we are all part of one nation—a nation that needs your generational gift, energy and confidence," Huntsman said to graduates, according to an Associated Press report.

(RELATED: Herman Cain to Decide on Running)

This week, Huntsman established a political action committee that will allow him to raise funds for a potential presidential bid.

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.