Skip to content

Heard on the Hill: Huntsman, Trump on the Prowl at WHCD

Jon Huntsman is looking for employment.

The former Utah governor’s stead as ambassador to China officially ended Saturday, and he celebrated the occasion by attending the White House Correspondents Association dinner.

Roll Call bumped into the silver fox as he navigated the crowd trying to find his table. So, what about that 2012 presidential primary bid, we asked the Republican.

“We’ll be looking for a job,” Huntsman said, grinning. “I am unemployed.”

Then there’s the man hoping voters don’t fire him — Donald Trump. He, and his hair, were seen mingling in the middle of the room.

Warming hearts at the dinner was Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) who was telling anyone who asked about her friend Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ recovery.

Wasserman Schultz told Roll Call about President Barack Obama’s visit with the Arizona Democrat at Cape Canaveral Friday night

“He was so genuinely glad to see her,” Wasserman Schultz said. She added that she was pleased with her friend’s progress; Giffords is walking without assistance and saying two or three word phrases at a time.

The dinner is Hollywood-meets-DC, and the conversations overheard in the hallway prove it.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Va.) was seen talking with Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), perhaps discussing Pence’s likely 2012 gubernatorial bid.

Cabinet secretaries Janet Napolitano and Eric Holder were waiting in the same long security line as stars from “Glee” and singer Cee Lo Green. Also spotted: Snowboarder Shaun White, cyclist Lance Armstrong, actor Paul Rudd, singer Paula Abdul, comedian Amy Poehler and Oprah-pal Gayle King.

Recent Stories

Senate confirms Hegseth as next Defense secretary

Republicans unify messaging at annual March for Life

It takes a Village (People) — Congressional Hits and Misses

Trump floats executive order on ‘maybe getting rid of FEMA’

Mexico and other countries could hamper Trump border plans

Photos of the week ending January 24, 2025