HAF Strongly Condmens Anti-Huntsman Political Ad
Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2012) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) strongly condemned a new political advertisement criticizing Republic presidential candidate, Governor Jon Huntsman. The ad, which repeatedly questions Gov. Huntsman’s “American values,” makes frequent reference to his ability to speak fluent Mandarin and describes him as “China Jon” and the “Manchurian Candidate.”
The Foundation was especially appalled by the ad’s reference to Huntsman’s adopted Indian daughter, Asha Bharati, who is being raised in her native Hindu faith, insinuating that he does not share American values and is not a “man of faith.” Gov. Huntsman, who is a practicing Mormon, is seen in the ad with his daughter wearing a tika, or sacred mark associated with the divine and commonly worn during Hindu ceremonies.
"This deplorable ad is blatantly racist and religiously intolerant and crosses all lines of acceptable political discourse,” said Suhag Shukla, Esq., HAF’s Managing Director and Legal Counsel. “Instead of vilifying Governor Huntsman, he should be applauded for being open minded enough to raise his adopted daughter as a Hindu.”
The advertisement, which was posted on You Tube earlier this week, was purportedly produced by NHLiberty4Paul, a group of supporters of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. While it is unclear whether this group has any connection to the Ron Paul campaign, his campaign spokesman Jesse Benton came out on Friday to condemn the ad, describing it as “disgusting” and requesting that it be removed “immediately.”
Jon Huntsman’s daughter, Abby Huntsman Livingston, also spoke out against the ad, calling it “vile” and expressing concern that her sisters were mentioned in the ad. The Huntsmans have seven children, two of whom have been adopted from India and China.
"To attack a candidate’s family, particularly his young daughters, is completely unacceptable and should be denounced by all Americans,” said Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF Director and Senior Fellow for Human Rights.