Governor Huntsman supported the Troubled Asset Relief Program, otherwise known as TARP. When asked about a possible bailout in October of 2008, Governor Huntsman stated that it was necessary for Congress to step in and do something. He stated that he supported the proposed plan.
Gubernatorial Debate
In October of 2008, Governor Huntsman was asked about his views on a possible bailout in the Gubernatorial debate on KUED. He explains the need for a bailout and is then asked if he supports the current plan and states that he does.
HUNTSMAN: "In order to get the system working again, Congress is going to have to step in and do something. Now, we all have questions about the mechanics of how that $700 billion bailout package would work, if, in fact, we would recoup anything from that, since you're buying distressed and undervalued securities and derivatives and mortgages. You know, that's a big question mark for a lot of people. But where we go, I don't know. But I'll tell you this, the American economy is very resilient. I'd never bet against the American economy. We've been down before, we were down October of '87, we were down right after 9/11, we've been down many times in the past. We figure out how to solve the problem, we get back on our feet and we move forward."
QUESTION: "So on balance you support the bailout plan right now?"
HUNTSMAN: "I do."
Michigan Economic Debate
On November 10, 2011 Governor Huntsman participated in the Michigan economic debate. He pledged to never again bail out banks.
