The Hill News

Democrats are embracing former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) as their best surrogate against Republican presidential candidates.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) released a web video Tuesday cutting up Huntsman's tough words for other GOP presidential contenders; the DNC put heft behind the video by hinting that it could be turned into a television ad soon.

The video seizes on Huntsman's appearance Sunday on ABC, during which he expressed concerns that the Republican Party had drifted "too far to the right," and had embraced positions on climate change and evolution that run contrary to science.

The 30-second spot also includes criticism by Huntsman of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) with the chyron: "Don't take it from us … take it from one of their own."

Huntsman has been more aggressive about highlighting his relative centrist compared to his more conservative competitors for t! he Republican presidential nomination. His campaign sees it as an opportunity to carve out a position in the field as a "truth-teller"; for primary voters, though, his criticism may do little to dispel concerns about a candidate who formerly served in the Obama administration.

The former ambassador to China is set to push his message even more publicly this week, with appearances throughout the week on CNBC, Fox News, PBS, and culminating Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Moreover, the video serves two purposes: damning Huntsman with praise, while using the Republican's words against his more conservative counterparts. Democrats "were so pleased with his message" tha! t they decided to release the video, DNC national press secret! ary Mela nie Rousell wrote in an email debuting the spot.