Jon Huntsman Announces Presidential Run [VIDEO]

Republican Jon Huntsman is announcing his run for U.S. president live on his website (video above) from Liberty State Park, New Jersey -- the same site where former President Ronald Reagan launched his presidential bid in 1980.

Huntsman, President Barack Obama's former ambassador to China, sent his first tweet Tuesday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET, asking followers to watch his announcement live on Jon2012.com.

Huntsman says he plans on participating in a clean race, even though his opinions may vary from those of fellow candidates. "I want you to know that I respect my fellow Republican candidates," he says. "And I respect the president of the United States."

He adds that the election season aims to answer the question of who will be the better president -- not who happens to be the better American.

Huntsman, who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, served as Obama's ambassador to China from August 2009 until earlier this year, when he submitted a resignation letter asking to step down from his post in April. Prior to that, he was governor of Utah from 2005 until 2009, when he resigned to accept Obama's appointment. The former governor previously worked as a White House staff assistant during the Reagan administration and also served under both Bush administrations.

Though Huntsman is a Mormon Republican from Utah, some say he may be the most moderate GOP politician aiming for the 2012 presidency. He has shown public support for civil unions and other rights for same-sex couples. He is also known for taking a moderate stance on environmental issues and immigration.