(Image Source: New York Times)

BY ALLIE SPILLYARDS

In the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary it seemed the media were jumping on board for Jon Huntsman. Multiple reports suggested he was finally gaining momentum.

“A big surge of moderate and independent voters could give John Hunstman the strong showing he’s looking for Wolf.” (VIDEO SOURCE: CNN)

“He’s been showing some strength here and frankly in New Hampshire, most people you talk to say, he sounds like the sensible, level-headed candidate in the field where that’s just too far right.” (VIDEO SOURCE: MSNBC)

And yes, even we reported Huntsman’s possible surge just hours before New Hampshire’s polls were closed.

“It’s being called “Hunts-mentem.” GOP candidate Jon Huntsman is finding his stride in the Granite State. After riding the polls at a mere one percent, his popularity is finally on the rise.”

But now the results are in-- Huntsman didn’t take the second place win the media claimed would project him forward into South Carolina. Instead, he fell behind Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. So what’s with the hype?

NPR’s David Folkeflik blames it on the media.

“Ah, expectations. They are invoked on every network, in every major paper and every political blog tracking what happens in this primary season... Last Friday, ...Huntsman explicitly cited his intention to beat expectations four times in 33 seconds. This morning, he was at it again. If only Huntsman were facing a guy named Expectations, he might actually have a chance at winning.”

But a writer for the Wonkette claims-- the media was just following Huntsman’s lead.

“This very, very tardy hype is the result of Huntsman doing pretty much exactly what Rick Santorum did in Iowa. He basically moved to New Hampshire in the fall and proceeded to Go to Work every day, repeating essentially the same pitch speech around three times a day for months. His grand total of events in the state: 170.”

Shortly after the race was called, Huntsman told CNN’s Jim Acosta-- he plans to stay in the race.

“I think there are at least three tickets out of New Hampshire. So as we look at the numbers now, we’re in a strong, confident position. And all eyes are going to be south on South Carolina from here.”

The next nominating contest is in South Carolina, on January 21st.