The Huntsman Thing: It Takes Two To Tango

TW: The political story on Saturday was Obama's appointment of Jon Huntsman as Ambassador to China. When was the last time any ambassadorship got this much attention? Regardless, I disagree with the sentiment that this was some brilliant Obama move. This move works for both parties, which is the only way bi-partisanship happens (for instance Judd Gregg obviously did not get the memo Huntsman did about not hesitating when a POTUS calls).

Yes this looks good for Obama and more importantly, with his extensive knowledge of China, Huntsman will hopefully provide a strong person for what is now the most important U.S. ambassadorship in the world. There was a time when such appointments were not unusual but fairly routine (Henry Cabot Lodge comes to mind in mid-1960's Vietnam).

That said this works for Huntsman too. While he has been mentioned for 2012, regardless of who the nominee is 2012 looks to be a long-shot for the Republicans. By 2016 on the other hand the world may look different and Huntsman will have put some serious foreign policy notches on his belt to combine with his successful Mountain state governship resume. He could become a very strong candidate while still in his fifties.

This is consistent with my perspective that the Republicans will continue to have problem for the next two or three election cycles but in time the pendulum will swing back towards them. Having Cheney and Limbaugh as the face of the Republicans is part of the molting stage. It will take more time for the Huntsmans, Crists, Pawlentys etc. to gain traction and power within their own party.

Nice move for Obama, yes. Genius not so much, give Huntsman some credit too.

From Andrew Sullivan:
"In what can only be called a genius move for the Democrats and a terrible blow to the GOP, Obama has coopted Utah governor John Huntsman to be his new ambassador to China. Huntsman is the one of very few - Jeb and Crist are the others, in my view - who could rescue the GOP from generational oblivion. He's a conservative from Utah, but understands how ugly, bitter and extremist the Republicans have become. A pro-civil union Mormon who gets the problem of climate change, Huntsman was the un-Cheney. And Obama just snagged him.
Don't under-estimate Obama's policial cunning, guys. But for those of us with some small hope of restoring decency and moderation to the right, this is a major blow. What Obama is doing is bringing all the sane conservatives - from Crist to Huntsman to Gates - into his orbit.
And Cheney gets to be the the face of the GOP future."