In a brief ceremony at the White House today, President Barack Obama tapped Utah Governor John Huntsman to serve as United States Ambassador to China — his chief envoy to the world’s most populous country.
Reelected in 2008 by a record margin as a moderate Republican in an exceedingly conservative state, party elites and strategists were quick to point to the rising star as a potential challenger to the president. But given today’s interesting political calculus, the prospect of Huntsman now staging a challenge to Obama is exceptionally low.
Having carved out a reputation as a would-be-modernizer and pragmatic conservative on divisive social issues, Huntsman was right to test the waters. It seems he waded a little too deep for Obama’s comfort, however.
No less than the chief architect of Obama’s campaign David Plouffe has expressed concern over Huntsman’s budding portfolio. While he admits no potential candidate makes him “shake in his shoes,” he concedes the potential of a Huntsman bid leaves him a “wee bit queasy.”
By all accounts, Huntsman stood a good chance at securing the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, if only for the fact that he is the conservative antithesis of Obama: He’s a moderate, young, and attractive politician. Those are the grounds on which Obama won, and those are the grounds on which they fear he’ll lose it in 2012.
By co-opting Huntsman, Obama will have successfully pacified the lone Republican 2012 challenger, thereby ensuring a stable route to victory. Then, of course, is the knowledge that he’ll likely receive Republican praise for his gesture of bipartisanship, however politically shrewd it may be.
Obama is an impressively calculating politician, perhaps more so than his former opponent Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. As such, he realizes a nomination of this nature will offer Huntsman the last needed ingredient for presidential success: foreign policy bona fides.
Ambassadorships are not token appointments, and certainly not those to emerging economic and military superpowers. Before he was elected to the Offices of Vice President and later President of the United States, George H. W. Bush served as Ambassador to China from 1974 to 1975. If Plouffe is “queasy” now, Obama just ensured he’ll be reaching for Pepto with some frequency in eight years.
After running the greatest candidate-centered campaign of history, Obama is principally focused on his reelection campaign in 2012. It is of little concern, then, that he will have propelled Huntsman to the national stage in 2016 by no doing of his own. The Obama campaign is interested in building an Obama-coalition, not a Democratic-coalition. With the candidate gone and the movement over, the 2016 Democratic nominee will be tasked with the unenviable undertaking of reassembling a diverse coalition of voters, one liable to have already fractured when campaign promises were either not met or broken in the course of governing.
If a lasting Democratic majority was not, in fact, built on the heels of the Obama campaign, and Democrats must weather electoral losses in 2016, President Obama will surely take solace in the knowledge that his legacy as a two-term president remains intact.
“Better they lose than I,” I suspect he said to his advisors when mulling this nomination.
How is the Utah Governor selected when a vacancy
Achance Saturday, May 16th at 11:23AM EDT (link)occurs? Lite Gov move up? New election? Who is the Lite Gov?
In Vino Veritas
How ever they do it, I hope they end up better than
mbecker908 Saturday, May 16th at 11:30AM EDT (link)Arizona did. Personally, I’d rather still have Janet.
I couldn't agree less. nt
Flagstaff Saturday, May 16th at 5:43PM EDT (link)Pluto, the Ninth Planet - Forever!
I wouldn't go that far
aesthete Saturday, May 16th at 10:41PM EDT (link)n/t
Guilt is a rope that wears thin.
-Ayn Rand
“I am a freeman in a free state!”
-Last words of Dumnorix, chieftan of the Aedui, 54 BC
Egad...
Rapunzel46 Sunday, May 17th at 2:20AM EDT (link)Not me, I’m thrilled she is gone and the chances of her becoming senator in 2010 are dead.
Lt. Governor takes over. nt
dblagent007 Saturday, May 16th at 9:52PM EDT (link)n/t
Can you please clarify ...
skorrent1 Saturday, May 16th at 11:33AM EDT (link)“he is the conservative antithesis of Obama: He’s a moderate, young, and attractive politician. Those are the grounds on which Obama won,”
He may be young and attractive, but is he “conservative” or “moderate”? Obama was also “young and atractive”, but the grounds on which he won had more to do with “hope/change” and white guilt than any moderation in position on issues.
He's a "moderate" because of his views on climate change.
noufa Saturday, May 16th at 7:12PM EDT (link)Aside from that he’s a pretty standard Republican. In other words, he’s not a moderate. Certainly not on hot button issues like abortion, affirmative action, guns or taxes. Think Lamar Alexander.
He also supports civil unions, which wins him moderate brownie points with the MSM. But if Huntsman is to become a candidate for President in 2012, he’ll be hammered as a homophobe opposed to gay marriage.
“Obama is not a centrist. He was never centrist. He is a uniter. He does reach across the aisle. But he always do so in pursuit of progressive ends.”
-Jonathan Stein of Mother Jones 1/31/08
Utah Rs are not happy with his support for civil unions
pilgrim Saturday, May 16th at 7:19PM EDT (link)I haven’t read anything about displeasure with him on environment position, but I have read that Utah Rs disagree with him on civil unions.
It is a great advantage to a president, and a major source of safety to the country, for him to know that he is not a great man.Calvin Coolidge
Huntsman is still very popular in UT.
noufa Saturday, May 16th at 9:40PM EDT (link)Don’t believe the MSM spin. They’re just trying to divide Republicans. Huntsman is reflecting the changing opinion of his constituents. A poll in January said that 70% of Utahns oppose civil unions:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/02/2012-watch-add.html
Yet another poll in February said that only 42% oppose civil unions:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5614852
Doubtful that the 28% swing is caused by voters following Huntsman. More likely that the shallow opponents of gay marriage (including Huntsman) are settling on the “anything-but-marriage” position.
Supporters of gay-marriage take this as vindication. They might argue that we are becoming more comfortable with gay people. The logical conclusion is gay marriage.
Except that won’t conclude the matter. Churches will be forced to perform gay marriage or renounce their civil authority to perform marriages. Obviously they’ll renounce their civil authority.
Marriage will become a secular fiscal agreement between consenting adults. We’ll basically be like France. Some people, good people, are OK with that fact. I’m a little concerned about it:
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090513/NEWS/90513023/1001
“Obama is not a centrist. He was never centrist. He is a uniter. He does reach across the aisle. But he always do so in pursuit of progressive ends.”
-Jonathan Stein of Mother Jones 1/31/08
I've barely heard of him.
Brian Hibbert Saturday, May 16th at 11:37AM EDT (link)I don’t think he was a likely GOP nominee for 2012.
Socialism doesn’t work. It looks nice on paper, but it’s been tried and it’s failed miserably every time (usually accompanied by widespread death and suffering).
Proud member of the V.R.W.C.
Join the RedState Strike Force
Brian, that was my reaction, too. Followed by
janis Saturday, May 16th at 1:19PM EDT (link)“If he was the national co-chair of McCain’s campaign last year, then no thanks for 2012–2016– or ever.” Lousy candidate, lousy campaign.
I don't know what makes the author say
antisocial Saturday, May 16th at 4:38PM EDT (link)“lone Republican 2012 challenger”. I was not aware.
“he is the conservative antithesis of Obama: He’s a moderate, young, and attractive politician. Those are the grounds on which Obama won, and those are the grounds on which they fear he’ll lose it in 2012.”
Author calls him “conservative antithesis of Obama”… and then calls him a moderate…..
Obama never ran as conservative. He is doing exactly what he said he would do.
No you can’t - Moe Lane
——————————
The Emperor has no clothes!!!
——————————
Republicans who lost the Crap-and-Raid fight in the House -
Mary Bomo Mac (CA-45)
Mike Castle (DE)
Mark Kirk (IL-10)
Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)
Chris Smith (NJ-04)
Leonard Lance (NJ-07)
John M. McHugh (NY-23)
Dave Reichert (WA-08)
Well, he's off my Chrismas Card list for taking Comrade Obama's
Achance Saturday, May 16th at 11:37AM EDT (link)appointment. Some things you just don’t do!
In Vino Veritas
Say hello to Utah's new Dem. Gov. Jim Matheson
Cowboy Saturday, May 16th at 1:06PM EDT (link)His dad was Governor and he has been looking to move up. He is currently my 2nd congresional district Pelosi lap dog. One of the last obstcles for Obama is GOP governors and come 2010 he just took care of Utah. Mark my words.
Not gonna happen
dblagent007 Saturday, May 16th at 9:55PM EDT (link)Matheson can win the lefties in Salt Lake, but there is no way he will win the rest of the state, unless the GOP runs a complete loser (possible, but doubtful).
He'll probably be thrown under the bus. nt
Common_Cents Saturday, May 16th at 11:53AM EDT (link)“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
cynical choice or not for Obama...
stuckinthemiddle Saturday, May 16th at 11:56AM EDT (link)Huntsman is, in fact, a supremely qualified choice for Ambassador to China. He did missionary work in Taiwan and he’s fluent in Mandarin.
Given that Christians are still persecuted in parts of China, and given that China has an appalling record of human rights abuses, it seems that Huntsman is putting principles above political aspirations.
At least he won't make the Hillary "reset-overload" mistake. nt
Common_Cents Saturday, May 16th at 3:37PM EDT (link)“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
I have my doubts
Princeliberty Monday, May 18th at 2:05PM EDT (link)I understand your point. However, I doubt he is truely putting principles above politicals.
I cannot imagine Obama would pick him unless Obama is confident Huntsman will carry his water on China.
Obama will be pro-red China all the way. Obama could care less about any Christians in China.
So Huntsman will be supporting and carrying out that agenda.
Unless either a surprise change to better comes in Obama’s China policy or Huntsman latter resigns in protest over the failure for said change to take place I have to give him a big thumbsdown on this.
And unless one the beforementioned occur - Huntsman will be finished as a Republican.
But that may the plan this may only the beginning of the Hunstman Obama alliance.
Princeliberty
I don't think this kills Huntsman as a viable GOP candidate in 2012
smagar Saturday, May 16th at 11:58AM EDT (link)Here’s a few reasons why I think that:
1) If he decides he wants to run for POTUS, he quits after two years on the job. That puts him back in the continental US by the summer of 2011—enough time to mount a presidential campaign IF he’s got well-organized backers at home laying the organizational and financial groundwork for him in the meantime. They have good telephone and Internet connections to China.
2) If he decides to just run for VP—well, he can come home in the summer of 2012, and spend three years on the job in China in the meantime.
3) He’s already been a governor for one full term, and won reelection. That checks the executive experience block. After he’s done with this job, he can look the American people (and the Democratic party nominee) in the eye and say “I know [insert name of key Chinese leader]. I know how to work with them. I’m ready to lead America successfully, in respect to our interactions with China. Executive experience, diplomatic skills—not a bad resume.
This doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
“Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?” (Macaulay)
Fall guy
Common_Cents Saturday, May 16th at 3:40PM EDT (link)If anything goes wrong w/ China relations, he will be the fall guy kinda like the Obama ScareForceOne fall guy.
Hey, how convenient to take out a REP and possible candidate in one fell swoop.
I hope he keeps good notes for safe keeping.
“Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Napoleon - Well, unless he is ruining your country! Common Cents
A cult of personality arises when a country’s leader uses mass media to create a heroic public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.[1] Cults of personality are often found in dictatorships.
I've never heard of him
peg_c Saturday, May 16th at 12:20PM EDT (link)And would bet he’s not on the radar of most conservatives. If he really wanted to run for pres he could have refused this.
What’s Duh-1 going to do about other challengers? Jindal, Palin, Sanford, etc. all better get good bodyguards. There is nothing I’d put past this guy.
Government cannot be the solution when government is the problem.
"Jindal, Palin, Sanford, etc." pose no threat to Obama's reelection
James Richardson Saturday, May 16th at 12:26PM EDT (link)They’re all inconsequential, at least at this point in time.
http://www.skepticians.com
Inconsequential???
Steven Willis Saturday, May 16th at 12:50PM EDT (link)Jindal is bright, successful, and has a large following. He is well-known. How is he inconsequential, compared to Huntsman, with whom I was unfamiliar until your post?
Ditto with Palin.
I suspect Obama is mostly a threat to himself. That said, I doubt Huntsman will ever be the Republican nominee - not in 2012 or 2016.
“Let it be said, I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.”
Paul, Second Timothy 4:7, The New Covenant.
Steve Willis
Professor of Law
University of Florida College of Law
I think the key phrase there is "at this point in time."
joshputnam Saturday, May 16th at 2:57PM EDT (link)But by the same token, Huntsman is inconsequential at this point as well. The sporadic 2012 polling thus far has yet to take the former Utah governor into account. That could mean that we have no idea how well he’d fare (it does), but his absence also speaks to his relative standing vis a vis the 2012 field.
Here’s the thing on Huntsman: Yes, he would be a solid challenger to Obama in a general election match up, but he would still have to get the nod and that goes against a couple of factors we know from history:
1) The GOP has employed the “next guy in line”method of nominee selection with few exceptions (George W. Bush being one) for the last generation or more. Huntsman isn’t that guy in 2012. Romney or Huckabee maybe, but not Huntsman. [That's not to say that Romney or Huckabee will be the Republican nominee, but they both stand a good chance if we take this bit of history for what it's worth.] When was the last time the GOP settled on a dark horse candidate as its nominee?
2) I liked Huntsman’s chances as a dark horse for 2012, but I don’t know that we can necessarily lean on this idea of GOP primary voters voting for him simply because of his chances against Obama in the general election. It wasn’t that long ago that Hillary Clinton’s surrogates were arguing that the former New York senator stood a better shot against John McCain in the electoral college than Barack Obama. And we see how that turned out. It doesn’t hurt to be viewed positively in that regard, but you have to combine that with a substantial level of support at some point. Primary voters will vote in a sophisticated manner (for a candidate who isn’t their most preferred), but that candidate has to be seen as viable. Huntsman would have a tough time remaining viable with Romney in the race.
Really? <i>Really!?</i>
johnCV Saturday, May 16th at 1:12PM EDT (link)The three more/most Conservative potential candidates, all with excellent bona fides are inconsequential? By what calculus do you come up with that one?
But a ‘moderate’ who accepts a position to work for one of the most corrupt and lawless administrations (not to mention socialist) is the leading contender for the republican nomination?
It says two things if true - the republcans are through as a national party and the conservatives need to move on because the options seem to be a quick and painful death or a slow and painful death.
Right on Peg
ejstes2005 Sunday, May 17th at 8:05AM EDT (link)Just like Clinton did Foster.
And don't take any strolls through Ft. Marcy Park
RedWhite_and_Truth Monday, May 18th at 9:05AM EDT (link)n/t
lone Republican challenger?
WarEagle01 Saturday, May 16th at 2:03PM EDT (link)“By co-opting Huntsman, Obama will have successfully pacified the lone Republican 2012 challenger, thereby ensuring a stable route to victory.”
Really? Huntsman was destined to be the only serious GOP challenger to Obama in 2012? I did not know that.
“A wise, doughy leg with rich tingly experiences will always reach better conclusions than will a more tanned, muscular leg that hasn’t felt those thrills.” –Chris Matthews’ Leg
Who is Huntsman? seriously never heard of him...
JadedByPolitics Saturday, May 16th at 5:54PM EDT (link)I understand he is quite well equipped to deal with China so in the scheme of things I would rather someone smart make sure they don’t pull the rug out from under us and own the USA by the time the next election comes along!
Whoever has his enemy at his mercy &
does not destroy him is his own enemy
Huntsman = McCain
dblagent007 Saturday, May 16th at 9:59PM EDT (link)Huntsman is very similar to McCain. If you like McCain, you will like Huntsman. As a Utahn, I don’t think he really believes in conservative principles (like McCain). I would prefer a Palin, Romney (at least he seems to be chaning into more of a conservative as time goes on, while Huntsman seems to be changing into more of a liberal), Jindal, or someone else like these people.
As Orrin Judd noted
Thomas Crown Saturday, May 16th at 10:30PM EDT (link)Not even Bush had the stones to send a Mormon missionary to China to act as our official representative there.
By co-opting Huntsman, Obama will have successfully pacified the lone Republican 2012 challenger, thereby ensuring a stable route to victory. Then, of course, is the knowledge that he’ll likely receive Republican praise for his gesture of bipartisanship, however politically shrewd it may be.
(Emphasis added.) I presume you’re being dry.
———–
We are all heroes, you and Boo and I. Hamsters and rangers everywhere, rejoice!
Don’t let the door hit you...
mrjiblet Monday, May 18th at 11:39AM EDT (link)I don’t know of any conservatives crying a river over Huntsman’s departure. He’s been a confusing presence in Utah since he realized he and the Governator have matching bomber jackets. The tax-payers of Utah have come second to Huntsman’s personal moon-bat belief in climate-change.
Best wishes on convincing chairman Hu to reduce his carbon footprint. The only sadness I feel is for the rest of the country… we had Huntsman contained behind the Zion-curtain, but now Obama has made him everyone’s problem. So sorry.