President Obama Nominates Potential 2012 GOP Opponent to be Ambassador to China
EmailIn the White House’s Diplomatic Room, this morning, President Obama announced that he would nominate one of his potential 2012 Republican opponents, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman to be Ambassador to China.
"China will have a crucial role in confronting all the major challenges" of the world, the president said. "I believe there is much to be gained from a closer working relationship with China."
During the transition, then-President-elect Obama told his advisers to "think outside the box" when it came to pending appointments. A White House official says that Jeff Bader, senior director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council staff, told colleagues that he couldn’t think of a better candidate than Huntsman, who speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese from his time in Taiwan as a Mormon missionary, and has served in both the Commerce and State Departments.
Bader met Governor Huntsman when they worked in the US Trade Representative’s ofice (Huntsman was deputy USTR.) They became close friends, socialized as families and have remained in close touch.
About a month ago, Bader called Huntsman and they began discussing Huntsman becoming Ambassador to China. Those calls were followed up with calls between Huntsman and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. Last Saturday, with Huntsman in Washington, DC, for the White House Correspondents Dinner, President Obama met with him in the Oval Office to discuss the job, which the Utah governor accepted.
Huntsman today said he "never expected" as national co-chair of John McCain’s presidential campaign to be standing there. But when the president asks for service, he said, "that to me is the end of the conversation." Huntsman said first in Mandarin, then English, a Chinese saying: "Together we work. Together we progress."
Regarded as a moderate in his party, Huntsman has recently been quite outspoken about the need, in his view, for the Republican party to adapt to the changing demographics of the nation. "If we’re not able to identify the changing demographic in this country and the needs of that changing demographic in terms of the issues that really matter — education and health care and quality of life and jobs — then we’re going to lose, and we’re going to keep losing big-time," Huntsman said last November at a meeting of Republican governors.
Huntsman served as Deputy United States Trade Ambassador from 2001-2003, and was US Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore from 1992 through 1993, unanimously confirmed by the Senate for both positions.
A statement from the White House said that President Obama "knows that Governor Huntsman has respect for China’s proud traditions; understands what it will take to make America more competitive in the 21st century; and will be an unstinting advocate for America’s interests and ideals, including in North Korea. Governor Huntsman’s long service to the country also prepares him well to be frank with our Chinese friends when we disagree on human rights, democracy, and other matters."
In a 2006 speech at Shanghai Normal University, Huntsman said the US and China "need to continue to build and strengthen the bridge that exists, now a generation old, between our two great nations. This includes not demonizing each other when things go wrong. Our bilateral relationship will have its challenges, like any other, but our shared interests must be solid enough to weather the storms."
Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye, have seven children, including a daughter adopted from China.
"When I look at Gracie Mei, I do not see a child that looks different than my other children," Huntsman said of his daughter of Chinese heritage in that 2006 speech. "I do not see someone who is of Chinese descent instead of Northern European ancestry. When I see Gracie Mei, I see my daughter. I see someone whose heart beats just like mine and whose spirit is just as resilient – whether it was born in rural China, like hers, or urban California, like mine. Nor do I judge her based upon any interpretation of the role of the individual in society – derived from Confucian or Jeffersonian ideals.
"Rather, I see my Chinese daughter through a prism of common humanity and understanding," he said. "A reminder that the most important thing you will do with your education or that I will do as an elected official, is to improve the human condition – through better economic opportunity, education, quality of life, and security – regardless of which side of the Pacific we came from."
- jpt
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Wow, a bi-partisan appointment to a very important post. Wonder how the GOP will smear this one?
Posted by: SearamblerOne | May 16, 2009, 10:54 am 10:54 am
GOP is teeming with a bunch of suckers, willing to take the scape-goat positions and act as a shield for the President. The President knows he can’t win when it comes to China, so he knows he needs somebody in the GOP to be the fall guy. The President is a very clever man.
Posted by: tricia | May 16, 2009, 10:56 am 10:56 am
May be a good pick because we definitely need someone in China who appears friendly. We need to keep China happy because Lord knows they basically own us now. And searamblerone, the GOP don’t need to smear this because we know that China loved Bush and that is why this is a good appt. Every now and then King Barry does something that makes sense.
Posted by: palamino | May 16, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am
And there we have it. That didn’t take long….
Posted by: SearamblerOne | May 16, 2009, 11:20 am 11:20 am
“The President is a very clever man.”
Indeed he is! Look at how he “silenced” Hillary Clinton. Since the Secretary of State is the international spokesperson for the president, she cannot publically criticize the president. And it would be foolish to criticize him in private as well, since that might leak out.
Posted by: James Danley | May 16, 2009, 11:25 am 11:25 am
Such a beautiful country China, an ancient culture with such a rich history. Congratulations Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.
Posted by: Ellen | May 16, 2009, 11:30 am 11:30 am
What he says about his daughter Gracie Mei is beautiful. However, it is not genetics that make America and China have differences, but culture. And our cultures and countries do have many differences.
I wish him luck.
Posted by: MayBee | May 16, 2009, 11:32 am 11:32 am
Huntsman’s appointment says a lot about Obama’s governance view. It’s very pragmatic. He appears to seek a high level of talent and familiarity with issues whether or not the individual was or was not a supporter. Huntsman is reminicent of our talented foreign service officers who served in China in the ’30s and ’40s. Many of them, like John Service or John Patton Davies were sons of missionaries and had a significant familiarity with the culture and language.
Posted by: 63tango | May 16, 2009, 11:38 am 11:38 am
FYI, this is not a serious “opponent” to Obama. Never was, never woulda been…
Posted by: Bob O. | May 16, 2009, 11:39 am 11:39 am
I think Mickey Mouse would be a serious opponent to Obama. Sheesh, could it get any worse!
Posted by: jim | May 16, 2009, 11:43 am 11:43 am
Humtsman is very smart man as well. He would do the job very well. Sorry for Utah though.
Posted by: Holly 65 | May 16, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Kudos to the President for using logic and common sense.
Posted by: Lori | May 16, 2009, 11:59 am 11:59 am
A great man for the job, recognized for his service and competence by a great President.
[Smart government is such a refreshing CHANGE!]
re:
“Wow, a bi-partisan appointment to a very important post. Wonder how the GOP will smear this one?” Posted by: SearamblerOne | May 16, 2009 10:54:50 AM
HERE’S HOW:
“Look at how he “silenced” Hillary Clinton. Since the Secretary of State is the international spokesperson for the president, she cannot publically criticize the president. And it would be foolish to criticize him in private as well, since that might leak out.” Posted by: James Danley | May 16, 2009 11:25:14 AM
James, has it ever occurred to you that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigned for the exact same goals for America?
They are not enemies; they are competitors on the same team — the team that believes in Smart Government.
We all HOPE Jon Huntsman is as SMART as he sounds, regardless of party affiliation.
James, I recommend that you Get A life.
Clinton-Hating is passe these days.
Only the Loyal Bushies still hate the Clintons.
[The rest of us hate the Loyal Bushies.]
(AKA The Defenders of Torture… from The Party of No… led by The Leader of Ditto Heads… Rush the Republicans’ Right Wing Representative)
Posted by: Jan | May 16, 2009, 11:59 am 11:59 am
Also I agree that Gov. Huntsman is not a serious opponent of the President Obama. This govenor is not crazy enough.
Posted by: Holly 65 | May 16, 2009, 11:59 am 11:59 am
Well Gop How will you Bash this One?
Posted by: Angie in Pa | May 16, 2009, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
It’s very gutsy of Huntsman to accept. A lot of Republicans will undoubtedly say he’s left the party. They’d love any excuse to discredit a Republican moderate and potential moderate Presidential candidate. If Huntsman had any intention of helping change his party and bringing it back to dominance, this will make it much more difficult for him. So I think that it must be his dream job in some ways, and that he’s completely serious when he says it’s his duty to accept it. The Chinese will see him both as a friend of China and as a political prestigious choice.
Posted by: jh | May 16, 2009, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
Jake,
Thx for the background reporting. Huntsman’s words about his daughter moved me deeply. This is a great pick and exciting for those who care about US-China relations.
On a minor note, I think the translation for “Together we progress”– huxiang xuexi” would be more apt as “Together we learn” or We will learn. “Xuexi” is a common word to denote learn or experience.
Posted by: tw | May 16, 2009, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
tw- “progress” was the translation Huntsman gave.
Posted by: MayBee | May 16, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Last one left in the formerly grand old party make sure to leave the lights on (after all there’s no global warming). Also, make sure to cut a check for whatever’s left in the party coffers to King Rush. Those who will drool on themselves and say “Good Riddance” to Huntsman spit on Reagan’s legacy because they are killing the party he built.
Posted by: Reality Check | May 16, 2009, 12:41 pm 12:41 pm
Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel, “pick up your shovel, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the promised land”.
Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, ” Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a camel; this is the promised land.”
Now Obama is going to steal your shovel, kick your asses, raise the price of camels, and mortgage the promised land.
Posted by: carolflowery | May 16, 2009, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
Jan, actually I have a great life! While I may disagree with someone’s ideology and hate their policies and agenda (i.e., President Obama’s Socialist agenda), I don’t hate anyone.
Unfortunately you Liberals, while advocating diversity and tolerance are unable to adhere to your own advocacy.
Posted by: James Danley | May 16, 2009, 1:27 pm 1:27 pm
Wait, he hired someone who can speak without a teleprompter and complete a sentence? Oh, the audacity of hope!
Posted by: Jeff | May 16, 2009, 2:02 pm 2:02 pm
Someone once said in our office during the election that she was going to vote for for McCain. Another person replied that voting for McCain in DC is like voting for Obama in Utah. An exercise in futility. Now Utah got the biggest diplomatic portfolio. Now they are laughing at democrats in our office. See why:Tom Dashel that single handedly recruited all the super delegates for Obama lost outin the power equation, Caroline Kennedy who compared Obama to her Dad also lost out, John Kerry that made Obama who he is today lost the secretary of State position to Obama arch rival. What about Howard Dean that worked so hard that he was in enemy terrtory (Arizona) on election day. Ask Tim Kaine of Virginia how he benefited from being the first among southern Governor to endorse Obama.He lost VP to Biden. I have conceeded to the republicans in my office they they are back through the back door. All applicants for jobs that bear democrats shall continue to be thrown in the dust bin.
Posted by: Darry Tom | May 16, 2009, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
carolflowery—-Love it! Well said, even the most simple minded lib should be able to understand that!
Posted by: cg | May 16, 2009, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
The administration is on its knees begging for more loans from China, and Obama is on his knees begging someone in the GOP to who knows how to say, in Chinese, “pretty please, keep fueling our debt addiction.”
Posted by: sandra | May 16, 2009, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
The GOP would rather this appointment go to a recent ‘graduate’ of a ‘christian university’ with no experience in international affairs, and the ability to only understand the ‘republican language’.
Posted by: Look Ahead | May 16, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Huntsman was never a serious contender for 2012. He would make a good President, but the GOP seems to be headed in a different direction. And they certainly would NEVER go for anyone who would consider working with Obama.
It’s too bad for the GOP… and, in a way, too bad for Huntsman. But I think he is smart enough to read the tea leaves, and in 2012, the GOP is going to pick a candidate that can get the blessing of Rush Limbaugh.
In any case, it’s a good move on Obama’s part. He’s picking a smart, competent leader who can bring a bit of intellectual diversity to our relationship to China.
In spite of this, I’m sure there is going to be some bizarre anti-Obama propaganda coming over the airwaves to respond to this particular decision. But it will be the same stuff we’ve been hearing for years… warmed over stuff about communists and terrorists and giving money to lazy urban dwellers (wink, wink).
Posted by: Borneo | May 16, 2009, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
Perfect choice I will miss John he has been great for Utah. I am sure My state will suffer and will morn our loss greatly but it is for a worthy cause. Thank you President Obama for your pragmatic choice. :[
Posted by: Scott from Utah | May 16, 2009, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
don’t believe I’ve seen more useless crap than on the MSM websites than today..
there is in fact a meeting of 150 of the wealthiest,most powerful human beings on the plant going on right now 20 miles outside Athens Greece called the Bilderberg Group meeting[Tim Geithner is there btw] and not even a peep from any of the MSM news outlets..
Americans are so brainwashed they
still actually believe the nonsense news they are fed from the MSM news outlets..if the MSM news was not completely controlled by these same people attending Bilderberg don’t you think they would be covering[in droves] the most powerful wealthiest movers and shakers in the world getting together to decide world policy for the next year? the alternative media is the new kid on the block for getting the truth in news and Alex Jones infowars is at the top!
WAKE UP AMERICA!
Posted by: newfy777 | May 16, 2009, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
“The GOP would rather this appointment go to a recent ‘graduate’ of a ‘christian university’ with no experience in international affairs, and the ability to only understand the ‘republican language’.”
Wow…just wow. And you say liberals are ignorant.
Posted by: SChaos1701 | May 16, 2009, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
Actually, make that “And you say conservatives are ignorant.” Your ignorance jostled my brain too much.
Posted by: SChaos1701 | May 16, 2009, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
I’m glad the chips fell this way.. lots of bipartisan support (hopefully).. China is probably the single most important country – at this time.
We need China and they need the U.S. .. it’s a crazy world. I wonder if this plays into the diminished Hillary role that the pundits mention from time to time.
Posted by: DontGet818OnMeNow | May 16, 2009, 3:30 pm 3:30 pm
Either Obama is a brilliant politician, getting a rival out of the way, or he really is interested in what is best for America. The jury is still out.
Posted by: solstice21 | May 16, 2009, 3:30 pm 3:30 pm
SChaos1701–And just how is this different than the majority of uninformed koolaid drinkers managing to put a woefully inexperienced person in the WH?
Posted by: cg | May 16, 2009, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
You know, for those who want to take a dig at who the GOP would want in this position, a quick reminder there actually has been a Republican-appointed Ambassador to China for the past 8 years.
Clark T Randt. Graduate or Yale, JD from University of Michigan, a scholar of China at Harvard.
Prior to his appointment, he was practicing law in Hong Kong as head of his firm’s China division.
Huntsman sounds like a good guy, but the past Ambassador was also intelligent and qualified. No need to make up boogeymen to praise Huntsman.
Posted by: MayBee | May 16, 2009, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm
Don’t Let the door hit you on the way out!
I was a Utah State Deligate in ’04.
Huntsman had a to-do list….’09 nothing was accomplished on the list.
I don’t think Utah needs a Gov. We seem to do O.K. with or without one.
Huntsman is not like his old man…a man of character.
Posted by: romney2012 | May 16, 2009, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
“SChaos1701–And just how is this different than the majority of uninformed koolaid drinkers managing to put a woefully inexperienced person in the WH?”
I think the same thing. I don’t know whether to laugh at our current situation or scream into my pillow at night.
Posted by: SChaos1701 | May 16, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
Shut this lamestream media garbage down. They won’t even cover the Bilderberg Group, which has just as any important figures at it as any political party convention, and seems far more important than those publicity stunts. Mainstream media has lost all credibility when they can callously dismiss and blackout a major meeting by world leaders. If you want to know something they don’t want you to know, then look no further than the Bilderberg Group online.
Posted by: Cover Bilderberg | May 16, 2009, 5:23 pm 5:23 pm
borneo:
” And they certainly would NEVER go for anyone who would consider working with Obama.”
Yeah. That would be like nominating John McCain for president after he openly flirted with John Kerry four years earlier.
Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn | May 16, 2009, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
After her disastrous press conference, she fears the press as Dracula fears the crucifix:
“House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) turned down invitations to be on several Sunday morning talk shows and is instead spending the weekend with her family.
The Speaker was invited to appear on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ ABC’s ‘This Week,’ ‘Fox News Sunday’ and CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ according to sources at the networks.”
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 16, 2009, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
The WSJ salutes the further acceptance by Mr. Obama of Mr. Bush’s anti-terror policies, but with a note of sympathy for some of his supporters:
“At least some people in the White House must now be embarrassed by their boss’s switcheroo, though you can’t tell from Friday’s declaration. Part of the tribunal face-lift is that ‘the accused will have greater latitude in selecting their counsel.’ Say what? Enemy combatants already have better access to attorneys — white shoe and pro bono, no less — than nearly every criminal defendant in America. Perhaps this means Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, 90 Yemenis and the rest will now be able to choose lawyers from both Shearman & Sterling and Covington & Burling, instead of one or the other.”
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 16, 2009, 7:02 pm 7:02 pm
Actually check and at the exact same time Rahm Emanuel was calling Jon Huntsman, Jr. to offer the ambassadorship, David Plouffe mentioned Huntsman as the biggest fear for Democrats. The line that sticks out by Plouffe is that “Huntsman speaks a lot of truth”.
I have my doubts that Plouffe didn’t know about it…
At the very least, it’s a question I’d ask the next time Plouffe does a speaking engagement
Posted by: CestWhat | May 16, 2009, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
jeff wrote:
“Wait, he hired someone who can speak without a teleprompter and complete a sentence? Oh, the audacity of hope!“
—————————————-
Obama has taught constitutional law for 8 years without notes or prompter. Only dumbos talk about the prompter.
Posted by: keith | May 16, 2009, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
Who?
This guy is a potential Nothing!
I’m sure the Democrats would love to
run against someone the general public
doesn’t know and who thinks that
becoming a “Democrat Light” will
get him elected.
I doubt if anyone who helped run
John McCain’s losing presidential campaign will be considered for the nomination.
Palin, Jindal, Crist, or Romney.
By 2012 any of those four will be able to beat the second coming of
Jimmy Carter, AKA Barack Obama.
Posted by: reaganfan | May 16, 2009, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
Sounds like this is an excellent decision on behalf of all the American people.
It would be so nice to read more posts that don’t stop at the “my party/my ideology” mat just so they can try and wipe their shoes on someone who doesn’t see it exactly as they do.
Sheesh…
The most successful “attacks” on America these days are from the Americans who think they have to always be numero uno rather than just, on the team.
Posted by: dassis | May 16, 2009, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
Raising star of the GOP…Fairly young, attractive…UMMM Send him to China…
Posted by: Parallax View | May 16, 2009, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
It sounds like he’s a good pick for the US. And I find it funny that suddenly he’s a rising star who would have contended in 2012 – yet no one out of Utah or deep in the political system has ever heard of him. Send him to China, if he does well he’ll be a real contender in 2016.
Posted by: jhw539 | May 16, 2009, 11:32 pm 11:32 pm
The smartest president we’ve had in years!
Posted by: Stanley | May 17, 2009, 5:17 am 5:17 am
nobody ever accused BHO, Jr of being stupid. Not only has he effectively silenced a critic, Hillary. He now will be sending a potential political “adversary” over to the ChiComs for vetting, etc. Even if the Chinese communists don’t turn him, he still will have enough stain on him to be a less viable candidate if there are any more incidents, economic downturns, etc. Obama has learned his political tactics well from his heros, mentors, and fellow travellers (Alinsky et al).
Posted by: Ed | May 17, 2009, 7:46 am 7:46 am
palamino:”We need to keep China happy because Lord knows they basically own us now.”
Not quite. Most economists agree that China is firmly snared in a dollar trap – a great deal of their foreign reserves are entirely beholden to our economic policy, and there is nothing they can do about that. If there is inflation, it will hit China more than anyone in the US…
Posted by: jhw539 | May 17, 2009, 10:06 am 10:06 am
Checkmate! Lesson#1 never bring checkers to a game of chess. LOL!
Posted by: Coherent1 | May 17, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am
” there is nothing they can do about that. If there is inflation, it will hit China more than anyone in the US…”
They can stop buying our debt. They can press for an abandonment of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. (They’re already doing both things.)
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 17, 2009, 11:39 am 11:39 am
“Even if the Chinese communists don’t turn him, he still will have enough stain on him to be a less viable candidate…”
Didn’t seem to make G.H.W. Bush less viable.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 17, 2009, 11:41 am 11:41 am
” I find it funny that suddenly he’s a rising star who would have contended in 2012.”
So do I. It’s just another falsehood emanating from the Obama camp:
“While no republican presidential candidate yet makes Obama’s team “’hake in {their} shoes…,’ President Obama’s campaign manager, David Plouffe, now says Governor Jon Huntsman makes him, a ‘wee bit queasy…I think he’s really out there speaking a lot of truth about the direction of the party.’”
As with so many such falsehoods, people are starting to catch on.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 17, 2009, 11:49 am 11:49 am
FWIW, in the poll released a few days ago of Republican Insiders’ opinions on the Republican governors with the brightest political futures, Huntsman came in 6th with 6%. Bobby Jindal, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, and Charlie Crist were way ahead.
I hadn’t heard of Huntsman until I read the piece in the last few weeks about how much Obama feared him.
So that’s interesting.
Posted by: MayBee | May 17, 2009, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm
Fascist Hyena:”They can stop buying our debt. They can press for an abandonment of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. (They’re already doing both things.)”
That would result in two things: The elimination of deficit spending, and the elimination of the national debt (well, mostly – inflation would make it irrelevant quickly).
What is your problem with the two above items? Have you finally come around to the necessity of deficit spending (a well honored favorite of Republican ‘spend and debt it’ policy since Reagan) and fear the loss of it?
Posted by: jhw539 | May 17, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
so does this mean the “reporters”
will do what it takes to question everything and add the facts of what is real? I believe OB is getting all the strong opponents in positions where they cannot speak out or like Pilosi ,Richarson,Daschle,Kerry ,Mcasklll,dear Donna ,wright ,such a big list use them and leave them!
It seems sex scandals,micheles arms and ugly clothes are a main topic when they aren’t going along with whatever OB group puts out there letting gibbs mock any questioning of important issues such as this new appointment.They need to pretend it is bill clinton and try to get him on just anything and make it a negativeand treat it as fact. the MSM bought and paid for. although it seems Jake and a couple others are waking and questioning .
Posted by: rose | May 17, 2009, 12:31 pm 12:31 pm
Hope Huntsman takes it. We need an operative on the inside. : )
Posted by: jordan | May 17, 2009, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
Who?
Posted by: LongT | May 17, 2009, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
“Have you finally come around to the necessity of deficit spending (a well honored favorite of Republican ‘spend and debt it’ policy since Reagan) and fear the loss of it?”
Never in my life have I contended that it was unnecessary. I am able to draw a sharp distinction between a deficit that is 4% of GDP and one that is 12.9% of GDP. And I can draw a similar distinction when it comes to the ratio of the national debt to GDP. “Most economists agree” that the Obama levels are reckless, unnecessary and destructive. Reagan’s deficits, and his tax cuts, gave rise to two decades of economic growth unprecedented in the history of the world. Obama’s have done nothing at all, and threaten great harm.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Jim Webb discourses on some of the inanities of the young president and his administration:
“‘We spend hundreds of millions of dollars building an appropriate facility with all security precautions in Guantanamo to try these cases,’ Webb said. ‘There are cases against international law. These aren’t people who were in the United States, committing a crime in the United States. These are people who were brought to Guantanamo for international terrorism. I do not believe they should be tried in the United States.’
“When pressed on the year deadline, Webb suggested the administration might have to be more flexible as it figures out where to send detainees.
“‘They’ve said a lot of things and taken a look and said some other things,’ Webb said. ‘So let’s process these people in a very careful way and then take care of it.’”
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | May 17, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
I doubt Axelrod or Rahm were concerned about a Huntsman 2012 conflict.. there is really only one potential candidate (democrat female) who could upset the incumbent’s apple cart..
Posted by: DontGet818OnMeNow | May 17, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm
Good choice…..the true Americans are thinking about their country and how to serve her. Second, America has been in China’s debt for DECADES…..it didn’t start with with our current President.
Posted by: tychisum | May 17, 2009, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
Obama is simply “brilliant” because he found a qualified person who speaks the language, knows the country he is going to AND presumably wasn’t a HUGE donor like his other ambassador choices. Of course it is a Republican. He probably even paid his taxes! No Democrats fit any of those qualifications. As far as the main contender in 2012, uh are you guys serious? Whenever you assign such political strategies to Obama as if it is a good thing, it makes him seem like even more of a self centered, crooked Chicago hack than he already is. So worried about 20012 that he needs to get rid of any competitors already? I have zero respect for his policies and even I don’t think he is that bad.
Posted by: Michelle | May 17, 2009, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm
Obama has made an excellent choice in Huntsman Jr. I don’t think given the disarray of the GOP right now whether Huntsman could have ever gotten the nomination in 2012 but as an Independent who waivered between Obama and McCain, I certainly had hoped he would burst out onto the National scene and was watching his career very closely and have been very impressed.
I think Obama’s primary motivation was Huntsman is the right person for the job . In all honesty given the GOP will probably need one more big loss until they get the fact that the right wing won’t win a national election , I think Obama has done Huntsman a favor and this is a smart move on Huntsman’s part.
He gets away from the mess in the GOP, building up on his credentials and hopefully we’ll get an opportunity to hear or see him on a national level more prominently- that will only work for him whenever he chooses to run (if ever). I think Huntsman will work well with Obama but I have to admit I would have loved to see those two debate in 2012.
Posted by: Melissa | May 17, 2009, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
I must say, that I am enjoying Fascist Hyena’s
twisting in the wind over everything Democratic.
Posted by: LOL | May 18, 2009, 2:55 am 2:55 am
BRILLIANT CHOICE BY PRESIDENT OBAMA. CROSSED PARTY LINES TO CHOOSE THE BEST PERSON FOR THE POSITION. THE COUNTRY FIRST!
Posted by: Juez7 | May 18, 2009, 10:35 am 10:35 am
“Reagan’s deficits, and his tax cuts, gave rise to two decades of economic growth unprecedented in the history of the world.”
ROFLMAO!
Now Saint Reagan pushes aside even Bush!
Posted by: Ryan C | May 18, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm