Comments on: Huntsman- Our Man in Beijing

By: idris

idris — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:10:14 +0000

I’m glad that Jon Huntsman decided to take this post. It’s incredibly important that “Our Man in Beijing” understand China with the cultural competency that Huntsman likely has. I also like Obama’s choice of Huntsman because he seems to be a bit of a pragmatist, or at least willing to strike a middle ground in heated ideological arguments. Obama probably picked him because they think alike…

By: Jascha

Jascha — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:23:05 +0000

I would argue that the ambassador to China may not be that far down the ladder in the political spectrum from Utah governor. It seems like the political clout of governors is more or less dictated by the population of a state, and Utah is fairly sparsely populated. And while the ambassador to China may not be a Cabinet-level position, it is obviously one of great importance, and may be more important in the coming decade.

By: chriswaugh_bj

chriswaugh_bj — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Could it be that they both have longer term plans? I mean, just a couple of random thots:
1: Is Huntsman looking beyond 2012, perhaps? A longer-term strategy?
2: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Appointing a potential threat ambassador, thereby bringing him into the fold and taking him out of contention for 2012 perhaps makes Obama’s position a little safer?
3: Are either men chess players? because you sure make them look like they are….