Thread: Obama names Republican governor as envoy to China

More proof of Obama's commitment to bipartisan government. Huntsman is an excellent choice for ambassador to China.

* Obama cites importance of U.S. envoy to China post
* Huntsman, a Republican, was ambassador to Singapore
(Adds details, bylines)
By Matt Spetalnick and Emily Kaiser
WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday named Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. to be the next U.S. ambassador to China, a pivotal post in relations between the United States and a major emerging economic power.
"This ambassadorship is as important as any in the world because the United States will best be able to deal effectively with the global challenges of the 21st century by working in concert with China," Obama said at a White House ceremony with Huntsman at his side.
But Obama also used his nomination of Huntsman, a Mandarin-speaking former ambassador to Singapore who has been mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2012, to send a message China's communist leadership.
"Improved relations with China will require candor and open discussion about those issues where we don't always agree, such as human rights and democracy and free speech, and will require that each of our nations play by the rules in open and honest competition," Obama said.
The huge U.S. trade deficit with China and the value of China's yuan currency have been among the biggest sticking points in relations between the two countries.
Obama's administration has stopped short of accusing China of keeping its currency artificially low in order to boost exports, but some in Congress would like to see the United States formally accuse China of manipulating the yuan.
Obama, like his predecessor George W. Bush, has been mostly low-key in any criticism of China's human rights record.
Washington is mindful of its need for Beijing's cooperation in curbing the global financial crisis and in reining in North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
BIPARTISANSHIP?
Obama's choice of a Republican for such a key post could signal that the Democratic president has not abandoned his pledge to seek bipartisan cooperation. Since taking office in January, he has mostly relied on a Democratic majority in Congress to push through his legislation.
The ambassador post requires Senate confirmation.
Huntsman, 49, served as deputy U.S. trade representative in the Bush administration from 2001-2004, and was also U.S. ambassador to Singapore from 1992 to 1994 when Bush's father was president.

UPDATE 1-Obama names Republican governor as envoy to China | Currencies | Reuters

Originally Posted by Bourne

More proof of Obama's commitment to bipartisan government.

Diplomatic envoys don't govern.

Huntsman is an excellent choice for ambassador to China.

Yeah, right. Let's face it, Obama could have appointed Carrot Top and you'd be praising it as an "excellent choice."

Originally Posted by Defensor

Diplomatic envoys don't govern.

No, they don't. They represent the United States diplomatic interests abroad. Considering his credentials, Huntsman would seem the perfect choice to be ambassador to China.

Originally Posted by Defensor

Yeah, right. Let's face it, Obama could have appointed Carrot Top and you'd be praising it as an "excellent choice."

No, I wouldn't. But in the case of Huntsman it is indeed and excellent choice. Well done Obama!

and not only that the Gov is a top contender to run in 2012 for president.. this move effectively gets him out of the spotlight and makes him out of the running.. smart move on Obamas part.. eliminate the competition

Originally Posted by wingrider

and not only that the Gov is a top contender to run in 2012 for president.. this move effectively gets him out of the spotlight and makes him out of the running.. smart move on Obamas part.. eliminate the competition

Huntsman's appointment would have no effect on his ability to run for President in 2012, if that is what he choses to do.

Run yes but without him actually running Utah for the next 3 years.. the media will drop him as a noc news Item,, and running and getting the nomination are 2 different things... He has been effectuallly nuetered as a contender

no he hasnt. if huntsman wants to run he can still pursue it.

Originally Posted by wingrider

Run yes but without him actually running Utah for the next 3 years.. the media will drop him as a noc news Item,, and running and getting the nomination are 2 different things... He has been effectuallly nuetered as a contender

Not necessarily. It depends on when he begins his campaign, who his staff is, who he gets to endorse him and how effectively he campaigns.

Then again, since Huntsman accepted this appointment he may have no intention of running for President. The man is politically saavy in his own right and I'm certain that he's aware of how this appointment might affect his political future.

Originally Posted by Bourne

Not necessarily. It depends on when he begins his campaign, who his staff is, who he gets to endorse him and how effectively he campaigns.

Then again, since Huntsman accepted this appointment he may have no intention of running for President. The man is politically saavy in his own right and I'm certain that he's aware of how this appointment might affect his political future.

I concur with your point ..We don't have his mindset on this .. It just struck me as funny that he would accept this appointment when he is one of the top governors and could have a shot in 2012 for the presidency..
you are right though in your assessment

Originally Posted by wingrider

I concur with your point ..We don't have his mindset on this .. It just struck me as funny that he would accept this appointment when he is one of the top governors and could have a shot in 2012 for the presidency..
you are right though in your assessment

Thank you very much!