Obama Appoints Republican Governor as Ambassador to China

I thought President Obama would name his nominee to the Supreme Court by Monday to get Nancy Pelosi off the front pages.

However, this should do fine.

President Obama has appointed Jon Huntsman, Jr, the Republican Governor of Utah, to be the new U.S. Ambassador to China. Hey, why not? Huntsman speaks fluent Mandarin.

This accomplishes three things a) he gets attention off Pelosi; b) he is seen as once again reaching out to Republicans and c) he heads off a potential rival in 2012.

Even if Huntsman didn't make a bid for the White House he would certainly be seen as someone as a Vice-Presidential nominee. Huntsman himself said he "never expected" such a call from President Obama. I am certain he didn't.