On Jon Huntsman

Andrew Sullivan lauds Obama's appointment of Gov. Jon Huntsman as Ambassador to China as an example of Obama's highly underrated political cunning, implying a conscious strategy to bring moderate Repubs such as Hunstman, Robert Gates, Charlie Crist, Ray LaHood, etc. into his orbit and thereby radicalize and marginalize the GOP.

I agree on the effect, but not on the intent. I agree that Obama is a political savant, I just don't think his mindset is that cold and calculating. I think what we are seeing is just the natural result of a collaborative, politically un-ideological and open-minded approach.

Al Giordano expands on the political ramifications of this appointment on 2012 here. Well worth a quick read.