Let's get one thing clear: Jon Huntsman was not going to win the GOP nomination.

[Drunken Irishman]

Unless he somehow made a huge 180 and completely reversed his opinions on the following:

The environment
Global Warming
Civil Unions
War
Abortion

Huntsman is a moderate. Huntsman is to the left of 90% of the current GOP. Huntsman is LDS. Huntsman would have been eaten alive for his positions.

Now he very well could pull a Romney and change his position on all these issues, but with him accepting this position for Obama, you get the sense that is just not his style.

The Republicans would rather nominate Joseph McCarthy's ghost and lose each and every state than put up a moderate, left-leaning candidate.

I think Huntsman knew this. I think Obama knew this. I don't believe Obama made this decision to take Huntsman out of the running. I don't care what WH officials said, anyone with the basic understanding of politics would realize Huntsman just wasn't the guy. I mean, his own party here in Utah can't stand him.

[DrToast]

1. He had no chance in 2012...

But maybe in 2016 if, by that time, the Republican party gives up their, "Remain calm! All is well!" mantra and seriously reforms the party.

[Marsala]

2. If there was any Machiavellian goal on Obama's part, it was taking a moderate out of the GOP

Without Huntsman, the GOP is one step more radical and out of touch.

[Drunken Irishman]

4. I agree.

If the Republican Party wised up and moved to the center, Huntsman was their go-to guy and he isn't anymore. So in that regard, Obama's move was huge.

But I don't think they'll do that.

It just means one less moderate, though and maybe Huntsman is positioning himself for a post-Obama presidency. If Obama succeeds, serving him might be an asset, even if he's a Republican.

[Kittycat]

6. Exactly my thoughts.

People like Huntsman legitimize the GOP, and help balance out the crazy (One moderate has to equal a dozen Bachmans). The more the moderates flee, the less likely indies will side with the right. They'll be left as extremists.

[depakid]

3. Gotta say though- it's an interesting pick

I hope we get to hear a few funny quotes in Mandarin... the language sometimes throws folks. Just Ask Kevin Rudd.

[customerserviceguy]

5. It doesn't matter what Jon Huntsman's positions are, were, or will be

the hard-core fundie base of the Rethuglicans would NEVER vote for a Mormon. They might have back in 1968 when Mitten's father, George Romney was running, but in the intervening forty years, the snake-handlers have seen waves of LDS missionaries trying to tempt away their flocks throughout every state in the Union, and even overseas where they've tried to spread American evangelical fundamentalism.

I guarantee you, they don't want to give those kids in the white shirts, thin black ties, on the bicycles any more talking points about "famous people who bought our BS".