(CNN) - President Barack Obama Friday announced he will nominate longtime Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana as U.S. ambassador to China.
"For more than two decades Max Baucus has worked to deepen the relationship between the United States and China," the President said in a statement released by the White House.
"The economic agreements he helped forge have created millions of American jobs and added billions of dollars to our economy, and he's perfectly suited to build on that progress in his new role," Obama added.
Baucus said he is "humbled" by the opportunity and underscored the importance of U.S. and China's relationship.
"The U.S. – China relationship is one of the world's most important bilateral relationships. If confirmed, my goal will be to further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between our two nations," the Senator said in a statement.
"My career has been dedicated to public service. It is something I care about deeply. It's an honor to be presented with an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, Mike Mansfield, who worked to strengthen and improve America's important relationships throughout Asia."
Baucus, 72, the six-term lawmaker and chairman of the powerful Finance Committee, announced in April that he would retire from Congress at the end of next year rather than run for re-election. He was first elected to the Senate in 1978.
If confirmed by his fellow Senators, Baucus would succeed former Commerce Secretary and Washington State Gov. Gary Locke.
And in two years, the republicans will approve him if democrats give up social security, Medicare, and Obamacre.
This is probably the single most important ambassador assignment for the country.
excellent choice.
I am surprised that Obama is doing this. This guy is a major reason for why the ACA turned out as it did. There is an episode of Frontline that describes his selfish behavior quite well, I strongly recommend that people look it up. I don't think that Baucus should get any rewards whatsoever from Obama.
Winning
I am surprised that Obama is doing this. This guy is a major reason for why the ACA turned out as it did. There is an episode of Frontline that describes his selfish behavior quite well, I strongly recommend that people look it up. I don't think that Baucus should get any rewards whatsoever from Obama.
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Reward? Sen Baucus is being taken out of the loop. HIs days of influence in the Senate will come to an abrupt end.
It is his payback for inflicting Obamacare on the American people. Even he predicted it would be a train wreck and guess what? That was the understatement of the year! Thanks for screwing all of us then leaving the country. Loser.
Rudy, I just don't think he should be a part of the administration at all. He was retiring anyway. Only good news here is that he isn't going to be in the Senate anymore, but that was old news anyway.
-Donna
It is his payback for inflicting Obamacare on the American people. Even he predicted it would be a train wreck and guess what? That was the understatement of the year! Thanks for screwing all of us then leaving the country. Loser.
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You must get dizzy from spinning everything in such a negative, mean-spirited light. I cannot recall a single positive thing you have ever posted, even under your other identities, ( Four and the Door is what I'm betting on). So much hate, even during the Holiday Season. Sad, but I guess that comes from defining yourself by what you are against, rather than what you are for.
@ Rudy NYC....Yes , Reward. Baucus isn't forced to take this position.....he accepts it!
@Donna
It is his payback for inflicting Obamacare on the American people. Even he predicted it would be a train wreck and guess what? That was the understatement of the year! Thanks for screwing all of us then leaving the country. Loser.
Wrong again Donna. Your hatred for Obama is clouding your thinking. Baucus is retiring and right wing Montana will surely vote a Republican in. By getting a job for this clown early, the Democratic Governor will replace him with another Democrat who will be in a position to win as an incumbant at election time.
CryBabies wrote: @ Rudy NYC....Yes , Reward. Baucus isn't forced to take this position.....he accepts it!
Winning wrote: Rudy, I just don't think he should be a part of the administration at all. He was retiring anyway.
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I look at it as more of a carrot to hurry his Senate retirement.
Jeff Brown in Jersey
Wrong again Donna. Your hatred for Obama is clouding your thinking. Baucus is retiring and right wing Montana will surely vote a Republican in. By getting a job for this clown early, the Democratic Governor will replace him with another Democrat who will be in a position to win as an incumbant at election time.
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Typical hallucinations by the lefties... This seat will go Republican because any Democrat has to run with Obamacare and Obama hanging all over them. Only Senate seats in the bluest of the blue states are safe for the Democrats in 2014 thanks to Obama and Obamacare. But by all means, continue to kid yourself that the voters are idiots easily fooled by this sort of treachery.
Donna wrote:
Typical hallucinations by the lefties... This seat will go Republican because any Democrat has to run with Obamacare and Obama hanging all over them.
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More of the same delusional hypocrisy that we heard in 2012. Don't most all of the Tea Party Senate candidates lose? Yup. How's that Republican Party "Extreme" Makeover coming along. It seems that the "Exrermes" don't want a makeover.
@ Donna
But by all means, continue to kid yourself that the voters are idiots easily fooled by this sort of treachery.
Now, now... Take a deep breath, that's a good girl. Turn off Faux "News", take a Xanax and a nice cup of cocoa...close your eyes and think happy thoughts. See? Life isn't that bad, is it?
This is not only payback for Baucus pushing Obamacare on us, but its a way to give a Democratic candidate a leg up on any Republican or Independent running for the junior Senator position in 2014. The Baucus seat is in serious peril of falling away from Democratic control in the next election cycle. It's time for all independents and Republican's in Montana to understand that when Bullock appoints a Democrat to fill Baucus' position, it will be harder to elect a competent politician into that position instead of a person that will always support this administration's policies. Remember that at the polls in 2014 and show up at the polls to vote for a change in State wne US direction.
Great. The Senator who caved to the insurance companies and destroyed the chance of meaningful healthcare reform is now going to be our link to China. Max will likely flog the agenda of large corporations further sully the reputation of our Government. (not that it needs the help...)