Reports: Biden Considering Buttigieg for China Ambassadorship

Ever since Joe Biden won the presidential election last month, speculation has been rife as to what role his former opponent for the Democratic nomination Pete Buttigieg might fill in the new administration. Now there's a possible answer: Axios reports that, according to sources, the incoming president is considering Buttigieg for an ambassadorship, possibly to China.

Axios recalled that the ambassadorship to the UN had reportedly been "the job said to be Buttigieg's top choice," but said that Biden is not considering Buttigieg for that post.

Still, the out politician - who made history by campaigning with his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, proudly at his side - seems destined to serve the forty-sixth president in some high-profile capacity.

"Buttigieg electrified donors and rocketed to the top of the party, winning the most delegates in the Iowa caucuses earlier this year before dropping out to consolidate moderates' support around Biden," Axios recounted.

Once support coalesced around Biden, Buttigieg became a deft proxy for Biden, a role that included a number of well-received appearances on Fox News. His smart, well-spoken appearances and collected demeanor made the 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana a seemingly a sure bet for a cabinet position.

Moreover, as Reuters recalled, "The former mayor also used his knowledge of Vice President Mike Pence's record as governor of Indiana to help Democrat Kamala Harris in her debate with the incumbent."

However, Axios noted, "finding a Cabinet position for him has been a challenge as the former VP focuses on nominating women and people of color to high-level posts."

At one point, media speculation had suggested that Buttigieg, who served in naval intelligence, might be tapped for Secretary of Veterans Affairs; even now, Axios reported, "Buttigieg's name is still mentioned among those under consideration for other domestic posts, including Transportation or Commerce."

Buttigieg is still very much a rising star in the Democratic party, and though he stepped away from his own presidential ambitions this year to rally to Biden's campaign, his name is still mentioned as a serious contender for a future run at the White House. If Buttigieg were to be given the ambassadorship to China, Axios pointed out, that posting would "give the Chinese an opportunity to get to know a potential future president.

"That happened with George H.W. Bush in 1974, when President Ford appointed him to the U.S. liaison office in Beijing," Axios recalled.