The KMT is set to announce vice president Lien Chan's (
Although Hu has yet to formally accept the position, political analysts say he is the perfect KMT member for the job.
"Hu is very charismatic and affable. He enjoys the highest public rating among the ministers in addition to being a publicly elected official [in the National Assembly]," said Bau Tzong-ho (
"All these factors are beneficial to the KMT," said Bau.
"His personal appeal works not only on domestic audiences but he is equally popular overseas," said Bau.
Hu is known to woo international audiences with his down-to-earth personality.
When he visited Panama last month, Hu waded through a river arm-in-arm with Panama's president Mireya Mosocso instead of opting to take a helicopter ride, a move that other foreign ministry officials point to as a typical "Hu-style" diplomacy.
Domestically, Hu was elected to the National Assembly with the highest number of votes in 1996.
"Hu is the only person in the Cabinet and the KMT party central who has campaign experience besides Ma Ying-jeou (馬-^?E) and John Chang (31孝嚴)," said KMT legislator Chen Shei-saint (3紋Кt).
What Hu should do, said Chen, is to assemble a "dream team" consisting of young KMT party members from different sectors.
"Hu represents an invigorated and reformed KMT. He should gather a broad team of young KMT members from all sectors [including high-tech and finance] to show the public the dynamism of the KMT's second generation," said Chen.
"It could even be a model of a shadow cabinet ... this is the only way the voters will have hope in the KMT," he added.
Hu's youthful and dynamic image could also help make up for areas where Lien appears to be lacking, Bau said.
"Hu has excellent communication skills, he can bring the public closer to the KMT and help connect the party with grass-roots support," said Bau.
"He is good with the media and can think very quickly on his feet -- all the qualities one would look for in a campaign manager," said KMT legislator Eric Chu (|階??.
Hu hinted to reporters yesterday that he is likely to resign from his post.
"If nothing unexpected happens and if it is confirmed that I would be the campaign manager, it is likely that I will resign from my position as foreign minister," said Hu.
For weeks, Hu has been dodging media speculation that he is due to be appointed Lien's campaign manager, offering such excuses as: "Maybe there are others who are more qualified for the job."
Hu had also conceded on previous occasions that he has a passion for diplomacy and said that no matter what the future holds for him, he hopes to be involved in similar work.
Hu's possible departure is also raising questions surrounding his replacement.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee (
"Whoever succeeds Hu, aside from being high-profile, must be well-received by the public," said Bau.
"Otherwise, the positive effects of Hu being the campaign manager will only be canceled out," he said.
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