The Huffington Post ran a quick piece today by Andy Ostroy that ponders the potential of Joe Scarborough (of MSNBC’s Morning Joe) serving as a legitimate option for the Republicans in 2012.

So what does Morning Joe have going for him? To begin with, he has legislative experience, having served Florida’s 1st Congressional District from 1995-2001. And, having the hometown advantage in this hotly contested state would be a huge asset in a run for the presidency.

He’s also a shrewd operative and knows the issues. He’s a fiscal and foreign policy conservative and, though it’s been eight years since he was in Congress, where he was socially conservative as well, he’s embraced the center, especially when it comes to the environment, immigration and human rights. He’s extremely articulate, charismatic and telegenic with a warm squint in the eye and a winning grin. A straight-talking George W. Bush-basher who’s savvy and calculating enough to sense he can capitalize on his party’s incredible frustration and dissatisfaction with its past and current leadership, as well as tap the wave of disenchantment among Democrats and Independents. He’s a young (46) Tonight-Show-ready guitar player who could be the closest thing ever to the GOP’s version of Camelot. And, he has great national exposure through his morning television program as well as constant appearances on other high profile NBC shows such as Meet the Press.

I’ve always like Joe, particularly given his moderate tendencies and pragmatic take on politics.  I certainly don’t agree with him on everything, but I like the way he engages on topics.  He strikes me as one of those few people capable of seeing the other side of a debate.  And if there’s anything the right could use today it’s a voice of moderation and reason to emerge, which would hopefully help offset the damage done by conservative ideologues over the past few years.