BIG NEWS: Bolton Confirmation Is Really, Really Dead
The last pre-election loophole through which John Bolton's confirmation might have snuck through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was at 2:15 this afternoon at a previously called "business meeting" of the Committee. That meeting has been cancelled -- and with it even the dimmest chance of John Bolton being confirmed as US Ambassador to the United Nations. Some have said that another effort could be mounted during a lame duck session of Congress, but there are several Republicans who will not feel bound by the White House in that circumstance; Dems as well -- who will vote against cloture on the floor of the Senate were it to get out of Committee then. So, it's over. Wow.
John Bolton might agree to serve as the uncompensated Ambassador to the UN in a second recess appointment, or might agree to serve as a recess appointed political deputy at the UN and made "acting Ambassador and Chief of Mission" at a pay cut. Either way, Ambassador Bolton will fill his term as the only unconfirmed Ambassador at the United Nations in American history. For the record, I do believe that John Bolton has strengths as a public servant. Those who have opposed him should in fact know that he has done some good things for this country. I strongly disagree with his international views and his brand of diplomacy, but there are other jobs in the Bush administration that I would support John Bolton for. It is time to say that. I hope that Ambassador Bolton, in the next few months, works at trying to leave a legacy that is constructive regarding America's engagement with the UN. But this battle seems now to be definitively, completely at an end. Wow. I'm amazed that those concerned about this appointment have really won -- twice. -- Steve Clemons is Senior Fellow and Director of the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation and publishes the popular political blog, The Washington Note
It aint over until I see another with the title US Ambassador to the United Nations.
Don't count ones chickens....
Regs, Shaggy
September 26, 2006 7:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yup. What's to prevent a second recess appointment? The President's respect for the Senate's prerogatives?
September 26, 2006 8:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
OK Steve, I'll bite, what are his strengths, and what positive things has he done for the US?
September 26, 2006 9:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bush's political capital is even less than it was when he sneaked Bolton through last year. Even his own party is revolting. In more ways than one.
September 26, 2006 9:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bollox (excuse my French)
Roves' new strategy in this upcoming election and election period is to use the Dems own liberalism against them.
The lazy good-for(it seems)-nothing Dems think there is infighting withing the Repug camp.
Poppycock - it's a sham.
They know that if they seem to be infighting, Dems will sit back and hope the Repugs will knock themselves out, saving the Dems from having to do any work.
I point you to the terror legislation. Dems thought McCain and Co would do their work for them - look what happened.
Now I'm hearing that Arlen Specter is saying he'll "join Democrats"* - my left bollock he will.
Expect more of the same - Repugs seeming to come over to the Dem side, but at the last minute, when its to late, revert to form.
Geez, it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion!!!
Yours in dispair, Shaggy
* - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15002431/
September 26, 2006 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Steve, you are much kinder to Bolton then I would be.
But the bottom line is the US Senate says he will no longer be the face of America at the UN...and that is a step in the right direction. The complete contempt he holds for the UN (and therefore the rest of the world) has always been unacceptable...
September 26, 2006 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Next job for Captain Kiss-up Kick-down: the Bush Kangaroo Courts.
September 26, 2006 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is it morally, ethic'lly, spiritually, physically, positively, absolutely, undeniably and reliably dead?
Is it not only merely dead, but really most sincerely dead?
---- Just say no to 0 ratings. Especially from petey, the ratings abuser.
September 26, 2006 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
What is to stop Bush from leaving the post empty and then giving Bolton another recess appointment?
Daniel A. Greenbaum
September 26, 2006 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
The trouble with Bolton is his background clearance check can't pass muster. He's apparently had some past associations with some pretty shady characters.
Rumor has it that he was known to socialize with and brainstorm with ... the Bush crime family.
Kevin Hayden
September 26, 2006 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Steve, what I find objectionable in your assertion that Bolton has "some" strengths and could find a job he'd be good at in government is that you are lowering the bar to the point where it's almost on the floor.
Do you really believe that any position you would support for Bolton couldn't be filled far better by someone else, that no one else in government service has better qualifications, better skills, is smarter, more, shall we say, "diplomatic?"
Is there really something so special about Bolton over anyone else who could fill these jobs that you would support him? I truly find that hard to believe.
After so many years of Bush's Administration throwing out qualified civil servants or otherwise demoting them, for you to be touting good qualities of John Bolton is, to me, not credible.
September 26, 2006 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not until someone else fills his shoes.
Excuse me, I mean his ruby slippers.
September 26, 2006 10:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Now I'm hearing that Arlen Specter is saying he'll "join Democrats"* - my left bollock he will."
I see Specter voted for the Bill - I'm not surprised at all, except in total Dem capitulation.
Regs, Shaggy
September 30, 2006 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink