Friday, May 27, 2005
Another Breath for Bolton Opposition
The Bolton debate will now go on until at least June 7th, giving the Senate some additional time to consider whether he’s qualified to represent the United States at the UN. Even though Mr. Bolton appears to detest the United Nations, President Bush is determined to back him to the hilt. While the UN appointment is a fallback position for Bolton, who was rejected by two Cabinet members for secondary roles at both the State Department and Defense, Bush seems to be using the same line he’s used with all appointees but the philandering Bernie Kerik—standing by his man. Maybe some additional exposure and time in the limelight will bring the White House to its senses.
Democrats continued to support debate, forcing the issue this evening, with 40 of their 44 members in support, backed by Independent Jim Jeffords and oddly accompanied, for parliamentary reasons, by Majority Leader Bill Frist, who can therefore force a later vote for cloture by posing with the minority.
While the Democratic minority describes the cloture vote as distinct from their filibuster attempts over judicial nominees, it promises more debate over Bolton’s frosty management style and contempt for the world body he would serve. Moreover, in the wake of the Downing Street Memo, Bolton’s willingness to distort intelligence data in order to support the Iraq invasion makes him a legitimate target of continued investigation. Any new revelation regarding his role in the run-up to war will become fodder for the post-holiday debate.
There’s at least some hope that Bolton’s nomination will self-destruct before he’s installed in the General Assembly, pounding his shoe on the table and shouting at everyone.
Democrats continued to support debate, forcing the issue this evening, with 40 of their 44 members in support, backed by Independent Jim Jeffords and oddly accompanied, for parliamentary reasons, by Majority Leader Bill Frist, who can therefore force a later vote for cloture by posing with the minority.
While the Democratic minority describes the cloture vote as distinct from their filibuster attempts over judicial nominees, it promises more debate over Bolton’s frosty management style and contempt for the world body he would serve. Moreover, in the wake of the Downing Street Memo, Bolton’s willingness to distort intelligence data in order to support the Iraq invasion makes him a legitimate target of continued investigation. Any new revelation regarding his role in the run-up to war will become fodder for the post-holiday debate.
There’s at least some hope that Bolton’s nomination will self-destruct before he’s installed in the General Assembly, pounding his shoe on the table and shouting at everyone.
