Haggling Continues on Bolton Vote, Now Planned for Monday

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It seems clear to me that there are many people more qualified for the job of U.S. Representative to the UN than John Bolton. Indeed, there are a number in Washington, who are members of the Republican Party. Still, confirmation by the Senate has never made it a requirement that the nominee is the best qualified.

I suggest still that Mr. Bolton not be confirmed. I have no doubt that his career has the luster required for senior appointments, nor that he is a patriot who has dedicated his career to public service. But the quality of his advice to the President seems suspect, and that is a crucial determinant for the UN Rep. position. Moreover, his appointment would hand opponents of U.S. policies leverage in their opposition, while disarming potential supporters of those arguments made by the U.S. in the UN.