Bush Bolts Under Pressure From Democrats

In another United Nations failure, Democrats blocked the nomination of John Bolton to the United Nations, forcing Bolton to resign this morning.

What a great disappointment, how weak President Bush is looking these days as a lame duck.

John Bolton brought a fresh, honest, reassessment of United Nations actions and non-actions in the world. Diplomacy not being damned, Bolton stood steadforth against the terrorist coddling, scandal-ridden global organization while doing an excellent and competent job handling North Korea, Darfur, and the Middle East.

President Bush gave Bolton the job temporarily in August 2005, while Congress was in recess. But the appointment expires when Congress formally adjourns, no later than early January.

Although Bush could not give Bolton another recess appointment, the White House was believed to be exploring other ways of keeping him in the job, perhaps by giving him a title other than ambassador. But Bolton informed the White House he intended to leave when his current appointment expires, White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said.

Michelle Malkin has more thoughts.

Reacting to the news, Eleanor Clift chuckled on Fox News that Bush is just "recognizing reality."

If the White House thinks throwing in the towel and throwing Bolton overboard will appease the Dems or the U.N., it doesn't know what reality is.

Thank you Republican congressmen, once again. Bolton was never given the decency and politically correct decision of an up or down vote by the Congress in six years.

A disgraceful way for UN Ambassador John Bolton to leave his post, all the while maintaining support for Bush's administration.

Bill Kristol, The Weekly Standard: "It's a shame. John Bolton has been an extremely able and competent ambassador...It's really a disgrace... The Bush administration has not distinguished itself. They did not do a good job of fighting for John Bolton...I'm worried that this sends a signal that a man who is strong, who is tough on behalf of the US interests, is leaving the administration."