In his usual decisive and efficient way, President George Bush named John Bolton as Ambassador to the UN today with a recess appointment — coming shortly after the close of the Congressional session.
The Dems started bellyaching about the impending recess appointment before Congress had even broken for the “summer.” They knew it was coming. Bush gave them every opportunity to research, question and vote on his Bolton nomination. There were some disgruntled past employees, but by and large nothing significant was ever found to prevent his appointment or persuade Republicans to vote him down. The Dems took a stand and threatened with filibusters. It was their choice to let the session pass without filling this important vacant position.
“It’s a devious maneuver that evades the constitutional requirement of Senate consent and only further darkens the cloud over Mr. Bolton’s credibility at the U.N,†[Senator Ted] Kennedy said.†— by Terence Hunt, AP
Now, some on the Left have begun to complain about the whole recess appointment process. Once again, they have forgotten how their last White House hero, Bill Clinton, used this tool 140 times during his eight-year tenure. Clinton had no problem employing this presidential power whenever he believed a nominee might have difficulty in the approval process. Most of these appointments hadn’t even experienced the prolonged opposition protest and stalling that Bolton has. Clinton’s recess appointments included judgeships, at least one ambassador and an assistant attorney general.
Although he has no need to defend himself, Bush certainly good reason for his actions. In September, long before Congress could consider and vote on another possible candidate, the UN will begin a new session with a very important agenda. It will include UN reform, renovation of the UN building and issues regarding the nuclear concerns of Iran and North Korea. Donald Trump recently offered his services to the UN for only the cost of building materials and labor. While the UN seeks to borrow 1.2 billion dollars — a good portion of which they expect the US to contribute, Trump generously offered an estimate of $700 million. Between Bolton and Trump, maybe the renovations can be completed without lining the pockets of any “friends and family” of the UN.
Ultimately, the Dems have no one to blame but themselves. It was incumbent on the President to fill this position in time for the September UN session. The Dems had been trying since March to find something to sink the Bolton nomination. Their efforts proved unsuccessful. Sometimes the measure of true statesmanship resides in knowing which battles to fight and which to cede.
Read more here.
UPDATE: See added quote above, courtesy of Big Dog’s comment on the linked article.