John Bolton endorses Mitt Romney for president

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Campaign 2012

Former Ambassador John Bolton speaks at the Conservative Principles Conference hosted by U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, March 26, 2011, in Des Moines, Iowa.

(Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

John Bolton, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush, endorsed Mitt Romney's bid to be the Republican nominee for president.

"Of all the candidates, Mitt Romney possesses the strongest vision for America's leadership role in the world, and I am proud to endorse him," Bolton said in a statement released Thursday by the Romney campaign. "President Obama has sapped America's credibility abroad, weakened our military and failed to lead on issues vital to U.S. national security... Mitt Romney will restore our military, repair relations with our closest allies, and ensure that no adversary--including Iran--ever questions American resolve."

Bolton, who was highly controversial during his 16-month tenure as U.N. ambassador, once hinted at his own 2012 presidential bid. On Fox News Wednesday, where Bolton is a contributor, the former official said in reference to himself, "Looking at the whole range of prospective candidates, there was only one candidate who met my test as the ideal conservative, but he decided not to run."

In his own statement, Romney called Bolton a "staunch defender of U.S. interests and values" and said he looks forward to consulting with him on ways to restore America's standing abroad.

After Bolton was given a recess appointment to serve as U.N. ambassador in 2005, he aggressively pursued President Bush's foreign policy agenda and called for an overhaul of the U.N. while antagonizing many members of the international body. After his temporary appointment expired, Democrats blocked his nomination to continue serving in 2006.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by Lin332 January 18, 2012 1:58 PM EST: Romney has completely discussed me with his holier then thou attitude. When asked about a convict that paid his debt to society; that he/she should not be allowed to vote is very un-American. I would not want him as my president. Especially when so many convicts have been proven to be innocent and still imprisoned by power hungry, revenue collectors.; Reply to this comment

by kansas1946 January 12, 2012 8:17 PM EST

Oh great. That is an endorsement Romney doesn't need. That guy is a lunatic.

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by amapola11 February 2, 2012 4:33 PM EST: Romney is a lunatic himself and the wife acts exactly like Hillary Clinton.


by msimamaji January 12, 2012 7:15 PM EST: Goodie, goodie. Bolton wanted a war in Iraq. He got one.

Elect Romney and we'll have a war with Iran.; Reply to this comment


by Tiredashell January 12, 2012 6:43 PM EST: Gee, with Bolton on your side, how can you lose? Give me a break. Why does anyone care what he thinks.; Reply to this comment


by ProgressNow January 12, 2012 5:21 PM EST: John Bolton's opinion on ANYTHING means nothing!; Reply to this comment

by dman6015 January 12, 2012 2:38 PM EST

Well, in some circles, this could be seen as a BAD thing.

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by noloyalisti January 12, 2012 2:59 PM EST: This criminal neocon Bolton likes Romney. That should be the kiss of death for him.


by Filmguy870 January 12, 2012 1:10 PM EST: OOPS!!!!!; Reply to this comment


by jimbom121 January 12, 2012 12:42 PM EST: John Bolton...well, why not. Its not all of GW Bush's other advisors aren't already on Romney's payroll.; Reply to this comment


by MrCoatsLibertyNow January 12, 2012 12:22 PM EST: Any potential Romney supporters out there need to watch this before voting for him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2h8ujX6T0A

GO DR. RON PAUL 2012!!!; Reply to this comment