U.N. Ambassador John Bolton To Step Down

Controversial Envoy Was Unable To Win Senate Confirmation

(CBS/AP)  Unable to win Senate confirmation, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his temporary appointment expires soon, the White House said Monday.

Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a moderate Republican who lost in the midterm elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.

In a statement, President Bush expressed "deep regret" at Bolton's decision and accused senators who blocked a vote by the full Senate on Bolton's confirmation of "stubborn obstructionism."

"They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time," Mr. Bush said.

Senate Democrats welcomed Bolton's departure.

"President Bush has made the right decision in accepting Ambassador Bolton's resignation," said Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Reid said the president "should now nominate a U.N. Ambassador who is ready and willing to work with our allies around the world, and who understands the pressing need to change course in Iraq."

Senator John Kerry, who lost the 2004 White House race to Mr. Bush, won't miss Bolton. The Massachusetts Democrat said America needs a U.N. ambassador who has "the full support of Congress." Kerry said Bush ought to pick a replacement who, in his words, "can put results ahead of ideology."

The White House had argued in recent weeks that Bolton had demonstrated his value and professionalism in the job and deserved to be confirmed. But even a Senate still in Republican hands didn't have the numbers to make it happen, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports.

Critics have questioned Bolton's brusque style and whether he could be an effective bureaucrat who could force reform at the U.N.

"Ambassador Bolton failed to secure confirmation because of his criticism of the U.N. itself, his role in arms intelligence before the Iraq war, as well as his negotiating style," said CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk.

"But by all accounts he grew into the job, negotiating support for some tough resolutions supporting the administration's position on North Korea and Iran," Falk said.

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

The White House resubmitted Bolton's nomination last month. But with Democrats capturing control of the next Congress, his chances of winning confirmation appeared slight. The incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, said he saw "no point in considering Mr. Bolton's nomination again."

While Mr. 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.

Mr. Bush planned to meet with Bolton and his wife later Monday in the Oval Office.

"He served his country with extraordinary dedication and skill, assembling coalitions that addressed some of the most consequential issues facing the international community," the president said. "During his tenure, he articulately advocated the positions and values of the United States and advanced the expansion of democracy and liberty.

"Ambassador Bolton led the successful negotiations that resulted in unanimous Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea's military and nuclear activities. He built consensus among our allies on the need for Iran to suspend the enrichment and reprocessing of uranium," Mr. Bush added. "His efforts to promote the cause of peace in Darfur resulted in a peacekeeping commitment by the United Nations. He made the case for United Nations reform because he cares about the institution, and wants it to become more credible and effective."

Bolton, who pushed strongly for U.N. reform, has had strained relations with many in the U.N. Secretariat, led by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and has repeatedly called for all top U.N. officials to leave when Annan steps down as U.N. chief on Dec. 31 and is replaced by Ban Ki-moon.

"I think Ambassador Bolton did the job he was expected to do," Annan said Monday morning when asked about Bolton's resignation. "He came at a time when we had lots of tough issues from reform to issues on Iran and North Korea. I think as a representative of the U.S, government, he pressed ahead with the instructions he had been given and tried to work as effectively as he could."

As late as last month, Mr. Bush, through his top aides, said he would not relent in his defense of Bolton, despite unwavering opposition from Democrats who view Bolton as too combative for international diplomacy.

[stezzer]

What a pity Mr Bolton felt he had to resign. He has been a capable and impressive U.N Ambassador.

I wish he had waitied until Congress had adjourned.

[agnim]

GOOD RIDDANCE!

Now America can be better served by someone who has vision and the nation at heart, instead of narrow self-centered and asinine agenda.

When devils depart, the world becomes a better place.

[clestes-2009]

Another Bush lacky gone! Great gift for the holidays.

[naber1961]

Another Bush Bully gone! in 2 years we can finally get rid of the head bullies in the yard, Bush and Cheney!

[cdlkbwolf]

Bolton kicked some a_s at the U.N. I guess we'll some soft, politically correct DEM lacky up there now...

[missingamerica]

Bye-bye, Bolton. Its just as well if you are a Republican - Bush's very public decision to shove Bolton down the throat of Congress when even Republicans were opposed to his nomination was just another of the many scare-factors behind their losing control of both houses of Congress. It contributed to the "these guys don't listen to and can't work with anybody" public perception of the White House and their support cast of neocons.

[ammermantm]

did he do anythng while he was over there.

[chitown639]

Wow, thank you President Bush for the early Christmas present. U.N. Ambassador Bolton's resignation is a perfect gift. It's the gift that keeps on giving!!! Merry Christmas!!!

[antoniof123]

He will just try to appoint another loser. For those of you that are still crying over the election results, GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON. The time for moderates is now. What does it take for you to understand that.

[chitown639]

Wow, antoniorego you're so intelligent!!! Calling the head of the U.N. a dumb monkey. Thats classic. Your racist views and disrespect for the world community is exactly the way Bolton represented the U.S. at the U.N.

[frankly6]

Now if the President and his cronies would just have the decency to step down, we could put the country back on track.

[angryliberal-2009]

now anything that was even close to decent in the UN is gone.

We might as well turn the UN into a something profitable like a YMCA or maybe a church or something.

This begs the question, why do the dems want to destroy our country...why? Dont they like this country? What could anyone have against Bolton??? The only guy that stood up for America in the face of all the swine n the UN.....

[angryliberal-2009]

Who is his replacement? Who have the dems picked to replace Bolton? Rosie O'donnel, Jimmy Carter, Paris Hilton, how about Danny Deveto??

[luvny-2009]

"They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time." President Bush

That Jacka$$ of a president we have always criticizing when someone disagrees with him, always putting blame...he's like a little spoiled child...oh wait he is a little spoiled child

[agnim]

Bolton lived up to his name and Bolted! LOL

Good riddance to bad rubbish!

Next?

The Devil in Miss Rice. LOL

Now will Condi resign or will she stand by her man?
Will she amorously follow the 'devil' to the depths of hell.

[erikkid]

This is like standing back and watching rats jump off a sinking ship.

Bush still can't see the forest for the trees. He thought Bolton "deserved" a vote simply because he said so. Well, that is the type of response I'd expect from such an arrogant man as Bush. I think it, therefore it should happen.

Welcome to the real world where men hold other men accountable for their actions. Ready to talk faked war documents now?

[erikkid]

Bush cannot accept responsbility for any of his failures. He is going to go down as the worst leader who ever stole office in the so-called free world.

[chitown639]

Since the Dems control Congress. Bush may be planning to move closer to the left. Word is Richard Simmons is at the top of the president's list to replace U.N. Ambassador John Bolton.

[one_american]

The Democrats are destroying our nation.

[one_american]

The Democrats prefer to have a weak, ignorant pansy as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, so that the rogue states, dictators and terrorists can walk all over the U.S.

That way, America can be more like Europe.

That's what the Democrats want - to be part of the European Union.

[tomar0317]

The U.N. must be really happy now. Mr Bolton may have been a tough negotiator but I believe he was sincerely an Ambassator to be reconded with. He wasn't a pushover. I hope the new electees put someone in that position who though a solid negotiator will be a strong voice for us Americans. We electors can remove anyone we need to that doesn't best represent our needs.

[one_american]

tomar0317:

Not much chance of a strong Ambassador with the Democrats in power.

The Democrats will probably insist on apointing Madeleine Albright, so she can give more free basketballs to North Korea, and have pajama parties with Iran.

[rsoxfan1123]

Bush is suddenly realizing the value of not going it alone and has been asking the UN for help in Iraq as the body bags contiue to pile up with American corpses and our tax dollars drain away, yet Bolton was the guy that insulted the UN when they told us there were no WMDs in Iraq. He has no diplomacy. Note that even some republicans have been trying to block his nomination. The house cleaning continues.

[madumpty]

"An attempt to establish democracy in the Middle East is a bold, brilliant, noble effort, facing a high chance of failure. That's why I greatly respect and admire those who have made the attempt--the Bush administration. They have been resolute, something I have not seen in my lifetime. "

This is such hogwash. Bush is not "resolute" he got us into Iraq on lies and mis-information. You don't go into a TRIBAL society and try and turn it into a democracy!! Are you nuts??? We are losing Afganistan to the Taliban because we failed to improve the infrastructure now we are losing Iraq to civil war because we have a president who has only listened to his cabal of arrogant fools who lack the most elementary foreign policy skills.

[rsoxfan1123]

madumpty-bushrocks1's been spamming that for weeks and no one can seem to get him blocked no matter how often they report him. ignore it. he's a nutcase spammer in the true sense of the word.

[chitown639]

TRAITORS??? Bushrocks1, this idea of labeling any American who doesn't agree with the president as a traitor, is un-American. I would argue that those who stand up and express their opionions and ideas, whether it's in opposition to the leadership or not, are showing the greatest love and respect for their country and the princples that our great nation was founded upon. We as a people should never blindly follow any leader, we must have healthy and constuctive debate. In America, unlike many other nations, our leaders aren't dictators or kings. Secondly, you mentioned how great it is that the adminstration is attempting to install democracy in some countries the Middle East. We don't even have a democracy here, we have a republic!! I love our country and our form of government. But, I don't think should be in the business of nation building other governments, just because we believe our way of life is superior. Believe or not, everyone in the world doesn't want to be exactly like us.

[grazinggoat]

Send this bulldog to Iraq's Bag-dad. He will see what hell looks like. He may return in a DeadBag like those who are killed for his master Walking-LiarBush irresponsible policies.

[kcstan11]

Dumbya's hatchet man gone from the UN ... not fast enough for me. I hope that he replaces the top 20 floors of the UN Building, which he claims don't exist anyway. One less Bush turkey to let the Jews pulverize Lebonon. He doesn't have much to pack when he leaves, other than his mouth.

GOOD RIDANCE!

[nothappyatall]

GOOD!!! FINALLY!!! This Bolton dude is an idiot, a TexASS John Wayne wanna be with a screw you attitude, just exactly what we DON'T want for the important position of Ambassador of the United States.

Bush not being satisfied the first time all this came up foisted this idiot off on us by "temporarily" appointing him in a sneak move, and then he continued foisting him on us again, now finally we will be rid of this sour, dour faced John Wayne wanna be that only BUSH wanted in office.

[madumpty]

thanks rsoxfan1123...thought I seen that before. He (it?) is trying so hard to sound intelligent. Must be a member of the Shrub administration.

[perception5]

Great we get rid of the guy who's trying to clean up our dirty UN.............. wonderful!!

[one_american]

Democrats don't care if our Ambassador can do the job or not.

They just want someone who looks pretty.

Shallow, stupid Democrats are destroying this country bit by bit every day.

It's time for a civil war again.

[randalds]

Good riddance to bad garbage!

[perception5]

mjlewis6 , wow! that's some of the best propaganda I've seen since Joseph Gobbels ...... maybe you should be working for :
Howard, anit Christ, Dean.....or
Ted, Mary Jo, Kennedy......or
Robert, KKK Byrd....... you have a lot to be proud of ..........

[randalds]

Excellent analysis mjlewis6! Excellent! Well thought out. Reasoned and right on the mark.

[huskerarmy]

"mjlewis6 , wow! that's some of the best propaganda I've seen since Joseph Gobbels."

But of course you don't give specifics.

[ammermantm]

What amazes me is mjlewis6 makes an excelent point and backs it up, but all you who disagree with him can do is call him names and not counterpoint any of his points.

[shingles1]

perception5, boy those Democrats are JUST LIKE Goebbels. And you expect to be treated seriously?

[shingles1]

Bolton's mustache, however, will stay on.

[fascistusa]

Another FASCIST bites the dust....

The question remains... WHY did he leave?

What does he know that we DON'T??

[tibu987]

When Bolton was selected for the job at the U.N., I too did not think he was the one for the job but after seeing him in action, finally talking toughand sensible to the playboys of the U.N. I changed my mind.
I believe he can do a good job there and it is too bad that partisan politics has to weed out all opposition no matter how good they may be in their jobs.
Hard partisan politics is not the best thing for the U.S.

[ammermantm]

careful tibu987, you cant start talking like both sides can have a viable opinion. it is obvious from just about all other post on here that there can only be one correct opinion.

[hermit22]

What is the difference between "obstruct his confirmation" and "obstruction of justice"?

There is something about "Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid of Nevada" that gives me the absolute crawls.

[texaskos_com]

"There is something about "Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid of Nevada" that gives me the absolute crawls."

It's called "Checks and Balance" - get used to it.
And it's not to be confused with "Fair & Balanced" which has come to have no meaning whatsoever.

And it was Chaffee, a Republican, that killed this nomination. A shame such a decent American needed an election defeat to stand up to extremists in his party.

Another justification for Checks and Balance.

[eyesotopes]

Bolton is out? It%u2019s about time that no-talent *** clown resigned.

[diverinnl]

"What amazes me is mjlewis6 makes an excelent point and backs it up, but all you who disagree with him can do is call him names and not counterpoint any of his points."

His arguments are flawed:
* The USS Cole was bombed 12 Oct 2000
* The Khobar Towers were bombed 25 June 1996
* Bush was sworn 20 Jan 2001

How is Bush responsible for these? Both events were under Clinton.

[lestb35]

I thought Bolton was very effective. With all the hoopla when he was first nominated, I expected the guy to be obnoxious but he was competant and professional.

[ammermantm]

diverinnl,
that is all I meant, it was a well stated remark with some creative writing added and all anyone else had to say was he was on par with Joseph Gobbels.
in order to have a civilized debate we (as americans) need to understand people can have differing views and have the courage to express them with out fearing a visceral reaction to it, boiling down to calling them a fasist or communist or a nazi.

[fridak-2009]

Bolton was the perfect person for Bush. Both believe in bullying over diplomacy. Good riddance - his type of thinking has done little to secure anyone's security anywhere.

[one_american]

For those who really believe that John Bolton was a bully:

Get ready to be bullied by North Korea, Iran, Syria and Venezuela!