Charlie Monoxide
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New UN Ambassador - Michael Bolton
- Thread starter Charlie Monoxide
- Start date
corplinx
JREF Kid
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Bush to Senate Democrats:
"Bite my shiny metal ass"
I think its hilarious. The democrats before this weekend were making all these press appearances begging Bush not to go around them. Mind you, I could care less who we send to the UN. Bolton seems like some spaced out conservative egghead. Probably perfect for the job.
The amazing thing to me, the democrats manufactured so much controvery around John Bolton, and then their final complaint against him was "hes too controversial".
At least if hes a total git he'll be gone in 2008. Anyone who thinks they can reform the UN has to got the be crazy or stupid.
"Bite my shiny metal ass"
I think its hilarious. The democrats before this weekend were making all these press appearances begging Bush not to go around them. Mind you, I could care less who we send to the UN. Bolton seems like some spaced out conservative egghead. Probably perfect for the job.
The amazing thing to me, the democrats manufactured so much controvery around John Bolton, and then their final complaint against him was "hes too controversial".
At least if hes a total git he'll be gone in 2008. Anyone who thinks they can reform the UN has to got the be crazy or stupid.
Cleon
King of the Pod People
corplinx said:
You say that like they're mutually exclusive terms.
delphi_ote
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Checks and balances are for losers!
Upchurch
Papa Funkosophy
Well, that's why Bush is sending him, so yes, I agree as far as that goes.corplinx said:
I think that this is a goood appointment. It is really not clear to me what purpose the UN serves having failed absolutely to do anything about Africa. I think that it is nothing more than a club for diplomats to enjoy NY and go to parties. I think that Bolton will make that clear and that is a good thing.
HarryKeogh
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A Look at past appointments made during recess
President Bush: 106 recess appointments, including Bolton, mostly to minor posts.
President Clinton: 140 recess appointments over two terms
The first President Bush made 77 recess appointments over one term, and President Reagan made 243 over two terms
President Bush: 106 recess appointments, including Bolton, mostly to minor posts.
President Clinton: 140 recess appointments over two terms
The first President Bush made 77 recess appointments over one term, and President Reagan made 243 over two terms
Well, one wants to be fair. Counting noses isn't really relevant for "recess appointments" because it counts every Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Agricultural Widgets that the Senate would have approved 100-0 except that they happened to be out when the previous ADUAW retired. So the new guy gets a "recess appointment" and the Senate confirms it by 100-0 their first week back. It doesn't really capture those recess appointments to which the Senate might reasonably have objected.
That said, I don't think the President has used the power more often in contentious nominations either.
"When a maaaaaaa-aaan loves the U-N..."
That said, I don't think the President has used the power more often in contentious nominations either.
"When a maaaaaaa-aaan loves the U-N..."
delphi_ote
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Ed said:
How many appointments were made to intentionally bypass congressional approval?
Upchurch
Papa Funkosophy
At least one, accourding to Harry's linkdelphi_ote said:
Kopji
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Oh... this is one of those savvy 'timing' things that the Bush team does well.
Bush's choice for the Supreme court is doing pretty well so far. The Dem's will complain but likely conclude things could have been worse. I'd bet they don't want to screw up a relatively good deal, so can't do much about Bolton. The next Supreme Court vacancy will be a different story if it occurs anytime soon.
For a 'normal' president I'd be pretty sure that appointing Bolton was a dangerous mistake: Bush OWNS all this guy's stupid mistakes now, but not any successes. That can't be good. But Bush has a Teflon coating that Clinton probably had wet dreams about. No amount of mistakes seems enough, and his followers are loyal and think him an honest guy like them. I can give a nod to the elegance and durability of the facade.
Bolton is probably a bright guy, but his character is that of an employee who wants everything their way and can't compromise or work well with people. If you have to threaten people to get things done you are a loser as a leader. (What a great person to send into a building full of diplomats.)
But Bush does not want Bolton there as a 'leader'. Bolton is there as a Bush cudgel. I expect an early thing we will see is him working for more UN involvement in assisting the US out of the Iraq morass. The UN is only seen as useful when it is a tool of US policy.
Bush's choice for the Supreme court is doing pretty well so far. The Dem's will complain but likely conclude things could have been worse. I'd bet they don't want to screw up a relatively good deal, so can't do much about Bolton. The next Supreme Court vacancy will be a different story if it occurs anytime soon.
For a 'normal' president I'd be pretty sure that appointing Bolton was a dangerous mistake: Bush OWNS all this guy's stupid mistakes now, but not any successes. That can't be good. But Bush has a Teflon coating that Clinton probably had wet dreams about. No amount of mistakes seems enough, and his followers are loyal and think him an honest guy like them. I can give a nod to the elegance and durability of the facade.
Bolton is probably a bright guy, but his character is that of an employee who wants everything their way and can't compromise or work well with people. If you have to threaten people to get things done you are a loser as a leader. (What a great person to send into a building full of diplomats.)
But Bush does not want Bolton there as a 'leader'. Bolton is there as a Bush cudgel. I expect an early thing we will see is him working for more UN involvement in assisting the US out of the Iraq morass. The UN is only seen as useful when it is a tool of US policy.
SlippyToad
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TragicMonkey
Poisoned Waffles
I thought the choice was meant to send a message to the UN, saying "You're right! We don't give a damn what you think!"
Which may or may not be savvy, I'm not sure. I mean, I don't give a damn what the UN thinks. But I'm not sure it's clever to be so open about it. Diplomacy is about being a bitch behind everyone's back, not being a jerk to their faces.
I wish America had a Talleyrand.
Which may or may not be savvy, I'm not sure. I mean, I don't give a damn what the UN thinks. But I'm not sure it's clever to be so open about it. Diplomacy is about being a bitch behind everyone's back, not being a jerk to their faces.
I wish America had a Talleyrand.