by Mac for ASKEW
December 4, 2006

John Bolton resigned as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on Monday, admidst predictions that the Senate would block his nomination. Talking to the press, President Bush voiced his disappointment, and said the incident reflected the "shallow politics of the Senate".

Bush had appointed Bolton temporarily, pending his full approval by the Senate. But the make-up of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since the Nov. 7 elections meant that his appointment would surely be opposed. Rather than face the political firestorm, and expose the administration to the same, Bolton chose to exit.

Bolton had long been opposed by many Democrats, who considered him too confrontational to be effective in his role on the international political stage. But that confrontational style won the support of Republicans in the Senate who felt that a strong voice was needed to represent the U.S.

"They chose to obstruct his confirmation," Bush continued, " 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. This stubborn obstructionism ill serves our country, and discourages men and women of talent from serving their nation."