Who killed Bolton? Not the Dems — the GOP, that’s who

[kskiska]

by Byron York

Well, they finally got him. John Bolton is out as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

National Review, The Wall Street Journal editorial page, and other conservative commentators have already listed some of the people who count this a victory: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Kim Jong Il, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.).

But they didn’t cause Bolton’s demise. No, this unhappy moment can be traced entirely to Republicans, who did not confirm Bolton when they had 55 votes in the Senate.

And why didn’t they? At this point it’s hard to remember the sheer silliness of some of the issues that in 2005 effectively killed the Bolton nomination. Now, in light of what has happened, it’s worth a look back.

There were two main charges against Bolton. The first was that he punished State Department analysts who wouldn’t manipulate intelligence to achieve goals he wanted. And the second was that he was, in general, a bully.

more…
http://thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/Comment/ByronYork/120706.html

[xultar]

1. Exactly...they didn't wanna vote for his ass either. I posted that when he resigned.

[yellowdogmi]

2. It was another backroom deal.

He wanted Gates. Fine. Get rid of Bolton. That's what happened. I am 98% sure of it.

[Nite Owl]

3. I didn't how the blame could be put on the dems

either. Couldn't he have just done another interim appointment when they went to recess? I mean he ignored Congress when it was controlled by his own party so what would stop him from ignoring this Dem controlled congress too? This had to be an inside thing and the dems were just handiest to put the blame on.