The Bolton fight begins again

Get ready.  Here we go again.  Today the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is beginning hearings that are the opening act of a tough decision that must come by January over whether John Bolton will be confirmed as the US Ambassador to the UN.

But wait, you say.  Isn't John Bolton already in that position? 

Technically speaking, yes he is -- but by recess appointment.  In other words, Democrats blocked the Bolton nomination in 2005.  By Executive Order, President Bush waited until Congress was at its summer recess and personally confirmed Bolton to the spot.  By the rules of this appointment, Bolton's term lasts until the end of this year.  Think of it as an asterisk.

The Democrats are at odds with the Administration for not releasing Bolton's controversial classified documents that might indicate he harassed some of his employees over at the State Department.  As of this date, the White House has refused to hand them over.  Interesting strategy, especially if they have nothing to hide!

Even aside from the documents that are sought, Democratic Senator Joe Biden thinks Bolton's record thus far speaks for itself:

Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) said, "Mr. Bolton's performance atthe U.N. only confirms my conviction that he's the wrong person forthis job." He suggested that Democrats may filibuster a Senate voteunless the Bush administration releases documents Biden believes detailBolton's use of National Security Agency intercepts involving U.S.citizens.

On a personal note, I think that Bolton's irresponsibility in 2003, which resulted in the breakdown of talks with North Korea, is the main reason why I oppose his nomination.  He is a guided missile.
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Other blogs writing about John Bolton: Huffington Post, Freepress, Media Matters, Tim Saler.