Clueless in D.C.
Bush Sidesteps Senate, Installs Bolton as U.N. Envoy
By Daniela Deane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, August 1, 2005; 11:33 AM
President Bush sidestepped the U.S. Senate on Monday and installed controversial nominee John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations, saying the post was "too important to leave vacant any longer."
Speaking at the White House, Bush said he was sending Bolton, a 56-year-old lawyer, to the United Nations with his "complete confidence."
President Bush, center, stands with John Bolton, left and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as he announces Bolton's installation as United States ambassador to the United Nations in Washington. (J. Scott Applewhite -- AP)
Video
Bush Appoints Bolton as U.N. Ambassador
President Bush appoints John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Monday at the White House.
Monday, August 1, at 1 p.m. ET
Bush Appoints Bolton to U.N.
Brookings Institution scholar Sarah Binder discusses Bush's appointment of John Bolton as ambassador to the U.N.
Politics Trivia
President Bush has lost eight pounds since his last physical in 2004. To what does the president attribute his previous weight gain?
Big Macs
Doughnuts
Jelly Beans
M&M Chocolate
The appointment constituted what is known as a recess appointment. It ended a five-month impasse with Senate Democrats who had accused the conservative Bolton of twisting intelligence to suit a hawkish ideology and of abusing subordinates.
Bush has the power to fill vacancies without Senate approval while Congress is in recess. Under the Constitution, the recess appointment will last until the next session of Congress, which begins in January 2007.
Speaking at a White House Roosevelt Room ceremony flanked by the mustachioed Bolton and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Bush said that "a majority of U.S. senators agree that he is the right man for the job. Yet, because of partisan delaying tactics by a handful of senators, John was unfairly denied the up or down vote that he deserves."
In a brief acceptance speech, Bolton, who has a long history of criticizing the United Nations, said he was "profoundly honored, indeed humbled by the confidence" the president had shown in him.
Bush had refused to give up on Bolton even though the Senate had twice voted to sustain a filibuster against him.