Democratic Obstructionism: UN Status Quo
Charles Johnson
Mon Jun 20, 2005 at 7:36 pm PDT • Views: 310
Democrats have blocked the confirmation of John Bolton again, and the Associated Press (via the SF Chronicle) couldn’t be more pleased: Democrats Block Attempt to Confirm Bolton. (Hat tip: zombie.)
Senate Democrats blocked John Bolton’s confirmation as U.N. ambassador for the second time Monday and President Bush left open the possibility of bypassing lawmakers and appointing the tough-talking former State Department official on his own.
The vote was 54-38, six shy of the total needed to force a final vote on Bolton and represented an erosion in support from last month’s failed Republican effort. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, who voted in May to advance the nomination, switched positions and urged Bush to consider another candidate, while only three Democrats crossed party lines.
The setback left Bush facing stark choices — most of which could leave him appearing weak at a time he is facing sagging poll numbers and fighting lame-duck status six months into his final term.
Frank says: