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Bush, George W.

Bush Defends Bolton Amid Senate Opposition

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Bush has vigorously defended John R. Bolton, his nominee as ambassador to the United Nations, amid crumbling support among Senate Republicans. Colin Powell, the former secretary of state, has expressed concerns about Mr. Bolton's management style in private phone conversations with senators, citing his harsh treatment of subordinates and disagreements with intelligence analysts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Colin Powell has expressed concerns about John R. Bolton's management style, specifically his treatment of subordinates and intelligence analysts.
  • Powell praised Bolton's performance on some matters, including Iran, but emphasized that he had "problems" with Bolton's treatment of others who disagreed with him.
  • Bush has strongly defended Bolton's nomination, saying he is the "right man at the right time" for the post and urging the Senate to put politics aside and confirm him.
  • Senate Republicans, including Lincoln Chafee, Chuck Hagel, and George V. Voinovich, have expressed concerns about Bolton's temperament, credibility, and treatment of intelligence analysts.
  • Powell's associates say he has returned calls from senators but has not initiated conversations about Bolton's nomination.
  • Five former Republican secretaries of state have signed a letter endorsing Bolton's nomination, but Powell was not among them.

Statistics:

  • Nearly four years: Colin Powell served as secretary of state under President Bush.
  • 2002: Powell acted to reassure intelligence analysts troubled by Bolton's harsh treatment of a colleague, Christian P. Westermann, in a dispute related to Cuba.
  • 2004: Powell told associates he was looking forward to returning to private life after completing his term as secretary of state.
  • 1: The number of phone conversations between Powell and senators about Bolton's nomination, according to Powell's associates.
  • 2: The number of Republican senators who have expressed concern about Bolton's temperament and treatment of intelligence analysts.
  • 5: The number of Republican secretaries of state who signed a letter endorsing Bolton's nomination.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Powell Criticizes Bolton's Style as Senate Opposition Grows"
  • The Washington Post, "Bush Defends Bolton, Saying Senate Should 'Put Politics Aside'"
  • The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, "President Bush Speaks at Event"

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