Former Assistant Secretary Testifies Against John R. Bolton's UN Nomination

Carl W. Ford Jr., a former assistant secretary of state, has testified against John R. Bolton's nomination as ambassador to the United Nations. Ford, a conservative Republican and enthusiastic supporter of President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Bolton, has described Bolton as a "kiss-up, kick-down sort of guy" who "abuses his authority with little people." Ford's testimony has shed light on the raw intelligence wars in the Bush administration, pitting hawks like Bolton against more circumspect intelligence operatives at the State Department. The episode has sparked debate over Bolton's management style and his suitability for the UN post.

Key Takeaways:

• Carl W. Ford Jr., a former assistant secretary of state, testified against John R. Bolton's nomination as ambassador to the United Nations.
• Ford described Bolton as a "kiss-up, kick-down sort of guy" who "abuses his authority with little people."
• The episode in question occurred in the spring of 2002, when Bolton clashed with an intelligence analyst, Christian P. Westermann, over Cuba's suspected weapons program.
• Bolton wanted to give a speech asserting that Cuba had a developing biological weapons program, but intelligence analysts at the State Department were cautious and disagreed with his assessment.
• Ford testified that Bolton's behavior was "abusive" and that he "reamed" Westermann, causing Westermann to feel defenseless.
• Republicans have defended Bolton, arguing that one proven episode is not enough to derail his nomination.
• Democrats have expressed concerns that confirming Bolton would send a signal that it is open season on intelligence analysts and that his management style would undermine American credibility at the United Nations.
• Bolton's nomination is likely to be confirmed, with Senator Lincoln Chafee, a Rhode Island Republican, remaining inclined to support the nominee.

Statistics:

• 39 years: The number of years Ford has worked in government.
• 35 years: The number of years Ford said he had never seen such abusive behavior toward a subordinate.
• 2001: The year John Bolton became under secretary of state for arms control and international security.
• 2002: The year the incident between Bolton and Westermann occurred.
• 8 individuals: The number of people interviewed in the last several days who described another episode of Bolton's reportedly trying to intimidate an intelligence analyst.

Sources:

• The New York Times article on April 28, 2005