PUBLICLY RICE SUPPORTS BOLTON. YET, PRIVATELY? ©

President Bush nominated John R. Bolton for the office of United Nations Ambassador. There is much public support for Mr. Bolton; however, there are those on both sides of the aisle that do not believe that he would serve this nation well. Privately, there are questions and concerns. However, the President stands strong; he wants the former Under Secretary of State to represent our country. The President is very vocal in his support of Bolton. He is certain that he made the “right” choice and “Right” it is. Though many express qualms; the president continues to persevere.

There are those that speak softly of their reservations; among them is Republican, Senator George V. Voinovich of Ohio. After hearing testimony from people that voluntarily came forward to testify against this nominee, twenty of them staunch republicans, Voinovich publicly voiced his concerns. The hearings were postponed; the vote to approve was delayed. Karl Rove, the “architect” and the president's most powerful political adviser stepped in; he called Mr. Voinovich to stress the need for unity. Chief of staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., chimed in as well. Each reminded the Senator that publicly support must appear solid.

Condoleezza Rice sings the party line; she also supports the appointment of this nominee with resolve. She has reason. The reason, she does not want Mr. Bolton to serve as deputy Secretary of State! Miss Rice acknowledges that John would prefer a position in the State Department; however, she is certain that she does not want to work with Mr. Bolton directly. She knows that Bolton helped the President to get into office in 2000 and that the Administration feels a need to return the favor. Condie understands the Administration’s belief; John “deserves something.” Nonetheless, she cannot bring herself to work closely with this man. Therefore, she offers her outspoken support to the nominee.

When the President first nominated Bolton to serve as United Nations Ambassador, Republicans and Democrats alike wondered whether Rice influenced the choice. It is well known that that Rice wanted Bolton in a position where his contribution to policy would be limited. She felt certain that Bolton needed to be controlled; he needed to be given instructions and be forced to follow these. She also believed that Bolton was a loose cannon. Is it possible that Secretary of State Rice persuaded the President to appoint John R. Bolton to the United Nations to avoid having him in the State Department?

It is; after all, she could easily make the case. “Bolton’s critical stance toward the United Nations dovetailed perfectly with the administration's own thinking.” If she pressed her points well, she would be free; Condie would not be burdened with a closer confluence. Hence, Miss Rice publicly announced her support for the appointment. She made calls to members of congress, Democrats and Republicans. She asked them to endorse the nominee. She requested confirmation and reassured them. She emphasized that Bolton would be “strictly scripted by Washington.”

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