Biden: Bolton Likely to Win Confirmation

[Judi Lynn]

Biden: Bolton Likely to Win Confirmation
By SIOBHAN McDONOUGH, Associated Press Writer

Sunday, June 5, 2005

(06-05) 08:43 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) --

The Democrats aren't likely to have enough votes to continue delaying confirmation of John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Sunday.

Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware told ABC's "This Week" that President Bush will "probably be able to win the vote, somewhere between 45 and 47 votes against, and he'll think it's a victory."

The Senate put off a final vote on Bolton late last month. Democrats claimed the White House was stonewalling them on the release of classified documents that might prove damaging to the nominee.

"The president can probably refuse to give us this information, which we're completely entitled to as the United States Senate, and that's the reason why we're not letting the vote go forward," Biden said.
(snip/...)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/06/05/national/w084301D89.DTL

[pfitz59]

1. Generations of progress down the toilet!

Blowback will be impossible to gauge! Next we'll be doing 'duck and cover' drills all over again! Had heated argument with co-worker today. He defended the BFEE whole-heartedly! Man makes $30,000 a year, belongs to a union, yet defended the war in Iraq as justified! He also thinks Bolton is a "good man" becuase he is arrogant and belligerent, just right for US foreign policy! Ugh......

[ValentinoM]

37. I hate that we are getting stuck with Bolton..

But, we look bad blindly supporting the corrupt UN just to oppose Bolton.. I have seen enough, I think the UN does need to get cleaned up and maybe even cleaned out.. I just wish it would be someone else.. SHIT!

[FourStarDemocrat]

41. Supporting the UN or not has nothing to do with not supporting Bolton

Bolton isn't qualified to be our ambassador to the UN. The UN does a lot of important work around the world, and is less corrupt than this administration. The UN is the voice and international governing body for more than 180 countries, and the Bolton nomination is the same thing as giving the finger to the rest of the world.

[cthrumatrix]

47. I'm afraid his appointment means far worse..... I hope I'm wrong

[Webster Green]

59. The UN is corrupt because ChimpCo Inc. says so?

OK then, that settles it!:eyes:

[AlCzervik]

2. WTF is it gonna take? What more do they need to vote against this clown?

Bush appointing and the senate confirming him is like the US collectively flipping the bird to the rest of the world.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

11. Nothing short of the sodomy of 8yr. boy on 50yard line during SuperBowl

Apparently, the only thing that will remove BFEE crime members from office is proof of sexual perversion or murder.

JB

[AlCzervik]

13. Whats that old saying?

The worst thing that can happen to a politician? Being caught with a live boy or a dead girl.

[justsomegirl]

60. Unless you're Joe Scarborough...

EDITORIAL - Klausutis records should be released
*snip*
Mrs. Klausutis, 28, was found dead July 20 in the Fort Walton Beach office of U.S. Rep. Joe Scarborough. Associate Medical Examiner Michael Berkland announced Aug. 6 that Mrs. Klausutis had a heart condition - previously unsuspected - that caused her to collapse. He said she fell, hit her head on a desk, suffered a blood clot and died.

[ElectroPrincess]

3. Biden is not our friend. He plays both sides toward the middle ...

To be honest, I almost resent smarmy characters like Biden as much as Bush and Cheney. Biden plays empathetic but CLEARS THE WAY for the Republicans to get there way.

Ask yourself: Was there anything productive in Biden's recent statement other than greasing the skids of the Republican agenda?

[AlCzervik]

4. Biden is more insidious i think, wolf in sheeps clothing

[zanne]

46. And he was the first Dem senator to support invading Iraq.

I'll never be able to forget him going on national television to support a pre-emptive attack. I haven't heard an apology yet.

[xxqqqzme]

62. I got biden's number

when he questioned Anita Hill. he all but called her a liar. Haven't liked or trusted the man since then.

[expatriot]

5. sad... it's been a sad time for internationalism lately. nt

[benburch]

6. Fuck you Joe Biden you slimey DINO

Why don't you just move to the other side of the aisle? Please.

[confludemocrat]

28. Biden: I've wasted everyone's time for nothing

because I was never going to go down fighting or try to win and am now using that time on national tv to cave to Bush and this dispicable scum Bolton for the sake of proving what a worthless pussy I am (but I hope you will vote for me in 2008).

[gratuitous]

7. Bush will think that Bolton's confirmation is a victory?

Gee Joe, I can't imagine why he'd think that, except that it would be a victory. Sounds like Biden (and as far as he's speaking for the rest of the Democratic caucus) is willing once again to sell the United States and its interests down the river so that they can send a message to Stupidhead with their measly 45 or 47 "no" votes on Bolton.

You want to send a message, Joe? Call Western Union. You want to serve the best interests of the country? Grow a spine.

[confludemocrat]

29. Biden lives in a dream/bizarro world

in which Democrats win by conceding everything after actions taken for the sake only of form or appearances.

Does he think this shit up himself?

[Protagoras]

8. It's all theater

The chest beating and hair pulling is not there to achieve anything other than distraction and entertainment.

They are the Washington Generals...meant to exist as a straw man opposition...nothing more.

I don't believe we can trust or rely upon our congress or senators (with one or two exceptions..DK, BB)...the rest are far more concerned with keeping their jobs and perks than they are in any actual progressive causes.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

9. Biden ALSO backhanded Dean on "ABC's This Week"

Biden is an opportunist, narcissistic, asshole.

When asked about Dean's comments on many Repukes not performing "honest work," Biden stated that Dean doesn't speak for him or many Democrats. Yeah, that's right Biden. Go ahead and FAIL TO SHOW A UNITED FRONT in our message. This is EXACTLY why we fail because Repukes control their message in the media. Until we do the same, pukes like Biden are CONSISTENTLY fucking up our chances at gaining power.

JB

[candy331]

14. AWL, Biden spoke correctly Dean doesn't speak for him and many

Democrats. That has been the problem, Dean speaks to the core of Democrats and other truth hungry citizens while he and his ilk speak for the repugs and corporations. Dean is pliable where he is willing to make changes if found to be needed where as the bought corporatists can't because they have bought lock stock and barrel.

[Edgewater_Joe]

49. Really? Dean Speaks For ME. Biden Doesn't

Appeasing DLC-weasel that he is. He's done great work on Bolton -- the only reason Bolton will get in is because Bush is too arrogant and stupid to realize that this battle has totally gutted whatever weight and credibility he might have had -- but he needs to realize that every time he backstabs Dean (and on a misquote that the Wingnut idiots have been peddling) he makes Dean stronger.

I'd say good, but rifts like this are bad and totally unnecessary.

[cascadiance]

52. Damn right!

Biden speaks more for all of the credit card corporations based in his home state that profited from him voting for the bankruptcy bill that has left *us* the people less protected as we are pushed further and further into poverty! Dean for me any day is *far* more a voice for me than Biden could ever be!

[fooj]

10. With the new information that has surfaced this weekend...

the Republican base should be DEMANDING an explanation. That is, of course, if Republicans were the true patriots that they profess to be and they could put COUNTRY over PARTY! It is reprehensible behavior and they should be held ACCOUNTABLE for their actions. All of them!

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

12. Haven't you learned that Repukes don't question authority unless its a Dem

And, then if it's a Dem, they will work in concert to throw mud and personally destroy their target. They move in packs and are given to fascism.

JB

[MrPrax]

15. Good point...

Biden *could* have used the opportunity to smear Bolton with the latest:

Bolton Linked to Firing of U.N. Arms Monitor
President Bush's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations flew to Europe in 2002 to confront the leader of a global arms-control agency and demand he resign, then orchestrated the leader's firing in a move that a U.N. tribunal has since judged unlawful, according to officials involved.

John R. Bolton, then U.S. undersecretary of state, thought Jose Bustani "had to go," particularly because Bustani was trying to send chemical-weapons inspectors to Baghdad in advance of the U.S.-led invasion, a former Bolton deputy said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-bolton5jun05,1,1306507.story?coll=la-news-politics-national&ctrack=1&cset=true

This would have brought up a whole host of 'attacks' on the WH with a lingering question as to whether Bolton might start yet another incompetent foreign policy disaster...

But instead Biden decided to go the 'confessional' insider role and give the pundits the skinny on 'what's hot and what's not' in the Senate.

[Total Disaster]

16. I was wondering exactly the same.....

....did he not bring up any of this? If not, why not?

[PuraVidaDreamin]

48. Maybe Barbara will

She does have the ability to hold this up, correct?

[dchill]

17. Heads up, Joe...

Repuke lite is NOT going to sell next year.

[napi21]

18. Why do you say Biden wasn't telling the truth?

We've all said, with a Senate majority, Bolton probably WILL be confirmed. He also said Shrub will probably see this as a vistory. That's true, but I think Biden said it just the right way. When Bolton screws up, and embarrasses the US, Biden can return and say, "Well, just how much of a vistory was it, Mr. Presisdent?"

Joe wants sto run for Pres in 2008, and he HAS to watch EVERY word he utters. Look at how the Pubs cherry pick specific statements from things every candidate said in the past! You want to be as careful as possible not to give them any more amunition!

[pokercat999]

45. If you don't give them "ammunition" they will

make it up!
Dino Biden should should be saying "we will fight this nominaiton to our last breath". "If we lose so be it, but we will be able to hold our heads high". "IF we lose then, when, not if, but when, Bolton screws up we will be there to say, We told you so, and we will". "This resident is a failure and it's time the American people see and hear the truth".


Oh if some of these guys only had balls.If Biden ever gets to prison he will make a great "bitch" for someone.

[Doctor_J]

19. Biden spent the whole day stumping for * today

I guess that's why Judas Stephanopolus let him on the show

[salin]

20. Shhh Joe.

Your concession is too early. There is another bombshell just delivered. Several republicans are still undecided and are facing growing pressure back home.

Get a spine.

[Benhurst]

21. Maybe that is why he rushed in to make the concession. ?? NT

[bunkerbuster1]

61. If only he'd sprung for a spine transplant

instead of those stupid hair plugs.

[UTUSN]

22. Same Joe Who Said This A.M. That DEAN Doesn't Speak for Him n/t

[rateyes]

23. I agree that

Biden needs to grow a spine. Geez, when are we going to elect humans instead of jelly fish. By the way, being new to DU, can anyone tell me what n/t means, and what "kick" means. Sorry to have to ask.

[UTUSN]

25. n/t Means

"no text". The headline is all there is. Saves some from clicking-in.

"Kick" (as in the Dem donkey KICKING), is a Reply-to the previous post, usually with no other content, which automatically keeps the thread "kicked" up instead of fading down. A Reply WITH content would do the same thing, but in the "Kick" situation, the poster apparently has nothing more to add, just wants the thread not to disappear.

[rateyes]

26. Thanks. n/t

[0007]

24. This is very depressing.....it is time to clean house of every

politician that votes for Bolton.

[Vinca]

27. What Biden said is true . . . I just wish he hadn't said it.

They've got the majority, they've got the votes. Unless we win back Congress in 2006, we will remain perpetually screwed. That said, I don't understand Biden. He wins back my confidence by speaking long and loudly against Bolton, yet today he acts as if he's been bitch slapped or force fed Kool-Aid. Is there something wrong with the spines of Democrats? They always seem to collapse.

[jasmeel]

30. Biden: Bolton Likely to Win Confirmation

WASHINGTON - The Democrats aren't likely to have enough votes to continue delaying confirmation of John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Sunday.
Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware told ABC's "This Week" that
President Bush will "probably be able to win the vote, somewhere between 45 and 47 votes against, and he'll think it's a victory."

The Senate put off a final vote on Bolton late last month. Democrats claimed the White House was stonewalling them on the release of classified documents that might prove damaging to the nominee.

"The president can probably refuse to give us this information, which we're completely entitled to as the United States Senate, and that's the reason why we're not letting the vote go forward," Biden said.
<snip>

When did this become a done deal? I thought Bolton had no chance. WTF! Did all the pushing the vote off just slow the momentum of the anti-Bolton movement?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050605/ap_on_go_co/un_ambassador

[Last Lemming]

31. Ploy

on part of the Democrats? It does seem to be strange coming on the tails of White House refusal about documents and Republican support for same--not good if the Democrats are allowing themselves to be rat fucked

[natrat]

33. why has the fact that he forced sex on his wife with nanother man not

been publicized?

[Doctor_J]

35. IOKIYAAR

this one falls under the category of It's OK If You Are A Republican

[chapel hill dem]

43. I have only heard rumors about Plato's Club. Is there a DU link? n/t

[indepat]

32. With Bolton's record and baggage, every vote to confirm denigrates advice

and consent as written into the Constitution. A sitting president has no right IMHO to have any wholly inappropriate nominee just rubber-stamped by a bunch of lackeys who ignore and make a mockery of why this clause was written into our Constitution.

[Leafy Geneva]

36. And every vote for Bolton is a 2006 campaign issue.

Biden is right. If Bolton is confirmed it hurts the Repugs. If Bush really wanted him he could have made a recess appointment this past week.

[daleo]

34. Bush will push hard for Bolton

He is a key part of the puzzle in the upcoming war on Iran.

[stickdog]

38. Cheney: "Hurry up with that damn concession, Joe." Biden: "Yessir!"

Biden: "Would you consider throwing me some more crumbs, sir?"

[Rainscents]

39. Biden talks both side of his mouth... I sent him nasty email today.

I am sick and tired of his bull-shit!

[depakid]

40. A better example of what's wrong with the party

and why the Republicans control every branch of government would be difficult to find. Aside from being a plagiarist, the man's a panderer who enjoys the sound of his own voice on the corporate media more than h respects his own- or his country's honor and integrity.

[bklyncowgirl]

42. Attention, Biden staff, someone make sure Joe gets his meds today.

Good God, couldn't the man at least put some sort of a hopeful face on this. Say something like, "It will be an uphill battle but we still hope that some Republican Senators will see that John Bolton is a dangerous choice for UN Ambassador" or something like that.

Then you add to that that crack about Dean and I'm back to disliking Biden again. Maybe I'm schizo too.

[ElectroPrincess]

44. What we should do is pledge to give $$$ to Biden's Democratic

Challenger come time for this bozo's reelection. I despise him for "playing a role" as much as many of the right wing republicans.

Let's get this a**hole voted out of office? We have the numbers to do it. All it takes is a little organization and dedication.

[depakid]

50. Biden is actually worse than a Republican

His talk show drivel reinforces all of the worst qualitites of the democratic "leadership." Here's a guy who clearly has few principles- other than to promote Joe Biden. He stands for nothing- and as often as not, is actively complicit in the Republican agenda.

If I were in Delaware, I'd vote Republican before I voted Biden. It would be the best thing for the party in the long run if he weren't in it. Simple as that....

[second edition]

51. None of this makes me happy.

Why does Biden have to say anything at this point so negative? Bolton should withdraw his nomination. Other Republicans should be quietly suggesting that to him. It is hard to believe that repubs will sell this country down the river in order to support Bush.

[trogdor]

53. Sometimes I think we should just let Bush have what he wants.

Bear with me here. Let him put assholes like Bolton in the UN on votes of 53-47. Don't even bother filibustering any of them. Just get it in the record what jackasses these people are, and let the floor vote happen. He's going to put his foot in his mouth and embarrass the shit out us, but nothing like the embarassment the Bushies will experience. People need to be SHOWN why such-and-such is a lousy idea. Just TELLING them isn't good enough anymore.

Bush wants to put a Nazi in charge of the Justice Department? Let him.
Bush wants to put an oil company exec in charge of the EPA? Let him.
Bush wants to put a talk radio pundit in charge of the CPB? Let him.
Bush wants to put an auto industry lobbyist in charge of NHTSA? Let him.

Bush wants a completely incompetent an corrupt executive branch? Let them all in by 54-46 or whatever. When things start going completely to shit, then we can tell all those stupid motherfuckers out there, "we told you so." Mind you, having America go to hell in a handbasket would piss me off and break my heart, but there are too many ignorant morons who just look at you like Bart Simpson's dog when you try to explain it to them. You have to let them learn the hard way.

[ckramer]

54. Biden: Democrats Unlikely to Stop Bolton

The Democrats aren't likely to have enough votes to continue delaying confirmation of John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Sunday.

Sen. Joseph Biden (news, bio, voting record) of Delaware told ABC's "This Week" that President Bush will "probably be able to win the vote, somewhere between 45 and 47 votes against, and he'll think it's a victory."

The Senate put off a final vote on Bolton late last month. Democrats claimed the White House was stonewalling them on the release of classified documents that might prove damaging to the nominee.

"The president can probably refuse to give us this information, which we're completely entitled to as the United States Senate, and that's the reason why we're not letting the vote go forward," Biden said.

link

[cestpaspossible]

55. Biden really knows how to spin things for our side!

Forecasting defeat is always a good approach to the beginning of a fight.... what an idiot.

[whistle]

56. Which democrats will vote for Bolton?

[ElectroPrincess]

57. What a maroon!

I'm not from Delaware but I promised myself to take a personal interest in supporting *almost any* Democrat this duplicitous DINO runs against.

We need to get Biden out of office. He's not on our side.

[Tesha]

58. Victories and losses, in battles and wars...

> Sen. Joseph Biden (news, bio, voting record) of Delaware told ABC's
> "This Week" that President Bush will "probably be able to win the
> vote, somewhere between 45 and 47 votes against, and he'll think
> it's a victory."

It *WILL* be a victory; Bush will have accomplished yet another small
goal.

Someone as to tell the Democrats that you may not need to win every
battle to win a war, but you *NEVER* win a war by losing every battle.
And if Bolton is confirmed, this will be counted as one more battle
in a long string of battles that the Democrats have clearly lost.

Tesha

[lala_rawraw]

63. Better have a terrorist where you can see him, then buried in

NSA or CIA where you cannot... maybe? Just thinking strategy.

[Lilith Velkor]

64. Yeah, with your help, you Vichy Democrat piece of shit.

:argh: