Sen Biden takes it to the editorials: Why Bolton isn't qualified

[LynneSin]

Joe Biden wrote a great letter to his home state paper (my local paper) explaining why Bolton isn't qualified for the position:

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050607/OPINION10/506070324/1111/OPINION

Our Readers' Views
06/07/2005

Bolton's past conduct disqualifies him from appointment to United Nations

In your editorial of May 31, you agreed that John R. Bolton is not suitable to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, but you argued that absent "overwhelming evidence of "misconduct" the Senate should confirm the president's choices for executive appointments, including Bolton.

The Foreign Relations Committee has gathered precisely such evidence. As under secretary of state for arms control and international security, Bolton repeatedly sought to exaggerate U.S. intelligence information and repeatedly sought the removal of two intelligence analysts who disagreed with him.

When the next crisis reaches the U.N. -- whether it is Iran or North Korea -- Bolton's reputation for misusing intelligence will surely undermine his ability to make America's case. In short, Bolton's appointment is not in the U.S. national interest and that concern weighs heavier in the balance than our normal deference to the president.

That is why I will vote against Bolton's confirmation. My colleagues and I are ready to give Bolton an up-or-down vote in the Senate immediately, provided the executive branch turns over documents the committee has requested related to Bolton's tenure in office.

The administration has refused the committee's requests, stating among other things that the information sought is not relevant to the Senate's inquiry. I disagree: Some of the information we seek will buttress the case regarding Bolton's misconduct, and some is needed to rule out such misconduct.

Equally important, the administration's unprecedented assertion regarding relevance threatens our system of checks and balances. Under the Constitution, the Senate is a co-equal branch of government and has independent power to approve executive nominations. If the president can unilaterally decide what information the Senate may obtain about a nominee, the Senate would be reduced to a rubber stamp. That's not in our country's interest, either.

Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., Greenville

[saltpoint]

1. It seems to me that Biden has had the Bolton thing right from the start.

I'm not always where Biden is on issues every single time no matter what, but he nailed the Bolton question early and true.