This is the first in what I expect to be a continuing, originally-written journal of John Bolton's activities as US Ambassador to the United Nations. All emphasis has been added.
Bolton Watch Journal - 1 & 2 August 2005 (Day One)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan welcomed John R. Bolton as the new United States Ambassador to the United Nations today, stating that he joins the international body "...at a time when we are in the midst of major reform."
"We look forward to working with him, as I do with the other 190 Ambassadors. And we will welcome him at a time when we are in the midst of major reform," said Mr. Annan during his daily press conference. In response to concerns about Mr. Bolton's abrasive and forceful style, Mr. Annan said:
I think it is all right for one Ambassador to come and push. But an Ambassador always has to remember that there are 190 others who will have to be convinced, or a vast majority of them, for action to take place. And so I think if one comes with that spirit, that spirit of give and take, that spirit of listening to others, that spirit of working with them in a collaborative manner to seek something that is mutually acceptable, that ambassador will succeed.
Mr. Bolton was appointed to the post of Ambassador for a term to last until December 2006 by U.S. President George W. Bush. His limited term is due to the fact that President Bush used Article II, Section 2-3 (otherwise known as the recess appointment clause) of the Constitution, an action that has caused great outrage and concern among Senators and U.S. Citizens.
Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) said, "The President has done a real disservice to our nation by appointing an individual who lacks the credibility to further US interests at the United Nations." Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), whose decision to oppose the nomination caused a cascade effect among Senate Republicans, stated that the appointment "...will only add to John Bolton's baggage and his lack of credibility with the United Nations." In contrast, Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) predictably praised Bolton as "...a smart, principled and straightforward candidate and will represent the president and America well on the world stage."
Mr. Annan took an objective view on the topic when asked, stating "I think it is the President's prerogative and the President has decided to appoint him through this process for him to come and represent him." Annan added that the UN would "...work with him as the representative of the President and the Government."
Bolton's confirmation was delayed for five months in the U.S. Senate due to his extremely violent temperament with those working with him and his subordinates, as well as alleged activity to the intelligence failures and forgeries that lead to the war in Iraq and alleged involvement in the leaking of CIA covert operative Valerie Plame, whose findings were in contradiction to the rushed judgment in the reasoning for the war.