On the Bolton nomination, Reid released this statement:
"This is a disappointing choice and one that sends all the wrong signals. At a time when President Bush has recognized we need to begin repairing our damaged relations with the rest of the world, he nominates someone with a long history of being opposed to working cooperatively with other nations. Just as unfortunate, Mr. Bolton has overseen this Administration's flawed proliferation policy that has seen North Korea quadruple its nuclear arsenal and seen Iran take dangerous steps toward the development of nuclear weapons. Mr. Bolton will have much to answer for during the course of his confirmation hearings."
Pretty weak.
The problem with the Bolton nomination isn't that the US will have fewer friends in the world. BFD. Remember how we don't need no stinkin' permission slips from anyone? Bush has effectively demonized international cooperation, so who cares if he nominates someone like Bolton?
The problem is that at a time where fighting a two-front war, we have fewer and fewer allies. We have very little significant combat help, very little logistical help, and our troops are the ones paying the price.
Bush should've nominated a UN ambassador that could build bridges with alienated allies, someone who could've helped deliver the international help our courageous troops so desperately need. Instead, they gave yet another middle finger the world community. And while conservatives can pat themselves on the back, content in their oh-so-clever "message" to the world, our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to die in increasing anonymity.