Bolton Appointment: One Thing Bush Said Isn't True, Another Sadly Is

In his screw-the-Senate speech appointing John R. Bolton to be Ambassador to the United Nations this morning, President Bush said at least one thing that is utter nonsense and another that, most regrettably, is spot-on.

"Because of partisan delaying tactics by a handful of senators, John was unfairly denied the up or down vote that he deserves," said the president.

"Partisan delaying tactics" are what George W. Bush considers the advise-and-consent process, whereby the Senate serves as a coequal branch of the federal government. Were the White House not so afraid of what many Bolton papers requested by the Senate would have said, it would simply have provided those documents and he would have received the definitive vote the president desired.

Bush opted to ignore the Senate's requests and that stalled the confirmation process -- period.

Unfortunately, his little speech wasn't all smoke and mirrors.

"He [Bolton] will speak for me on critical issues facing the international community," said Bush.

I think we can count on that. A man as bullying and arrogant as Bolton is the perfect choice for a president with the blatant disregard for diplomacy and world opinion that has always characterized this administration.

As sad as it is for the world, that part of Bush's choice is a match made in heaven.