Editorial: Bolton’s jagged edges

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005 | 9:01 a.m.

In President Bush's eyes, there is no better U.S. ambassador to the United Nations than a man who has been disdainful of the U.N. -- John Bolton. It was Bolton who once said that 10 floors could disappear from the U.N. headquarters in New York and that they wouldn't be missed. A Democratic-led filibuster had prevented Bolton's nomination from going forward, but Bush on Monday employed a little-used provision of the U.S. Constitution that allows presidents, if Congress is in recess, to make temporary presidential appointments that otherwise would require Senate approval.

Bolton's nomination unfortunately did become partisan, but this largely was of the president's making, as he nominated someone who doesn't understand the need to build relationships with other nations, a philosophy in short supply in this White House. Democrats weren't the only ones dismayed by Bush's move on Monday. "I am truly concerned that a recess appointment will only add to John Bolton's baggage and his lack of credibility with the United Nations," said Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich, whose opposition to Bolton was critical in delaying the nomination.

It was baffling when Bush nominated Bolton -- a man defined by his go-it-alone view of the U.S. role in the world. We can only hope that Bolton's acidic style doesn't further erode our standing with other nations, particularly those that we have long counted on as allies.