Countdown to Bolton Vote

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is slated to vote Tuesday on John R. Bolton, President Bush's controversial nominee to represent the US at the United Nations. The eight Democrats on the Committee have indicated that they will vote "no" on the nomination. Two of the 10 Republicans -- Sens. Lincoln Chafee (RI) and Chuck Hagel (NE) -- are reportedly lukewarm, but leaning towards a party-line vote. In an unusual move, and reflecting the controversy that this nomination has garnered, 67 diplomats and state department officials have publicly spoken out against Bolton's nomination. This bipartisan opposition represents almost every Presidential administration since Eisenhower (excepting Kennedy and the current Bush).

The Washington Post reported Monday that Bolton "often blocked then-Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and, on one occasion, his successor, Condoleezza Rice, from receiving information vital to U.S. strategies on Iran."

This nominee gets a big thumbs down in the court of world opinion, which is the stage on which he would play.

However, unless there are new revelations overnight, the Committee is expected to send the nomination (10-8) to the full Senate for a vote. If that happens, will the Democrats choose to filibuster Bolton? What do you think?

See London Guardian, Washington Post. [edited to add link to domestic editorial wrap-up]