Skip to main content
CNN.com
Search
Home World U.S. Weather Business Sports Analysis Politics Law Tech Science Health Entertainment Offbeat Travel Education Specials Autos I-Reports
Inside Politics
CNN Exchange: I-Reports

Bolton stepping down: Your response

Adjust font size:
Decrease fontDecrease font
Enlarge fontEnlarge font

(CNN) -- U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down after his temporary appointment ends, the White House said Monday.

We asked CNN.com readers to comment on Bolton's resignation, and tell us what they think the White House should look for in a new nominee. Here is a selection of the responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.

Gilbert Haertel of Lexington, Kentucky
Despite my reservations about Mr. Bolton he appears to have done an excellent job while acting ambassador. He is articulate and does not appear to be overly dogmatic and tells it like it is. Mr. Bush would do well to find someone cut of similar material.

Jeff Hails of Grapeville, Pennsylvania
I am glad that he resigned but feel he was the wrong appointment in the first place. Any replacement should have a demonstrable history of diplomatic skills and a proven record of respect for the institution and it's place in the world.

Lou Janicek of Ramsey, New Jersey
I think it's unfortunate that Bolton was forced to resign. I think he has done a great job while holding this position on a recess appointment basis. This would have been a great opportunity for the Democrats to extend an olive branch and in the spirit of true bi-partisanship, officially nominate Bolton. We need a no-nonsense person like Bolton at the U.N., which has been a hostile environment for the U.S. for a long time. Now everyone will have to waste time on "fixing" a position that is not broken.

Niquie Hutchison of Westlake Village, California
Bolton is entirely too caustic, stubborn and downright rude to have served even one day as our ambassador to the United Nations. Now that he has resigned, I hope he signs himself up for charm school. He desperately needs a makeover in every sense of the word. But I have an ideal candidate for his replacement: Bill Clinton!

Marc Himebaugh of Lutz, Florida
The face of the big American bully is to be gone. Hurray! Maybe we will finally realize that other nations' views need to be respected. Maybe, just maybe, we'll get a true international diplomat that understands other cultures and respects all points of view. Please bring back the Statesmen of our founding fathers.

Norman of Commerce, Georgia
I'm not convinced that we should send anymore than a good clerk, for all that we get done at the U.N.

Paul Monaco of Johnson City, Tennessee
What characteristics should the president look for in a U.N. ambassador? That's easy: competence and an ability to understand that cowboy diplomacy does not work in a 21st century world. Even if Mr. Bolton could work effectively in the U.N., and I think the evidence shows that he actually could, I don't think President Bush can ever get himself or his administration out of the hole he's put our country in. We will probably have to endure a few more temporary appointments until after 2008

Ken Hayes of Motley, Minnesota
Forcing the Bolton resignation by withholding Senate approval is the latest poor decision of both parties: the Republicans for not even trying, and the Democrats for being too obtuse to allow a functioning incumbent to continue. Regardless of what might be said about Bolton, he: 1) Has not lived up to all the dire predictions about his destroying the U.N.; 2) has appeared to get along well with colleagues from other nations; and 3) knows when to hold firm and when to reach an agreement. Do you think a new person will do as well? I believe that person, appointed politically, will probably "give away the store" in regard to our national interests.

Tom Good of Bakersfield, California
I think it is a shame that the Senate would not confirm John Bolton. He has done a great job as our Ambassador to the U.N., and he will be hard to replace. I believe the president should find someone who is knowledgeable of world affairs, will represent U.S. interests rather than global interests, but will have a compassionate demeanor in dealing with the rest of the world.

Alice Allen of Gainesville, Florida
John Bolton has been the best example of competence in our government we've seen in many years. Is there a way to appoint him to another U.N. or State Dept position so that he can keep working for an effective foreign policy and send the message that we support what he did?

Margaret Menard of East Hartford, Connecticut
In response to the question on Bolton's resignation, I believe it to be a good step. Although he has represented the Bush administration well, he has not sought to achieve partnership or consensus with the rest of the nations. We should be looking for someone who believes that the U.N. has potential as a tool for world peace and stability and it has potential as a sounding board and consensus gathering for ideas and initiatives. Just because we're the big kid on the block doesn't mean we should be a bully. We all share this planet so we all have a stake in what happens here.

Edwin Bowers of Junction City, Kansas
You cannot have progress without change, but change does not always insure progress. I am very disappointed that John Bolton will no longer continue as U.N. ambassador. I believe he was tough and represented America's interests extremely well. It's just too bad that politics and petty grievances win out over our nation's best interests. The next ambassador needs to be as tough, honest, and dedicated as John Bolton

Joe Monroe of Tulsa, Oklahoma
I think it's wonderful that Bolton is stepping down because it sends a message to the rest of the world that we do care about their opinion, and that, unlike Bolton, we respect the U.N. and what it stands for. The person who replaces him needs to be someone who is multilingual, and who has broad exposure to the rest of the world. Obviously they need the diplomatic experience to go with it. I think [Colin] Powell would be a wonderful choice, IF he would publicly and totally repudiate the Bush administration's rationale for the [Iraq] war.

Morrion Crump of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Isn't Mr. Bolton exactly the type of U.N. Ambassador the U.S. needs at this juncture in history? Blunt diplomacy and no-nonsense language is exactly what is required in the do-nothing debating club that the U.N. has become.

Richard Birkenstock of San Marcos, California
The DEMS can probably expect the same treatment when they get in power. Unfortunately, the country suffers when the two sides cannot make decisions that need to be made. Some day we will all wake up but let's hope it isn't too late!


story.bolton.gi.jpg

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton, drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, and his appointment was never confirmed by the Senate.

CONNECT WITH THE NEWS

• I-Report: Send your story
• Spotlight: Your photos, videos
• Commentary: Read and reply
Advertisement

Advertisement

Career Builder.com
Quick Job Search
  More Options
International Edition
CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise with Us About Us Contact Us
Search
© 2007 Cable News Network.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. Site Map.
SERVICES » E-mails RSSRSS Feed PodcastsRadio News Icon CNNtoGo CNN Pipeline
Offsite Icon External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
Pipeline Icon Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more