WP: Powell Aide to Discuss Bolton

[Pirate Smile]

Powell Aide to Discuss Bolton
Meanwhile, Armitage Endorses U.N. Ambassador Nominee

By Glenn Kessler
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2005; Page A04

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff prepared to interview former secretary of state Colin L. Powell's chief of staff today as bipartisan harmony on the committee became increasingly frayed over Democratic requests for documents, interviews and other materials related to John R. Bolton's nomination as U.N. ambassador.

Democrats view Larry Wilkerson, a longtime Powell aide who has been publicly critical of Bolton, as an important guide to Powell's thinking and actions about key incidents being investigated by the committee, a Democratic aide said. Alone among living former Republican secretaries of state, Powell has pointedly refused to endorse Bolton and privately told some senators he had concerns about Bolton's judgment.

In a boost for Bolton, however, Powell's closest friend, former deputy secretary of state Richard L. Armitage, endorsed Bolton in a statement to the Associated Press. "John Bolton is eminently qualified," Armitage told a reporter as he entered an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "He's one of the smartest guys in Washington."

Asked if Bolton was a good choice, Armitage replied, "It was the president's choice and I support my president."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/05/AR2005050501675.html

[tmooses]

1. "Asked if Bolton was a good choice he invalidates whatever reason

he has by invoking the "mein Fuhrer" argument.

How shall I give expression, O my Fuhrer, to what is in our hearts? How shall I find words to express your deeds? Has there ever been a mortal as beloved as you, my Fuhrer? Was there ever belief as strong as the belief in your mission. You were sent us by God for Germany!
-Hermann Göring (Reden und Aufsatze, Munich, 1938)