John Kerry on the Bolton Nomination

Here's the latest statement from John Kerry on today's Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting on the appointment of John R. Bolton to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations:

"After learning more about John Bolton's record over the past two months, it's even more clear that he lacks the leadership, diplomatic skills and credibility to advance America's interests at the United Nations.

"We've suffered the tragic consequences of intelligence failures, and one of the casualties has been the credibility needed to bring allies to our side. Why would we ever choose as our next U.N. Ambassador a man who even senior Bush administration officials believe stretches intelligence to fit his ideological views? Mr. Bolton wasn't forthcoming or candid during his earlier confirmation hearing. Since then his evasive responses to questions and the administration's repeated refusal to turn over all the requested information make it clear they won't give Americans the full picture of his record. This is not a record that merits promotion to Ambassador to the United Nations."