William Helms: “isn't it significant that so many of our Nation's leading and senior foreign policy experts declare in writing and…”

“isn't it significant that so many of our Nation's leading and senior foreign policy experts declare in writing and otherwise that John Bolton is eminently qualified for the responsibilities for which the President has nominated him? Of course, the issue is not Mr. Bolton's arms control expertise. The issue here is that some Senators oppose President Bush's policy on various matters and particularly the one involving missile defense. I also suspect that there are some Senators who just don't like the fact that the administration has put forward the nomination of a fine American who will very capably implement President George Bush's policy. The distinguished ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Biden, who is my friend and with whom I work closely and pleasantly, put it honestly and forthrightly when he said to John Bolton during John's nomination hearing: This is not about your competence. My problem with you over the years has been that you are too competent. I would rather that you be stupid and not very effective. Neither of which, I say to my distinguished colleague, John Bolton will ever, ever be. I respectfully suggest that Senators should not be in the business of rejecting nominees because they are too competent for the job, but I commend Senator Biden for his clarity and honesty, as always.”