Bush comes to Bolton's defense

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Thursday came to the defense of his embattled nominee to be ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, and blamed politics for opposition to his confirmation.
"John's distinguished career and service to our nation demonstrate that he is the right man at the right time for this important assignment," Bush said in a speech to insurance agents and brokers.
"I urge the Senate to put aside politics and confirm John Bolton to the United Nations," Bush said at the beginning of his remarks, which were to focus on his proposal to partially privatize the Social Security retirement program.
The president's remarks came after the Senate Foreign Relations committee delayed a vote on Bolton until next month in the face of eroding Republican support for the controversial diplomat.
The panel is due to hear a raft of new allegations against him, on top of earlier charges that he tried to manipulate intelligence on biological weapons to fit his views, attempted to fire analysts who disagreed with him and harassed subordinates.
The White House on Wednesday accused Democrats of fabricating the charges, which spokesman Scott McClellan called "unsubstantiated" and "unfounded."

04/21/2005 13:45 GMT