Demagogue

If you had heard a U.S. Senator, when asked about John Bolton, make these statements ...

"I have been troubled with more and more allegations, revelations, coming about his style, his method of operation.

"We need a uniter. We need a builder. We need someone who will reach out to our friends and our allies at the United Nations. No question the United Nations needs reform. It badly needs reform. But we need someone who will go up there and develop confidence with the other ambassadors."

... you might assume that he or she were explaining their decision to reject President Bush's nominee for UN ambassador. But you'd be wrong.

These statements were made by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) explaining Sunday to CNN's Wolf Blitzer why he will support Bolton "if there's nothing more that comes out."

So you there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. We need a uniter. We need a builder. And we need someone who "will reach out" to our allies at the UN.

But apparently we don't need those things badly enough for Hagel to vote against someone who completely lacks those qualities.