Frist Flip Flop

Senate Majority Leader Frist today demonstrated his version of the flip flop, announcing that there would be no further vote taken on the Bolton nomination for UN Ambassador and saying, in effect, President Bush would have to decide whether to withdraw the nomination or make a “recess appointment” while Congress is on vacation. Two hours later, after being pressured by Bush, Frist changed his tune and said there will be another vote.

Senate Republicans have not been able to muster enough votes in the Senate to confirm Bolton, and the Administration has refused to supply further Bolton information the Democrats want to see as part of the confirmation process. A recess appointment would weaken Bolton’s credentials and be an embarrassment to the White House.

Frist has history to contend with in his bid for the Presidency in 2008. There has not been a member of the Senate elevated to the Presidency since JFK - and Frist is no John Kennedy. The addition of flip flopping to his resume won’t help his chances.