The opening statements by Senators Richard Lugar and Joseph Biden are underway regarding John Bolton’s nomination to serve as America’s Ambassador to the United Nations. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Lugar said that any nominee to this position and his or her statements should abide by these three things: 1. Is the statement true? 2….

As you are preparing for work tomorrow, feel free to catch my commentary on John Bolton tomorrow (Monday) at 7:45 a.m. on C-Span’s Washington Journal. I will be on until 8:30 a.m. eastern time. At 9:30 a.m.

A compelling editorial, “Grill John Bolton” in the Sacramento Bee this morning starts: Barring a transformation that’s hard to imagine, John Bolton, nominated by President Bush to become this country’s ambassador to the United Nations, should be asked to seek other employment.

Lincoln Chafee has hardened his position in support of John Bolton — and he will have to consider the consequences. As reported in the Providence Journal today: While the U.N. ambassadorship may be a high-profile position, the person who occupies the post does not forge U.S. foreign policy, Chafee said.

Spend your weekend and Monday with those advocating or opposing John Bolton. C-Span has some good material on its way. In C-Span’s just released schedule, you can watch: ~ Saturday, 10 a.m., C-Span 2, John Bolton 2003 Speech on Int’l Justice & Foreign Policy ~ Sunday, 7 a.m.

. . .but he’s never followed order before, General. . .not unless it was in his personal interests or those of Jesse Helms. Truth in advertising: I’m a fan of Brent Scowcroft.

The New York Times ran an important editorial this morning titled “The Worst of the Bad Nominees.

Chris Nelson is just the best in town when it comes to fine-tuning the importance of good rumors. Below is an excerpt from his 7 April Nelson Report: Nasty gossip. . .always more fun than plain old gossip. . .

While Colin Powell has steadfastly refused to comment on the nomination of John Bolton to serve as Ambassador of the United States to the U.N.

I have heard for days that something very big was brewing regarding the upcoming John Bolton hearings — but I’m rather floored by the news that just hit via Douglas Jehl and Steven Weisman at the New York Times.