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.

The hearings are officially postponed until Monday next week. Monday, April 11, 2005 Nomination of John R. Bolton to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations Time: 9:30 A.M. — 12:30 P.M. Break 2:00 P.M. — 5:30 P.M.

I have not had time to dissect the entire list of signers of “national security practitioners” who signed the “America Can Do it All Alone” letter circulated and organized by Frank Gaffney. However, there is one name that just screamed out at me when I took another look this morning: ABRAHAM SOFAER.

I kind of feel that letters with Al Haig on them are sort of like those that have Alan Keyes listed — but that’s a topic for another day. But five former Secretaries of State — James A.

Senator Chafee is sending signals that he is considering opposing John Bolton. This is amazinig and important news.

This just in….The hearings on John Bolton are most likely being rescheduled. This is not official. The current unofficial plan is to schedule the hearings on Monday, 11 April. This is good.

The big question that many of my like-minded friends who support American leadership in the world and who support American engagement in reforming the U.N. is whether it helps or hurts to postpone John Bolton’s hearings because of the Pope’s funeral in Rome. There is a Senate delegation heading to Rome.

Bob Boorstin and Andrew Grotto penned this interesting and important op-ed which appeared in the Baltimore Sun today. I have excerpted it and turned some of their material into key talking points. From their piece: Mr. Bolton’s failures directly concern what are the gravest threats to U.S.

This in. . .but please note that what I have is all rumor. No one will talk — but the rumors indicate some effort by the White House to invest more in acquiring Senator Lincoln Chafee‘s “aye” vote in favor of John Bolton’s confirmation hearings.