While George W. Bush initially promoted the career of John Bolton, over time his opinion became closer to Jimmy Carter's view of him. Max Boot points out that by 2008, George Bush no longer trusted Bolton, pointing to this article from 2008 after Bolton criticized Bush for lifting some of the sanctions on North Korea:
“Let me just say from the outset that I don’t consider Bolton credible,” the president said bitterly. Bush had brought Bolton into the top ranks of his administration, fought for Senate confirmation and, when lawmakers balked, defied critics to give the hawkish aide a recess appointment. “I spent political capital for him,” Bush said, and look what he got in return.Jimmy Carter calls the appointment of Bolton as National Security Adviser as "the worst mistake" Trump has made:
"I have been concerned at some of the things he's decided. I think his last choice for national security adviser was very ill-advised. I think John Bolton has been the worst mistake he's made," Carter told "CBS This Morning" co-host Norah O'Donnell Monday. Bolton will be Mr. Trump's third national security adviser since taking office.Considering all the mistakes Trump has made, that says a lot.
I recently cited Reason magazine's 5 Reasons Not to Feed the Russian Troll Hysteria. They have another good five entry list this week too, 5 Things About John Bolton That Are Worse Than His Mustache:
- Bolton supported the 2002 invasion of Iraq and still thinks it was a dandy idea
- Bolton supported the U.S. intervention in the Libyan civil war.
- Bolton thinks the U.S. should have intervened in the Syrian civil war sooner and more aggressively.
- Bolton agitated for war with Iran.
- Bolton favors attacking North Korea