Posted on 02/18/2017 5:39:07 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Senior White House officials and members of the National Security Council are pushing former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton as a replacement for ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to multiple sources in and out of the White House who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon.
Among Bolton's most vocal supporters are senior administration officials loyal to Flynn and who are upset at the general's firing. Multiple sources described an effort by these Flynn loyalists to ensure that Bolton is selected as his replacement.
The selection of Bolton as the next national security adviser would empower Flynn's allies still in the White House and send a message that his national security vision is represented within the Trump administration. Bolton is also favored by White House staffers who are opposed to the selection of any candidate who criticized President Trump during the 2016 campaign.
President Donald Trump has not settled on a final selection yet and is also eyeing retired Army Gen. Keith Kellogg, who has been acting national security adviser since Flynn's departure, as well as other candidates.
"There's a strong inclination in the NSC towards the kind of experienced leadership Bolton would represent," said one current official, who requested anonymity to speak freely about the situation. "He knows the ins and outs of D.C. but he's not an establishment, Never Trump type. There's also a lot of respect for General Kellogg and KT McFarland, both of whom have really stepped up under challenging circumstances."
Bolton, a senior figure in the George W. Bush administration, is well versed in the intricacies of government and would give the White House credibility at a time when the administration is under criticism.
"The one thing that makes Bolton more qualified than anyone else for the Trump era is that he has a veteran genius-level understanding of the organizational structure of our nation's diplomatic and intelligence apparatus," said one veteran foreign policy insider who is in close contact with multiple senior Trump administration national security figures.
Bolton has the ability to help root out Obama administration holdovers still working in the government, according to multiple sources. That would be essential. The Free Beacon reported earlier this week that Flynn's ouster was in part manufactured by Obama administration loyalists who leaked classified information as part of an effort to destroy the former national security adviser's credibility.
Bolton's staunchly conservative credentials and outspoken personality make him a favorite among those officials who championed Trump from the start of the 2016 campaign. Conservatives outside the administration would also cheer the appointment.
"One person I think would be very, very strong is John Bolton," Senator Ted Cruz told CNN Friday. "He's someone who understands the world, he understands the threats of radical Islamic terrorism."
“Last election he advised Romney on Foreign Policy, he worked for Bush and has a neocon rep and certainly was liked by Dick Cheney and Rumsfeld.”
And that’s positive to you?
Your guy Cruz likes Bolton...
“There are 38 floors to the U.N. building in New York. If you lost 10 of them, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference.”
John Bolton, February 3, 1994
Probably...
Not so much, just giving an honest overall assessment. I think Romney was smart to get him to be an advisor in his campaign. I wish someone better had won the nomination.
I like Cheney and Don. Definitely amongst the grown ups available in the late 90s. I wasn’t a Ron Paul guy. I’ve always been uncomfortable with the Neocons but I don’t think of him like a sideline guy pushing that agenda.
He was hated by every Democrat I have ever heard speak about him, so that is a big plus.
Why only 10 of them? Maybe 38 floors?
That’s my impression of him also.
It would serve the shadow governors right to get somebody they hate even worse than Flynn.
You’re right; but our biggest blunder indeed was leaving too early. Obama shut it down in order to destroy the credibility and reputation of the American military and lessen our place in the world. Bush could not match his sincere desire to free men from tyranny with the force and will necessary to make that happen. We should have said, “Hey world, we didn’t come here and sacrifice our sons in order to prop up another stinking Muslim dictator. No, we will be here for a hundred years if it takes that long to pull your heads out of the rat hole religion that has brought about this mess. We’re going to teach you the Bible and the Torah of Israel. Then you will be like us: happy, healthy and free. Hell, one day your grandchildren will never learn that the best thing they can aspire to is not strapping on an explosive vest and blowing up innocent people. But Hell no! We are not not not leaving, we might annex you and make you an American Territory. And as to the rest of you Goddamned Son of a Bitchen’ Bastard Dictators: we’re coming to get every last one of you, starting with the Pilsbury Dough Boy.
Sure, put Bolton on the job for a few months and then replace him with... Flynn. He’s been cleared of any wrongdoing by the FBI. Who could argue?
Oh right. Deranged libs.
Hear, hear outstanding choice!
The NWO GOPe elites are not playing a “game”; it’s for keeps. Wake up.
Military..young, will be 55 in July..
well educated, Masters and Doctorate degrees.
I could handle that as well, and John Bolton as well..John is also a very intelligent man who knows his way around Political, Washington D.C. I also enjoy listening to him when on Fox News Programs..He is definitely respected at Fox, especially by Lou Dobbs, who I now get my news from...had more than enough of Bret Baier and Wallace.. So now we will all wait for whom ever the POTUS chooses.
I want Flynn back.
Good reason. Bolton is the best of what’s left.
Bolten is fine with me.
POTUS is going to choose the one he finds most trustworthy and compatible.
I could live with Bolton.
I would also be good with Bolton. The year in the UN where he continually attacked the bloated farce was pretty entertaining to watch. Then his years on TV all lead me to be pretty enthusiastic about him to be honest. Understand the “clean sweep” too but having someone with a bit of “e” experience while the swamp has not yet completely disappeared down the drain might not be a bad idea.
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Bolton is the most resilient. He can take the MSM’s heat.
He was born and raised in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace.
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