Perhaps you're right about the media not giving the President's statements much credence if they don't want to hear it. On the other hand, he hasn't been aggressive about bringing it up in public (press conferences, radio addresses, town halls, etc), either.
I have no doubt that there's plenty of behind-the-scenes wrangling. I'm sure the administration has its reasons, I just don't understand the seeming reluctance to use the bully pulpit on this matter. I wonder if the Terry Schiavo matter has made them slightly gunshy. I think that is a possible explanation, or partial one.
If Bolton is pure politics, that seems to me to be a bad move on the part of the Dems, because they will get very little long-term benefit for the disruption they've created. Seems to me they're shooting an awful lot of their ammunition at the Bolton nomination, and will likely be punished for it at the ballot box, at least some ballot boxes.
Take a look around. Look how dispirited Republican followers have become because of it. Despite Dem election losses, the rabid Dems have gotten some red meat thrown their way. Which party's coffers has this stunt helped & which party's coffers has it hurt?
Seems to me they're shooting an awful lot of their ammunition at the Bolton nomination, and will likely be punished for it at the ballot box, at least some ballot boxes.
Don't count on it. General elections are always turned by the "undecideds" & they're not paying attention to any of this. Those who are not interested in it now will not be turned by any TV commercial trying to get them fired up about it months or years from now. The point that is being pushed is by showing Republican inability to lead & the spin on it will be that it's all the Republican's fault. When you have people who want to see the Republicans lead thinking that way, it's not difficult to get people who aren't paying attention to think that way too.