Whatever his would-be tormentors say, he is hardly being opposed because he's a nasty man or because he delivered a speech not vetted by the State Department or because he played rough with people lower on his totem pole or because he didn't believe some intelligence emanating from the CIA. ....
Bolton's offense is to believe that American democracy has enemies; that words alone will not hinder their weapons; and that the United Nations is an alliance of those too weak-willed to stand up and fight for the good. Bolton believes in the sovereign power of democracies because they are responsive and responsible to their peoples.
Yeah, those darn liberal (and conservative) opponents of Bolton are really worried about him believing America has enemies. No, that is just stupid and asinine. It is one of those things which should require those who write it to pay their employers. Fair is fair. For instance, when Al Franken ridicules Bill O'Reilly (they both despise each other) on Air America, he should basically just agree not to be paid. Clearly, Franken's ability to ridicule that guy on the national airwaves is worth more than he's paid during those times. Ditto his right to do his stupid "old Al" and some other annoying routines.
Anyway, back to Bolton. The need for some tough talker (my former senator, Moynihan is referenced) at the UN is not something for which I would be opposed. The U.S. has a role to play in the UN, including to keep it honest. A bomb thrower who has shown distaste for the institution in general, however, is overkill. And, no, those on both sides of the political spectrum against him are not just blowing smoke -- the guy has problems. I also kind of think being diplomatic is part of a job of a diplomat.
Finally, what is this b.s. about him believing in democracies or whatever inanities mentioned? This is not an either/or situation: appoint the ill-qualified jerk or just agree to have some empty talk. The general value of our country saying "fu" to the UN does not seem a great way for us to help other nations be "responsive and responsible to their peoples." But, you knew that. Inanities in editorial comments are a major pet peeve of mine. Almost as much as blowing key calls at ball games.