The lame duck moniker is becoming pervasive. AP basically says thats the case with the Bolton nomination:
President Bush faces a politically thorny situation - and stark choices - now that Senate Democrats twice have blocked John Bolton's confirmation as U.N. ambassador.In one paragraph about Bush: Weak, Sagging poll number, lame-duck....that's our Chimpy. Who knew Bolton would become such a great asset to the Dems. and such a disaster for Bush?
The president could withdraw the nomination, authorize further concessions to Democrats over access to information they seek or bypass lawmakers altogether by appointing the former State Department official to the job temporarily without the Senate's OK.
But any of those options could leave the president appearing weak as he confronts sagging poll numbers and fights to stave off a lame-duck label just six months into his final term.
