Bush is following tradition, of course. Every president doles out ambassadorships in gratitude for favors. But Bush has put a priority on embassies in France, Spain, the Bahamas and other desirable spots, and filled them with big donors and party loyalists. For sensitive posts like Russia and Egypt, he has turned to career diplomats. For foreign nations, it is often an asset to have an ambassador who has a close relationship with the president himself.
Critics see money buying power.
George Bush was going to bring a different tone to Washington. Now, internationally, those who pay get to play. Harshbarger says there is a potential for conflict of interest when businesspeople become ambassadors. But Marlin Fitzwater, press secretary to former presidents Reagan and Bush, sees merit in choosing experienced executives. You generally want somebody who has shown that they have leadership skills and that they know how to manage people and events.