But, I also insist on exercising my constitutional right as a Senator to provide advice and consent to the President's nominations. I have fundamental disagreements with this nominee on a number of substantive issues. I believe that in this case the gap between the views of the voters I represent in Minnesota and John Bolton's are too wide to ignore. There is ample room in a democracy for a wide spectrum of political philosophy and belief. I believe in the free exchange of ideas.
Divergent views make our public debate healthier and our Nation stronger.
My opposition to John Bolton is not merely ideological. I believe our primary public official responsible for arms control, nonproliferation, and security policy must make a convincing case that he or she will advance the Nation's agenda in a constructive and positive fashion. To date, John Bolton has come up short in this regard. First and most important, I am disturbed by John Bolton's views on strategic nuclear policy. He opposed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a treaty which I supported, voted for, and believe in.