John Bolton’s journey into the world of Republican politics began early. At just 15, he took a break from his schooling to actively campaign for Barry Goldwater during the 1964 presidential race. This early foray into conservative politics set the stage for his future career and ideological leanings.
His time at Yale University, where he pursued law with the aid of a scholarship, presented a contrasting environment. Bolton described feeling like an outsider, a “space alien,” amidst the prevailing anti-Vietnam War sentiment on campus. Interestingly, his Yale Law classmates included future political heavyweights Bill and Hillary Clinton, though Bolton noted he “didn’t run in their circles,” highlighting his distinct political path even at a young age. He did, however, forge a significant connection with Clarence Thomas, who would later become a Supreme Court Justice, during their time as dormitory roommates. Another notable acquaintance from his Yale days was Richard Blumenthal, now a Democratic Senator for Connecticut, who served as Bolton’s editor on the student newspaper.
Despite his later reputation for a hawkish stance on foreign policy and a willingness to advocate for military action, John Bolton notably avoided combat service during the Vietnam War. As the war escalated, Bolton joined the National Guard, a move that allowed him to avoid being drafted into active combat. In his memoirs, he openly acknowledged that his decision was driven by his belief that the Vietnam War was already a lost cause due to liberal opposition at home, hindering the possibility of American victory. He stated, “I wasn’t going to waste time on a futile struggle,” further elaborating that “Dying for your country was one thing, but dying to gain territory that antiwar forces in Congress would simply return to the enemy seemed ludicrous to me. Looking back, I am not terribly proud of this calculation.” This candid admission reveals a pragmatic, if not cynical, perspective on military service during a contentious period in American history.
John Bolton’s career progressed through the administrations of several Republican presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. It was during his time in the George W. Bush administration that Bolton’s assertive style and controversial views gained greater prominence. Initially serving as the US Department of State under-secretary for arms control, Bolton quickly became known for his strong opinions and willingness to challenge dissenting views. He faced accusations of attempting to oust intelligence analysts who disagreed with his assessments and of undermining then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. Furthermore, John Bolton played a significant role in building the Bush administration’s case for the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, a claim that ultimately proved to be false. These episodes highlight a pattern of assertive advocacy and a readiness to challenge established viewpoints that have characterized John Bolton’s career in American foreign policy.
