Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who originally supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in 2016, has resigned.
The news was reported just now by NPR’s Michele Keleman. See also https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/09/politics/nikki-haley-resignation/index.html.
As Keleman reported, there had been rumors that Haley was growing restless and wanted some time off.
Speculation has immediately arisen as to whom Trump will nominate to replace Haley, who supported most of Trump’s bellicose foreign policies, which emphasize America Firstism.
National Security Advisor John Bolton, the tall guy with the white mustache, will have a big say in whom Trump taps to replace Haley; Bolton, a hawk’s hawk, was Bush Two’s UN Ambassador and was frequently critical of that essential, but fractured, organization.
Enter associate solitary reporter Foma Kheroshonsky, our special correspondent in Moscow.
Kheroshonsky was at the White House moments ago as Trump spoke about Haley’s departure. He was accompanied by one of Trump’s favorite Russians, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov, a seasoned diplomat, is almost as good at lying as Vlaldimir Putin.
Haley greeted Kheroshonsky with a warm smile and told him that Trump should have named her as his Secretary of State instead of Wichita’s Mike Pompeo.
“Sir,” Kheroshonsky said, addressing Trump, “I’m really good at reading your mind — in fact, I’m better at it than anybody.”
“Don’t listen to Bolton,” Kheroshonsky continued. "Sergei Lavrov is the best qualified man to be your UN Ambassador.”
Lavrov emitted an uncharacteristic giggle and shook Trump’s hand as the two posed for a photo-op with Haley and Kheroshonsky.