Ambassadors' Role: Ceremony or Substance?

Introduction

President Bush has handed more ambassadorships to political supporters and heavy campaign contributors than previous presidents. Although few argue that political appointments are bad per se, critics say many of Bush's appointees lack even the basic qualifications for the job. But in an age of rapid communications and travel, special envoys and presidential diplomacy, how important is it that U.S. ambassadors have extensive experience in foreign affairs?

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