Bush has a habit of finding uniquely unqualified people to fill administration posts (tapping a man who wants to eliminate the U.N. to be the U.N. ambassador, for example), but tapping Pete Coors to be the next ambassador to Canada seems like an almost-comedic choice. (Thanks to B.A. for the tip)
Coors, who lost his Senate race to John Salazar (D) last fall, is one of a few names under consideration for the Canadian post, which is vacant after former Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci left the ambassadorship last month.
But the amusing part of considering Coors for the job is recalling his difficulty with Canada during campaign.
During a debate, primary opponent Rep. Bob Schaffer asked Coors if [Canadian Prime Minister] Martin was right about a trade issue with Canada.
“Paul Martin has suggested that that border be opened again and Canadian beef begin to flow into the United States,” Schaffer said. “I’m curious, Pete, whether you agree with Paul Martin on this matter.”
Coors ambled to the microphone and replied: “I don’t know Paul Martin’s whole position on this issue. I’m not sure I know who Paul Martin is.”
Yeah, that ought to help smooth over U.S.-Canadian fissures, picking an ambassador who doesn’t even know who the Canadian Prime Minister is.