By most rational standards, Kelly Knight Craft's stint as the United States Ambassador to Canada has been underwhelming. Craft has little responsibility for the U.S. position on trade deals, tariffs, immigration, Safe Third Country status, climate issues, and border crossings. Craft's efforts have been underwhelming since she seems to be doing so little on those important topics. Published reports say Craft played a role in helping to renegotiate NAFTA, but we don't know at what level.
Despite this, Craft has been nominated to take over as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. If Craft is confirmed, she would succeed Nikki Haley, though Jonathan Cohen has been serving in an interim role since January 1. Heather Nauert was the original nominee to take over for Haley but her nomination didn't get any serious traction.
Craft's move to the UN requires Senate approval. She went through that process to be approved to her current position, so that process will go a bit smoother. Her "both sides" take on climate change won't go over as well for the UN post. Unfortunately, even Dem senators, running/not running for president, won't ask Craft too many questions about Canada.
Traditionally, the U.S. ambassador to the UN is a cabinet post in the United States. While this was true for Haley, her replacement will not have cabinet status.
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Where in the world is Kelly Knight Craft?
If Craft is promoted and there is a new ambassador to Canada, that person will inherit a hornets' nest, a bees' nest, and a pack of wild dogs of problems between the United States and Canada.
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I could use a day job but my knowledge of Canada won't be a boost to my chances. We can hope for someone who will be more visible and clued into Canada. We aren't holding our breath.
photo credit: CBC news
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