There was a tense stand-off earlier in the week, after the boat left the port of Gibraltar, a British territory.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Treasure ship leaves Spanish port

If he is rejected, the message to future public servants will be clear -- never rock the boat, always go along with the majority, never stake out an independent position, never take a principled stand and above all, never annoy a powerful enemy.

CNN: Don't punish Obama for picking a maverick