Steve Clemons Says Bolton’s Nomination is “Really, Really Dead”

I think the beer — more sought after than the Ranfurly Shield — is mine:

The last pre-election loophole through which John Bolton’s confirmation might have snuck through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was at 2:15 this afternoon at a previously called “business meeting” of the Committee.

That meeting has been cancelled — and with it even the dimmest chance of John Bolton being confirmed as US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Some have said that another effort could be mounted during a lame duck session of Congress, but there are several Republicans who will not feel bound by the White House in that circumstance; Dems as well — who will vote against cloture on the floor of the Senate were it to get out of Committee then.

So, it’s over. Wow.

John Bolton might agree to serve as the uncompensated Ambassador to the UN in a second recess appointment, or might agree to serve as a recess appointed political deputy at the UN and made “acting Ambassador and Chief of Mission” at a pay cut.

Either way, Ambassador Bolton will fill his term as the only unconfirmed Ambassador at the United Nations in American history.

An important victory. Kudos to the Republican senators — especially Lincoln Chafee — who were willing to stand up to the Bush administration. If only the GOP “rebels” who approved the recent pro-torture legislation had such integrity!