In quashing the Weld nomination, Mr. Helms asserted his power in the Senate and was cheered by the social conservatives.

He used today's meeting, which was forced on him by Senator Lugar, to deride the press for what he said were its gross inaccuracies in reporting on the Weld nomination and to lambaste his fellow Senators for what he said was their hypocrisy.

Mr. Clinton, who has maintained a conciliatory posture since Mr. Helms indicated months ago that he would block the Weld nomination, avoided criticizing Mr. Helms today and even noted explicitly that he was not answering a question about him.

Other senators on the committee have enough votes to force a meeting this week to discuss the Weld nomination over Mr. Helms's objections.

The handling of the Weld nomination only strengthens the case.

(Ms. Albright has talked to Mr. Helms about the Weld nomination, her senior aides said, but has not pressed him especially hard.)

"However, the unfortunate impasse relating to the Weld nomination has the potential not merely of endangering this progress, but spilling over into other matters as well."

In an interview with radio reporters, he said, "The most appropriate thing with regard to the Weld nomination is for the President to step into this issue and do the right thing for the country and our relations with Mexico."

He added: "I call on the President officially this afternoon to step into the issue, withdraw the Weld nomination and send a nomination that can be approved and confirmed quickly by the Congress."

The Weld nomination is a fine example.