Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Some Morning Session Thoughts On Roberts Hearings

After watching the much of the morning session of the Senate hearings on the nomination of Judge Roberts for Chief Justice, I have noted that the Democrats have no time to hear his answers, to their lengthy and often misleading questions. Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Biden, both chose to ask long questions (for the specific purpose of getting their words in on the record) and repeatedly chose to interrupt the Judge, as he attempted to answer them. They love to hear the sounds of their voices, don't they?

Sen. Arlen Specter had to admonish both Biden and Kennedy multiple times during the morning session, to let the Judge finish his answer. In some instances, they barely allowed Judge Roberts a sentence or two, when the question itself, was enough for several paragraphs. (The purpose of the committee hearing is to ask questions and hear the answers. It is not for the nominee to sit and listen to the committee members lecture and orate, for hours on end about their agenda.)

But as we will soon see, the witch hunt is just starting. Democratic members frequently moved in and out of the room, withdrawing to their individual war rooms. These war rooms are located real close to the hearings, for the specific purpose of gathering information and holding discussions. And, they are used to gather more negative information (than positive) and develop new strategies as responses to their own failures, in tripping the judge up. But that will not be easy.

From what I have seen and heard (with my own eyes and ears), there was not a better choice that the President could have made. He has been attentive to the questioners, he has answered the questions that were appropriately asked, and he has impressed with his mental acuity. But the pressure is still on. As the hearings continue and the Dems become more frustrated (with not being able to cross Judge Roberts up and find the dirt they are looking for), look for their methods to increase in intensity.

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