is it normal for the chair to be representing the nominee, testifying away?

[mopinko]

grassley just answered coons' questions/points about kavanaugh's record of dissents.
is this normal? i dont recall other confirmation hearings.

[shraby]

1. That's called coaching a witness...a real no-no.

[onenote]

4. Not in this context

[FBaggins]

2. Unfortunately, yes.

Generally speaking, it's common for Senators from the nominees party to spend most of their time fawning over the nominee and thanking him or her for their selfless service and putting up with the vitriol from the other side... while Senators from the other side (including some who eventually vote for the nominee) making it sound like they would vote in favor of rebuilding the gas chambers from WWII.

[mopinko]

5. this isnt when it is his turn, he is just chiming in after

each senator.

[FBaggins]

6. He's the chairman

His “turn” is substantially different.

[onenote]

3. Yes.

If you go back and view the hearings on Sotomayor, you'll see Pat Leahy defending her. He even published a blog before the hearings were over, taking exception to some of the criticisms levelled at her.

Its simply par for the course.


https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/on-the-nomination-of-judge-sonia-sotomayor