Even more than usual, House Judiciary Committee Republicans really embarrassed themselves during the Monica Goodling testimony.
Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick explained, “One Republican congressman after another tenderly thanks her for enduring today’s hearing — as if she’s one of Jerry’s Kids and not a former DoJ official who, by midmorning, has admitted to breaking the law. Her ability to speak in declarative sentences is enough to blow their minds.”
Some Republicans literally gave up on the substance, choosing instead to “create diversions.” As Dana Milbank explained, “Rep. Chris Cannon (Utah) opted to read into the record a lengthy editorial comparing Rep. Jack Murtha (D-Pa.) to Tony Soprano. Rep. Dan Lundgren (Calif.) delivered a 250-word speech praising his own glorious service as his state’s attorney general.”
But leave it to Steve King to top them all.
“There not only is no evidence of wrongdoing but there is no allegation of any wrongdoing on your part, ” Rep. Steven King, R-Iowa, told her.
Christopher Orr set the record straight: “Actually: evidence, allegation, admission. But thanks for being on the show, Congressman. We hope you’ll play again.”