16 seconds ago 2009-11-10T10:30:02-08:00
So maybe he's a low-ranking Democrat now and not the chairman. So maybe he's pushing 80. One thing is clear: Sen. Arlen Specter, back on the Judiciary Committee for yet another Supreme Court confirmation hearing, seems to be having the time of his life.
He schmoozed with Sonia Sotomayor's mother beforehand. He smiled like a little boy when his questions started. He directed his portion of the questioning like a political Cecil B. DeMille. He tossed in Specterian compliments -- "I'm not commenting about your answers but your record is exemplary" -- and showed that an approaching winter hasn't dimmed a fierce legal mind. There was pleasantry and pushiness, toughness and deference.
And then the grizzled veteran smiled and wrapped up, and the freshman -- Al Franken -- took center stage.
-Ted Anthony, AP National Writer
