1 minute ago 2009-11-10T02:43:03-08:00
It wouldn't be a confirmation hearing without one of Sen. Arlen Specter's signature backhanded compliments.
The moment came after a string of exchanges in which Specter pressed Sonia Sotomayor -- interrupted her, really -- to answer a question Republicans might have asked. It was about which branch should do most of the legislating, Congress or the court to which she is nominated.
He asked sarcastically, full-well knowing the answer, whether there is anything Congress can do when a nominee to the high court says one thing to the committee and does another once confirmed. Sotomayor tried to parry with a statement about how separate branches are a "beautiful thing."
He cut her off. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," Specter remarked.
Then it was compliment time, sort of.
"Your record is exemplary," Specter began. "I'm not commenting about your answers, but your record is exemplary. And you'll be judged more on your record than your answers."
-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress
