The Theater Of Questioning Alito

(CBS)  This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

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I know you've been too busy to really watch or listen to much of the Samuel Alito hearings. But, I have. So far you haven't missed much.

The problem is, so few questions get asked. Somebody said Joe Biden had twelve minutes Tuesday, and asked one question.

That's crazy.

Note to senators: It's not about you. It's about the nominee. Instead, what we've been getting a lot of is posturing, positions, defenses. Call me a heretic, but I'm not all that interested in what the senators feel.

A suggestion: How about written questions? Questions without preambles, questions about specific aspects of the law, of the constitution. The senators would be free to follow up, cajole, pry, or charm the answer out of the nominee. The public should be able to gain insight from this process.

But, this current hearing is a form of theater. The dialogue is scripted, the cast knows who is playing what role, and the conclusion foregone.

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Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.


By Harry Smith