Watch Trump judicial pick stumble over Sen. John Kennedy's basic legal questions

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., repeatedly stumped one of President Donald Trump’s judicial picks with basic legal questions during the nominee’s confirmation hearing. That does not bode well for the nominee, Matthew Petersen, whom the president wants to put on the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.
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[@shawngregory1429]

My grandmother worked 30 years as a secretary for a law firm. She knows more than this guy.

[@idiotidiot5821]

Ive watched Schoolhouse Rocks and American Dad so I know about the same as this guy

[@user-dn5iz3qp3z]

Man, who the heck was advising Trump back then??? I'm sure this guy is a conservative, or at least, a republican. But he actually sounds like the dime-a-dozen, run-of-the mill, actually serving on the bench, democrat judge.

[@DukeofHesse-he7bu]

"do you know what the U.S. Constitution is?" "well, I've heard about it, but I haven't had the opportunity to do a deep dive into it"

[@Tayl-top]

hahahahahahahahahah

[@shingshongshamalama]

What amounts to: "Are you an actual lawyer?" "No." "Okay."

[@frankiegochicoa]

What a total slaughter! It's like asking a toddler if he knows what the theory of relativity is! What an absolute embarrassment!

[@tearl5676]

"Have you ever judged a dog show?" "Uhhh....no. "Have you ever watched "Perry Mason, Judge Wapner?" "Uhhh....no." A judgeship for this guy? Seriously?

[@shmuelhirsch2069]

John Kennedy is the most understated genius we have.

[@bensonfang1868]

Well he attended law school at the university of Virginia, presently ranked 8th in the country

[@terrancejohnson4083]

and yet he voted to confirm them

[@dorayak8051]

@@terrancejohnson4083 based on resumes and presumably by support of trumps backdoor men

[@peggyelchert8340]

Turned his back on Trump in Nov. 2020 hijacked Presidential & the J6. Voted YES w Biden & the Democrats on every BIG MONEY bill….read btw the lines….

[@UKESRfertilizer]

He really is

[@mrgetrealpeople]

" Seeing My Cousin Vinny' doesn't qualify for federal judge" U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. Best Take down ever!

[@woodwyrm]

L M A O

[@dextermoore278]

Senator Kennedy is my Hero. This man is brilliant, witty and has a great sense of humor. I love watching him grill these incompetent fools.

[@shells500tutubo]

@@dextermoore278 I think Kennedy's frustration is just as funny as that lawyer's incompetence. How did he even finish law school, let alone pass the bar?

[@dextermoore278]

@@shells500tutubo WTF ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??? KENNEDY IS MUCH SMARTER AND MORE EDUCATED THAN YOU ARE. JEALOUS MUCH???

[@samuelrobichon2781]

@@dextermoore278 he meant the lawyer, not senator Kennedy

[@mblom819]

Like a Saturday Night Live skit.

[@mikemalone4729]

Regardless of your party, judges need to know what they’re doing. Glad he’s the gate keeper.

[@leethomas5830]

This gentleman couldn't judge a pie contest. Give application for meter enforcement.

[@kimlangridge7969]

This is excruciating.

[@rrickarr]

This is what TRUMP nominated. So now in 2023, we can understand how Judge Aileen Cannon was appointed a judge.

[@Tayl-top]

they demeaned Justice Jackson only cos she is black and woman

[@HaydenJSparks]

"Yes, sir, I've read your resume." LOL

[@doughill3396]

Crazy thing is that he is even considered for a position as fed judge. I just heard Senator Cruz reference this questioning by Senator Kennedy.

[@cathywithac3793]

Me too, that's why I'm watching this! It was brutal!

[@matthewrammig]

Me too that’s why I’m watching this also

[@lolalopez7657]

That's exactly why I'm watching this!!!

[@Tayl-top]

@@lolalopez7657 they had nothing on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson , yet they, the racists humiliated her. How low can we go? yt raxzziszt . O lord help us with trump-tards

[@lolalopez7657]

My good G-d he doesnt know what a motion in limine is and he's a lawyer???

[@staggerlee1157]

At about a minute i would have stood up and just simply said. I get it Mr. Kennedy I am nowhere near qualified or ready for this job and sat my ass down in the back of the room. 😆🤣

[@Tayl-top]

and republicans trash and humiliated Justice Jackson only cos she black

[@labratamber]

Why is the first dude even there?? He s not even qualified to stay at a Holiday inn!!!!!!

[@Adam-vo6tv]

Did you ever at least OPEN a book about law? I may have glanced at the front cover...

[@maryhooper786]

God bless Senator Kennedy

[@leethomas5830]

Kennedy probably saying time sure going slow. Next.

[@chasedennis4483]

I just love Senator Kennedy!

[@leethomas5830]

Kennedy saying what a waste of my time and others. Could be tackling other things in Congress. Next

[@JeffBlackwell]

We deserve qualified Federal District Court judges. This clueless candidate is an embarrassment. I don't know what is worse -- Not knowing the first thing about how a courtroom works OR not even taking the time to study for this hearing! The men and women who currently sit as Federal judges take their jobs seriously. They deserve a co-worker who is reliable. The lawyers who appear before our courts deserve a judge who understand the law and how trials work. The citizens who stand in the courtroom seeking justice deserve a fair, experienced and skilled arbiter of the law. Trials can be complex. They require a judge with some experience.

[@jacob6908]

Here we are again just the other side of the aisle.

[@NOturtle]

Go look at this recent gem, one of Biden's picks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH_Pl5WHYryVfLs

[@juanito714ok]

What's most disconcerting to me is the dishonesty. If he's taken less then 5 depositions, it's hard to believe he can't pin down the number. It's this inclination to avoid being a straight shooter that makes our CJ system feckless and corrupt. The court demands it from us but exempts themselves. It's actually very disgusting.

[@GerryCagini]

Have you've seen Biden's picks. Senator Kennedy stares at them and says, "Oh my god, you know nothing about the law."

[@deeplasers7455]

Please contact your local democrats about this exact comment.

[@ctj111]

That someone this clueless about the law and wanting to be a judge follows closely the cluelessness of the current POTUS.

[@chiquita7156]

Seems the ABA and the dems have had some fun sending this nominee up for consideration.

[@fawk501]

Bird of a feather. This one happens to be a dodo bird, flightless and pointless species.

[@ntilewills5679]

Who helped you tie your shoes? Do you know how houses are painted? What was the last grade of elementary school you successfully completed?

[@JJJRRRJJJ]

I have zero formal training in law, but even my armchair interest in law is enough for me to explain a motion in limine.

[@dorayak8051]

"I dont have that readily at my disposal" LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@markwilliams1938]

Are ypu kidding me . This dude is completly clueless

[@daveyk3436]

wow!! embarrassing!!!!!!!!!!

[@bencesimon5259]

Reminds me of school when the student is trying to jump around the questions when they don’t know anything.

[@taradeleeuw2344]

I haven’t had to work a honest day in my life days the upcoming trial judge

[@whb1959]

Unbelievable

[@theshadowtalks]

Good Lord! Job interview fail.

[@szqsk8]

Why was this guy even nominated? Certainly not for his legal background.

[@1981lashlarue]

Like most nominees, they go to strong supporters of the one doing the nominating.

[@mckinleywebb5910]

Unbelievable...

[@bigapplebucky]

Why does Trump consistently choose incompetent persons? Often the very worst possible. What qualification does Matthew Peterson to be a judge have other than a law degree?

[@TinShackVideos]

AND A BA TO BOOT.

[@JoostMehrtens]

Just a scary idea: So you are chosen to be a judge by Trump but you know nothing about the law. But let's give it a shot you think. because they only have 5 minutes to interview you, so how many tough questions can they ask you? You think. And....... the first question is a tough one. What does it mean? You have a vague clue but don't really know. You have been convicted once so you decide not to raise your hand. And... you are lucky In those next 5 minutes the guy next to you gets grilled because he did understood the first question. You have just made your way to become a judge.

[@yolow69]

GOSH.............. GRILLED FOR REAL....

[@taradeleeuw2344]

I have one focus when I go to work ,why would I know that ?

[@bobcruse624]

Interesting history glad Sen Kennedy is doing his do diligence. Shame someone gave this mans name to President Trump. They did not help either one and wasted Mr Kennedy's time

[@LuchoLavalle]

C'mon dude, just walk away, you're getting slaughtered...

[@JosephNordenbrockartistraction]

Let me just put on a white coat and say presto change-o !! I'm now a doctor !!

[@shawngregory1429]

How did this guy become a judge in the first place?

[@bensonfang1868]

He’s not, he’s trying to become a judge at this hearing. He’s a lawyer for the FEC

[@shawngregory1429]

He is currently a judge. See his name on the card in front of him? It says Hon. Matthew Spencer Peterson Hon means ‘Honorable’ as in ‘judge’.

[@rodericb]

@@shawngregory1429 Completely wrong.🤣

[@l1982echarg]

Never seen not even on comedy 😂😂😂

[@csanderson5163]

3:10, the fact that he’s looking away shows that he’s clueless.

[@pamelagraham8437]

Oh he will fit right in lol.

[@DKSmith-ju9kh]

What the Hell is Petersen doing there?A waste of time plus taken time from the othera there with him.

[@chiquita7156]

Seems the ABA and the dems have had some fun sending this nominee up for consideration.

[@boydcampbell1440]

brutal

[@stevenkinzie84]

Gotta hand it to Kennedy for going against his party. Not that it was a difficult choice but still.

[@user-ct8my8rv9c]

Trump’s judgement thought this guy was qualified.

[@salbinsal.1275]

So painful to watch.

[@user-jb4yh1hi9z]

This makes sense why my case ended up the way it did....and why doing a brief is so important.

[@steftrando]

Who here is watching this in 2022?

[@Tayl-top]

me 2024

[@miawarren8735]

I’m sure these guys were highly recommended by Mitch McConnell.

A trainwreck, slow and slow....!

[@adolphmartin2014]

The last time you picked up the book was when he was in college and he don't remember none of this should he read about

[@adolphmartin2014]

How can this do sit here and talk to the senator and he had never done the work

[@juventusitalia3453]

Omg 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jennybugsification13]

And Joe the Plumber is the next Head of the NIFA... smh.

[@fungipolo]

This guy should have seen an orthodontist as a kid!

[@suzanneschmidt3755]

Holy crap, I forgot about how horrible this was.

[@theboss2502]

lmfao

[@drunkhawk12]

It's the blatant lack of preparation that gets me more than the lack of courtroom experience. It's not his fault that Trump nominated him in spite of his minimal qualifications, most nominees would've still accepted the nomination just as he did. It IS his fault, however, for clearly failing to prepare whatsoever for what was probably the most important day of his entire professional career. That tells me exactly how much time and effort he would've put into being a judge, even if he had the sufficient experience. Now Petersen was nominated on September 11... that means he had over 3 months to prepare for this confirmation hearing. Even with just a month or two of reviewing civil/criminal procedure and administrative law, and he should've been able to provide at least somewhat satisfactory answers to the knowledge-based questions that Senator Kennedy poses. That wouldn't have addressed his lack of qualifications, so he still shouldn't have been confirmed regardless, but at least he wouldn't have become a laughing stock for the rest of his professional career. This is the kind of gaffe that sticks with you and has your legal associates talking about how that firm partner completely shit the bed on TV.

[@jeremyknott9402]

very amusing

[@kimbertinder5206]

Notice how long time drawn out. Asked a question which receives a yes or no period. Love the racial question! That received a quick yes or no. Very interesting.

[@canes7473]

Who’s son is that??😂😂😂

[@rumbumukatshung1342]

Affirmative Action?

[@ericzanotelli5220]

Great respect for Sen. Kennedy; he's Republican but he didn't hesitate to do the right thing, irrespective of the person he had in front (a Trump's nominee)

[@Abominable_Intelligences]

This guy is by far more straightforward than the Dem's nominees nowadays. Sen Kennedy had a field day

[@PatrickWilliamShaw]

Honorable? Really?

[@derricksmalls2293]

Fair. Both parties have qualified judges.

[@haraldnilsen6253]

HAHAHA, John Kennedy is super! Common sense and legal geniae..

[@darylmichael7]

This is a fake proceeding, right?

[@rpd-ut9rt]

Nope!

[@KillianDefaoite]

John Kennedy has always been a stand up guy. Doesn't matter if its a Trump or Biden judicial pick, he will shred you to pieces if you are unqualified.

[@paulm4172]

Whatever law school he attended needs to lose its accreditation. The thought of him being a district court judge is chilling at best.

[@lucasl1850]

You literally learn what a motion in limine is in your first week of 1L crim. This is hilarious

[@taradeleeuw2344]

Depositions,ugh

[@CourtneyW-jr6fx]

Matthew spencer peterson .....here comes the spin so Molina and Salesforce #cagneyandlacy

[@georgegaros1760]

my guess is this guy is a perfect candidate for a DOJ position in 2025

[@penglei2517]

Pathetic...

[@adolphmartin2014]

That's what's wrong with our politicians they got other people that's right in their words that they got to preach to the American people we need people that don't need people to speech right for them

[@taradeleeuw2344]

I like enter into the record thing

[@taradeleeuw2344]

Ok

[@johnmajor3193]

The and uhm best uhm people uhm again

[@bingisbetter]

According to the trump base, this guy is perfect, he's an outsider that has no understanding of the courts or law. Maybe I should throw my hat in the ring.

[@tyrellpreston6280]

He'll yes vote

[@EdRushing-te3sc]

Kennedy is a gift to Louisiana and to our country. Trump needs to use him for the 2024 campaign. The commercials would be perfect on any platform.

[@adolphmartin2014]

Ummmm

[@bosoxhater2262]

Originally appointed by "dubbya." This was so bad WOW!

[@tracysimmons2331]

Trump little puppet

[@robnlynchburgvaable]

Trying to install a puppet. "I worked with a lot of people that did all of these things, they are bigly experienced."

[@AntiMasonic93]

Man, this guy is terrible How did he graduate from UVA Law School.

[@chikushodiz91]

damien Smith 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

[@AaaBbb-pg8lj]

@chiquita7156 Seems so. Just like the Republicans had fun wedging the legal scholar Thomas onto the court and the last four honorable, truthful “candidates” as well. JMO.

[@kingofchill5175]

Donald F Trump has hired the best people from his Trump University School of Law!!! I have the best people,,, LMAO

[@keithammleter3824]

Well, this clueless clot is at least honest. Better than a lot of other nominees Kennedy has taken apart.

[@jasonung5418]

This is Trump's best and greatest people, imagine the world is watching youtube. Think of the household conversation. This guy is obviously over qualify, he is incompetent. Trump "Make America Sad Again", what a mockery on democracy.

[@rich8642]

Well this comment clearly aged like milk.

[@BavMotWork]

@@rich8642 🤣

[@thomaspaineaccountability]

You sorry mofos can't see that this guy was tossed in the pool to focus the attention on than get in the real pick under your nose

[@mrnull682]

Democrate 101

[@coleworld9783]

trumps logic "he's not poor". perfect for any job in politics

[@chiquita7156]

Seems the ABA and the dems have had some fun sending this nominee up for consideration.

[@brucerazor5202]

This is bidens pick

[@docbar4885]

TRUMP 2020!

[@TheBic4]

docbar that’s all you fucking say do you have anything better to do?