'What, What, What?': John Kennedy Stunned By Response From Slate Of Judicial Nominees

At today's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) questioned judicial nominees about whether they are members of the ABA.
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[@Midknightwriter]

If you are too much of a coward to say what your beliefs are you shouldn't be chosen for a job where you judge by your beliefs.

[@crankyinvestor]

like kavanaugh who wouldn't answer on roe

[@zergblerg4930]

​@@crankyinvestorwell that's more of a constitutional argument rather than a personal belief one.

[@Your.mama.1]

@@zergblerg4930no that was a personal belief

[@tonyborelli.]

i think u are supposed to judge by the law: not by your beliefs

[@patrickmurphy813]

Nope, by the law as it applies.

[@psychicangelathomas]

If nominees do not answer the questions, they should automatically be disqualified.

[@victoriabarefoot7434]

His question is like "If a kid is hit in a crosswalk, was it the kids fault? Try answering that with a yes or no. That's what he does.

[@TimothyGraff]

​@victoriabarefoot7434 if that's your deduction from his questions, you are deluded!

[@andy-cy6zq]

Using that philosophy what about the top judges in the land telling lies to congress 🙈

[@DarrylAJones]

@@andy-cy6zq Was there really a question there? Any LIE to a Congressional or Judicial body is PERJURY! It doesn't matter if it is God, himself, who is lying!

[@scottjones9973]

Why is that delusional? It's what he's doing. It's a political tactic to gather sound bites. They do this in these hearings all the time. They're "yes-or-no" questions, but not really. They're leading questions. It's a bad-faith tactic that leaves the witness with two bad options.@@TimothyGraff

[@kyledabearsfan]

I like the last guys response. Thats the forward thinking a judge should have. Not every decision is going to be a winner, but its good to see someone critically thinking.

[@chrysanthalas]

What's crazier is that look on his face. What he basically said is that there ARE cases in the US where racist college professors went out and killed some Jews. That's just nuts man. America is crazy right now.

[@jamesthecat]

Well said! Critical thinking always used to be so important, and truly apolitical (ie 'question everything') in principle.

[@gusmore26]

I agree with your comment. The other best, yet different type of response came from Hon. Jacqueline Becerra - she was massively calm and matter of fact, and her response seem to recall her biographical motivational facts, and completely disolved Senator Kennedy's derogatory implications regarding non-membership in the ABA.

[@jamiesinclair9227]

I was thinking the exact same thing...both his conduct and atypical view/response are rarely seen in the past decade. It was refreshing!

[@JeffersonsTree]

Yeah, it was more than a little refreshing to see an exceptionally decent answer from a judge before the Senate.

[@dianasmith9250]

I was an ABA member for 2 years after passing the CA bar because it was complimentary. After 2 years I did not feel that it was valuable enough for me to pay for being a member. As an attorney you must be a member of your State Bar (CA currently charges a fee of $510 per year). You are not required to join any other organizations, be it ABA or your county bar association, it’s a choice, and these attorneys were free to make this choice.😀

[@fwelton]

Just curious, you explained the why of your membership or lack thereof, I'm not arguing for or against, my own experience is not the ABA, but the union. I am a Federal worker, my only reason to pay dues is because I believe if they have to represent me in specific circumstances, regardless of membership, I should pay for that service. For me it is just about honor. It was a choice, you made yours, you supported your choice, I made my choice and supported it. Why can't the idjits being questioned do the same in a simple answer?

[@aesea57804]

Just Kennedy showing off his ignorance.

[@blipblap614]

Lawyers near me charge $350/hr for ordinary traffic court. I imagine $510 is peanuts in CA or DC.

[@jakemf1]

Don’t bring facts to Forbes it is rightwing dumping ground

[@gusmore26]

I agree with your comments. In addition, I'm wondering if bring up the question of ABA non-membership is some type of 'dog whistle' or just bring to doubt the qualifications of the lawyers?

[@nancyallen8497]

My grandfather worked his way up to become chief justice of the Supreme Court in Washington state. He did not believe that judges should be members of the Bar Association although he was required to. he felt that it created a conflict of interest because the Bar Association is a private club, it is not a government entity. All prosecutors defense attorneys and judges are required to be members of this private club and he didn't think that made sense. every year the bar association would send him an invitation to their annual convention in a different big city and in the invitation would be paid for airplane tickets and paid for hotel reservations and paid for car rentals and every year he would return all of those things and pay his own way or not go.

[@warrenhailes2388]

The BAR is controlled by the CROWN of England! Truth! Ur being controlled by a foreign Entity!! Period!!

[@DarrylAJones]

It sounds like your grandfather was an honest and honorable man!

[@kuba2ve]

Isn´t the government also a private club? Stalin and Hitler used to have many members on it.

[@berntolofsson]

Other standards today - what will kennedy think about the current SCOTUS ?

[@Anon54387]

I think lawyers should be prohibited from serving in legislatures. Lawyers writing laws is the biggest conflict of interest we have.

[@anthonylove5275]

When you hear them say thank you for the question senator,they are about to obviscate &lie. These clowns need to be charged for lying to congress.

[@clarencebayliss4047]

so do you believe the should have happened to the three supreme court justices that trump and McConnell put on the court when they said that they would not overturn ROE V WADE because it has been precedence and law of the land for over 50 years? if not then you sir have a morale campus that flip flops when it comes to your political party who is lying to Congress.

[@afightforfreedom5381]

Who's really above the LAW?? 😳

[@tedhardulak7698]

And if you were to measure the time it takes to say "Senator" and Thank you for each question it takes time off of his clock. They know who they are addressing and dont need to say this.

[@terryballard4674]

It takes up valuable time to say that every time!

[@Hbrown1770]

@@afightforfreedom5381 Anybody Garland say's !😂🤣

[@meixingprofit3753]

The last gentleman was on point. A natural, honest answer.

[@kriskollmar9728]

Whenever I hear “I appreciate the question” I think “oh god, here it comes”

[@davebarton6824]

Let's talk about how John Kennedy asks question of these nominees. Here let me ask John a question using his questioning style... John, when you beat you wife and kids does it give you please every time or just some of the time??? John, please answer the question, reclaiming my time....

[@shawncummings4653]

@@davebarton6824 That is so dam rediculas.

[@forward989]

“Mmm, good question!” drives me crazy! It’s like sucking up to the crowd.

[@Lucia-sy7le]

​@@davebarton6824He has one adopted son. Are you inferring that he beats his c. 40 year old son and his elderly wife? Do you want to rephrase your question, Mr. Barton. It's very leading.

[@billybcgn25]

"Do you agree with the ACLU/SC statement?" "I plead the 5th." And yet he will get a job as a "judge."

[@lauriivey7801]

If you can't openly support what someone says, then maybe you shouldn't financially support them

[@MyzoryMaiq]

It's disgusting, there is clearly a weaponization of the law against a political party. They knew how they were going to frame it as it was going on. I hate that our country is sadly come to this. I am afraid that if this doesn't change we will never recover

[@afightforfreedom5381]

Despicable 🤥

[@Zagroseckt]

might of helped if the underlying matters and examples were put forth and the coment wasnt made out of context confused the hell outa me how someone would give an honist answer to that without prepping

[@lauriivey7801]

@@Zagroseckt They said this (and quote it) - Do you agree, 'yes' or 'no'? Seems simple enough to me

[@benjaminrobelo6044]

Wow! The question was: “Do you agree that ICE should not be welcomed in Southern California?” and he couldn’t answer that. I think we all know why.

[@user-justbeingme]

Yes, end the boarder GESTAPO!

[@warrenpuckett4203]

Oh yes where would all the cheap labor come from? ICE would run them off. How else are the business owners going buy a new Tesla for the old lady and one for them also? Oh also who is going to clean the 6 bedroom, 6 bath house, clean the pool and do the landscaping?

[@Fetguf]

In what contest was ACLU writing that? Ohh Kennedy didn't want to tell him that..why not? So how are he going to answer why ACLU don't want ICE to be in Cali? Why should he even have an opinion on the subject?

[@Deadgye]

@@Fetguf That's not that he asked him. He didn't ask for his opinion on what the ACLU's justification for their statement was. He asked whether he, personally, agreed with the statement or not. Given legal precedent, it was a question with an incredibly fucking obvious answer.

[@Fetguf]

@@Deadgye 2 things: First you cant answer that question without knowing what ACLU's justification for their statement was. Second what legal precedent?

[@AppleOfThineEye]

Last guy nailed it. Seems like a good nominee.

[@tomsgarden5141]

he looked broken for having to say that

[@AppleOfThineEye]

@@tomsgarden5141 I'm not sure what you mean. I'm a Republican, and he seemed cool and collected as a nominee should be. If anything, he seemed apologetic that he was beholden to giving a non-answer on account of legal technicalities that prevent him from commenting.

[@gusmore26]

The other best, yet different type of response came from Hon. Jacqueline Becerra - she was massively calm and matter of fact, and her response seem to recall her biographical motivational facts (which is how she managed to make it through the Senator's interruptions without missing a beat), and completely disolved Senator Kennedy's derogatory implications regarding non-membership in the ABA.

[@AppleOfThineEye]

@@gusmore26 Yeah, Kennedy goes too far with his "pushing" sometimes for sure. There are certainly much better senators.

[@billtukana5916]

Yes Sir, first ever of all other nominees by President Biden.

[@jessekloess7437]

That last guy was on point. Good answers, sir

[@scar3xcr0]

Yeah he trounced Kennedy 😂

[@NV555_82nd]

I agree

[@TimmyLongfellow]

I love how none of these people have an opinion in a hearing but as soon as they leave the hearings they are full of opinions.

[@victoriabarefoot7434]

I’ve never seen that happen. Who has done that?

[@Robot-Overlord]

​@victoriabarefoot7434 you haven't caught them bringing up their college thesis, statements, writings, and twitter posts?

[@yellowlab5624]

Full of something else also !

[@Formaldehydex]

You mean like the 3 Supreme Court justices put on the bench by Cheeto Jesus?

[@THINBLUELINE.K9-OFFICER-5558]

😂

[@sjpendola]

We're in a sad state of affairs when "judges" lean Right or Left!!!!! I thought justice was blind! God help us!!!

[@5060northernmama]

Some judges even lean wrong - which explains why criminals go free.

[@jakemf1]

You just gave the answer to your own question! The problem is religion. Look around it’s plain to see

[@aick]

I used to believe in the Tooth Fairy. We all grow up.

[@Robert-bb9wi]

Yes, the judicial system has been corrupted by politics !'" This is an unnatural state of affairs !" People better wake up from their apathy and pay close attention to their individual responsibility to keep this society sane !"""

[@shadowlouise]

@@jakemf1 "God help us" is religion? Well, anyway, I think "the problem" is more complex than that. And judges have always had "leanings." But we have reached a time when even the members of the highest court are openly partisan, and being so seems to benefit them. One member spewed his partisanship during confirmation. Instead of recognizing his unsuitability, the Senate still confirmed.

[@tms372]

We need more folks like brother John.

[@gtpcruiser02]

LIES LIES and MORE LIES! Conveniently Loss of Memory Should Be Grounds For Permanent Dismissal!

[@thepurpleenigma]

I choose the last guy who spoke as the “winner” of Sen. Kennedy’s sanity test on our Constitutional rights. He didn’t have the specific answers but he was truthful and direct.

[@undisputedtruth6176]

Don’t worry Latinos will vote these old farts out of office

[@Davmartin-kp1yq]

@@undisputedtruth6176like who?

[@jeffsuter344]

​@@undisputedtruth6176In Florida? Or will they continue to support Ron DeSatan?

[@shannondavis3686]

@@undisputedtruth6176Thsnks for proving that the left is orchestrating demographic change to disenfranchise American Citizen’s Rights.

[@misswhitemcdonald7674]

​@undisputedtruth6176 No, they want

[@gymshoe8862]

This is why people hate lawyers--they dare no answer a question clearly, truthfully. They twist in the wind painfully exposed for all to see.

[@Ed_Stuckey]

Ninety-nine percent of the lawyers give the other one percent a bad reputation.

[@lisathompson5048]

Senator Kennedy, the art of twisting.

[@hairyfrank]

No, this is why people hate so many Congressmen and women.

[@kedeglow2743]

I used to think lawyers were the dregs of society---the absolute bottom. Now I think they run a close second to doctors,...

[@kedeglow2743]

@@hairyfrank Yeah, most of them. However personally I love Senator John Kennedy, and I wish he'd run for president!

[@WoefulMinion]

This is what happens when you have to give the answer the senator is looking for, when the question is about ideology rather than the qualifications for the office.

[@gusmore26]

Spot on @WoefulMinion. Check out my deconstruction of Sen. Kennedy's conversational cheap tricks in my comment on this video.

[@redbloodedamerican2346]

What's do you think "ideology" and "qualifications" mean?

[@thebiggerbear17]

In case you haven’t noticed ideology is what’s controlling everything in this country. You’re delusional if you think qualifications play a part in any decision to nominate or hire anyone on the federal level. Every part of our govt is corrupt at every level. 99% of DC will fall.

[@auntymammalia9384]

@@redbloodedamerican2346 in this case i would superimpose the words, "ideology" and "ideals" as having the same meaning, which would be "what is aimed at" and/or "desired" as a candidate. as for "qualifications", this would pertain to skills and characteristics. it appeared that the good senator was looking for someone to meet his own ideals. not surprising. objectivity is difficult to find in his party, i believe.

[@redbloodedamerican2346]

@@auntymammalia9384 LOL nope. That's the actual meaning of the words. Not what this person thinks they mean. How exactly was he looking for someone to share his ideas? The most of the people danced around and played dumb on subjects a judge should know. The one person gave actual answers and said he didn't want to get himself in trouble later for making a statement. Good answers vs playing dumb.

[@notachannel7495]

A 'series of when did you stop beating your dog' questions. This is useful as neither theater nor governing.

[@ViejoLocuelo]

"Senator as a lawyer, I can't answer because it hurts to think... and I might want to switch sides depending on how much money I can earn"

[@lydialove4074]

Now that would be an honest answer!!

[@matthewa.8546]

Are you describing the ethos of a Senator?

[@habbernack6196]

They all plead the 5th

[@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl]

If I was a lawyer and looking for a law clerk. I would be hiring the best trained person I could. I don't care about their skin color, religion, or politics I just want who's the best one I could get for work and assist me.

[@rhetorical1488]

If your law firm was woke you would have a diversity officer who would call you names and nix that idea.

[@mikelavin9704]

@@rhetorical1488 If you could get through the day without attributing "woke" to every issue, real or imagined, you would find yourself in reality.

[@rhetorical1488]

@@mikelavin9704 how many time a day do you kneel to your diversity officer?

[@mikelavin9704]

@@rhetorical1488 If I told you, you would not find me credible anyway. An ostrich has greater awareness of its surroundings than you. How do you get through the day interacting with people at work, home, at social events? Good luck. You need it.

[@rhetorical1488]

@@mikelavin9704 spoken like a true apologist. best of luck with your knees

[@stanmans]

Don’t be confused by his good old boy down home accent and image. He has a deep educated level

[@evamurray4229]

Kennedy is some piece of work.

[@mgbgt7156]

Look around at our Judges letting killers free, crime at the Highest in History, you have Judges want to remove Barriers in Texas with 4 million illegals heading toward our Border, what a corrupt Administration and just keeps getting worse.

[@roseturner-cp4ku]

He’s awesome

[@PKBassPlaya]

He's phenomenal 👍🏿👍🏿

[@mouthofthesouth4267]

He's not a fan of mincing words and he's not the type to dance around a sensitive topic if he has a question for them he asks them simple as that! For that I applaud and appreciate him 100% for his questioning tactics. He doesn't allow ppl to give non-answers and he doesn't hesitate to cut them off if they begin wasting the time of the members of Congress😂 I keep reading ppls comments about how "he is trying to find people who share his own ideals" and yada yada yada and I think it's quite funny that these people don't seem to understand the reasoning behind the way Sen. Kennedy goes about asking his questions😂

[@LKMNOP]

​@@mouthofthesouth4267but he wasn't being simple. When he asked the first guy if race could harm a candidate, the nominee said neither harm nor benefit. Then Kennedy asked whether it should race should benefit a candidate. The guy already answered the question. Kennedy either wasn't listening or he was only listening for certain things that he could put in a bullet point for later dispersal. And God he hems and halls all over the place. Just state your question for God's sakes

[@mikecross4350]

Nobody in the aclu should be a judge anywhere

[@DarrylAJones]

Just like the bar association!

[@ts.elliot5870]

You've got the right to be wrong.

[@mikecross4350]

@@ts.elliot5870 your wrong

[@teekay_1]

So you see, the last guy actually answered the questions correctly, and he didn't obfuscate or try verbal tricks. And Senator Kennedy had no problem with that.

[@JohnFree007]

I agree.

[@kevincordes9179]

Exactly!

[@stevetamacc]

Yes. Its very rare for a Democrat nominee. I give him credit.

[@allenjezouit5099]

100% agree. He gave a couple of thoughtful answers. I'm sure he and I disagree on a bunch of stuff if he's a Biden nominee but he didn't say anything to disqualify himself.

[@andrew_l1900]

Until it comes time to vote on him and he’ll vote no

[@sallymenezes]

A big difference between speech and conduct. The gentleman is the very first genuine nominee.

[@gspaulsson]

I believe that incitement to the commission of a felony is an offence. Trump was indicted for inciting an insurrection, and came closer to being convicted than any president ever. Conspiracy to commit a felony is an offence, even if the conspiracy is not carried out. Where I come from, civil fraud has three elements: (1) a represention is made that is false and is known by the person who makes it to be false, or is made with reckless disregard for whether it is true or false; (2) the person to whom it is made acts on it, (3) resulting in damage. You are not allowed to lie under oath, or to disclose classified information without authorization. Lying to police in order to impede a criminal investigation is obstruction of justice, and if made to shield a criminal, also makes you an accessory after the fact. There are truth in advertising laws. You can be sued for defamation. There are all kinds of unprotected speech. Bottom line: You are free to speak, but not free from the consequences of your speech.

[@deborahm.newyork2729]

Why why WHYYYYY do these people get away with not answering a question?

[@wayneparker9331]

Take it from a practicing attorney who graduated from a top ten law school and worked at two huge multinational law firms in Manhattan. If the ABA bar dues were worth the membership, then these judicial nominees would have paid those fees. The only time I was ever a member of the ABA was when my employer offered to pay the bar membership dues. But for them paying those dues I would never have been a member. It's not even a matter of disagreeing or agreeing with the politics of the ABA. It's just the dues are not worth any benefits, potential or actual, of being an ABA member. The tap dance that these judicial nominees are doing to explain why they are not members of the ABA is pathetic and laughable at the same time.

[@ralphholiman7401]

Same here. The ABA offered me a free year's membership, starting in my third year of law school. I think I paid the dues for one more year after that. I, too, just did not see any benefit whatsoever from American Bar Association membership. I did think the ABA was rather left leaning back then, from the correspondence I received from them, but I kind of was, too back then. Being a prosecutor for five years, made me a conservative, LOL. I begin to realize that the police were the good guys, and that the bad guys were much worse than I ever knew.

[@jerrysimmons3954]

If you from them law college you donot care about our freedom of speech or our right to own weapons but I hope I am wrong as a teacher told me once college is take our tax dollars from us to brainwash the smart people

[@user-zm4qd4yr3t]

​@@ralphholiman7401 Watch Auditing America.. you'll change your mind about some police departments and cops. Some cops are tyrants who bully the people and make up their own laws because they're not properly trained.

[@kathleenkirchoff9223]

​@@ralphholiman7401 sounds like the ABA, is like AIA for architects and other professional organizations are all not the gold standards for their fields as they claim.

[@UnknownMoses]

@ralphholiman7401You must be over 30 then hahs

[@rodneyrodgers9229]

ONLY one guy was willing to answer immediately I do enjoy watching Sen> Kennedy. He asks what swhould be very simple questions that should not tak3e several days to answer.

[@silverhammer7779]

He asks the kind of questions that you or I would ask if we were in his position. After all, it's people like you and me that might have to one day be judged by these people he's interviewing, so we have a right to know what kind of people are sitting in judgment of us.

[@tms372]

Gotta love this man, God bless John Kennedy.

[@aoccurly9982]

Why do we have people like this at any kind of a Authority position is beyond me the more I keep seeing these interviews the less confidence I have in so-called leader ship for our country

[@dextermoore278]

SENATOR KENNEDY IS A BRILLIANT, INTELLIGENT, OUTSPOKEN AND NO NONSENSE MAN. HE WANTS STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO HIS QUESTIONS. THESE PEOPLE REFUSE TO ANSWER YES AND NO QUESTIONS AND IT'S RIDICULOUS!!

[@dickdongler1044]

It would be so frustrating seeing these idiots lie to you and avoid questions and answer a different question by making a speech about something else.. This is terrible I don't know how they keep their sanity

[@snakeplissken7671]

Are you referring to Kennedy or the woke nominees who care more about their personal political ideology than doing their actual job which is to uphold the law as it is written rather than ignore it and judge every case based on their ideology instead? Anyone who did that prior to our insane "woke era" would have automatically been disqualified for the role.

[@dickdongler1044]

I was trying to make a smart remark disparaging the woke people but it ended up a jumbled mess

[@marksundstrom1593]

I cannot stand it when these people play stupid because they know if they don’t then their true intentions come out. Their non answer tells everything.

[@southrules]

They answered everything, Kennaday‘s questions were stupid

[@tran-vm3uu]

Because their answers have to fit the political party that nominate them

[@ARdevious]

Absolutely right about that

[@southrules]

@@tran-vm3uu nope, their answers were honest and to the point, this is propaganda, Kennedy is a terrible clueless individual

[@snakeplissken7671]

@@southrules They avoided answering his questions. All of his questions were on point both here and throughout these hearings. You simply do not understand why he is asking them. I can't stand people who claim something is stupid when they are ignorant of the subject.

[@georgelewis9127]

I wish they would all quit wasting the Senators' time repeatedly prefacing their answers with: "I thank you for the question." We all know that they don't like the questions they are asked.

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

It’s just so hard for these people to answer a question. “ I certainly do/ do not agree with the statement you just read. “

[@sheilaplater3539]

Thank you Senator kennedy for all you do,America thanks you from every heart.america learn to give your xmas ealry as were on new years,Happy new years American people the blessing is confirmed yours.

[@JamesMPalmer]

That last guy actually seemed honest in his answers.

[@DogBrotherhood]

I hate lawyers. But I liked the last guy. The first bunch are ideological snobs, petty and small.

[@user-ub9kl3rb3g]

I agree. He responded in earnest.

[@18890426]

Who is he ？

[@FreddyPhatnutz-ue8yl]

They are all dishonest, idiots, IF these are the folks running our court systems,no wonder there's so much corruption and injustice!.Love Senator Kennedy,he exposes the truth.

[@jasons2562]

He seems to intelligent to be in the room next to the others. Different level

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

That first guy was looking ok until he said he was a member of the aclu. That org used to be respected.

[@buttafan4010]

"The entire system is corrupt to the core" - Judi Bari

[@NGCS-ej4lz]

Thanks to her generation, its even worse now.

[@user-dg6zq7xp2f]

Ice is welcome have 2 days or

[@user-dg6zq7xp2f]

There is no more constitution my voice my thought my expressions. Are law you are all slaves

[@user-dg6zq7xp2f]

But 165 billion into my credit union I motion to terminate guardianship and that how much im.suing for for denouncing Uma Gah as total world authority

[@user-dg6zq7xp2f]

Put

[@snugglyhugs8698]

So many folk saying "Why can't they answer with a simple yes/no? They're so bad!" Back in the 90's there was a question asked in elementary schools all over the place that really shows why they don't answer with a simple yes/no. Kids would ask other kids "Do your parents know you're gay?" If you say "Yes" it's implied you're gay. If you say "no" it's implied you're gay. Either way, you're gay. The way the individual asking these questions framed them put every one of them in the same situation. "Do you agree with this statement" when there are multiple parts to that statement that you may or may not agree to is a loaded question. Every question he asked was a loaded question.

[@MichaelThomas-bb6mz]

Imagine giving to a organization that you have no idea of what they stand for.

[@robinvore7067]

Politics

[@nilles3000]

☝🏻 red facism worldwide whole world privatised already since 2008 -last banking crash and crisis- yes usa too privatized and registered as a business as a whole and seperately of all it´s divisions registered as a business businesses or foundations + all the people in it working for it holding positions of ´legality´ and/ or with a ´legal´ name all registered as a businesses n.b - there is no true legality anymore or anything legal because it´s not based on anything legal that holds legality

[@johnbutera5805]

Don't be fooled... he knew EXACTLY what they stand for!!!

[@ConservativeAnthem]

or just lying about it then pretending he's such a good person it doesn't matter

[@tobinod4299]

You can agree with most of what an organization stands for and disagree with some of what it stands for. The ACLU has represented Nazis as well as denouncing ICE. They aren't exactly easy to agree 100% of the time because their mission is to protect our constitutional rights...and some of us are lousy assholes (who still have rights, of course).

[@blackiesleaze]

That guy being questioned was like john Travolta ! All over the dance floor trying to stay alive!!!

[@mikediorio4589]

John Kennedy’s on spot !!!

[@jacktomasek7171]

My God ! These are completely " Incompetent " Nominees ! Fail, Fail, Fail and Fail ! Period ! Do not let these people " Slip By " the judicial process ! They are not fit in any capacity to be qualified for even " dog catcher " !

[@stephanybeachler]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 for that last guy.. this is the first person i saw not get chewed up and abd spit out, he did an amazing job!

[@robertgoldbach5445]

I thought that candidates for judicial office were expected *not* to take a particular stand on an issue, lest it give away their positions on potential future cases. While folks might argue one way or another about whether that is a good idea, Mr. Kennedy knows quite well that it is not considered appropriate for him to ask those kinds of questions.

[@jwenting]

it is quite appropriate for him to ask those questions, as it weeds out the political hacks and ideologues we don't want in office. Like the hack who can't get himself to admit that he's a racist and fully supports the anti-white and anti-law stance of the ACLU.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

And in a trial these lawyers would demand a yes or no answer 😂

[@WillAsplund]

That's TV. You can't be compelled to answer yes or no if the answer isn't yes or no.

[@brandondragon]

Republicans never give yes or no answers. Why should anyone else have to? There hasn't been one law passed by Republicans in three years and all they do is waste taxpayers' money with hearings with no evidence. Republicans are so mad that diaper dons presidency was a failure, and Biden is hitting it out of the park economically. 5% gdp and lowest unemployment in 50 years. Paid less than 3 dollars a gallon all November in Tennessee here. I don't wanna hear the president doesn't set gas price now, GOP, cause yall seemed to think they did when it went your way. The truth is the Republicans are a waste of money. They aren't going to catch bidens administration doing anything because democrats aren't corrupt. When we found corruption, we expelled it. Not rally around and ignore the law to protect it.

[@jlasf]

These may be complex issues that require nuance. It's ridiculous to demand a yes or no answer.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

@@WillAsplund Having been a LEO for 30 years I have seen this personally when trying to explain. It would then be up to the prosecution in their examination to clarify.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

@@jlasf I have seen the Democrats ask just a yes or no response in their questions many times.

[@amazingcezo]

It’s sad that these educated people that are supposed to be the best of us can’t answer openly and without fear about what they believe.

[@susannejenson1065]

Kennedy is trying for a "gotcha" question. I would hesitate too.

[@gregdobbs2577]

these questions and hearings are theater, not a quiz show

[@wm1958]

@susannejenson1065 how so?

[@kerry-leevolk9372]

I don't think it has anything to do with fear. They simply won't commit to anything and won't stand for what is right or just. They have no conviction in their beliefs, and don't stand up for or fight for justice. This way they can feebly preside over cases and flip flop their judgments as it suits them on any particular day. It is indeed, sad.

[@johnbaker6125]

@@susannejenson1065 Let's see, should race be used for or against a person is a gotcha question? Being a member of a professional organization or not? She answered that one pretty clearly without hesitation. Donations to organizations is a gotcha question? Out of these questions, the ACLU question isn't out of the norm at all. The ending discussion was a bit off but it's pretty normal. If you think these are gotcha questions that shouldn't be asked, make sure you feel exactly the same way when there is a conservative judge candidate sitting at that table and similar questions and discussions come along. Chances are you will probably defend them then.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you.

[@ernestosolorzano7846]

That is not kennedy, thats mr. Haney from green acres.

[@rob5896]

He gets em everytime, they just can't answer a straight forward question because they know they will they're full of bs!

[@PMaynard-22]

If one cannot answer yes or no to a question of what they believe they have Zero integrity and can be bought, period. A true man or woman have morals, self respect, and know who they are and will say it without question and will not care if you agree or disagree with them. I would never trust someone who puts on a different face depending on which situation they are in. You find common ground while accepting the differences.

[@jwenting]

these hacks can't say yes or no because one would be a flat out lie and everyone knows it and the other would be an open admission that they're not suitable for the office, so they try to wiggle themselves out of answering at all. It's disgraceful.

[@thinkingenglish1175]

The problem was the questions were idiotic. Dude gives ten bucks a month to ACLU and then he has to answer for statements they made when there's no context? Kennedy deliberately refused to provide that context, but wanted the nominee to commit to an opinion on the spot. Then, he said the colleges were committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and "killing Jews." He could just as reasonably asked the guy when he quit beating his wife.

[@combinationova1400]

The reason is because if you answer flat out yes or no you subject yourself to unnecessary scrutiny. For example I as you if you liked waffles and you say yes. I then give you a review of a waffle you did not like and call you a liar. Generally, what you could say to easily prevent that accusation is "I generally enjoy them" or something to that. Like the last guy stated, it could be seen as "prejudging" for a judge to have public comments about live cases. Judges should not have any opinion except the equitable application of the law.

[@artemmandrob]

Sen. Kennedy is one helluva fisherman. His fishing expeditions are very entertaining. And to think he gets paid to do this and even considers it a "job."

[@elainehorne188]

Wow!

[@skipv9885]

Some lawyers don't know how to say yes or no to specific questions.

[@colinboneham7387]

It stuns & amazes me how these people can’t give a simple yes or no answer.

[@victoriabarefoot7434]

Because he asks question that cannot be answered with a yes or no. Then, when the question is being answered he cuts it off and says he wants a yes or no answer because he can't understand the actual answer. Then he jumps on the fact that the answer wasn't forthcoming and it's because the answer is nuanced. He doesn't grasp the importance of the experts and relies instead on his own opinions. Not good.

[@utoothheartyeight]

They were all JD-trained in college. What do you expect?

[@kuba2ve]

@@victoriabarefoot7434 BS... most questions have a Yes or No answer. Period. IF I ask you whether you believe gender is fluid or not, you should not reply "Well.. this is not a simple Yes or No questions, blah blah blah" that´s just deflecting the question! You´re being asked a Yes or No question. Please reply "Yes, I do believe gender is fluid" or "No, I do not believe gender is fluid". The problem is that these individuals are simply covering their asses, but if you are for TRUTH, you will not play politics and say the TRUTH!!!

[@kuba2ve]

@@GlennLaycock Nope. If I ask you specifically, do you believe unicorns are real, there's no gray shade, that's BS. You should say "No, I DO NOT believe unicorns are real". This is not a when, how, where question, this is a "DO YOU" question. There's a Yes or a No. Period. Now, if they don't want to answer that's another story.

[@kuba2ve]

For example, if I ask you "Do you approve of gender ideology being taught in schools" there's no gray are at play, YOU either approve it or not. That is a binary answer.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

My favorite thing is when they ask "here is a controversial thing you said on social media. Do you still believe it to be true." and just watch them fall all over themselves to not admit that they actually DO have controversial and many times abhorrent views.

[@linusa2996]

It worked for Republican nominees

[@Dstromb232]

Thanks for the video.

[@SoloPilot6]

The difference between "I don't want to answer" and "I don't think that I SHOULD answer."

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

Why is it so hard FOR democrats to answer direct questions, YES or No?

[@MegaWhiteBeaner]

The same reason Kennedy can't ask a yes or no question.

[@lionheartroar3104]

The hesitancy says everything...Crooks

[@Amocoru]

Because they don't know what it feels like to be held accountable for their actions so they freeze up and panic.

[@jamesmorton7597]

I've noticed that.

[@jamesmorton7597]

Example? @@MegaWhiteBeaner

[@wecu4dk]

Why do they even bother with these hearings? No-one answers his questions and even when they lie no-one is held to account.

[@ericloebach3341]

🤣"maybe you could answer my question THE WAY I WANT YOU TO ANSWER MY QUESTION..."🤣

[@griffindrucker5712]

God damn, it seems like that last guy has what we’ve been missing in judges for years! He answered with specificity when appropriate, but he also recognized what his role is in the judicial system, and didn’t leave any chance of an overstep. He answered with the same eloquence as the other judges, with a lot of unnecessary fluff, but he actually gave answers that made sense. You don’t have to just say,”yes”, “no”, or “I don’t know/it’s not my place” and that’s it. You can spew out fancy words you found in a Thesaurus and still have your answer make sense!

[@GreatDayEveryone]

Having a large vocabulary isn't a bad thing

[@Aeroldoth3]

@@GreatDayEveryoneIt is to the Right.

[@judgegarry]

​@@Aeroldoth3 What is that supposed to mean exactly?

[@Aeroldoth3]

@@judgegarry That the Right, in general, opposes education, condemns teachers and professors, "disagrees" with science, thinks educated people put on airs, that using big words is being snobbish, that experts and professionals don't know anything about anything (dunning-kruger) and thus overall, think having a large vocabulary is a bad thing.

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

"Some of the biggest men in the United States - - - are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it." President Woodrow Wilson 1914

[@whisper8742]

It's got a three thousand year recorded history of blood rituals, usury, profiteering, and perversion too.

[@halo13nin13]

" I am a attorney, i read things myself before commenting on statements that are read to me without context"

[@OrvilleJenkins]

I'm unclear what membership in the ABA would have to do with a judge's position and ability to serve.

[@thehighllama8101]

I'm a former attorney, licensed in four states, currently studying for the California Bar. I was an ABA member for two years after I acquired my first law license. I didn't find being an ABA member to be very helpful at all. It was a waste of money, not worth the membership cost. I would have asked Senator Kennedy just what the purpose of his question was. I mean, whether or not you're a member of the ABA has no significant relevance with regards to your ability as a judge or an attorney. Maybe I need more context than just this video to understand the point Senator Kennedy was trying to make.

[@William-Bill-Munny]

Asking lawyers avoidable questions is never going to go your way.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

The most telling thingbis not the answer, but which questions they avoid.

[@davidsteffen3860]

It amazes me how corrupted these educated jurist seem to be.

[@maddhatter3564]

That gal that said she left the bar said she was only a member for training and no longer needs it. sounds like she thinks she knows everything about the ever changing Law profession.

[@scruffynubbles4792]

Calling it OUT.... You go Mr. Kennedy!!!

[@jimsoltysiak1752]

Mr. Kennedy sir you are the GOAT of the senate. Thank you for your service to this country.

[@SharonH65]

No one has a yes or no answer, UNBELIEVABLE

[@ThePowerfulOne07]

You should have seen the last administration’s hearings! Even WORSE!

[@anthonysalonek9462]

to run out the clock

[@aleatharhea]

"Why" is not a yes or no question, despite Kennedy cutting everyone off the second they started to answer reasonably and honestly. If you are familiar with Kennedy, you know the incontrovertible fact that he is a despicable stooge.

[@paulperry7091]

Guess you do not know what "nuance" means. Anyone asks for a "yes" or "no" answer doesn't want relevant facts or opinions, jst point scoring. That's why it is common in law courts, but nowhere else.

[@anne-hc4yx]

Hmm just like the last 3 Supreme Court nominees, remember them? geez

[@patcathcart8176]

😮John Kennedy's facade reminds me of Mr Hayne on the Green Acres T V show

[@greeneyes92061]

I don’t understand how these nominees are allowed or to can get away with not answering questions. If a nominee cannot answer a question honestly and directly they need to be taken off the list immediately.

[@user-ix7vx2ho5e]

Keep up the great work Senator Kennedy I always look up to your words of wisdom! We learn from those who have already lived the life. Thank you!!🇺🇸🇮🇱🙏✌️👍🎇

[@edwardrichardson7076]

CLOWN

[@user-ix7vx2ho5e]

That would be Joe

[@99.8Survivor]

The message is that anyone can be a judge. Just don't answer any questions affirmatively.

[@user-cn7np8fj7c]

Senator Kennedy,you are the man, please take care of yourself,you are an American hero.

[@ceesteven]

I find it totally amazing that these directed questions don’t have to be answered.

[@CptDallas]

They are irrelevent. The bar is a total joke!

[@Chuck68ify]

For some reason he keeps trying to get a straight answer from a lawyer! Impossible, trained liars can't do that.😊

[@scepticskeptic1663]

ive seen loads of these and never seen anyone answer the question straight

[@pcdraker]

Judge Leibowitz is a day and night difference between the other unqualified judges before the panel of senators. He answered his questions straightforward and methodically. Without worrying about hurting the feelings of the woke.

[@jeffsuter344]

Please give a meaningful definition of the term "woke"?

[@hyzenthlay-5136]

​@@jeffsuter344are you a bot trying to learn about human life? Maybe you just haven't been paying attention 🤪

[@zachnatural2450]

@@hyzenthlay-5136 You dodged the question. What does the term "woke" mean outside of "things the person using the word doesn't like?"

[@user-is5ip2tp1l]

@@jeffsuter344 Woke is an adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination". Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial justice, sexism and LGBT rights. Boom!💥 🤯 in other words, a bunch of bull shit

[@WhowereEpsteinsclients]

@@jeffsuter344I think by “woke” they mean weak minded individuals that hate themselves and everything around them so they change meanings of words and erase history and use a mess of letters to describe themselves.

[@minraja]

That is about the most honest answer I have heard from someone in the political theater in a long time.

[@CatherineSTodd]

minraja: who are you referring to with "That is about the most honest answer I have heard from someone..." ?

[@user-fn1cd6mo9z]

@@CatherineSTodd Has to be the last guy.

[@stacyfiske7903]

@@CatherineSTodd she has to mean the last guy, "Liebowitz."

[@jocktulloch3499]

Remember, these hearings have nothing to do with the issues. They're a chance for guys like Kennedy to get 'face time' for the folks at home. Never let the person under oath finish answering a question if it's not the answer you want. Remember the only ones under oath are the ones being questioned, not Kennedy.

[@robynmcleod9293]

For heaven's sake answer is one of two words - YES or NO ,frightening people in that position cannot define one word to the question

[@dmar191]

Can't get a straight answer out of any of them.

[@stevehammond8393]

i find it hilarious and somewhat unbelievable that Kennedy has the ability to cause a respondent to halt and/or balk or walk back when uncomfortable questions are posed. It is fun to watch.

[@ColinPoole]

Just depends on your echo chamber. You should see the videos of Kennedy being made to look like an absolute fool - there are a lot more of those. You're in hive A watching your pro Kennedy material but over in hive B he is getting absolutely thrashed. Choose your narrative.

[@bamfordsteele555]

​@@ColinPoole100% true 👍

[@LBCAndrew]

@@ColinPoole How about you show an example? Almost every time i've seen Kennedy question someone, he does a great job. And i don't do echo-chambers. I watch all kinds of news related content.

[@TylerDurden-yk4dh]

@@LBCAndrewWell... when Kennedy recently asked the specialist about the high number of shooting deaths in Chicago and she let him know Mississippi and HIS state, Louisiana were 1 and 2 in shooting deaths and easy access to guns was the problem... he sat there looking dumb and ignorantly replied "you just said gobbly goop". No, Senator... that's called coming prepared with actual facts. He didnt like getting outsmarted with the truth. Look it up, it happened yesterday.

[@beastminer147]

​​@@ColinPooleForbes is an echo chamber? Since when? They are generally a more left leaning source outside of economics. Overall a balanced a outlet tbh

[@JJ-uo8eo]

Bunch corrupt nominees setting there.

[@catherinemckenney6317]

Love this man!!

[@jd-zr3vk]

The member of SC ACLU noted the senator is not including the context of the so called quotes. That is why the witness struggled answering the question.

[@cyclesmoking]

“Do you think that Hamas putting Jewish children in ovens should be condemned” “I’m not prepared to answer that here. I would need to look at the context” 🙄

[@sitcom1971]

😂

[@oldogre5999]

That last one was having all he could do to not break right down into tears at the end. Now was it good or bad I do not know!

[@shadowlouise]

oldogre, OBVIOUSLY, it is better to break down in tears. Crying and throwing a fit earned one Republican his seat on the highest court in the US. Plus, he committed perjury, and that is a must to impress the GOP. His highly partisan rant was icing on the cake.

[@bjrnmgranvang1107]

Funny how lawyers and judges act and talk like politicians these days. Never giving a straight answer to anything, always hiding behind some kind of lame excuses before they slither out the door. Disgusting!

[@seantlewis376]

There is no point to pay dues to an organization that is no longer required. A judge is no longer a practicing attorney. There is no reason to continue membership after leaving the practice.

[@cindyhamblin5673]

ACLU... Danger!

[@thomassweeney4494]

Attempts dodge or otherwise not answer a direct question is an answer. The respondent has been caught red - handed, and they know it.

[@chasedennis4483]

Most of these people hate answering questions. I don't understand why they can never answer a yes or no question.

[@lennydaiglejr3094]

Most of these candidates should be on Dancing With The Stars

[@Moselli56]

They don’t come sharper than Sen John Kennedy….period!

[@d.boumghar7385]

USA need urgently more men like this Kennedy; before too late ...

[@timothysmith7888]

Sen. Kennedy is the reason we have lawyer jokes.

[@dionne7610]

Senator Kennedy is the reason you have senator jokes. Ask him what he’s doing for Louisiana. NOTHING!

[@saino2001]

Senator Kennedy is awesome!

[@Usmcpb]

Sen. Kennedy is a joke 🤡

[@saigon68foxtrot83]

Yes, indeed, If they ever find sen Kennedy (a lawyer) lying side by side by a skunk on a Lousesianna county road, the skid marks will be on the skunk!🤣🤣🤣

[@mariegarside8830]

Senator Kennedy is a bully. He isn't asking questions. He is demanding others agree with him. If they don't, he uses the power of his office to hound them.