Kyle Sampson Inside the Lions' Den

We’re liveblogging the Kyle Sampson testimony. Our commentary will be added continuously to this post, so just refresh your browser for the latest.
We have high expectations — and we’re not alone. From the NYT:

“I think it will be the most interesting testimony we have heard since Professor Hill,” Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, said as he recalled Anita F. Hill’s appearance in the confirmation hearing for Clarence Thomas for a Supreme Court seat. “I can’t think of anyone else who has quite the drama.”

(Of course, some are trying to dial down expectations. Sen. Chuck Schumer is warning us that the Sampson testimony probably won’t produce the proverbial “smoking gun.”)
Our commentary on the hearing, plus links to various news accounts, will appear after the jump.


We’ll be adding our observations to this post as the hearing unfolds. As noted, refresh your browser for updates.
10:08: We’re getting started a little late — as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, points out.
10:13: Boy does Kyle Sampson look nervous. And constipated. And alone — the row of seats immediately behind him is almost entirely empty.
10:15: Speechifying from Sen. Leahy. Best sound-bite, carefully crafted with an eye to the evening news:

“U.S Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. But justice does not serve at the pleasure of any president.”

10:17: Opening statement from Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). He loves the limelight — and is thrilled by an opportunity to play on some Hillary-free turf.
10:21: How do you pronounce “debacle”? Chuck says de-BACK-le. Where’s our dictionary?
10:24: Ok, we’re taking a break. We’re waiting for some other members of the Committee to return from a vote. We’ll be back soon.
10:35: We’re back. Kyle Sampson is sworn as a witness. Sen. Leahy notes, yet again, that Sampson is appearing voluntarily (but that a subpoena had been authorized for his testimony if he had not cooperated).
10:40: Sampson is reading his prepared remarks (which you can access here (PDF)). His voice is loud and clear, but he’s relying too heavily on his text. Looking down at his notes so much gives rise to a glare problem from his balding pate.
10:42: That’s one helluva dimple in Kyle’s tie — gorgeous.
10:45: Sigh. Another break. Sen. Leahy has to leave for a vote.
10:46: Exciting! A crazy lady protestor is shouting at the top of her lungs: “Fire all the liars and bring the troops home now! Fire all the liars and bring the troops home now! Stand up, America! These people are war criminals!”
Former Key Aide Testifies Today on Gonzales’s Statements [New York Times]
Ex-Aide to Say Others at Justice Knew of Firings [Washington Post]
Prepared Statement of D. Kyle Sampson [CNN (PDF)]
Sampson accepting all blame [Deseret Morning News]

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