Kennedy and Roberts Trade Blows

In what is shaping up to be an interesting confirmation, today Senator Edward M. Kennedy (Mass-D), agressively questioning Roberts on his briefs that were written during the Reagan administration. Kennedy described some of those writings on voting rights as a "narrow, cramped and mean-spirited view" that failed to show a full appreciation of discrimination. After repeatedly interrupting Roberts, Kennedy was told by Arlen Specter (PA-R) to "allow the nominee to finish his answers".

Kennedy: "I'm just trying to find out, on the Voting Rights Act, whether you have any problem at all and trouble at all in terms of the constitutionality of the existing Voting Rights Act that was extended by the Congress." Roberts: "Oh. Well, the existing Voting Rights Act and the constitutionality has been upheld. And I don't have any issue with that."

In a surprising repsonse, Roberts came out with a left hook. His response:

"Perhaps I can refer the Senator to the precedent-setting case of Chappaquiddick vs. Kopechne."

Hat Tip: Nickie Goomba for Roberts response