Judge Robert Bork's Senate confirmation hearing in 1987 changed everything, probably forever. Even his critics admit that he was, and is, brilliant. He answered questions thoroughly, as though he were giving a seminar. He had thought longer and harder about the law than any 10 lawyers combined. But he was savaged. Ted Kennedy, who is ethically challenged, turned him into a monster. Can anyone who watched that spectacle be surprised that subsequent Supreme Court nominees of both Republican and Democrat presidents have tried mightily to hide their views and values from the country? It's a matter of self-defense. I didn't watch a single minute of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing. According to this New York Times analysis, I didn't miss a thing.
Addendum: I defended Bork even though I disagreed with him on many matters. I defend Sotomayor even though I disagree with her on many matters. Both are eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 