The Michael Cohen hearings were illuminating. Not the way you think. You could watch Members of Congress at work. From the afternoon.
Democrat Jimmy Gomez CA 34 just talked. Nothing memorable here.
Democrat Rashida Tlaib MI 13 thought that bringing an African-American to the hearing as a prop was a racist act. She had to assure Republican Mark Meadows, head of the Freedom Caucus, that, even though he had brought an African American to the hearing, she was not accusing him of being a racist.
Republican Mark Meadows NC 11, looking very angry, claimed Tlaib had accused him of being a racist. Chairman Elijah Cummings helped Tlaib explain that she was not accusing him of being a racist. Newspaper stories the next day recalled Meadows saying Barack Obama should go back to Kenya and suggested that might be a racist statement.
Democrat Ayanna Pressley MA 07 was nervous. She fumbled over statements. She was unimpressive.
Alexadra Ocasio-Cortez NY 14 was down to business. She asked questions about Trump’s business. Next day stories said she laid the groundwork for obtaining Trump’s business records and his tax returns. She more than lived up to her billing..
Democratic Chairman Elijah Cummings MD 07 was particularly notable for managing the dispute between Tlaib and Meadows and his passionate closing statement. His dismay with the Trump administration was clear.