Sen. Durbin pressed Pam Bondi during her confirmation hearing about her stance on the 2020 election results and Trump’s actions.
Washington: So, during a recent confirmation hearing, Sen. Dick Durbin really put Pam Bondi on the spot. He asked her if it bothered her that the next U.S. attorney general might be an election denier. You could feel the tension in the room.
Durbin, who’s the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Bondi about whether she would acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 election. She kind of danced around the question, saying Biden was sworn in but not directly saying he won. It was a bit of a dodge, honestly.
Durbin didn’t let her off the hook. He pointed out that most Americans believe in accepting election results for a peaceful transition of power. He wanted a clear yes or no, but Bondi just wouldn’t give it. It was like watching a game of verbal dodgeball.
Then, he brought up that infamous call where Trump asked Georgia’s Secretary of State to “find” votes. Bondi claimed she only heard clips of it, which felt like another way to avoid the issue. Durbin urged her to listen to the full call, saying every American should. It was a strong moment.
He also asked her about Trump wanting to pardon those involved in the January 6th riots. Bondi said she’d look at each case if confirmed, but she condemned the violence. It was a classic politician’s answer, trying to play both sides.
Durbin’s goal was clear: he wanted Bondi on record about her views on election denialism. It’s a big deal, especially with how divisive it’s been in the country. But I can’t help but think this might just give Trump’s supporters more fuel for their fire.
Bondi is Trump’s second choice for attorney general, after Matt Gaetz’s nomination fell through due to some serious allegations against him. Despite the drama, Bondi has the qualifications, having served as Florida’s attorney general. It seems likely she’ll get confirmed, especially with GOP support.
Durbin, though, is definitely going to vote against her. It’s a complicated situation, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.
