I can't prove this, but---

I would wager that several people could comfortably retire on the money that has been spent by The Dark Side over the past several weeks preparing the script that is now being read in the Senate. First, a swarm of operatives try to suss out every possible sharp question that might be asked and then responses are written , rewritten and tweaked until they sound as impressive as possible while not answering the questions.

Then, the softballs are drafted and the meaningless responses prepared. All this is then rehearsed in front of coaches to perfect nuances like voice inflection, timing and body language. "When Lindsey asks this, pause look very thoughtful, glance toward Durbin and say-------". Finally, just in case a Democrat asks a truly troublesome question, a "designated deflector" (likely named Lindsey) will be selected and a list of "waddabouts" chosen.

Voila!--- one standard GOP confirmation "hearing".