CNN panel scolds Democrats for 'amateur' and 'offensive' behavior during Hope Hicks testimony
A CNN panel of political pundits agreed that Democratic members of Congress acted "amateur" and "offensive" during their questioning of former Trump aide, Hope Hicks, on Wednesday.
CNN host John King reminded the panel that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) promised investigations that would be "serious, credible, and prepared."
King then quoted the transcript of the testimony with former White House communications director Hope Hicks.
"Mr. Chairman, I think there are a number of people taking pictures here, and I just want to say that I think it's making the witness uncomfortable," said Robert Trout, Hicks' attorney. "And I would very much appreciate it as a courtesy, if nothing else, if we could..."
"That's fine," said Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), according to the transcript. "If people will please refrain from taking pictures.
"Why are congresspeople taking pictures of a witness in a, if you're having a serious, prepared, thorough investigation, what is that all about?" asked King to the panel.
"Chairman Nadler himself, who called off the picture-taking there, repeatedly referred to her as Ms. Lewandowski," King added. "Cory Lewandowski was the campaign manager."
"If you're gonna make the case to the American people that you are conducting serious, credible investigations, and you're prepared, why be amateur and offensive?" he asked.
CNN correspondent Abby Phillip called the Democrats' behavior "unprofessional" and "kinda unbelievable." She also called on Nadler to apologize to Hicks.
"It undermines their case, I think, to not show her respect," responded another panel member.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) vowed to take the issue of "absolute immunity" to court, to "destroy" the Trump administration in litigation, and then force Hicks to testify again before Congress.
