Hot Mic: Feinstein Caught Discussing Barrett's Views on Abortion

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., offered a grace note as the four-day Senate Judiciary Committee hearings over Judge Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination ended, thanking Chairman Graham for his leadership.

Graham returned the compliment and offered a hug to the ranking Democrat on the committee, a physical embrace that has been a rare sight in the midst of a pandemic. The hearing was held in one of the Senate's largest meeting rooms, some members chose to particpate virtually and many members chose to greet each other with elbow bumps or distant waves.

Feinstein praised Graham for conducting "one of the best set of hearings that I've participated in."

Graham said while Democrats have "challenged the judge" during their questioning, "I don't think anybody crossed the line with the judge in terms of trying to demean her as a person."

Earlier on Thursday, during a morning recess, Sen. Feinstein could be heard on an open mic saying, "She's been pro-life for a long time. I suspect with her it is deeply personal and comes with her religion."

Feinstein's past remarks as she questioned Barrett in 2017 — then a nominee for an appeals court — about the influence of Barrett's Catholic faith on her judicial views sparked bipartisan backlash, contributing to the former law professor's quick rise as a conservative judicial star.

While it was unclear if her comments Thursday morning caught on an open mic were part of a broader discussion she was having about Barrett, they were also similar to statements Graham made during the hearing about Barrett's personal views.

On Wednesday, he praised Barrett saying, "This is history being made, folks. This is the first time in American history that we've nominated a woman who's unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology."

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