I’ve seen a comment that four contenders for the Republican nomination in the next presidential campaign have been using the hearings about Judge Jackson’s appointment as an opportunity to “show off” for potential voters. These are Ted Cruz, Ben Sasse, Josh Hawley, and Tom Cotton, and they are all, each in his own way, trying to sell themselves to the old folks at home.

Cruz pontificated about teaching students about racism. I’m sure he knows plenty about racism, but not as much about teaching.

Sasse did not fit very well into this group because he did not make an ass of himself.

How did that tediously family-fixated man Josh Hawley come to know so very much about pornography??? I don’t suppose he watches the films he denounces.

Cotton is quoted as saying: “I’m looking for a justice that would uphold the Constitution, not use it to invent new so-called rights. I’m looking for a justice who understands the Constitution means what it says and does not mean what it doesn’t say.” I don’t think “the Constitution means what it says and does not mean what it doesn’t say” would get anyone very far in law school. Does “new so-called rights “maybe mean “gun rights”?

Cruz, Hawley, and Cotton were playing the same old right-wing tunes. Tough on Crime! Right.

If his performance at this hearing provides any indication, Sen. Sasse hasn’t a hope of the Republican nomination. Sasse seems too reflective and polite to compete against these three snake-oil selling demagogues.