WASHINGTON, D.C. --

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Sotomayor Hearings: Behind the Scenes 7/14/09

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DAY 4

12:40 p.m.

Jon Kyl, a GOP Senator from Arizona, just told Judge Sotomayor that he had "empathy" for her for withstanding the long series of Q&A. "Empathy" is a buzzword that has stirred controversy in this nomination process. (President Obama, when touting Sotomayor, credited her with having empathy, I believe) Conservatives said empathy is an irrelevant quality for a judge.

To make a long story short, no one laughed at Kyl's joke. The crowd is getting punchdrunk. (Remember how you felt at the end of that VERRRY long college lecture class you took. Only so much of what the professor says actually "sinks in")

As Republicans queue up their final list of questions for Sonia Sotomayor, anticipation is nevertheless growing for the witnesses that'll follow.

Judging by the empty chairs behind Judge Sotomayor, spectators and supporters are getting an early lunch. They likely aren't expecting much of a show until those witnesses arrive and start answering questions from the Senators late today.

Accordingly, I'll stand down this blog for the day -- and begin preparing our coverage on-the-air for 5 and 6 o'clock. We're gonna dig up some more details about whether any of these Republicans is turning toward voting for Sotomayor. And we're gonna find out what these witnesses will actually say. I'll see you on TV later this afternoon.

Have a great day!

12:22 p.m.

We're hearing a final Judiciary Committee vote on Judge Sonia Sotomayor is expected Tuesday.

He won't answer the question yet... but everyone wants to ask South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, "Are you gonna vote to confirm Sotomayor?"

He's teasing us with indications he might.

Here's what we're all waiting for -- Graham just sat down to ask another 10 minute round of questions. He'll likely do so within the next 30 to 50 minutes. We're standing by to hear what he has to say!

12:12 p.m.

Republicans on the committee just re-iterated that they will not support a filibuster of Sotomayor.

Looks like there'll be a final vote on the judge's confirmation by August.

12:07 p.m.

Jeff Sessions, the Alabama Republican leading his party in the hearings, just began an unexpected third round of questioning.

He asked the judge whether she'd accept a pay freeze if/when she gets to the Supreme Court.

Sotomayor's response, "I've lived on my (Federal judge) salary for 17 years, I'll continue to do so."

That's the first time money has surfaced during these hearings.

Congressoinal pay and judge pay is always a touchstone issue with the public. From my personal experience, I can tell you some Congressional leaders are *very* sensitive when asked about their pay. Sore spot.

12:02 p.m.

Al Franken just thanked Sotomayor for her "patience." This is indeed a tiring episode.

Franken just asked "Why do you want to be a Supreme Court Justice?" Sotomayor immediately requested the indulgence of the committee to allow her to tell a story.

You couldn't see it on TV, but there was a stir in the room -- as if to say, `Maybe we'll hear something animated or interesting.'

One minute later, the story is still being set-up. I can't imagine these proceedings will be finished by Friday.

11:58 a.m.

Tom Coburn just said, "I'm not yet sure where I'm going with this." (indicating he's undecided on his vote)

One newspaper reporter just told another "If Coburn votes yes, it's gonna be a landslide for Sotomayor."

Bad news for some in this room: The Republicans on the Committee have requested a third round of questioning of the judge. That threatens to extend these hearings. Quite a bit.

No final decision yet from the committee.

11:57 a.m.

Another day; another set of aggressive of abortion protestors outside the Hart Senate Building.

One was dressed in all black (including a veil) and shouting into a megaphone about the government "wanting to suck out the brains of our children." Another was carrying uncomfortably ugly photos.

The protestors are growing in number and volume as the confirmation proceedings continue this week.

Inside: Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn spent much of his 20 minute allotment of questions grilling Sotomayor about abortion. He's about to wrap up.

For a third day in a row, Sotomayor has avoided giving a demonstrative, detailed explanation of her views on abortion. Skillful.

11:45 a.m.

It's no surprise that Al Franken had a prior career working the grueling hours of late night television. (The "all-nighters" involved in the production Saturday Night Live became legendary in the recent publication "Live From New York")

I'm watching him knock back coffee after coffee, yet he's sitting as still as can be. He rarely makes notes. He rarely fidgets in his seat. He's stoic and immovable.

I suspect caffeine has lost its effect on Franken.

He'll ask questions after Sen. Specter finishes. We're all wondering: Is he gonna crack his first joke as Senator?

11:22 a.m.

Wow... this totally off topic..... but some NPR reporters snuck snacks in the hearing room. A *huge* no-no. But they're clearly pleased with their work -- as they knock back M&Ms and Mini Chips Ahoy cookies. Covertly. Quietly. (They weren't bold enough to sneak in a glass of milk and straw)

Which leads me to my point.... there are about 50 Congressional staffers sitting at the dais, behind the Senators. They have the discipline of soldiers. They're on-camera seemingly at all times. They don't nod off. They sit upright. They look alert. No food, no drinks and no gum. And they answer the odd assortment -- and large assortment -- of questions from their bosses at the table.

Let me tell you, as a former Congressional staffer, I was often amazed by the wild, unpredictable series of questions I was asked while on duty by members of Congress. It's like being a political concierge.

11:01 a.m.

Arlen Specter has won over some of the folks in the room. (The TV folks, of which there are many!) He's again pressing the judge on the issue of cameras in the courtroom. He's a longtime champion of televising the Supreme Court. (Admittedly, it wouldn't be as spicy a courtroom drama as Perry Mason or Columbo).

He just entered a survey by C-SPAN (Likely showing support for cameras in the Supreme Court) into the offical committee record.

One twist: C-SPAN is offering gavel-to-gavel coverage of these hearings.

"Would you tell your colleagues the favorable experience you've had in your (New York federal) courtroom?", Specter just asked.

Sotomayor said she *would* relay her experience. And she said she will participate in discussions with them on this issue. (kind of a non-committal answer)

But -- lemme tell ya -- the TV reporters here were on the edge of their seats.

10:57 a.m.

He's similar to a relief pitcher warming up in the bullpen.

Arlen Specter is the next Senator in line to ask questions. I inched over to a photographer platform to get a good vantage point of Specter prepping his questions.

Unbelieveable. He's studying a stack of stapled papers that's larger than your college notebooks. He's swiftly and repeatedly passing papers back and forth with an aide who's seated in a chair two feet behind the Senator. Reading glasses: on. He's making highlights, notes and underlines.

We'll see where he goes with his questions. They begin in moments.

10:49 a.m.

Manny of the spectators here have been eagerly awaiting the testimony of the New Haven, CT firefighter. (hoping for fireworks, hoping for color, hoping for some drama) He's at the center of a racial discrimination case that the GOP has been using as a weapon against Judge Sotomayor.

Many have been waiting. And it appears they'll have to *keep* waiting.

The firefighters, who filled an entire row of seats here yesterday, are conspiciously absent today. (A Senate Judiciary Committee alert about today's proceedings indicated the firefighter would likely testify today) It appears less likely now.

John Cornyn, the Texas Republican and former judge himself, is squeezing a few challenging questions into his second round of questioning. He's been suggesting that Judge Sotomayor has been hypocritical or opaque (he said her previous public statements contradict her testimony here this week)

10:29 a.m.

Senators often become bigger stars the witnesss themselves at these types of hearings.

One standout is becoming obvious: South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

He *commands* the hearing room's attention every time he speaks. I keep seeing the heads turn when Graham speaks.

He's engaging. He asks the sharpest questions of the judge (including Tuesday's newsmaking line of questioning about the judge's "temperament" and criticisms she was a "bully")

Right now, he's hitting a series of hot-button issues. Abortion, desegregation and the New Haven firefighters' case (racially charged too)

He makes funny remarks, saying coyly that Judge Sotomayor has said some things "that bug the hell out of me."

Most importantly, Graham is flirting with the possibility of voting to confirm the judge. He is repeatedly crediting Sotomayor with having great credentials. And he's said famously this week, regarding President Obama, that "elections mattter" -- a possible hint that he might back the President's nominee when the vote comes.

10:20 a.m.

It's never too early to plan, I suppose.

Even as Texas Sen. John Cornyn prepares for his second round of questioning, his staff is lining up a conference call for 1;10pm, for the Senator to share his thoughts with a bunch of reporters back home. I just received notification about the conference call from his press staff.

The press response -- the *rapid* response -- is breath-taking arond here this week.

As soon as Senators begin their questioning, *live* on national TV, they hustle over to cameras or reporters, so they can speak *live* on TV. No surprise *some* of the Senators are noticeably wearing pancake TV makeup.

10:08 a.m.

I saw a few eyes roll at the press table a moment ago.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, telegraphing her intention to vote in favor of Sotomayor's confirmation, said the judge is a"Walking, talking example of the best part of the United States of America." Not sure precisely why that struck people in the press area. But it most certainly did.

10:06 a.m.

Seven Capitol police officers are guarding the back doors of the hearing room. Most, if not all, appear fully armed, young and particularly strong.

Officers have been forced to pull a handful of loud, screaming protestors from this room already this week. Perhaps anticipating another outburst, the officers are positioned nearest the exit doors.

Big scare here last night. An armed man led a police chase near the north side of this building, injured two officers and was struck and killed by police gunfire. As many as 20 gunshots, according to a witness with whom I spoke. All of this happened while the judge's confirmation hearing was in session.

There's always sensitivity about gunfire and police activity near the Capitol. Particularly so among the media, during such an historic moment.

10:01 a.m.

It's like a crowded nightclub in here today. Wall to wall people. (Only difference: nobody's elbowing each other en route to the bar)

There rare high expectations among the visitors and media that there'll be some spark from the new characters about to surface. Witnesses!

Once Senators conclude their second round of questioning --- hopefully by early afternoon -- this panel will begin calling witnesses to testify for or against Judge Sotomayor.

Among those expected: New York Mayor Michael Bloomburg, former FBI Director Louis Freeh and Former NY District Attorney Robert Morganthau.

We'll also hear from witnesses who'll testify against the judge, including Frank Ricci, the New Haven, CT firefighter at the center of a racially-charged discrimination case on whiich Sotomayor once ruled.

Ricci might have to wait till tomorrow, though. *EVERYONE* here is long-winded. EVERYONE is using the full allotment of time to speak.

9:51 a.m.

We're going back in time!

No air conditioning in the Senate hearing room for Day 4 of the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings. And the power in the press area is fickle and occasionally "browning out." This is what it must've been like covering these hearings a generation ago.

Jon Kyl, the #2 Republican in the Senate, has begun his second round of questioning. The topic: racial discrimination issues. Kyl, perhaps due to the air conditioning troubles, is in shirtsleeves. No coat.

Judge Sotomayor shows no signs of wear-and-tear on her fourth day beneath the spotlight. Strong voice. High energy. And she's still resting her broken ankle on a small stool beneath the witness table.

DAY 3

12:26 p.m.

Too bad cameras are prohibited inside the Supreme Court. Sotomayor is a still photographer's dream. She's animated. She talks with her hands (as many of my New York relatives do!) Photographers crave animation and body language. Sotomayor is a great subject for their lenses. Listen for the loud clicks of cameras every time Sotomayor moves her hands.

She's maintaining a high energy level, despite the seemingly endless list of questions. Wonder if she needs caffeine to do so?

Her chair has wheels on it and swivels side-to-side. But Sotomayor is resisting any temption to do so.

Just three Republicans remain in this confirmation hearing. Their questioing is over in this round. And they aren't hanging out to hear the remaining Democrats. Sens. Hatch, Sessions and Graham are still here. All seem to be listening closely.

My colleague Leigh Patterson is setting up her camera in some of the hidden corners of this hearing room. She's putting together a fantastic slideshow of what's happening away from the TV cameras, "Behind-the-scenes" here today. Check back for it later this afternoon.

I'm gonna wrap up the blog for today. Time to start crunching the material you'll see on the air beginning at 5pm. What were the big surprises during today's testimony? What did local Members of Congress deem to be the most important nuggets? Be sure to watch for our coverage beginning shortly on-the-air!

12:18 p.m.

Keep an eye on Sonia Sotomayor. You might see her start to sweat.

A power surge of some sort just knocked out the air conditioning. I don't believe the Senators are aware of it.

It's gonna get plenty hot in here soon, unless an immediate repair is made.

Easy to understand why there'd be power problems. I count 150 operating computers, scores of high-energy TV lights, dozens of microphones, four HUGE plasma TVs and who knows what else.

Senator Klobuchar is wrapping up her questioning now. About a dozen chairs behind Sotomayor are empty. (These are likely chairs reserved for Administration officials, guests of the judge, or Democratic party witnesses) Early start on lunch?

They have fresh pizza downstairs in the lunch room.

12:02 p.m.

Sonia Sotomayor just referenced Perry Mason, the famed TV series, when answering a question about her judicial philosophy.

Perry Mason was a great show. Kind of a trailblazer for the Murder, She Wrote and Matlock and Law and Order series that ruled TV in the 80s and 90s.

You can't believe how many blank stares were elicited in the press area, when Sotomayor made the Perry Mason reference! Does no one know Raymond Burr?!?!? Two of the senior broadcast reporters, next to whom I'm sitting, asked junior press members if they knew what Perry Mason was. The junior folks shook their heads "no."

That, my friends, is who you get your news from!

I loved Perry Mason.

11:58 a.m.

The New Haven, CT firefighters remain the center of attention. During the 15-minute recess, a group of firefighters walked down a hallway outside the room. A posse of TV cameras and crews swarmed them and followed their every move. One firefighter speaking Spanish attracted the attention of the Spanish-language media.

Here's the story: Senator Amy Klobuchar and Delaware's Ted Kaufman will ask questions next. Then the Senate will take a lengthy lunch break.

One revelation: Amy Klobuchar said she ran into Sotomayor's mother in the ladies room. Apparently, Sotomayor's mother is enjoying the proceedings so far.

By the way, the restrooms are a 100-step walk from the hearing room. It's not surprising Klobuchar and Sotomayor's mother managed to get to the restroom without getting stopped. Everyone was following the firefighters.

11:39 a.m.

Arlen Specter's here. Just sitting and waiting for his turn to speak. But he isn't likely to get started for at least another two hours.

His nickname, "Snarlin' Arlen", should give you some insight over what to expect. He's known as a fierce, disciplined examiner. He has a "spark" that makes any event much more interesting. His critics hate it. His supporters love it. Either way, you wanna watch.

If the other Senators are the undercard, Specter's the main event.

As the hearing takes a 15 minute recess, one can't help but look forward to Specter's Q&A. So far, there's little juice to today's proceedings. That'll likely change.

11:25 a.m.

Just overheard:

Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn telling his staffers, "I got some good follow-ups in", immediately after finishing his questioning of Judge Sotomayor. The staffers, including two woman sitting directly behind Sen. Coburn, nodded their heads feverishly as he spoke.

Coburn, like Texas Sen. John Cornyn, is sporting cowboy boots. But you can''t see them on TV.

Former Rhode Island prosecutors, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, picks up the questioning. Five minutes into Whitehouse's Q&A with Sotomayor, we overheard once Capitol police officer tell another, "I didn't think these hearings would be *so* dry!"

10:59 a.m.

His months-long recount and court challenge prepared Al Franken for life in the U.S. Senate.

He's been sitting here, sitting here, sitting here and sitting here. He's waiting for his opportunity to ask questions. And he's been waiting awhile.

As the newest member of the U.S. Senate, Franken must wait until all others have asked their questions first.

It's not likely to happen until the end of the day today. He's working a cup of coffee and leaning back occasionally to listen to the whisper of a staffer.

10:55 a.m.

More Senate Democrats are arrivinng. Once the current questioner, Tom Coburn, finishes, only Democrats remain for this round of Q&A.

Rhode Island's Sheldon Whitehouse, Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar and Delware's Ted Kaufman are due up next. All are here, sifting through notes and preparing.

Coburn, incidentally, is shifting his questions to the "right to bear arms." "How do we get to the point that something spelled out in the Constitution (is not guaranteed)?"

Judge Sotomayor's response, "What we do is different than the conversation the public has about what they want the law to do." Hard to understand? Welcome to a Senate hearing. This is the language everyone here seems to speak.

10:41 a.m.

Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, the final Republican to speak in this first round of Senate questioning, just apologized to the judge for the protestors who've interrupted the hearings.

He then apologized, I believe, for the absences at the table. He blamed it on the haste with which he believes Senators are being forced to address health care legislation. Busy week, he said.

Coburn is sifting through a thick stack of paperwork in front of him. I spotted a huge white binder that would make a librarian proud.

Coburn is gonna drill into the abortion issue. He asked, "Should techonlogy have any bearing on how we look at Roe v. Wade?" Sotomayor's' response, "I can't answer that in the abstract."

10:33 a.m.

The biggest show in town.

So many people are popping in to get a glimpse of these hearings! U.S. House members, who are knee deep in a busy week themselves, are coming by to view this historic proceeding.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a famous Democrat from Texas, was just escorted in by a staffer. Just last week, Lee took part in the Michael Jackson funeral. Her frequent speeches on the House floor are also legendary. But today, she's in a back row sitting silently.

Rep. Nydia Valazquez, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, has spent a lion's share of her week watching the testimony here. Valezquez represents a New York congressional district that includes regions also covered by the federal court on which Sotomayor sits. She's also one of the highest ranking hispanic members of Congress.

10:31 a.m.

Sotomayor's nursing a cup of water right now. Her focus is impeccable.

She maintains remarkable eye contact with the Senators. She hasn't turned around to gaze at the crowd. (her mother is sitting about four feet directly behind her)

We've noticed a unique amount of politeness between Sotomayor and the Senators questioning her. Each time one "talks over" the other, there are apologies and offers to allow the other to complete his or her thought. That's not the case at many Congressional hearings. Members of Congress are rarely so patient. Witnesses are rarely so disciplined.

Obviously, *everyone* is aware of the power of TV cameras.

10:25 a.m.

Think teenagers text message a lot?

They ain't got nothin' on members of Congress. From an overhead media vantage point, I observed a few of these Senators punching away furiously at their blackberries. A generously sized wooden panel blocks the view of Senators' hands, papers and blackberries from the main TV cameras broadcasting these proceedings.

One other thing: Congressional supporters of the judge are getting a lot of practice in the art of "rapid response." Every hour or so, staffers distribute hard copies of press releases supporting Sotomayor to the reporters gathered here in the hearing room. The latest -- distributed moments ago -- reads "Support for Judge Sonia Sotomayor", featuring a laundry list of endorsements of the judge from public figures, including the the Sheriff of Los Angeles County.

I'm not sure what good these press releases do. Most of us flip them over and use them as scrap paper. (We're here to cover the hearing itself. If we wanted to read a press release, we'd sit at our desks back at the office)

10:17 a.m.

Even the man running these proceedings needs an occasional break. Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, has stepped away from the room for awhile.

Dianne Feinstein, the veteran Democrat from California, has slipped into the Chairman's seat. She'll be running things indefinitely. She's listening as Maryland's junior Senator, Ben Cardin, has begun his questioning. The topic: voting irregularities. (long lines, fraudulent ballots) I suspect he's gonna dovetail into the issue of the Voting Rights Act. The landmark legislation of the civil rights era was recently renewed by Congress and the Bush Administration. But a ruling this year by the Supreme Court indicates the Voting Rights Act could soon be overturned by the high court.

Sotomayor just said, "Voting is a *fundamental* right" She said she recently ruled against a measure that would've limited who can vote. The judge then indicated that if the Voting Rights Act is to be changed or ended, it's up to Congress to do so. Not the court.

Those who might've been drifting off seemed to wake up for this particular dialogue. I saw a lot of heads pop up.

10:04 a.m.

As Judge Sotomayor begins answering a question from Sen. John Cornyn about the New Haven firefighters case, the clicks of computer keyboards threaten to drown out her answer. (Cornyn said as a former judge, he was troubled by the case)

There are about 100 media members sitting here inside the hearing room. I'm in the middle of them. Nearly all are feverishly punching on their laptop computers. I spotted only one using a pen and paper. (She has beautiful handwriting, by the way)

Gone are the days of reporters using the old, trusty "reporter's notebook." We're all wired. Internet access. Wireless. Snazy word programs. It's an incredible day for the folks at Dell and Apple. They oughta send a promotional team over here to snap a photo and use it in an advertisement.

We reporters are in the back half of this basketball-court-length hearing room. We're sitting perpendicular to the proceedings (facing the side walls) We're sitting as you would at a crowded picnic table. Our elbows pressed againnst our ribs. Our legs crammed together. It's a tight fit. (I described it this way to a friend: We're allowed enough space to fit our laptop. Thankfully I'm not much wider than one.)

9:51 a.m.

There are more protestors outside today than there were earlier this week.

Most -- if not all -- appear to be protesting the issue of abortion. One man carried a sign reading, "How many lives have been taken since these hearings began?" Another protestor carried a microphone and speaker and detailed the process of abortion.

Another was playing a recording of a baby crying ---- over and over and over again.

They stand closest to the media entrance. And they try to hand out flyers to reporters and camera crews.

The handful of protestors who've interrupted proceedings here by shouting inside the hearing room have been shouting about the issue of abortion.

9:50 a.m.

One of the following is happening:

a) Senators are losing interest. b) Senators who've already asked questions are totally ambivalent about what others are asking c) Senators have severe difficulty navigating Washington, DC traffic d) It's simply a very busy day around here on Capitol Hill

Why? Turnout among the Senators is again dreadful as this hearing begins.

Which chairs are empty? Sens. Grassley, Graham, Specter, Whitehouse, Klobuchar, Feinstein, Kohl and Schumer.

Later today, Arlen Specter is gonna ask Judge Sotomayor about whether she supports having cameras in the Supreme Court. He told me last week, "The Senate has cameras", so why not the high court too?

Hard to argue with that! Though, I'm wondering if the presence of TV cameras in this hearing room is hurting Senator turnout at the hearing itself. Their staffs can watch in person. The Senators can watch from the big screen TVs in their offices. At least until it's time for *them* to talk.

9:44 a.m.

The crowd of reporters arrived early. This particular round of questioning has been eagerly anticipated. The questioner: Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Cornyn, among other things, heads up the Republican Senate campaign committee. It's Cornyn's job to get more Republicans elected to the U.S. Senate. He immediately began probing Sotomayor's controversial "wise Latina" remark. It's a touchstone issue for the GOP in these proceedings.

On a completely different subject, Sotomayor, who wore blue on day one and red on day two of these proceedings, is wearing a jet black suit and pink shirt. It's a nearly identical outfit to the one worn by her mother yesterday.

Air conditioning is cranked in here today. Again. The judge has two hearty iced drinks in a pair of plastic cups in front of her. TV lights are unforgiving. The cool air and drinks prevent the judge from sweatinng on camera, beneath those lights.

9:34 a.m.

For the first time this week, Sonia Sotomayor wasn't the center of attention. A line of New Haven, Connecticut firefighters entering the room attracted a swarm of cameras and the gaze of most spectators. The firefighters - and the racially-charged discrimination case in which Sotomayor once ruled - are a focal point of Republicans here. Her ruling, eventually overturned by the Supreme Court weeks ago, is a hot-button issue. One of the firefighters, Frank Ricci, will testify here later this week against the judge.

The firefighters fill an entire row of seats here. The very back row of spectator seats. All are wearing crisp, navy blue uniform sportcoats. None is smiling or showing expression on his face.

DAY 2

12:29 p.m.

More spin. More rebuttals.

Press staffs are frantically releasing press releases about today's hearings, even as the hearigs roll on.

Just got a statement from the Senate Judicary Committee's Democratic staff. It reads, "Some Republicans have suggested that Judge Sotomayor would limit individuals' 2nd Amendment right to own guns. Judge Sotomayor made clear today that she was faithfully applied (prior cases) and would approach future cases applying the 2nd Amendment to the states with an open mind."

Senators are about to recess this hearing until 2pm eastern time. Senators have regularly scheduled Tuesday afternoon lunches with members of their party. It's a long, storied tradition that isn't to be trifled with (even for a Supreme Court nominee's confirmationn hearing) So, they're all headed off to their lunches.

Wonder what they're gonna be talking about while they eat?!?!?

I'm standing down this blog till tomorrow morning. We're getting reactionn from Senators -- and we're sifting through the hours of testimony to find you the surprises, highlights and memorable moments. Be sure to watch for our coverage from inside the hearing room beginning tonight at 5pm. On TV, that is. Have a great afternoon!

12:14 p.m.

There's a media relations ballet underway behind-the-scenes here.

As Senator Feinstein works through her questions for Sonia Sotomayor, the Senator's press staff is busy working reporters. They're arranging interviews and photos. They're ready to the Senator out to media as soon as her questioning is done. We're gonna line up for an interview with the Senator, to get her thoughts on whether the Judge's confirmation is now certain.

Chairman Pat Leahy hustled over to a press stakeout during the 10 minute recess last hour to share his thoughts on the proceedings so far.

11:59 a.m.

Orrin Hatch just wrapped up his questioning by saying "thank you" to the judge. Then, he added, "I've enjoyed this little bit of time we've had together." Some laughter in the room. Not a bad thing to say, just unexpected.f

Dianne Feinstein is next. Sen. Feinstein is a veteran member of the U.S. Senate and a senior member of this panel. Accordingly, she's been granted an early opportunity to question Sotomayor.

Feinstein, former mayor of San Francisco and often-rumored candidate for governor of California, has been present in her seat nearly hroughout today's proceedings. Good eye contact. Good opening line. To Judge Sotomayor, Feinstein said, "If there's a class for judicial temperament, you get an A++."

Feinstein appears immediately to be among the most colorful and energized of Sotomayor's supporters here.

11:57 a.m.

How do Senators know when their time for questioning has expired?

Beneath each microphone is a tiny, digital clock. Red digits on black background (similar to many alarm clocks). It counts down from 30:00, to 29:59, to 29:58, ultimately to 0:00.

If you notice Senators cut off Judge Sotomayor mid-sentence, it's possible the Senators are trying to conserve their 30 minutes.

11:55 a.m.

My colleague Lenny Smith has a great vantage point for today's hearing. He's standing by on thet second level of the hearing room, nearest the videographers. (This hearing room is a marvel. Three stories tall, with full-fledged broadcast booths and photographer grandstands on its 2nd and 3rd levels. It is -- for lack of a better phrase -- the made-for-TV hearing room on Capitol Hill)

Lenny has noticed that Texas Senator John Cornyn is wearing his traditional, old-school cowboy boots. The table blocks the view of the boots from the cameras.

Lenny reports some "note-passing" between Arizona Republican Jon Kyl and South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham.

11:49 a.m.

Judge Sotomayor's mother is sitting quietly, without animation, through these hearings. She's wearing a jet-black suit and pink blouse. She's stoic. She's not showing any frustration or expression on her face. She's shifting her focus quickly back-and-forth between her daughter and Sen. Orrin Hatch, who's now questioning.

Newspaper alert! Sen. Tom Coburn has two periodicals near his right elbow. (editions of CQ Today and Congress Daily, two wonkish, policy-focused daily newspapers on Capitol Hill) Might he eventually begin reading the papers if the proceedings grow boring?

11:28 a.m.

As Judge Sotomayor re-entered the room to resume today's hearings, she was escorted by a solid looking security detail. Two guys as large as bouncers at a biker's bar walked her to the chair. Security of Supreme Court Justices is tight. So too, apparently, is security for nominees.

Just before the hearinng resumed, I caught a glimpse of Al Franken sitting in a Republican chair talking with Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn. I couldn't hear the connversation, but I was struck by the image. Cornyn is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the campaign body focused on defeating Democratic Senate candidates. Franken is a Democrat who just survived a long, painful, expensive campaign for Senate. You'd think they'd be enemies. A dozen photographers rushed over to capture pictures of the exchange between Franken and Cornyn.

Both men were smiling throughout. Hey, Sen. Franken likely knows how to tell a joke and spin a yarn.

11:22 a.m.

The powerful stand idle.

What to do when the nation is watching, but nothing's happening?

During this 10 minute recess, U.S. Rep. Nydia Valezquez, a New Yorker, an ardent Sotomayor supporter is hanging out by herself in the audience, gazing at a row of purses left behind next to her.

Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican Senator, is staring into space. Orrin Hatch, a former chairman of this committee, is chatting up staffers.

Let me tell you: Some Congressional members would never dare be seen talking to staff during their official duties. (Power meetings only!) Nice to see Orrin Hatch isn't caught up in such nonsense.

11:07 a.m.

Panel chairman Pat Leahy just announced a "flexible 10 minute break." A partial admission, I suspect, that it's hard to keep the trains running on time around here.

Lines are gonna form at the bathrooms outside the hearing room. The Senate cafeterias are gonna fill up fast too.

As the recess begins, Judge Sotomayor walks slowly toward a doorway on the left side of the room. (My left, the Senator's right) You've never seen anything like it: Dozens of photographers click photos document every step she takes toward the door. When Republicans wondered if Sotomayor would get tripped up at these hearings, that's likely not what they had in mind.

By the way, she's moving pretty smoothly for a woman nursing a broken ankle.

11:06 a.m.

They're playing PR games behind the scenes here.

Democratic staffers for the Senate Judiciary Committee just handed out a one-page statement to reporters. It's titled, "Judge Sotomayor's 17-Year Judicial Record Demonstrates That She is a Fair-Minded Judge Who Will Treat All Litigants Equally" Catchy, huh?

It includes quotes just given by Judge Sotomayor, including her statement, "Every person has an opportunity to be a good and wise judge regardless of their life experience." An obvious rebuttal to criticisms of Judge Sotomayor's statement that a "Wise Latina" is uniquely qualified.

The press release just issued also includes a statement that Sotomayor and her panel "rejected discrimination claims roughly 80 times and agreed with them 10 times." Perhaps a rebuttal of criticism of her handling of a discrimination case out of New Haven, CT.

10:40 a.m.

Wisconsin Democrat Herb Kohl is a low-key, understated member of the Senate. He's an owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA basketball team. He's a senior member of Congress. (Old school reading glasses at the bridge of his nose)

But he's not a firebrand. Last week, he chaired a committee hearing on antitrust issues and said barely a word. (he gaveled the hearing into session then walked out)

Fireworks are a long shot with Kohl.

Perhaps no surprise four or five members of the press at my table just got up and walked out. (Perhaps a coffee break)

Al Franken stepped out too. (Perhaps for more coffee)

10:37 a.m.

30 minutes of question each. This is a test of endurance for U.S. Senators on the Judiciary Committee.

Not for those asking the questions. But for those sitting and waiting to ask theirs later.

Al Franken is working a cup of coffee. (Grande sized) John Cornyn is fiddling with a blackberry. Tom Coburn is sifting through a thick binder of papers. Chuck Grassley and Orrin Hatch are whispering to staffers.

Herb Kohl, a senior Democrat from Wisconsin, is getting ready to go next.

10:23 a.m.

Jeff Sessions has raised his volume a bit.

Hard to miss it in the hearing room. He's ramping up his tone and, perhaps, trying to sound more forceful.

He's periodically adding then removing some reading glasses from the top of his nose. He's using the glasses when reading some of Judge Sotomayor's old quotes aloud. He's then removing them when he asks a follow-up question.

Senators are very, very aware of the presence and power of TV cameras here. Theater, tone and outfit are important.

It's believed some of the male Senators are wearing pancake makeup.

Sessions, by the way, said he's "troubled" by Sotomayor's previous statements. A firebrand, seminal moment it was not. If Sessions was supposed to be the source of fireworks, I'm still waiting for the bangs and booms.

Sessions is about to ask Sotomayor about that controversial New Haven, CT firefighter case.

10:11 a.m.

Video cameras have lined up. Everybody's "rolling" on this moment.

Jeff Sessions is expecrted to be one of the -- if not the - fiercest questioner here today. Sessions is a former federal prosecutor. He's a former state attorney general. Most importantly, the Alabama Republican is the top GOP member of this committee. (newly installed as such)

Once he began speaking a roll of videographers popped out of their chairs (as if standing to salute) and steadied their cameras.

Sessions is maintaining strikingly good eye contact with Judge Sotomayor as she answers a question about her previous speeches (including a famous one on YOUTUBE about appelate judges `making policy', instead of Congress).

By the way, how powerful is the presence of technology and pop culture in our society? Judge Sotomayor just referenced YOUTUBE in her answer. John Jay, Thurgood Marshall and Warren Berger could never have imagined!

10:01 a.m.

Give the GOP a pretty red star.

Perfect attendance. All seven of their members of the Judiciary Committee are here. And all appear to be listening. (good eye contact with the witness) The roll call: Sens. Cornyn, Coburn, Graham, Grassley, Kyl, Hatch and Sessions. Stilll a handful of emtpy seats on the Democratic side. Among them: Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar (Who'd made a cameo earlier)

That's not a slight to the Senators. It's becoming increasingly clear: Today is a busy day at the U.S. Senate. Votes are expected. Other committees are meeting. There's other work to do.

Top Republican on the committee, Jeff Sessions, begins asking questions now.

9:54 a.m.

So, they're escorting groups of visitors into the hearing room every 20 minutes or so. A few dozen members of the public are brought in by a staffer and shuffled into visitors seats at the very back of the room. Afer a short while, those visitors are escorted out -- and a a new group is brought in. They're waiting in line -- out in the hot sun -- behind the Russell Senate Building, two buildings away from this hearing room.

These are the groups from which the screaming protestors surface. It happened three or four times yesterday. (one of the screamers was the famous Jane Roe -- namesake of the Roe v. Wade case -- protesting over the issue of abortionn)

I'm wondering if or when a protestor will surface today. My guess: it could happen during the questioning by Dianne Feinstein. Feinstein had indicated months ago that she'd like to engage Sotomayor in questions about abortion.

Might that be a moment a protestor jumps up? Well, it was during Feinstein's opening remarks yesterday that the first protestor surfaced.

9:53 a.m.

The elephant in the room just surfaced.

Judge Sotomayor is now answering questions about her controversial ruling in the Ricci case. As a lower court judge, she'd ruled it legal for the city of New Haven, CT to throw out a promotion test for its city firefighters -- a test which none of the department's black firefighters passed. White firefighters challenged the dismissal of the test and ended up at the Supreme Court this year. The high court overruled Sotomayor's decision. One of the firefighters involved, a white man named Ricci, will testify at these confirmation hearings this week.

Pat Leahy, the chairman of this committee, is leading the questioning on this issue, perhaps trying to diffuse some of the explosiveness from this controversial case.

9:42 a.m.

You'll notice Judge Sotomayor occasionally scribbling notes in front of her.

She's *not* using the pad and pencil provided to her. The Senate -- old fashioned and traditional in its ways - has placed a tiny notebook and #2 pencil in front of each Senator and at the witness table. The notepad is puny (no larger than a pad you'd use for your grocery list). Useless.

Judge Sotomayor seems to have equipped herselt with better writing equipment.

Why do I tell you this? Because it's just one example of how the Senate operates. Traditional. Old school. Sometimes - antiquated. Tiny pads and #2 pencils?!?!

9:36 a.m.

You won't notice this on TV, but the room is much quieter today.

Sotomayor is finally speaking. She's answering questions. She's not reading; not sitting silently listening to Senators opine.

She's speaking. And the room is captivated.

Yesterday, while Senators were reading their 10-minute opening statements, the crowd was whispering to each other, clicking their blackberries, text-messaging and coming-and-going out of the room.

Other than the loud shutters of cameras, it's pure silence here right now.

(By the way, listen to hear the loud clack of cameras clicking each time Judge Sotomayor makes a motion with her hands. Photographers love to capture those "moving images".)

9:35 a.m.

Only eight Senators arrived at today's hearing on time. The Chairman of the Committee, Pat Leahy, attributed the empty chairs at the dais to "traffic".

Yeah, Washington, DC has some terrible traffic. But -- NEWS FLASH -- all of the reporters, staffers, administration officials and visitors are here on time! Why can't Senators get here in time?

Congress often deserves the hearty criticism is receives.

That said, Kudos to Leahy Orrin Hatch, Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn, Ted Kauffman, Dick Durbin, Jeff Sessions and Al Franken. They're in their seats and ready.

Leahy asks questions first. Expect Sotomayor to do most of the talking. Leahy will likely defer.

9:28 a.m.

Day two of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings begin in moments.

Today is "Question and Answer" day. Each Senator on the Judiciary Committee will be allowed 30 minutes to grill Sotomayor about her judicial philosophy, previous public statements, rulings or -- as one newspaper reporter next to whom I'm sitting said -- "whatever floats their boat."

A congressional aide told me yesterday he expects some "fireworks" today.

If so, don't expect a 4th of July style show. Expect the type of fireworks you'd set off in your own backyard. A few cheap bottle rockets, some sparklers and a couple of duds.

Only some of these Senators are expected to make loud noise and offer theatrics. Others are here to smile and enjoy the glitter of moment. Others -- will be duds!

100 still photographers are standing between the witness table and Senators' dais, awaiting the arrival. Images of Supreme Court justices and nominees are hard to come by.

DAY 1

12:36 p.m.

Recess is coming.

That sounds a lot more fun than it is. That sounds a lot more fun if you're in elementary school and the weather is nice outside.

This committee hearing is going to take a break, a recess, until 2pm. Why? Likely so Senators -- those still here! -- can tend to business and grab a big, fat sandwich and bean soup. (for reasons that escape me, bean soup is a particularly storied, passionate tradition for U.S. Senators. If you ever visit Washington, stop by a Senate office building, go to the cafeteria and buy a bean soup. It's good. It's cheap. It's tradition)

Judge Sotomayor is expected to speak after the break. Her opening remarks have yet to be distributed to us. So, there's a little anticipation in the room right now.

By the way, one more protestor just hollered and screamed and was carried out by Capitol police officers. He was wearing a red polo shirt. He screamed something I couldn't discern. But he was loud. And he's gone now.

We'll stand down from our blog for now.

Watch our coverage of today's behind-the-scenes action, the Senators' most unexpected remarks and the judge's historic opening statement -- beginning tonight at 5pm. On TV, that is!

Have a great afternoon.

12:28 p.m.

Obviously, they're not doing it *personally*. But the Senators sitting here today are TWITTERING during today's proceedings.

John Cornyn just sent out a link to a written version of his opening statement through TWITTER. Here's the thing: He sent it out *while* he was speaking into his microphone!

It's no secret in this city, staffers often manage their bosses' TWITTER and FACEBOOK accounts. They even write in the Senators' voices, ghost-writing, if you will.

I'm not sure how Sen. Cornyn's staffers operate, but it's clear that John Cornyn doesn't TWEET every TWEET himself.

12:22 p.m.

Spanish language media are well deployed here.

Telemundo has a prized pressbox suite above the heads of the Democratic Senators here in this Hart Building hearing room. They're conducting interviews, en espanol, with analysts and New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who's bilingual.

The historic significance of this nomination is obvious, and not all hidden inside this hearing room.

The final Republican to speak today, Oklahoma's Tom Coburn, is speaking now. He just said, "I thought this was your hearing, not Justice Roberts hearing." A firm slap at Senators who've criticized John Roberts during their opening remarks.

12:05 p.m.

They come, they speak, they leave.

Senators who've already spoken at today's hearing are quickly deparrting. They aren't hanging behind to listen.

Chuck Schumer, Herb Kohl, Dianne Feinstein and Russ Feingold have all left the room. It's a common practice among members of Congress: Once you've spoken; no need to stay.

But this isn't a common hearing. So some of us are surprised by the number of empty chairs at the dais.

11:56 a.m.

During a brief recess, one Senate Republican quickly convened a press conference. Alabama's Jeff Sessions, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told a group of reporters "The hearings are going well", but that he's troubled by Judge Sotomayor's record and by the standards then-Senator Obama used when deciding on judges in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

My scorecard: 2 hours, 10 Senators' speeches, 1 press conference, 0 words of consquence from the star of the show: Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

John Cornyn speaks next. He's a GOP Senator from Texas.

11:38 a.m.

Looks like previous predictions were true.

No questions; no answers from Judge Sotomayor before tomorrow. Lots of people in this hearing room were hoping things would speed ahead of schedule.

Just opening statements from Senators and Judge Sotomayor today. I'm told she'll likely begin speaking at 1:30pm.

Ben Cardin, the junior Senator from Maryland, just began speaking. He just read from his notes, "Sotomayor will prove a valuable addition to our nation's highest court."

All is going as expected. No Democratic defections detected.

11:22 a.m.

Two more Senators will provide opening remarks. The Committee will then take a recess.

Senator Lindsay Graham just said, "Unless you have a complete meltdown, you're gonna be confirmed." It illicited a large round of laughter in the heraing room. Graham said "I don't know what I'm gonna do yet", indicating his vote is still undetermined.

Graham is the first person here today to speak, rather than read.

After the break, other Senators will offer their opening remarks. Sotomayor's two home state Senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will then offer a formal "introduction" of Sotomayor. Then -- finally, after weeks of waiting -- we get to hear from the judge! Likely in about an hour or two.

11:21 a.m.

The people sitting behind Judge Sotomayor were likely strategically chosen. Administration and Congressional supporters of the judge knew that the people seated in those chairs would be visible on camera.

The very front row of seats were reserved for "ADMINSTRATION" officials, according to the namecards I saw. You'll notice one man in uniform. You'll notice a few members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Press and unreserved chairs are all out of the vantage point of the network cameras. No visual detail was overlooked or left for chance.

11:13 a.m.

A rare sight. A U.S. Senator in shirtsleeves. Jon Kyl, a top-ranking Republican from Arizona, is speaking now, sans suitcoat.

Hard to believe he can stand the cold temperature in here without one.

Kyl is the #2 Republican in the U.S. Senate. He serves as Minority Whip. It's unlikely there'll be any strong effort to oppose Judge Sotomayor here, without Kyl as part of it.

Kyl just indicated which direction he's leaning. He said, "Sotomayor endorses the view that gender and ethnic-based biases should guider her as she issues judicial opinions. Judge Sotomayor endorsed the idea that American judges should use good ideas found in foreign law. The laws and practices of other nations are irrelevant."

Kyl voted against Sotomayor during her confirmation for a lower court judgeship in 1995.

10:58 a.m.

This must be fatiguing for a nominee.

Sonia Sotomayor is sitting attentively (straight up in her seat), making direct eye-contact with each Senator and avoiding yawns.

She will need to be a "good listener" for at least two or three hours today. Kinda like an endless job interview, in which you're always "on."

Judge Sotomayor is doing so diligently so far. I've yet to see her become inattentive.

Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, is reading his opening remarks now. Still - one hour into this session - I've yet to see anyone speak off-the-cuff.

10:47 a.m.

It was just a matter of time.

A protestor just screamed "Senator, what about abortion?!", as Senator Feinstein read her opening remarrks. He was loud, he was unfazed by calls from the Chairman of the committee, Patrick Leahy, to have the protestor immediately removed.

Capitol police escorted him outside the hearing room. I can still hear the protestor hollering out in the hallway. The walls to the hearing room aren't as thick as one would think.

Here's the kicker: Feinstein has, coincidentally, begun talking about the abortion issue, including the historic Planned Parenthood v. Casey case from the 1990s.

We're told Sotomayor has never directly ruled on abortion. Might this become a key issue for Democratic Senators during questioning later this week?

10:44 a.m.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein, the most senior woman on the committee, just began here remarks by congratulating Judge Sotomayor, calling her "a very special woman who achieved respect and admiration."

Feinstein then called Sotomayor "well qualified", for having taken part in 3,000 appeals during her career on the federal bench.

Feinstein told reporters last week that she'll kick back at Republicans who imply Sotomayor is an inappropriately "activist" judge. Feinstein represents a massive hispanic constituency in her home state of California. This is a high-profile endeavour for the Senator, who rarely shies away from high-profile events.

10:39 a.m.

This is like a fantasy camp for political speech writers

Each Senator is allowed 10 minutes to provide opening remarks. So far, each Senator is using *ALL* ten minutes of his time.

Because these confirmation hearings are a high-profile, nationally-televised process, Senators are relishing the platform upon which to speak.

Each Senator is equipped with a pre-written remarks to read. And, yup, each is reading those pre-written remarks word-for-word. That eliminates the possibility of brevity, efficiency, color, candor or improvisation.

Senator Orrin Hatch, who last week oversaw a hearing on college football's championship system, is reading right now.

It's a great day for speechwriters.

10:26 a.m.

The room fell silent as Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions made his remarks. Sessions is gonna be the highest proflile opposition Sotomayor faces. He's the top Republican on the Sente Judiciary Committee.

Sessions, 62, is speaking to a large GOP base which remains passionate about the federal judiciary.

Sessions is a third-term Senator with a background in questioning witnesses -- he's a former federal prosecutor.

He's reading his opening statement from a set of papers beneath his microphone. His eye contact with the witness is limited.

As Sessions speaks, his staff is circulating a thick (as thick as a small phonebook) stack of Judge Sotomayor's speeches. One of which includes a reference to the federal court system as a policy maker. Might sound dry - but for federal legislators, court watchers and political activists that's a HUGE deal.

10:13 a.m.

Crowds are so tight inside the hearing room at Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing, crowds are watching four large plasma TV screens spread throughout the room. A view of the witness table and Senators is obstructed in much of the hearing room.

10:08 a.m.

Surveying the room, I notice Arlen Specter has yet to arrive. His is one of the few empty seats in the room right now.

Specter will sit next to the newest of U.S. Senators, Minnesota's Al Franken, at the Democrats' dais.

Specter's role in these hearings is expected to be a storyline itself. He was once Republican chairman of this committee, managing the confirmations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito during the Bush Administration.

His recent, controversial party switch caused him to be demoted to the standing of junior member of the Committee for the Democratic party.

Specter told me last week he'll nevertheless "be effective" during these proceedings.

10:05 a.m.

A surprise. We do not have perfect attendance among the Senators here. We're still waiting on Oklahoma Republican Tom Coburn. You won't see that on TV. The Senate is judicious with where it allows cameras to set up.

All others have found their seats at the Senate table.

Patrick Leahy, the Vermont Democrat, is beginning proceedings with his remarks. He confirmed, formally, that we've begun confirmation hearings for a nominee of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Leahy's a familiar face. He's been here three decades. He's sat on the Judiciary Committee during every Supreme Court confirmation hearing since Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981.

10 a.m.

Senators are walking over to greet and shake hands with Judge Sotomayor.

Felt very staged. Senator Jeff Sessions, the top Republican on this committee, stood idly for a minute waiting in line to shake hands -- he glanced at his watch and surveyed the crowd.

FYI - no questions and answers at today's hearing. Chairman Pat Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, confirmed today's proceedings will be filled with opening statements.

9:54 a.m.

Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch entered through a back hallway. Doing so, he avoided a high-profile walk past the cameas.

Unclear how large a role Sen. Hatch is willing to play today.

FYI - last week, he was overseeing a much different hearing. About the pros and cons of a college footbal playoff system!

9:44 a.m.

It feels like the buffet line at a crowded party. Or, if you will, the dance floor, at a jam packed club.

The crowd filling this hearing room is large and unfocused. It's a fight to get around the room. In fact, a crowd of about 100 is milling about the dais where Senators will sit. Hundreds more are gathered outside.

Despite that, this is a very controlled environment.

Capitol police surround the room. Each carrying a firearm and radio, as far as I can see. Press, myself included, are stuffed onto six large, narrow tables at the back of the room. We're facing the side walls, not the witness or the hearing.

No drinks are allowed in the room. You can only imagine the faces on the people who are being ordered to dump their venti lattes in the trash at the door.

There's likely some concern about protestors and props. We'll see how police handle it.

9:24 a.m.

Photographers are elbowing for position near the witness table. The Supreme Court operates behind closed doors or in a chamber devoid of cameras. Images of its nine justices are difficult to get! This opportunity to photograph a nominee is priceless. These images will be used for years, if not generations.

This hearing room is uniquely equipped for large scale events. It's three stories high. There are balconies, adorned with wood paneling, on the 2nd and 3rd levels. TV cameras have aligned the 2nd level balcony to capturue moving images of today's proceedings.

The 3rd level of the room includes traditional "booths", with retractable windows. These are on-site TV studios. A press box, if you will. Directly above and behind Judge Sotomayor are four press boxes, utilized by four television networks. CSPAN, FOX and NBC are using them.

9:23 a.m.

This is a huge day for Supreme Court watchers. This is a huge day for Judge Sotomayor.

But she's gonna be spending a lot of time on this huge day at a tiny little seat!

Her witness table is a four feet wide. A black felt tablecloth covers it. She has one narrow microphone, a tiny digital clock (to alert her about the time remaining in each speaker's remarks) and a white nameplate showing her name and title.

Here's what you can't see on TV: There's a foot stool beneath her table. You'll recall Judge Sotomayor fractured her ankle in recent weeks. She's still nursing a terrible injury.

I'm eager to see how she moves when she makes her grand entrance here in about 30 minutes.

9:16 a.m.

The U.S. Senate begins confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor at 10am. It’s expected to be the largest national story of the day here in Washington. Literally, hundreds of reporters have stuffed themselves in and around the Senate's regal hearing room in the Hart Senate Building across the street from the Capitol.

Here's my first impression: No matter how difficult the questioning, you aren't likely to see Judge Sotomayor sweat. It's meat-lockerish in here. The air conditioning is cranked so high, I'd be surprised if it were 65 degrees in here. Kind of important - considering everyone's wearing a suit and sitting beneath a large bank of bright TV lights.

I snuck around the room a bit a few moments ago. There are namecards sitting on the chairs behind Judge Sotomayor's seat. The seats are reserved for prominent members of Congress and other officials. Among them: New York Congressman Jose Serrano and Congresswoman Nydia Valezquez. Their faces will remain in view of the TV cameras as Sotomayor gives her opening remarks.