Enjoyment is not the question

Paul Mirengoff asks a good question -- do the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee enjoy viciously smearing people like Judge Alito. I think he is probably correct in rendering a split decision. Some clearly seem to enjoy it and some do not.

But of course, as ugly as it is for someone to take delight in the smears, the ethical and moral impropriety is just as appalling for those who take no delight in it. In one way, it may even be more troubling to consider the moral shortcomings of the latter group. If they don't seem to enjoy the smears, perhaps we can take their discomfort as a sign that they really understand the immorality of their behavior. Yet, despite this recognition, they make the decision to do it anyway.