Thread by @npfandos

Follow along with the NYT's live coverage of Matthew Whitaker's testimony on Capitol Hill. Expect fireworks nyti.ms/2ULoHRB

.@RepJerryNadler: "You decided that your private interest in overseeing this particular investigation—and perhaps others from which you should have been recused—was more important than the integrity of the Department.

"The question that this Committee must now ask is why?"

@RepJerryNadler Top Republican, @RepDougCollins: "This is nothing more than a character assassination."

"Yesterday was nothing but pure political theater."

@RepJerryNadler @RepDougCollins More Collins, who is shouting now: "This hearing is pointless. And basically it was made more pointless by the chairman's opening statement."

@RepJerryNadler @RepDougCollins .@RepJerryNadler seen visibly raising his eyebrows at this Collins' opener. I guess this won't be the Congress in which the Judiciary Committee finally comes together after all.

@RepJerryNadler @RepDougCollins Collins ended his fiery opening remarks by calling for the committee to adjourn. Nadler objected, but the request forced a committee vote to keep the hearing going before Mr. Whitaker was even sworn in.

@RepJerryNadler @RepDougCollins Whitaker: "No one is more qualified that Bill Barr."

Whitaker is giving an opening statement for a standard DOJ oversight hearing. Talking about department initiatives, crime, prescription drug abuse. It is lowering the temperature in the room.

This Nadler-Whitaker exchange is something

Whitaker to Nadler: "Mr. Chairman, I see that your five minutes is up."

To be clear, this is unheard of from a witness. Nadler is taking in kind.

After a very long break for votes, we are back.

.@JacksonLeeTX18: Mr. Attorney general, we are not joking here. And your humor is not acceptable."

Whitaker: “I think foreign interference with our election system in the United States is a very serious concern. I also think voter fraud is a serious concern.”