Thread by @AG_Conservative

So let's talk about this Elise Stefanik thing because there seems to be a lot of dishonesty and confusion surrounding it.

This started with a resolution passed almost exclusively by Democrats (+ Amash) regarding how impeachment will proceed.

docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/…

That resolution set out the rules of the hearing from the other day. It was passed by the House, but R's did not agree with it.

One part of the resolution explained how the questioning would work for that hearing.

Specifically, it stated that Schiff or Nunes would split time (up to 90 min total) questioning the witnesses. They can defer to committee staff for questions during that period.

It is not accurate to suggest R's agreed with that rule, but it was passed by the House & legit.

Stefanik interrupted on several occasions to try to ask questions in defiance of that rule. Her argument was that the rule didn't make sense and Nunes should be able to defer to other committee members.

Schiff/Dems rejected that argument (which is their right).

Stefanik's play, like most things in that hearing, was for show. It was a political play. She can be criticized for that, especially knowing what the rule was, but those optics games are common in these hearings.

It's why many of us oppose public hearings.

With that said, the abusive reaction and outrage has been disproportionate for something that is really rather usual for these partisan public hearings.

Several figures on the left have called her "trash" and attacked her personally for doing what many others have done.

In fact, we had a very similar thing happen earlier this year with Elizabeth Warren. She intentionally and knowingly violated House rules to attack Sessions in a speech. She knew it was a violation and McConnell stepped int enforce the rules. The reaction was quite different.

While Stefanik's stunt was met with outrage form reporters and personal attacks, Warren's was extensively praised. And McConnell was extensively attacked as sexist for enforcing the rules launching the "she persisted" meme. Here are some headlines:

So was "Warren" also trash and a liar for knowingly violating a rule she didn't agree with? Or should she just have been called out for a minor political stunt?

Was Schiff also sexist for enforcing that rule? Or were the attacks against McConnell BS?

Can't have it both ways....