Pam Bondi Fires Back Against Dem Senator's Bullying Routine: 'I'm Not Here to Do Your Homework'
Another day brought another Democratic misstep during confirmation hearings, this time involving the Senate Judiciary Committee and attorney general nominee Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general.
The session became a spectacle, with California Senator Alex Padilla going viral for his poorly framed line of questioning. Topics ranged from the 2020 election to birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment, but Bondi’s sharp retorts quickly stole the show.
One of the most pointed moments came when Padilla questioned Bondi about her role representing then-President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania during the 2020 election, where Trump legally challenged the results. Padilla pressed her with a simple demand: “Will you retract your previous statements that Trump won Pennsylvania in the 2020 election, yes or no?”
Bondi responded, “I traveled to Pennsylvania, and let me tell you about what I saw.” When Padilla insisted on a yes or no answer, she refused, prompting him to dismiss her response: “I’m going to move on because she’s clearly not answering my questions.” He then compared her to Rudy Giuliani, another Trump attorney.
“It’s imperative, Ms. Bondi, that you subscribe to facts and evidence and not politically convenient conspiracy theories,” Padilla lectured.
Bondi, unfazed, waited for her chance to reply. When Padilla pointed at her, signaling her opportunity, she began to speak. But Padilla interrupted her again, diving into a question about the 14th Amendment.
“You pointed your finger at me and said you were speaking. Let me answer your question. I’m not going to be bullied by you, Sen. Padilla,” she declared.
As Padilla continued to cut her off, she added, “I guess you didn’t want to hear my answer about Pennsylvania.”
Padilla then shifted to the topic of the 14th Amendment, asking her to explain the clause granting citizenship to those born in the United States. His question was met with one of Bondi’s most memorable quips: “Senator, I’m here to answer your questions. I’m not here to do your homework and study for you.”
Padilla protested, “You’re the one asking for a confirmation vote, ma’am,” while continuing to speak over her.
“Hey, you cut me off — can I please finish?” Bondi responded, clarifying that “the 14th Amendment — we all know — addresses birthright citizenship.” She added a final jab: “I didn’t take your homework assignment, I’m sorry. I was preparing for today.”
The Bondi hearings followed another contentious confirmation session the previous day, where Democrats struggled to land a blow on Pete Hegseth, one of Trump’s more controversial nominees. Despite months of buildup and accusations against Hegseth, their efforts fell flat, leaving little doubt about his likely confirmation.
In Bondi’s case, her confirmation appears equally inevitable. Still, the hearing highlighted the Democrats’ lack of coordination and energy, with Padilla standing out as the most flustered member of the Judiciary Committee.
The hearings underscored a broader problem for Democrats still reeling from significant losses in November. While they continue to employ phrases like “election denier” and “undocumented migrants,” the delivery feels half-hearted, reflecting a growing sense that their efforts are futile.
It’s as though the wave of momentum from 2020 has receded, leaving behind a process that feels tired and unconvincing. Even as they cling to their ideals, the passion behind them seems to have waned.