Kagan Surprises Senate Judiciary Committee With Home Made Cookies

grandma with cookiesWASHINGTON - Elena Kagan, President Obama’s choice to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens on the United States Supreme Court, moved one step closer to confirmation yesterday when she surprised the Senate Judiciary Committee with two dozen freshly baked cookies.

Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama), normally a tough inquisitor, was effusive with his praise. “Little lady, if you are as good with case law as you are with a rolling pin, I predict smooth sailing through this Committee.”  The Senator then delivered a ten minute tribute to the delicious, melt-in-your mouth quality of Ms. Kagan’s treats, which he entered into the Congressional Record.

Ms. Kagan attended yesterday’s hearings wearing a broad smile and a flour-covered apron.  She told the Senators she had spent the preceding eight hours in her kitchen hunched over a mixing bowl and a Black’s Law dictionary. 

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Chairman of the Committee, distributed the cookies to his colleagues in order of seniority.

The only discordant note of the morning was provided by Senator Orin Hatch (R-Utah) when he  asked a series of probing questions concerning the amount of butter Ms. Kagan uses in her chocolate chip recipe, but each time the nominee deftly avoided any revealing  answers.  ”I don’t think its appropriate to speculate on issues I may be forced to confront when baking again,” she said.

When President Obama heard about Ms. Kagan’s gesture, he gave a knowing smile and nodded.  “This is exactly the kind of real-life experience the American people deserve from a nominee to the highest court in the land,” he added.  “I wouldn’t be surprised if she brought a couple of pies tomorrow.”

Jul 1