The comments which follow the video argue over whether the dustup actually advances the investigation. It has.
First, it has set the ground rules about what will be tolerated from witnesses. I think that announcement should be made that the video of this professor's performance will be made available to every student and every faculty member in his university. Let these academics know that their days of pontificating are over. Come before this committee as a propagandist and you will be publicly humiliated.
Second, Gowdy showed that he will not be interrupted and will not tolerate obstructionism from the Democrats. Again, a procedural observation but absolutely essential to a well ordered proceeding. We have seen what the Democrats will do in order to disrupt the proceedings even resorting to charges of racism. This cannot be tolerated. Gowdy shuts the disruption down in stentorian tones, "you are not recognized!"
Third, Gowdy showed that he will not permit Democrats to set the ground rules or the definitions by which the committee will proceed. Put another way, he will not permit them to structure a hearing that departs from common sense. Leftists, especially academic leftists, often win their arguments by changing definitions. Every trial lawyer knows that if you control the questions you control the answers. Gowdy knows that if you control the definitions you control the answers. This hearing will proceed applying standards for ethical conduct which are rational rather than those contrived for it by this academic.
Fourth, it is likely that this video clip will go viral and be picked up at least by Fox. Gowdy thus draws attention to the committee which the establishment media will seek to avoid. Gowdy's showmanship-yes that's part of his job too-draws attention to the committee's work which the media eventually will have to acknowledge.
Fifth, Gaddy has demonstrated once again that the guy has depth and an ability to think quickly on his feet. He has shown us that he plans his cross examination in advance and knows where he wants to go. He anticipates shenanigans from the other side and is ready to react. In addition to that, he is good at ad lib. and we can have confidence that unlike so many Republicans we have seen in the past Gowdy will conduct these hearings as though he were prosecuting crime and not permit them to disintegrate into Washington farce.
