This is a pre-emptive strike by Specter so that the RATS have to become even more shrill in their questioning.
Roberts was going to face these questions anyway; better that he go through this "minuet" with Specter than with Leahy et al.
"Roberts was going to face these questions anyway; better that he go through this "minuet" with Specter than with Leahy et al."
This is the same thing that defense lawyers use to get those questions out of the way so the prosecution cannot use them against the accused.
Roberts knew what Specter was going to ask him. Once answered, anytihng the RATS throw at him can be answered by a simple, "Senator Specter already asked it and it was answered."