Yep. Prepared isn't the right word, I think he walked in without doing any "special" preparation. He knows the law, he's honest, he knows how to read the questions, and he is exceptionally capable of composing responsive answers on the fly.
Leahy had the most effective "anti" attack so far, and it stunk as such.
That's the way he's coming across to me too, and I think that's a good thing. Portends well for the Court, but I think a lot of viewers will pick up on it too. His poll numbers are already favorable for confirmation.
I heard a caller (obviously liberal) on C-Span say that Alito's wife was being "unfair" to Dems on the panel, by her facial expressions when the camera is on Alito, and her. He said she kept looking at someone off to the side and making faces. I think it's hilarious, but I'm wondering if the MSM is going to focus on it in a negative way now.