Actually, Oren Hatch got in a great shot at The Swimmer during the Clarence Thomas debate: The Swimmer made some comments similar to his rant about "Robert Bork's America" at which point an outraged Hatch took the floor and sputtered, "If the Senator from Massachusetts believes THAT ... well, then I have a BRIDGE I'd like to sell him." The next sound heard was dropping jaws hitting the desks. I was watching PBS' coverage and the looks on the faces of Nina Tottenberg and Daniel Schoor was priceless. (Moments later Hatch, having swerved into the truth, realized what he said and apologized to his friend Ted.)
I wish I'd seen that. Too bad Senator Hatch didn't have the guts to stick by his statement.It was only the truth,and only inadvertantly touching on it,at that. It's like being afraid to hurt a murderer's feelings-a little TOO much nicety,I'd think.
Thus originated the Senate adage "Don't count your Hatches until they chicken".
And that should tell you something about the lack of spine in Orrin Hatch!!!!!!!!