Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings: Who's the Joke On?

The Sonia Sotomayor confirmation hearings may be short on punchlines, but there is enough material to make you wonder who's getting the last laugh.

I turned on the TV to catch the opening remarks. The things I saw had me wondering if this is all a joke?

Sen. Al Franken attended as a member of the Judiciary Committee. Really? He went from jokes and comedy to sitting on the Judiciary Committee -- with a Supreme Court nomination on the line no less – in one fell swoop?

Sotomayor gave some remarks after listening to a chorus of senators praise her professional qualifications and personal achievements. Her shining moment? Noting her commitment to the "fidelity to the law," something that many will say contrast with her statement that a wise Latina would be a better jurist than a white man based on life experiences, not interpretation of law.

Really? Is this the traditional "everyone move to the right" dance that Democrat-loyal politicos do before elections and appointments?

The big joke during this nomination hearing, however, will likely be on the part of Republicans. If you think that you're going to get A-game opposition to Sotomayor, think again.

Without major ammunition to combat the nomination, Republicans on the Judiciary Committee will walk the fine line of pressing Sotomayor without coming across as actively picking a fight with her, especially as she comes in to replace a fellow liberal. As long as Democrats control Congress and President Obama resides on Pennsylvania Avenue, Republicans have very little to gain from harsh criticism of this selection for the high court, even in light of the recent Ricci decision.

What Republicans will do, perhaps, is use this opportunity to prime the American viewing public for the next round of campaigning, using this high-profile opportunity to present examples that reflect the types of judges and candidates the GOP will begin supporting. The spotlight will not be wasted on attacking a candidate who will be confirmed when the opportunity to contrast philosophies between Democrats and Republicans is evident.

If Republicans play it right, this hearing will be a good opportunity to draw some delineations between themselves and their counterparts without having to put up one of their own in the process.

And if they are successful, it could end up being a good time for everyone.

A comedian can get people to take him seriously as a senator. A judge can have the crowning achievement of her career.

And the Republican Party can get the last laugh.

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Lenny McAllister is a regular on-air personality for FOX Charlotte's 'FOX News Rising' and XM Radio's 'The Power Table.' LennyMcAllister.com includes McAllister's weekly video commentary, courtesy of 'FOX News' - Charlotte. His book, 'Diary of a Mad Black PYC (Proud Young Conservative)' will be available online next month.