The worst thing about a Congressional closed-door hearing is that the opposition does not get any press when they posture and pontificate on the unfairness of whatever. The best thing about closed-door hearings is that, “The private ones always produce better results.” That’s not my opinion, it’s the opinion of former Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy referring to criticism of his holding closed-door hearings on the Clinton-Benghazi issue.
I can attest to the fact that many politicians speak to get press attention. There was one Montana legislator, a portrayer of historical persons, who would visibly compose himself into a figure worthy of being paid attention to. When he was called upon in committee he would inhale deeply, square his shoulders, turn towards whatever television camera was in the room and begin to utter profound and meaningless twaddle. When there were no cameras present he asked questions and made statements just like everyone else.
It is that very tendency of politicians to call attention to themselves in public meetings that make Gowdy’s statement believable. [In Montana, except in very rare cases such as personnel matters, it is illegal for elected officials to conduct a closed-door meeting.]
