6 takeaways from the Senate’s surreal virtual hearing on the U.S. coronavirus response
WASHINGTON — The Senate’s first major hearing on the Covid-19 pandemic began with the sounds of Bernie Sanders muttering. The progressive lawmaker had, relatably, forgotten to mute himself.
Soon after, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) briefly froze on screen from what appeared to be her kitchen. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, spoke in front of a blindingly white backdrop that lent his testimony a saintlike air. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) orchestrated the hearing from his basement lair.
