So far in the Kagan hearings, we've had scattered 10-minute breaks or recesses (Senate equivalent of a NASCAR pit stop) and then one long break for lunch. The chairman will announce the breaks, and it's basically at his discretion on when we get these breaks and how long they are. Here's a peek at what happens (for a reporter, at least) when you hear those blessed words from the chairman that we're taking a 10-minute break:
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| Where we reporters go (sometimes) on break during Kagan hearings: the stakeout. Senators come out and give comments. |
- There's usually a stakeout right outside the hearing room. Senators will come outside and make comments (you can see these on CSPAN) and reporters can ask a few questions. In this climate, it's usually every journalist for himself or herself - to get a question in, it depends on how bold you are and where you're standing. Note: the lights in the picture are from the TV cameras.
- If you decide you don't have to listen to the stakeout, you usually don't have time to run and grab food, but you can munch on whatever you've brought with you (NOT in the hearing room - there, only water is allowed).
- You can also use the time to get other interviews or call sources, but since reporters are allowed to come and go as needed in the hearing room, that isn't as necessary (though probably a good practice if you want to be as least disruptive as possible).
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| What this place looks like during break...the view from my seat. |
Note: space is kind of tight, but everyone understands that's the way it goes, and there's kind of a fraternity among reporters about things like squeezing in and out of your seat (even Kate Moss would have trouble) and helping each other plug laptops in outlets that are buried under a mess of wires and tables.
