Senator Byrd is fond of oration as an art form, and he does love an audience. I don’t believe he is the same person as he was years ago. As to the treatment of Condi Rice, it may be embarrassing, but the Dems are making a statement. They’re telling her that she’s in the big leagues now and that she is accountable to Congress. They’re also not happy with the President and giving him just the faintest whiff of what a real confirmation fight can be like. Can you imagine having to listen to Byrd and Boxer for weeks on end?