Only a "meltdown"

The big show in Washington this week has been the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

In my opinion, Judge Sotomayor has done a fine job in dealing with her interrogators -- the friendly ones, the not-so-friendly ones, and even the racist nutjobs. She has generally come across as poised, prepared, and prudent (alliteration unintentional).

And that means that it is likely that she will be confirmed.

In fact, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said to Sotomayor, "Unless you have a complete meltdown, you are going to be confirmed."

While I appreciate Sen. Graham's reassurance, I winced at his use of the word "meltdown".

Would he have used that term if he had been talking to a man? I cannot read the senator's mind, but I suspect not.

The word "meltdown" implies emotion and drama -- two qualities that some men tend to associate more with women than with other men.

But, to her credit, Judge Sotomayor has displayed neither during the hearings this week. Instead, she has remained ever calm, focused, and professional.

And that must surely have caught some of the more right-leaning senators off-guard.