Morning Joe One of the saddest performances in Capitol Hill history: Joe stunned by AG Bondi’s hearing
Feb 12, 2026
Michael Schnell, a Congressional reporter with on-the-ground Capitol Hill experience, describes heated hearings and political fallout. He covers Pam Bondi's combative testimony and avoidance of Epstein questions. Schnell discusses how the hearing energized advocates and the broader consequences for lawmakers and party reputation.
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Hearing Damaged Bondi's Credibility
- Pam Bondi's hearing was described as a humiliating, cringe-inducing performance by Joe Scarborough and others.
- Speakers argued it revealed a shift from principle to loyalty to power and damaged her reputation and credibility.
Evasive Answers Raised Cover-Up Fears
- Bondi repeatedly avoided direct answers about Epstein files, prompting questions about who she might be protecting.
- Hosts and guests said her attacks and talking points masked a lack of factual responses on indictments and redactions.
Binders Flopped And Backfired
- Mark Caputo and others recalled Bondi handing out binders of Epstein material to right-wing influencers that contained little of substance.
- That move and subsequent actions have repeatedly backfired and renewed public interest in the files.