Let's Give Them Something to Talk About

What is it with some witnesses at committee hearings anyway?

The other day, I watched this witness testify before a House committee. And, maybe I'm seeing something they don't.

But, he seemed to laugh just a little to loud.

You know the laugh. During his testimony, he had that I'm-laughing-with-you-committee-members-kind-of-laugh. That laugh that signals "I'm just one of the boys - trying to help out you guys who are doing great things for this great state." But, means, "Really, I'm so much smarter than you guys, it hurts me to be here." (Except for the money he makes.)

And, he stared just a little too long.

You know the look. He catches the eye of each one of the members with a meaningful glance. It says, "Mr. Committee Member, you are the only one on the whole Committee smart enough to understand what I'm saying. Thank god you are on this committee." But means, "Really, I hope you can possibly understand anything I'm saying."

And, yes, he seemed to stand just a little too close.

You know how close. After the hearing he went up to the Chairman to "chat." Body language that says, "I know you well enough to be this close and I want everybody in the room to know." But, it really means, "I'm desperate for everybody to think you and I have a personal relationship."

Again, I may be seeing something they don't, but it seems to me this witness is getting paid the big bucks to flirt with the Committee Members. What do you think?