Watt's grandson steals spotlight at Holder hearing
Washington (CNN) - Democratic Congressmen Mel Watt brought his one-year-old grandson to Attorney General Eric Holder's hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
Watt was questioning Holder when the child became restless, and the open microphone carried the sound of a small voice throughout the hearing room, over the airwaves, and across the internet during coverage of the hearing.
Holder drew a few laughs from the crowd in response to the baby's appearance saying, "Mr. Watt you are only supposed to do that at your confirmation hearing. That's when you roll out the kids…"
Watt replied, "I am just trying to get my line of questions. I have been in the back listening. Nico says you have done a good job to this point."
The Congressman later clarified, noting the interest from the crowd, "Just for everybody's information, this is my grandson."
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Bob Goodlatte also acknowledged the baby before moving on saying, "And a very effective line of questioning, and particularly on the part of Nico. We're glad to have you both here"
Watt acknowledged he was trying to multi-task during the Holder hearing.
"I was babysitting," Watt told CNN in a phone call as the hearing continued, saying his wife Eulada and daughter-in-law Daisy were at a luncheon with the First Lady, and his son Brian was "3,000 miles away, they live in California."
"The babysitting fell to me, which was fine, as part of the responsibility parents and grandparents have," he said.
The congressman acknowledged some people thought it was disruptive, saying "I've been getting some ugly calls that I was demeaning the hearing, but I don't think so."
He said he didn't want too much attention paid to the complaints for fear of generating more.
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Daycare costs are expensive. I've had to bring my pre-school aged son to work a few times myself.
Probably smarter then all gop members of the house and senate and hell work for minimum wage with no benfits,that's what the gop wants!!!!!
He's got my vote !!!!!
Cute child, but this should be in the 'gut check' section, and Holder telling Issa off should be here.
I will lift a glass of wine and toast Eric Holder. It's time somebody put Issablithering idiot in his place.
What a cutie – I can see where he'd steal the show! Are you sure he's only a year old? He looks more like he's two or three.
doesn't thi sguy know it could be classified as child abuse to expose somebody this young to the lies and deceit of eric holder??? for god's sake man, get a babysitter. aren't we paying you enough?
This is sureal...what on earth is this Rep doing with a child on his lap at a hearing of this magnitude ?????? Does he not take this seriously ?? T5he Chairman should have politely asked him to have one of his staff take care of the child untill the hearing was over.
Not the place for a 1 year old dude....
It was an improper thing to do, but some people disregard all propriety.
Sound like a good grandad to me .
Who's for kid and who's just kidding?
Nice to see some much needed human discourse in the harsh polictical climate of the day
Nico is pretty cool.
This was obviously planned. No one brings their baby to court, so why does this guy, with such serious subject matter, think that it's ok to bring his grandkid to a hearing? Lock this guy up, take away his post, no, lock 'em all up I say.
Boy thank you for a human moment/ They are so far and few between.
I love babies and toddlers. But really, that is a bit unprofessional. I wouldn't dare bring my one year old to my office nor a closed conference room and I am sure my job is not as important as your – Mr. Watts.
This is
Seriously front page
News..?
Welcome to TMZ
So the man brought his grandson to work, get over it.
The people that thought the presence of that child demeaned the hearing ought to worry about the Congress's staggering lack of accomplishment and inability to work with anyone who doesn't share their ideas or ideals.
Distraction 101
Thank you, Congressman Mel Watt, for bringing your grandson, Nico, to the House Judiciary Committee and giving attention to the future leaders of America. Reasonable minds would understand family considerations totally. Keep up your outstanding work for the citizens of the United States.
What the heck was a kid doing at a Congressional Hearing?
If these congressmen can't act professional and respect their appointments, then that just says the whole system is a pathetic joke.
Next time you have surgery, would you be concerned if your doctor had there kid in their lap playing with a scalpel?
I don't think it was a problem with the little one , the problem is the press talking about it
The first lady couldn't figure out how to get a baby sitter during the luncheon she was hostessing? I thought she was "kid friendly." Really insensitive situation on her part.
Got to give it to CNN! Holder was grilled and came across as a sleezy lyar. Shouting back & forth. All CNM reports is about the 1 yr old! Even NBC reported this. No wonder CNN is loosing audience! This is a prime example of pretending nothing happened at the hearings today . All attention was on the little boy, while Holder came across as an irresponsible sleezy liar! Why not report about Holders ridiculous performance ? CNN is really biaised !
Normal people would just consider a "bring your kid to work day" not such a big deal. But of course liberals think that Grandpa should have had the child listed as a ward of the state. They constanly disdain the concept of "family" as it is grossly archaic. "The parents should have aborted the child if they can't take care of it!"