The question seemed simple enough. To paraphrase, the question was who lost the 2020 election.
That question led to an exchange between Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi Wednesday during a confirmation hearing, per The Hill.
Durbin asked whether President-elect Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.
Bondi took the Republican stance by saying President Joe Biden is now the president.
She would not say Trump lost. She also said the transition between Trump and Biden’s presidencies was a peaceful one.
She claimed this despite the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
“President Biden is the president of the United States. He was duly sworn in, and he is the president of the United States. There was a peaceful transition of power. President Trump left office and was overwhelmingly elected in 2024,” Bondi said.
She went on to talk about possible fraud in Pennsylvania.
“What I can tell you is what I saw firsthand when I went to Pennsylvania as an advocate for the campaign. … I saw many things there. But do I accept the results? Of course, I do.”
Durbin was not happy with that statement.
“I think that question deserved yes or no, and I think the length of your answer is an indication that you weren’t prepared to answer yes,” he said.
Bondi was also asked about possible pardons for those convicted for the Jan. 6 riot.
“The pardons, of course, fall under the president, but if asked to look at those cases, I will look at each case and advise on a case-by-case basis, just as I did my entire career as a prosecutor,” she said.
“Let me be very clear in speaking to you: I condemn any violence on a law enforcement officer in this country.”
