Sheldon Whitehouse actually said...

"These calls for restraint and modesty, and complaints about 'activist' judges, are often codewords, seeking a particular kind of judge who will deliver a particular set of political outcomes."

"It is fair to inquire into a nominee's judicial philosophy, and we will here have a serious and fair inquiry."

"And so when we come to this distinguished Committee and say that this was in keeping with the practice of the Second Circuit, we have looked at it in every way that we possibly can to ensure what took..."

"I particularly reject the analogy of a judge to an 'umpire' who merely calls 'balls and strikes.'"