The Kavanaugh Hearing

I went for a meeting on the trading floor just as Brett Kavanaugh began reading his opening remarks in the hearing where he is addressing allegations of sexual misconduct. TV monitors around the room displayed the video feed along with the usual array of scrolling headlines and stock tickers. This isn’t unusual; traders watch news and financial reports throughout day and make decisions based on unfolding events.

What catapulted his particular moment into an unprecedented level of bizarreness was the fact that several people around the room were streaming the video on their PCs and playing the audio at full volume. Kavanaugh’s angry monologue echoed loudly through the room. I heard someone ask, “Why is he shouting at us?”

I joked with someone that I know there that this broadcast could be considered a violation of HR policy. They didn’t bother to reply. Apparently, no subject is too tawdry for a trading floor.