Democrats are feeling buoyed following a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, where her combative stance and evasion of key questions may have inadvertently galvanized their campaign for the midterm elections.

In a session that extended over four hours, Bondi, the nation’s top law enforcement officer, consistently sidestepped inquiries from Democratic lawmakers concerning the Justice Department’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Instead of direct answers, she often deflected, questioning representatives about crime in their own districts, or resorted to personal attacks, such as her harsh rebuke of Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, whom she labeled a “washed-up, loser lawyer."

The atmosphere reached a peak when Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) criticized Bondi's preparedness for the hearing, likening her thick binder of notes to a “burn book.” Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) expressed his disappointment, noting that the hearing lacked the decorum typically expected in an oversight review of the Department of Justice.

Despite the hostility, Democrats believe Bondi’s demeanor could work in their favor, illustrating what they describe as a need to restore dignity and effectiveness to Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin emphasized the necessity of subpoena power to hold figures like Bondi accountable, a power Democrats would regain should they win back the majority.

Adding a personal dimension to the proceedings, Democrats arranged for approximately ten victims of Epstein’s abuse to be present in the hearing room, offering Bondi a chance to directly engage with them—an opportunity she declined. This move, along with the pointed questions from Democratic members, was designed to highlight their commitment to justice for Epstein's victims and contrast it against what they view as a politically motivated obstruction from Republicans.

Even within Bondi’s party, cracks showed, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) criticizing her for inadequate compliance with legal transparency regarding the Epstein files. Massie, who has clashed with President Trump’s administration, underscored the ongoing internal conflicts within the Republican Party.

As the hearing concluded, Democrats, including Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), were confident that Bondi’s performance and the overall handling of the hearing by Republicans would resonate negatively with the public, bolstering the Democratic narrative of seeking a return to normalcy and proper governance.

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) defended Bondi, asserting that crime rates have dropped under her and the president’s leadership. However, his was a lone voice of outright support amidst a chorus of criticism, setting the stage for what might become a significant electoral issue as the midterms approach.