"When the Senate ceases to engage nominees in meaningful discussion of legal issues, the confirmation process takes on an air of vacuity and farce, and the Senate becomes incapable of either properly evaluating nominees or appropriately educating the public"

This quote by Elena Kagan speaks with the value of meaningful discussion in the Senate verification procedure. She argues that when the Senate stops working to engage candidates in meaningful discussion of legal issues, the confirmation process loses its worth and becomes a farce. This absence of meaningful discussion avoids the Senate from properly evaluating candidates and informing the public. Kagan highlights the need for significant dialogue in order to make sure that the confirmation procedure works and that the public is informed. She thinks that meaningful conversation is important for the Senate to satisfy its role in the verification process.