[untenured]

I admit I found this whole episode strange. What is the point (other than fair play) of allowing him to come over here, make a telegenically crackpot opening statement and then face a few relatively inconsequential questions from senators before being dismissed?

[Brilliant]

Maybe they were giving him an opportunity to commit perjury.

[Betaille]

"face a few relatively inconsequential questions from senators before being dismissed?"

Exactly. It seems like they were just setting up a soap box for him.

[cyncooper]

What is the point (other than fair play) of allowing him to come over here, make a telegenically crackpot opening statement and then face a few relatively inconsequential questions from senators before being dismissed?

He announced he was coming here after the Committee released the documents last week detailing Galloway's and a couple other European politician's ties to the illegal oil for food scam.

It's his strategy. Some think Coleman baited him. Perhaps. And here he was, under oath.

I completely disagree with your characterization of "inconsequential questions" as it ignores the entire first panel and Coleman's impressive opening welcoming Galloway and even Sen. Levin's consequential questioning.