I suspect there is a story behind the story. Cummings and the democrats had cooked up some scheme to either put words of innocence in Lerner’s mouth or make some announcement to throw a wrench into things. Issa caught wind of it and was ready, which is why he was so quick and assertive. And the peanut gallery yelling ‘shame’ so quickly (they were not surprised) tells me they were in on the plan.
No one said a thin when Waxman told the Republican Rep to shut up and that he would have him thrown out of the hearing if he said another word, Oh right it’s Ok because he’s a Democrat.