The Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court confirmation hearings have now concluded. Largely, the four grueling days of interrogation remained civil between the parties; in contrast to Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation process. Is this a possible glimpse into a more cooperative, civil future in Washington?

There were rare ‘gotcha’ moments, it seemed Judge Barrett came prepared for her interview. In a demonstration of her brilliance she held up her notes – a blank pad of paper.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, holds up a blank notepad after Senator John Cornyn asked her what documents she had on her desk during the second day of her Senate confirmation hearing to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on October 13, 2020. – President Donald Trump’s US Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett faces a sharply divided Senate October 13, 2020 for her first question-and-answer session, with Republicans praising her faith and qualifications and Democrats set to bombard her over healthcare. (Photo by Drew Angerer / POOL / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The hearings had moments of humor and friendly banter between Senators. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) asks Judge Barrett about America’s pastime and tangents to take jabs at the Houston Astros and the two Texas Senators on the Judiciary Committee.

At the conclusion, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein told committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, “Mr. Chairman, I just want to thank you. This has been one of the best Senate hearings that I’ve participated in, and I want to thank you for your fairness and the opportunity of going back and forth. It leaves one with a lot of hopes, a lot of questions, and even some ideas. Perhaps some good bipartisan legislation we can put together to make this great country even better.”

They ended with shaken hands and a hug. That may give a glimmer of hope for a better Washington.