criminal trial if they are suspected of conspiring to aid terrorists? >> senator feinstein, this will i think very much be a case that may come before the court. senator kyl, i would not want to characterize the current court in any way. i hope one day to join it. >> and they said you're not political. right? >> reporter: on that point, kagan admitted -- >> my political views are generally progressive. >> reporter: but also promised -- >> -- that my politics would be, must be, have to be completely separate from my judgment. >> reporter: throughout the day, kagan tried to disarm senators by interjecting with humor. >> this is softball. wouldn't you say -- >> promise? >> i promise. i just ask you where you're at on christmas. >> like all jews, i was probably at a chinese restaurant. >> kagan did answer some questions on hot-button issues