Democrats and Republicans were all smiles Thursday after fireworks erupted in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing amid a heated battle over the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Senate Democrats enjoyed the opportunity to relieve a pressure valve with liberal activists frustrated at their perceived lack of aggressive action to block President Trump’s pick to succeed Anthony Kennedy on the high court. Senate Republicans welcomed the chance to amass more evidence to use against vulnerable, red-state Democratic incumbents in the fast-approaching midterm elections.