At 76, maybe Sen. Patrick Leahy’s getting forgetful. Or more likely, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee has become even more calculating with age. Either possibility might explain his recent attacks on Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Alabama nominee for attorney general who Leahy used to love.

Sure, Leahy voted against Sessions when Reagan nominated him for a federal judgeship. But for almost two decades after, the two were always cordial, striking up what might count as a friendship. But now that Sessions is up for a promotion, Leahy’s gone sour.