Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Watch: The moment a US Senator's phone played 'Let It Go' at a committee hearing

Pat Roberts is 78 years old.

FOR SOME BIZARRE reason, US Senator Pat Roberts didn’t appear the least bit embarrassed when his phone went off in a committee hearing room, with the first few bars of the ubiquitous ’Frozen’ theme.

The 78-year-old Kansas lawmaker was questioning Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday when his phone starting playing ‘Let It Go’.

Vilsack tried in vain to repress a smile as an apologetic Roberts fumbled with the device and quipped, ‘just let it go’ (a decent response, at short notice) .

Les Grossman 2015 Channel / YouTube

Twitter – as they say – went wild.

Roberts’ 2014 primary opponent, Milton Wolf, was amongst those offering snarky commentary on the incident.

He said he figured Roberts was “more like a Sleeping Beauty kinda guy.”

Meanwhile, the politician’s office said in an email to AP that the senator’s “Frozen” ringtone was for his grandkids. He has five.

Additional reporting, AP. 

Read: TDs experience what it’s like to struggling to make ends meet on social welfare

Read: Brian Cowen won’t be at the banking inquiry until July – and it’s already cost €2m

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
24 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute little jim
    Favourite little jim
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:10 AM

    I’d be more concerned with a grandparents who didn’t know about Frozen.
    Fair play to gramps, family’s important.

    175
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon
    Favourite Simon
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 8:58 AM

    He handled it ok in fairness

    169
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Murphy
    Favourite Sean Murphy
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 4:18 PM

    I always take my elderly mothers phone and put Dodge ring tones on it. Then ring her when she’s on bus or at bingo. Last one I put on was from Team America called everyone has aids.
    I’m a bold son.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frederick Constant
    Favourite Frederick Constant
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 8:59 AM

    Good for him!

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Scorpionvenomm
    Favourite Scorpionvenomm
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:13 AM

    That made me laugh classic eh :)

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauliebhoy
    Favourite Pauliebhoy
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:15 AM

    It was a one off, it doesn’t happen Olaf the time Sven his phone rings, however I believe he was told turn it off or Elsa leave the room, unfortunately for him his phone was Frozen Anna wouldn’t turn off.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robyn Morton
    Favourite Robyn Morton
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:21 AM

    Sorry Paulie, but I think you tried too hard there.

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauliebhoy
    Favourite Pauliebhoy
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Snow harm in it

    69
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robyn Morton
    Favourite Robyn Morton
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:33 AM

    I know, and I appreciate that more effort was put into it than the average Journal comment ;-)

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute little jim
    Favourite little jim
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:36 AM

    Left me cold.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 11:02 AM

    Was on a packed bus one evening and a young woman’s phone went off with the ringtone (Tarzan roar). It was in her bag but she couldn’t get at it. To be fair to her she just laughed. It was very funny and seemed to cheer everyone up on a wet miserable evening.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jake Race
    Favourite Jake Race
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:26 AM

    Dafuq is Frozen?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Bloggs
    Favourite Joe Bloggs
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:41 AM

    Oh my God Jake you are so cool

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Jim-Jim
    Favourite Jimmy Jim-Jim
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 10:34 AM

    A Disney film that’s been on the go for about a year now. Apparently it’s different to all the other kids films because princesses save the day, unlike every other kids film ever.

    16
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jake Race
    Favourite Jake Race
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 12:23 PM

    I know Joe, I know.

    @Jimmy Jim-Jim

    I see, so the feminazis have infiltrated Disney. :-(

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Jim-Jim
    Favourite Jimmy Jim-Jim
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 2:05 PM

    It was nice when music, films, games and sport were apolitical.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B-Egan
    Favourite B-Egan
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:03 AM

    Old old men in old old politics.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TradeLead Steve
    Favourite TradeLead Steve
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:02 AM

    Is that a Britney Spears song ?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Feargal A Hickey
    Favourite Feargal A Hickey
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 9:42 AM

    No but I’d say she wishes it was

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rochelle
    Favourite Rochelle
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 10:46 AM

    Looks like a stunt. He interrupts the speaker, draws immediate attention to it, references the song playing and makes a quip about it. Could have just quietly turned it off without making a scene if he wanted.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Ellis
    Favourite Shane Ellis
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 10:16 PM

    Cynical ploy to make him seem more human and less reptilian.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Carroll
    Favourite Michael Carroll
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 12:10 PM

    Not news

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daniel R
    Favourite Daniel R
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 1:31 PM

    I know- Twitter going wild
    they should Let It Go already

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gerry campbell
    Favourite gerry campbell
    Report
    Apr 17th 2015, 11:25 AM

    Good man pat

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.