The endemic hypocrisy of the GOP and Trump is due to their judging people by how those people's Actions affect them - whereas they judge themselves and other Republicans only by their Intent, whereby they can do no wrong.
This common bias clouds their judgment and is why they support Kavanaugh (they see his intent as innocent while ignoring the act) and also why Republicans and Trump say every action against them is politically motivated.
Further, this psychological bias of intent for us and actions for you is why the Trumpsters say they're not racist, although supporting the proud racist Trump indelibly makes them so.
18
A well thought of professor bringing this up now, with all the publicity, can only be doing this truthfully. This very pricey private boys school has a history of cleaning up after the rich brats. The eyewitness even wrote a book about the drunken debauchery. Meanwhile many poor kids in Baltimore caught with a joint had their futures ruined.
It remains true that rich people can get away with anything.
52
‘Accusations’ are not equivalent to facts. To behave as though they are smacks of totalitarianism. The burden of proof is on the accuser....and unless she can prove Kavanaugh’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt...which she won’t be able to do...he is presumed innocent. That’s how the judiciary works in this country.
18
To those who feel that, even if he did do it when he was 17, that he should be forgiven because of stellar conduct since then: Ask yourself if you would hire a man with this in his past to coach your daughter’s swim team or be your children’s high school principal, or would you send your daughter to stay with him (alone) while you were on vacation? I am not afraid of the conduct itself but rather his subconscious view of women. A Supreme Court Justice, an appointed for life, should be of “unimpeachable” integrity.
50
Most people don't know the difference between factual news and embellished propaganda with holes. The comments prove that. And no mention of what Independents think.
21
The GOP will jam Kavanaugh's nomination through along party lines before the midterms (which is why they are rushing), and once he is on SCOTUS Roe vs. Wade will be overturned 5-4.
And there's nothing Democrats can do about it. That's what this is all about.
22
The demographics of this article are problematic. If the point is to present this case as seen by the court of public opinion, why is the NYT not offering perspectives that better represent our diverse population? Why offer this town in particular a voice?
13
If Dr. Blasey's accusation is true, the issue is not whether Judge Kavanaugh should be forgiven for assaulting her when he was a teenager but whether he should be forgiven for lying about it now when he is an adult.
43
I thought it was common knowledge that people abused in this way often repressed the memory. Remember all the kids abused by priests, boys and girls, many don’t mention it for years. And many more never mention it.
I know people.
Of course Dr. Ford is telling the truth. A successful professional woman thought she didn’t have enough excitement in her life, so she decided to open herself and family up tp ridicule, and death threats. That’s the story these Senate Republicans want you to believe.
Or
They think this is just boys will be boys. You can’t hold an attempted rape against a 17 y.o. Just a kid, we have to forgive him. No we don’t forgive a person put up for a lifetime appointment as a Supreme. His attitudes towards women will affect decisions for the next 30- 40 years.
39
Many people believe in something, and especially about politics. In one presidential election, many people voted for Pogo, 1957. Alvin the chipmunk in 1960.Magilla Gorilla, 1964. And one of my favorites, Snoopy the beagle. His economic platform was “Pizza on every table,” “federal aid to surfing.” All of them had many votes. There is no way to prove what happened. But we do know that there hasn't been even a peep about something like this for the rest of his life since he was a 17-18 year old.
10
What I would like to see serious and deep reporting on is specifically Republican women and how they justify supporting Kavanaugh and also how they justify supporting Trump in light of his Access Hollywood tape, the dozen credible allegations of sexual assault, stormy daniels, and his zealous attempt to roll back women's rights to choose.
It may be a personal blind spot, but I cannot find a single reason a woman would support either one of these clowns.
49
I think she should say I will take $500,000.00 not to spill the beans.
Then she should send a question to the committee why is he willto spend $500,000 for me not to speak. The she should ask Trump and his son if they would consider giving $250,000.00 a piece to the hush fund.
4
• When he read the first reports about an anonymous allegation that Judge Kavanaugh might have assaulted a woman in high school, Mr. Elliot said he did not think much of them.
Pause for doubt....
As Michelle Goldberg pointed out on these pages a few days ago, it's not the accuser's accuracy about what may or may not have happened 30-some years ago that is important here, but whether Judge Kavanaugh is lying in his denials and claimed memory lapses and confused identities TODAY or not.
15
Her motive is obvious. But, why is she getting such special treatment?
10
Ford isn’t a blank slate & “presumption of innocence” isn’t “suspension of disbelief”
Ford’s dictates, which turn American jurisprudence on its head, expose her as an anti-democratic anti-constitutionalist
Designed to be rejected, her dictates expose her as dishonest and manipulative
Dershowitz calls her dictates absurd & unAmerican
She must confront accused
She must testify under oath 1st
She must be cross-examined by accused's lawyer
Accused must get everything probative, including full Feinstein letter/Ford's scrubbed yearbook
If Ford wants an investigation, why not go to MD police? The problem is a lack of evidence necessary to investigate (& to disprove).
Ford's fantasy: The FBI's job is to fill in her gaping memory holes & concoct a case against Kavanaugh.
Whether her memory problem is bc of binge drinking 36 yrs ago or bc she marinated for 36 yrs in a murky, kafkaesque world where dreams are reality, Ford's fear seems not being able to keep her story straight.
14
the behavior of the GOP judiciary senate members is really shocking. Sexual abuse allegations have no statute of limitations in the the rest of the US, but on Capitol Hill the statute of limitations is 7 days for such allegations. Senator Grassly seems to have some conscience at least, but we have a senate who questions motives not reason.
Why would any person or persons go through all the hate behavior from all those good christians out there. Don’t people realize the trauma that’s at stake for all parties involved and their families?
Has Forest Trump so turned and twisted the psychology of all those good Christian Americans out their, that they think this is a political caper?
Is America is a mean country full of angry good christians or am I just imagining this? We are all mired in this up to our necks!
11
I have to say I agree with the people interviewed. I tend to believe Dr. Ford, but I question why she came forward now. People do stupid things when they are 17 and drunk, which doesn't excuse it but if there was a pattern of this kind of behavior I would be more on board with holding him responsible to the tune of keeping him off the Supreme Court.
Here’s the 2018 takeaway. It’s still an all boys club and boys will be boys. America is still split into the uneducated and poor and the educated and affluent. Woman, blacks and immigrants are excluded as far as half of America is concerned. On the positive side some people believe we’re making progress.
13
I find it simply amazing how many people on both sides of the aisle have already decided who is guilty in this case. And none of it is based on actual facts. It simply depends on the party that one is associated with. If you’re a liberal, in this case you’d probably be saying that the accuser is telling the truth but if you’re a conservative, then it’s the judge who is telling the truth. Now, take the case of Keith Ellison. It was headlines for about a day and a half. In that case, liberals did NOT believe the female accuser but believed the liberal congressman, and conservatives believed the accuser. And, once again, the facts played little, if any, role in that decision. It is so clearly obvious, that who is lying and who is telling the truth has absolutely nothing to do with facts and everything to do with your political party. What sad times we are living in when the actual truth is NOT our prime focus. Is it really that difficult to wait for all the facts to come out BEFORE we decide who is right and who is wrong ? Apparently, the answer is a resounding YES. And THAT is a black mark on all of us.
17
Are we sure there is no statute of limitations in Maryland for a 4th-degree misdemeanor sexual assault between two juveniles, two years apart in age?
3
BOTH sides should be heard. However, Judge Kavanaugh has already been tried in the court of public opinion. The Judiciary Committee should have investigated this back in July but intentionally timed the release of this information for political gains. This could have been dealt with professionally and compassionately. We have two victims. One is presumed guilty until proven innocent. The other has to publicly relive the experience in the media every single day. Who wins in this case? There have been two high profile assault cases in recent memory where the victims gave detailed accounts of gang rape. The Duke lacrosse case (2006) and the recent UVA fraternity scandal (2015). Both accusers eventually admitted to lying. Why? Only those women know but incidents like that 1) make it more difficult for women who are truthful to come forward and 2) illustrate the fact that we shouldn’t rush to judge.
6
Well if she’s telling the truth then he’s not. He is willing to lie now to the senate. The FBI should do the diligence.
23
What's so hard to understand about Ford's motive? Her motive is that she does not want her attempted rapist on the Supreme Court.
Feinstein was the one who didn't put this allegations out there until very late in the process. She is a political genius because if Kavanaugh doesn't get confirmed, the Senate is going to have a very hard time getting another justice confirmed before the new members of Congress are in.
4
Judge Kavanaugh, like you and me, makes a choice every step of the way. A different human being, when questioned about such an accusation, might have replied, "Didn't you ever do anything wrong and shameful in your youth?" But such a reply depends upon the exercise of free choice, which is what gives meaning to the word 'integrity'. Judge Kavanaugh, however, isn't acting as a human being endowed with the capacity to choose freely and to recognize the face in the mirror; he's acting as one with a soul diminished by bartering.
In fact isn't it fair to say that this whole Trumpian travesty is an example of the folly of using the end to justify the means - of pragmatism run amok?
Just wondering....
9
Has nothing to do now with Kavsnaugh, the truth, Trump, etc etc
Now it is a matter of who wins.
1
Some question her motive. Maybe they think that she did accuse his abuser to have herself degraded by Republicans in public, something to add to her cv.
7
Mitch McConnell, by refusing to to allow the Senate to consider Obama's nominee for the Scalia vacancy, and the Republican majority on the Judiciary Committee considering the Kavanaugh nomination today who are rushing the Kavanaugh confirmation have already made Judge Kavanaugh a toxic nominee for a SCOTUS appointment. Whatever happens, Kavanaugh will remain tainted by the Republican Senators' mishandling of this appointment. Supreme court decisions in the future will be tainted by the appointments of Gorsuch and Kavanaugh. Thank you McConnell and Republican senators with no moral grounding for politically destroying what should be the least political of our three branches of government. You are all traitors to the ideals of American Democracy.
33
They are fools if they don't pull this nomination... Or Kavanaugh should withdraw, saying that the controversy surrounding his nomination could hurt the court in the eyes of Americans and that he did not want his nomination to diminish the court in any way.
Now that I've given you your lines, Judge Kavenaugh, please take them, recite them, and then go away and leave us alone. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but we're tired and we don't need you.
25
If the Republicans don't question Mark Judge, then they are tying to pull a scam and a coverup. But Blasey Ford should tell her story now regardless.
13
Judge Kavanaugh is fully cognizant of the consequences should he commit perjury. He would not only be rejected for the Supreme Court seat; he would also lose his present position as an appellate court judge, be disbarred, tarnish forever his personal and professional reputation, and commit a mortal sin, thus placing his immortal soul in peril of eternal damnation. That he is willing to swear under oath that he has never, with anyone, committed the crime of which he is accused convinces me that he is telling the truth.
In our history false accusations have generated mass hysteria and harmed innocent people. In Salem, innocent women were hanged based on the false testimony of teenaged girls. In Washington, people lost their careers and reputations on the basis of a false accusation of membership in the Communist Party. Several years ago, preschool teachers were imprisoned for years following children's wild fantasies of hideous sexual assault. More recently here in New York City, five young men spent years behind bars, falsely convicted of raping a woman in Central Park.
I don't see what information any investigation could uncover. The alleged incident is said to have taken place at an unknown location and left no physical evidence. No one has stepped forward to offer eyewitness testimony of having seen both accuser and accused there.
Put both Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Blasey under oath to testify in public. Then we can judge their credibility more fairly.
7
Where exactly are you taking this poll, in the middle of democratic country I assume?
I can tell you that most of the people here in Miami that I know categorically do not believe her, she can't remember what time the plays, she can barely remember it was a man
6
I live ten to fifteen miles south of Doylestown. It is, as you say, a beautifully preserved slice of suburban America.
And the people (for the most part) are right on.
Two thoughts:
(1) Why on earth WOULD a woman--any woman--come forward with a fabricated charge UNLESS--it were true? Older people, of course--like me--remember Anita Hill. When the same question recurred. What on EARTH had the woman to gain by publicly assailing Mr. Thomas?
The Republicans are a little more savvy this time round. They KNOW they cannot simply dismiss Dr. Blasey out of hand. But. . ..
. ..I said a LITTLE more savvy. Down deep, these Republican honchos are ham-handed. Moving heaven and earth to push through Mr. Kavanaugh's nomination. As witness Mr. McConnell's exulting remarks the other day. Made to some right wing group.
And hey! Speaking of Mr. McConnell. . ..
(2) I was oh! so heartened to hear at least ONE person recall those Republican "shenanigans" during the Obama years. To which I say:
YES! YES! YES!
DON'T let the rascals get away with it. DON'T let them forget those pitiful tricks they played only two years ago. DON'T forget the egregious insult they flung in the face of a duly elected President of the United States--"a move," said The Economist recently, "unprecedented in modern times."
You GO, Doylestown!
And you know something?
Doylestown is a pretty nice place.
Think I'll drive up there sometime.
Soon.
14
It has been 74 days since Trump nominated Kavanaugh.
In February 2016, McConnell said “[Scalia’s] vacancy should not be filled by this lame duck president.” That March, Obama nominated Garland, Kavanaugh's boss on the U.S. Court of Appeals for DC. Garland's nomination lasted 293 days, and expired in January 2017 without a Senate hearing or vote.
Ford said she didn’t want to testify until an FBI investigation occurred.
Trump noted that such investigation is "not what they do" and “is not really their thing.”
Trump has “no doubt” about when a 15 year old girl who experienced sexual assault should tell her parents so they can file charges.
Grassley said “The FBI does not make a credibility assessment of any information it receives with respect to a nominee. We have no power to commandeer [the FBI] into conducting our due diligence.”
Only Trump can request an FBI investigation, and Grassly and McConnel could ask him to do so. Which they have not.
It has been 74 days since Trump nominated Kavanaugh.
The unreasonableness, the callousness, of this President and the Republican-led Senate knows no bounds.
54
If Dr. Blasey wishes to be heard by the "people", she should go on "60 Minutes" program - enormous numbers of Citizens will then hear her full story. This could be better for her than to be bullied by Grassley and his Gang!
11
When Republican men in Congress and others question why Ms. Ford did not come forward sooner, it shows complete ignorance -- likely politically motivated -- about being a victim of sexual assault. And raising why Feinstein did not "out" her before Ms. Ford wanted to is simply Republicans making the same tone-deaf point.
I don't understand why the Democrats do not hammer this point home whenever it comes up. Most people understand there is a deep psychological response by assault victims, including feelings of shame.
Instead of giving Republicans any ground, it's time to take off the gloves and go a bare-knuckle round with Republicans on this.
15
What's with this "believe?" We either know or don't. Currently, we don't.
But here is what we do know. The judge refused to answer virtually any question asked of him that was rooted in a fact, and was asked to explain (see questioning by Kamala Harris for evidence).
Here is what we do know. From the judge's evasive, supercilious responses, he clearly indicates his conviction in the notion that he is above being questioned by the likes of Kamala Harris. He thinks he occupies a senior position in society to merit any questioning.
Here is what do know. The religious right, and republicans have started a smear campaign against Ford, that aims to destroy her. What if not 'deplorable' is this behavior?
Here is what we know. Seventy five percent of Alabama's white women voters, voted for a child molester. If this not surrender of reason, and triumph of belief over knowing - then what is? Anyone who asks republicans for an opinion, and expects to hear anything other something rooted in ethno-religious nationalism - has lost his/her senses. We have overwhelming evidence to know this.
Here is also what we do know: The gentleman is unfit to serve as a supreme court justice.
22
Teenage indiscretion is typically pre-frontal lobe immaturity. You can grow out of that. Perjury while under oath before a Senate hearing signals a serious personality flaw along with unbridled ambition. What we are going to do is ignore the elephant in the room. Most jurists recognize perjury as a crime. This is acceptable from a tobacco industry CEO, but do we tolerate it in a Justice? President Trump said he had a full page of really great candidates. Why choose one without a moral code?
33
The Senate and the old crocks running it are making sure this will be nothing more substantive than “he said, she said.”
Except she said, “please have the FBI investigate” and he said nothing.
Grassley is basically putting his hand over Ford’s mouth to muffle her just like Kavanaugh did 36 years ago.
60
In the Trump and McConnel era, is molestation and sexual assault of women an impediment to appointing a Justice who will protect the president and overturn RvW?
Millions of votes, by women, say ‘no’.
3
Just for the record: “Why else would she come forward?” is not a workable rhetorical question in this situation. Too many can ask it from a completely different perspective and have a syllogized answer, which would be viewed as absurd by others.
That said, I do side with one person interviewed for this article. Mr. Elliot’s rather balanced comments included the right to disagree with Trump’s choice of judge while feeling safe with the character of person selected—Justice Gorsuch’s appointment—but Kavanaugh’s situation has become uncomfortable for, someone (like Mr. Elliot) who I would understand as, a reasonable person.
1
Look at it from another point of view.
Isn’t our jurisprudence based on ‘innocent’ until proven ‘guilty?’ If this is true, why didn’t the Democrats play fair and give Justice Kavanaugh the opportunity to address the allegations in a timely manner?
Furthermore, FBI or local police will not investigate a crime until a complainant reports it.
In the least, Sen. Feinstein should release the letter sent by Dr. Ford. What makes her so afraid of other members of the committee seeing it? I think there is a conspiracy to weave a web of suspicion around Justice Kavanaugh and not give him adequate opportunity to address these horrific allegations.
It is a mean-spirited, un-American attempt to prevent a moderate from taking a seat in the Supreme Court.
Ford will find one excuse or another to avoid testifying. The Senate will confirm Kavanaugh notwithstanding the cloud of suspicion.
2
but what is it that many voters "tend to believe"?
it is not hard to believe that teenagers, given to underage drinking and attending parties with like-aged-and-minded friends are likely to attract, even initiate, flirtations and subsequent sexual advances, and perhaps, however wary, actual abuse...it happens to women of all ages and, to some, at the hands of some of our suddenly righteous electeds ("you could look it up).
it's also easy to believe that behavior, influenced by alcohol, may be regretted next morning and even, under the pressure of guilt, lead to repression or denial, especially if there are fears of parental reaction, (no more unchaperoned parties!).
having had some experience in those precincts and having seen both boys and girls take initiative in navigating a chosen playmate toward private spaces, there is no doubt that kids show up anticipating a degree of intoxication and other adventures.
the problem with belief in the participation of kavanaugh's in any such event is the absence of detail, (even drugged/drunk victims of the world's weinsteins have had a grip on time, even years past, and place).
so, absent when and where, (j-school essentials) and some of the how and why, (something must've gone wrong with the flirtation that got ms ford and her assailant into the bedroom) we can only wait.
the belief here is that there was, indeed, a traumatic, perhaps criminal (statutory, at least) event, but no evidence yet that puts kavanaugh in the room.
I'm skeptical. On the two occasions where a strongly anti-abortion has been nominated to the Supreme Court, somebody appears at the last minute with lurid but unprovaable accusations.
Nearly all the media references to Anita Hill promote the myth that she was disbelieved because she was a woman. The real reason was that the senators thought she was trying to derail Thomas's nomination. It's appalling that the media can't get the story straight after two decades.
1
I was quite saddened by the following.
Ms. Foster, who works for a small preserves company, agreed. “It feels like everything is frustrating about this moment,” she said. “I feel like Trump could give everyone in this country a million dollars and it still wouldn’t be enough for some people.”
Because, you know, money matters more than anything, even character, integrity, principles, civility, or ethics!
7
Yesterday NPR’s “All Things Considered” aired an interview with one of Professor Ford’s close friends who provided insight into her allegations, why she notified Senator Finestein’s of her concerns, and why she has eventually come forward. It is the most convincing story that I heard so far and I must say I believe what happened to the Professor and I am very sorry that it happened to her.
Having said that I believe that Finestein should have come forward earlier with the Professor’s accusations, before the Judiciary Committee’s hearing, much like how the Senate came forward with information about Judge Douglas’ marijuana during and after his college days. I do not remember his nomination going to Committee. Since it clearly obvious Finestein had no intention of revealing her hand until the last minute, she is guilty of using one of her constituent’s pain and suffering for political gain. That is unethical and morally wrong.
The Democrats could have avoided all of this if they had nominated a presidential candidate who appealed to all Americans, but instead the party was so insistent on Hillary Rodham Clinton, one of the most politically polarizing individuals in the history of American politics becoming the first female president, that it lost sanity. From the crop of current Democratic contenders it seems the party did not the lesson from 2016 and is moving ahead with more fringe candidates, interested in pleasing their narrow interests, not the nation at large.
2
This conversation might benefit from academic research. Much of the research on sexual assault these days focuses on college campuses. In the late 1980s, a study found that 7.7% of male students volunteered anonymously that they had engaged in or attempted forced sex. By 2015, the percentage was 11%. Clearly, few of these young men considered sexual assault to be a crime.
Fewer than 10 percent of sexual assaults on campuses are ever reported. Women tend to internalize the shame from such assaults rather than put the blame for shameful behavior where it belongs. But research also shows that had an assault victim realized that the assaulter was a serial predator (which is frequently the case, but the percentages vary widely for certainty [38% to 90%], they WOULD have reported it. But of course takes at least one other woman to report.
Long ago, I was an adjunct professor teaching a course cross-listed with women's studies. In preparation for that, I did a lot of reading, but I also talked to the city's police chief. I asked him if shame was common among sexual assault victims who report. His answer was disheartening; it wasn't just common, it was 100%, no matter what the circumstances.
I would like to think this has changed, but I see no empirical evidence to support that. If anything, sexual predation seems to have become normative.
I'll gladly give citations, but I'm at NYT's word limit now.
6
Dr. Blasey's allegation's ARE to be taken seriously!
So her voice CAN be heard, it is only procedurally fit for her to recount the events she recalls so as to allow a young Mr. Kavanaugh can respond to those same events and allegations levied.
Similarly, as the nation deals with prison reform, what would happen to an individual's basic presumption of innocence if the defendant were required to put on their case before prior to the prosecutor put forth evidence, witnesses and asked the defendant to respond?
Justice wouldn't be blind; the defendant would be wearing the blindfold smoking their last cigarette.
1
As time goes on, the Dems and the GOP get further and further apart and the electorate likewise further divides into two camps that mutually oppose each other, even hates each other. Trump has encouraged this for his own political gain rather than trying to bring everyone together but things were headed this way before Trump. The Kavanaugh affair is an example of this. The Dems support Ford and insist the allegation must be true because they want it to be true and the GOP does the same thing, each side devising rationales supporting their positions. There seems to be no actual physical proof either way. The Dems say Kavanaugh's friends once made a flag out of women's underwear and that means he must be guilty because if he did that he must have done other things, definitely, absolutely. The GOP comes out with a letter signed by numerous women saying that Kavanaugh is a saint, definitely, absolutely. Both sides insist that their respective "guts" tell them the truth. That said, politics are at work as usual. The GOP wants a another conservative justice on the Court to further their agenda and the Dems don't because it would endanger their agenda. We will probably never know the truth unless either Kavanaugh or Ford recants which is unlikely. The one constant in life is uncertainty and maybe we will all just need to learn to live with it.
Ford wanted to have her cake and eat it too: savage Kavanaugh's reputation while remaining anonymous. One can understand that without regard to her motives. The representative who first received the letter could have contacted the FBI over a month ago but did nothing.
But Feinstein is the real villain here. She could have asked Kavanaugh about the allegation when she interviewed him privately, or have disclosed it to the committee secretly (maybe not to Booker aka Spartacus). Instead she leaked its contents placing Ford in a bad spot. Knowing that if she refused to identify herself, her name would certainly be leaked eventually, she had no real choice.
4
Before, the assault was her own pain and confusion. Now, allowing the confirmation to go forward without bringing Kavanaugh's assault to light would have a generations-long impact for our whole country.
She's received death threats and her family is in hiding.
It's the most entirely selfless act I've ever seen.
9
It's clear to me that people who have not been sexually assaulted, do not understand the stigma, anxiety and PTSD that comes along with such an assault. It's NOT something one wants to share, I know, it happened to me. It's alarming to see how many folks question why she did not come forward sooner, when data shows most women/people who are sexually assaulted don't. It's tough to talk about.
Personally it's been extremely difficult for me hearing aspects of her story that matched mine i.e. allegedly Kavanaugh put his hand over her mount (as did my attacker) to keep her/me from screaming. Hearing that she felt trapped to the point of always needing an exit door built into every room in her house, is exactly what I did with my home. That's not someone who has not been profoundly effected by a horrifying event. I believe her, and I feel she's being re-traumatized by an unflinching chorus of Male Senators who just DON'T have a clue, or don't care to have a clue how to handle this in a sensitive way. She should not be forced to sit next to her accuser, that would terrify me, she should have some semblance of control over her terms for this hearing so that she feels safe. It's not going to be easy to tell the world what happened, in front of a majority of people in the Senate Judiciary who are Males and who have already defamed her, as has the president (and isn't his history with sexual issues spectacular?) Haven't we realized anything in the last 27 years?
10
Timing, there's no timing to this just a gutteral, some thing like, 'I have to say something about this person who attacked and traumatized me. How can he be a potential supreme Court Judge?' So many emotions associated to this kind of trauma and knowing that one's privacy is lost. But knowing that in the end this needs to be disclosed, somehow. Maybe it could still be private? While disclosed, it needs to be known....
1
Republican "leader" Grassley,, et al, are apparently afraid of the findings if the FBI becomes involved and that is exactly the reason they should. Too much in the way of women's rights is riding on this potential justice and the Congress must see that Kavanaugh's selection is honest. They haven't so far. Not by a long shot.''
November 6 cannot come soon enough.
7
I suspect both are telling the truth. Something happened to her with him and he was dead drunk and does not remember. It is telling that the only people she remembers being at the party are him and judge. Who threw the party. What also is telling is that no one has come forward to say yes it also happened to me or yes I remember the party. I have said before that likely 50-75% of teenage boys have tried to push teenage girls to go further than they want to. But thank god they generally grow up and become good adults. Let her be heard but unless the circumstances are worse than reported so far , meaning he took his cloths off or tried to penetrate I don't think it will have an impact on th vote.
1
The irony is Trump, with his tainted background, and his own words about groping women, walking into rooms of teenage girls half dressed in beauty contests, would have been disqualified for just about any federal job. What a great country we live in that the top man at the helm of the federal government could never have passed a background check to work a civil service job in the federal government.
8
To Ms. Foster, who works for a small preserves company,who said “I feel like Trump could give everyone in this country a million dollars and it still wouldn’t be enough for some people.”......yes Ms. Foster - it would NOT be enough for many of us....some of us value honesty, compassion, integrity and equality more than money. Why won't Kavanaugh allow an investigation if he has nothing to hide?....he has no place on the Supreme Court for many reasons...this is just one of them.
9
Fact: most people who are abused or sexually assaulted DO NOT come forward. Society does not reward the abused and all too often excuses the abuser - citing all their other fine qualities and background. The abused are shamed and criticized.
Kavanaugh could be forgiven for a drunken escapade (that he probably does not really remember) - forgiven if he is remorseful - if he wants to have a meaningful values driven life - fine.
BUT HE DOES NOT GET TO BE A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE! It is arguably the most important job in our government and someone who has potentially abused should not be under consideration.
There is not a time frame for this position to be filled. The only rush is political and there are dozens if not hundreds of equally qualified people who could serve with honor.
Who in their right mind would want to expose themselves to the threats and total loss of privacy that Dr. Ford is experiencing - unless they felt a social obligation to reveal the truth about someone being thrust onto the Supreme Court - for life!
Dr. Ford should be honored and supported for her patriotism and self sacrifice.
20
“I feel like Trump could give everyone in this country a million dollars and it still wouldn’t be enough for some people.”
This comment from a Trump supporter is very interesting. She seems to intend it to mean that anti-Trump voters would not be happy with anything Trump did, but she is also saying that money should be more important than any other value.
Destroy the environment, ignore past crimes of supreme court nominees, distort the vote, lie every time you open your mouth as long as you are putting more money in people's pockets -- or promising to, or pretending to.
Incredible as it may seem to Ms. Foster, some people would choose principles over a million dollars.
9
Two facts about Kavanaugh's role in the hearings disqualify him. One, As Democrats sought the release of all records of his White House service, Kavanaugh did not support their release. Two, when Democrats and some Republicans sought an FBI investigation into charges of a sexual assault, Kavanaugh did not support it.
Kavanaugh’s silence shows that he does not live, even if he judges, by ordinary legal standards. Judges base their judicial decisions on all available facts. They instruct jurors to regard as accusatory information or documents withheld which might have been expected to be exculpatory. They respect all parties to a case.
The job to which Kavanaugh has been nominated requires that, during his “interview,” he show judicial qualifications: competence, impartiality, philosophy, and temperament. However, Kavanaugh has not shown all of them. He shows no respect for Democratic (and probably, though silent, some Republican) members of the Senate who wish to have a full record and an honest and fair hearing as part of an informed and reasoned decision, one which does not preclude political considerations. He supports withholding documents which, by that act alone, permits the presumption that they are incriminating beyond his ability to interpret them favorably.
What seems paramount in Kavanaugh’s silence is his contempt for opposition and his ambition to acquire judicial power to make decisions by diktat in accordance with his preferred political positions.
8
"though some questioned her motive for coming forward more than three decades later, and whether allegations about his behavior as a teenager should be counted against him."
Motives--Suppose your house is burning, kids inside; a stranger offers to help. No! you say; you just want your picture in the papers.
Motive is crucial for criminal law. The prosecution must establish intent; an ulterior motive helps do that. Questioning motive, is questioning intent and thus criminal liability. But it is utterly irrelevant to whether the wrong act was done. Or whether you should say "Please get the kids; I'll take your picture!"
So too in this case. Suppose Dr B wants to save your burning house; not merely let it be known that Kavanaugh assaulted her years ago. That is irrelevant to his assaulting her.
Assault would disqualify him for two reasons.
1. He might merely wave aside charges of sexual assault by "boys" (of whatever age). "Boys" are those without self control: "Boys will be boys!"
2. He might also punish them with unjust severity. The old saying is "God save me from a judge tempted to commit the crime." He well knows the importance of punishment as a deterrent. But deterrence is not the only consideration for just penalty.
In both cases there is a reasonable suspicion of bias. And that is enough to impugn the judgment. "Justice must be done AND be seen to be done."
Would you have your supreme court justice recuse himself in all matters of sexual assault?
1
That she opposes his appointment because of her personal experience of him should be obvious. look up the WaPo Emma Brown Article 9-16-18.
What also makes her credible is how those whom have tried to undermine her story have behaved including the fact that the man who came up with a 3rd person whom she may have mistaken Kavanaugh for was looking at her LinkedIn profile before her name was made public.
That tells me people in republican circles knew of this incident and were preparing to counter it. The man, a Mr Whelan, is one of those republicans who helped Kavanaugh "prepare" to face the Judiciary committee. Either Kavanaugh admitted to it in the private sessions republicans engage in to create those awful unnatural performances in the hearings or someone high in the Senate or WH revealed her identity after she reported to Senator Feinstein. Which also puts the lie to the complaint that Feinstein sat on the thing. Clearly her efforts to get an investigation done involved telling others something had come up.
I found him objectionable before this came out. He was mendacious at the hearings, is hiding a 100K documents, $200K+ in debt paid out of the blue, the recent attempt to prevent a girl from seeing a doctor because of what her medical reason was. But since this came out it seems he has been lying for his whole adult life about his alcohol fueled years at Georgetown Prep, That is consciousness of guilt and a long term effort at hiding something or things.
15
It's a lifetime appointment. He has not been thoroughly vetted. Investigate this allegation and also whether the Judge has issues with gambling and alcohol.
18
This is because “many voters” are women. And many women have been subjected to sexual harassment or abuse during their lifetime.
Simple.
6
If Mr. Kavanaugh and Mr. Judge were innocent, wouldn't they be demanding an FBI investigation to clear their names?
Mr. Judge would demand the right to testify under oath that
they were not involved with an attempted gang rape of Dr.
Ford when she was only 15 years old.
The fact that they are not demanding a FBI investigation of the allegation and Judge does not want to testify under oath is itself evidence that Dr. Ford's accusations are true and accurate.
15
Consider how strange it is that if our President had simply nominated Judge Merrick Garland, he would have been approved weeks ago without a single question. Seriously... what's the Donald up to?
2
What does Kavanaugh stand to gain from lying? A Supreme Court Justice seat. And he's already demonstrably lied under oath regarding stolen Democratic party files. If he's not lying, why not open an FBI investigation and clear his name? The answer's all too clear: he is lying, and Republicans know it and are afraid that this will become all too clear when the FBI look into it more.
It's not like this is a criminal trial for Kavanaugh. It's the process of picking one of our nation's most powerful judges to guide our country for decades to come. We don't want a lying political operative in our highest court.
4
I've asked several of my male conservative friends this question: "If Christine Blasey Ford was your daughter, would you believe her or Brett Kavanaugh?"
None of them had the courage to reply. And one even accused me of "dragging his family" into the discussion.
8
When the question arises “why are these allegations being made now?” the answer seems obvious. Dr, Ford has carried the painful memory of the alleged event with her for decades, probably mostly suppressed after this amount of time. And now she is reminded of it daily. If Kavanaugh is confirmed and joins SCOTUS, that reminder will be refreshed daily, for life.
Rape, even attempted rape, is a felony if I'm not mistaken and Kavinaugh is a candidate for the highest court in the land. If I were Dr. Ford I could not in good conscience remain silent and allow a person with the basic moral fabric of a Donald Trump win that nomination. Even Trump isn't for life! And the exact timing of the release was obviously calculated to have maximum effect on delaying and possibly derailing the nomination. Of course. Why go to all this trouble and take all these risks otherwise?
5
supposedly BK's guiding principles come from his mother: "Her trademark line was 'use your common sense, what rings true, what rings false.' That's good advice for a juror and for a son."
Well, parts of BK testimony rang false and evasive. His current denials ring 100% false. Subpoena Mark Judge.
He may have made mistakes as a teenager but if he is lying as an adult he is unfit for a lifetime SC appointment. Our current Senators must the the responsible adults in the room.
4
When Dr. Ford's story first broke, there was reasonable doubt about its veracity or about the accuracy of Dr. Ford's memory. I shared this doubt.
The subsequently ham-fisted and sexist stonewalling on the parts of such luminaries of political integrity as Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Lindsey Graham and Judge Kavanaugh himself, remove any shadow of doubt in my mind.
The teen-age drunken assault is one grave thing. A fully grown man can fess up, apologize, recognize the harm done and make amends. But when a bald-faced lie of denial (my opinion, I admit) is thrown up as a smokescreen, a lifetime SCOTUS appointment is out of the question.
9
I don’t get it. Why does Dr Gord’s motive matter. The question we should be asking is ‘ is her story true?’ because we are putting SC a life time judge. May be Dr Ford thinks she will do more damage to the nation by keeping quiet when a person being appointed is a threat to many established judgements passed by the SC and essentially a threat to democracy. Forget about why she is doing it now, find the truth.
3
Assuming Kavanaugh, sadly, gets confirmed, I hope that Dems re-open an inquiry and consider impeaching him if wrongdoing is uncovered. The fact that his accuser has stepped into this maelstrom lends her considerable credibility. As for Senator Hatch, I'd love to hear about the evolution of his thoughts on an FBI investigation since the Clarence Thomas hearings.
Karl Rove, who ironically wouldn't have likely lasted long in this WH, once declared his intention to form a permanent Republican majority. We now see how that might be realized. And we all know the ugly name for one-party rule.
2
The Kavanaugh nomination is affected by Dr Blasey's recollections because Trump has said (on tape) that he himself does not recognize the right of women to say "NO" to his grabbing assaults. Like the Charlottesville "fine people on both sides" comments" Trump's own behaviour puts his nominees outside the mainstream of US values, in some cases, way outside the mainstream.
Kavanaugh is an unfit nominee with actions and background hidden by the Republicans on the Senate Committee charged with vetting him for the whole Senate. The only rush to confirm him is a political one which the Republicans do not deserve after McConnell's refusal to give even a hearing to Merrick Garland.
The Republicans gambled that their slight majority in the Senate would allow them to push through a flawed candidate. They lost this gamble due to the bravery of Dr. Blasey who stepped forward to do her duty as a citizen at a huge cost to her personal life. She is being treated by the men of the Republican party as less than a person and as someone who does not deserve respect.
The men of the Republican party have made up their minds and will vote to confirm Kavanaugh no matter what testimony Dr. Blasey gives. Shame on them. And shame on the women of the Republican party who allow these actions in their names.
7
Despite opinions of his friends, we don't believe that Kavanaugh has respect for women and would not harm their bodies.
Just consider his recent dissent in the case where the young immigrant woman legally sought an abortion: he tried to toy with her life and emotions, effectively denying her the right to her own body--just as a rapist does.
5
Right. And the Pope "believed" the earth was the center of cosmos till Galileo showed up?
Problem with belief--it has more to do with faith and religion than fact and evidence--so it is with Ford.
Just show me "the facts, M'am".
1
I was attacked by Timothy J. in a stairwell in 7th grade while walking from the top floor down to the gym in the new building. He was walking up. We were walking down. That's right. I wasn't alone. You see, not only did I not report it, but Betsy H. and Barbara K. didn't report it either. The year was 1974.
When Timothy J. cornered me, Betsy and Barbara kept on walking. In my mind's eye I still see them. They didn't break stride, just turned their heels and kept on walking. They left me alone with him.
Reader, I fought him off. I will never forget the terror of being trapped in that corner with him coming at me, but I will also never forget how brave I felt when I put my hand up and pushed his face away to block him from kissing me. I will never forget how stunned I was when he yielded.
Afterwards I went to the gym. (I mean, I was a good girl. That's where I was supposed to be. I was late for class.) I sat in the locker room and cried. A few friends watched and hovered. But nobody got a teacher. I just shrugged and cried.
Barbara K. and Betsy H. never apologized for leaving me alone with him or for failing to get me any help. We never talked about it again after that day.
Later my best friend told me she heard I had been crying. She asked me why. I still dont know why I didn't tell her. I just shrugged and changed the subject. For decades.
16
To men who say "why didn't she report it earlier?" or "there are gaps in her story": most survivors of sexual predators wish they could forget what happened to them. "Boston Legal' (Season 3, Episode 14) featured a girl who had been sexually assaulted suing to take a memory-erasing pill that would help her move past the episode. Why report it when women back then were generally told the whole thing was your fault? (I'm old enough to remember.)
Also, a man in Alaska who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman just got what the presiding judge called "a pass" and will serve no jail time (imagine what would have happened if the man had not been white.) And men wonder why women are outraged at the dismissive treatment of her allegations.
Republicans had the year when they were delaying Merrick Garland's confirmation in which to vet SCOTUS nominees. Surely they could find at least one who doesn't have the taint of multiple serious allegations of dishonesty.
5
There are two issues regarding Kavanaugh. The first is his assault on Dr. Ford. The second is his refusal to be honest now and admit to it. If he did admit at the outset to his drunkenness and reckless behavior as a teenager and admit that his attack on Dr. Ford may have happened, even though he does not remember, because he blacked out, things might go better for him. He could apologize to Dr. Ford. If he really is a man of integrity, and values the reputation of the Supreme Court, he would be honest and admit his transgressions. But, unfortunately he has revealed himself as not a man of integrity who takes responsibility for his actions or a man who truly respects the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court. A man of integrity would protest the kangaroo court that Republicans have concocted and request, along with Dr. Ford, that the FBI investigate. A man of integrity would withdraw his nomination in the interest of the nation and as a protest to the actions of those who support him in the Senate in such a biased and underhanded manner. But, unfortunately for us, he is not honest and he is not a man of integrity
10
Even more important than the question of belief, is the need to check the unlawful bullying and exclusion of the minority by the majority on the Judiciary Committee. The courts must check and balance the lawlessness of the majority by issuing an emergency injunction preventing the Committee from voting on the Kavanaugh confirmation until the majority has fully remedied their unconstitutional exclusion of the minority from materially significant aspects of the advise and consent process.
Specifically, there is solid evidence that the majority has excluded the minority from participation in discussions with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's attorneys. Such exclusion makes it impossible for the minority to exercise their constitutional responsibility to advise and consent on the Kavanaugh nomination. Selective exclusionary action by the majority is unconstitutional on its face.
In addition, it is a violation of federal civil rights law to exclude any group from participation in a public process on the basis of political philosophy or party affiliation. For all of these reasons it is appropriate and necessary for the court to issue an injunction preventing a vote on confirmation unless and until these unconstitutional, unlawful exclusionary practices have been remedied.
It is the court's constitutional responsibility to check the majority's lawless bullying and exclusion of the minority which has now extended to bullying Dr. Blasey and her attorneys as well.
9
They can believe whatever they want, but they have yet to hear from HER. All they've got is the lawyer's statement and an interview at the Washington Post. Why is she taking so long to decide? How can one more day make up her mind unless her attorney is coming up with more demands?
4
@Jackson
If I were her I would refuse to even continue speaking with the Judiciary committee until the removed the artificial deadlines they are placing on her.
How could anything else she might have to say have any meaning or context without a proper FBI investigation of the allegations and what amounts to be Mr Kavanaugh's fraudulent biography?
2
@Jackson Apparently the delay has been caused by her having to consult with the FBI about death threats made against her and her family. Given that, and the fact that she lives 3000 miles farther from Capitol Hill than Kavanaugh, flexibility in scheduling her testimony requires nothing but basic decency. A quality which is unfortunately in very short supply among some Republicans on the committee.
7
I would at least have respect for him if he said yes I did that, but that is not who I am today. I learned that it is that is not how you treat women, and I would like to issue an apology for the harm I have caused to her, her family, and my family. If he did that he may or may not get the seat on the Supreme Court, but it would at least show him to be a respectful human being. It would be more reason to support him. Redemption is a good thing, and he has none.
21
@Marcia
"It would be more reason to support him. Redemption is a good thing, and he has none."
Marcia , the POTUS has done worse many times and can not apologize for any of it. Trump`s problem is that he is mentally ill. He is the nation`s problem.
One Thomas on the Scotus is too many. Can the Republicans be stopped ?
2
I happen to believe Dr. Ford is telling the truth. But how can we know without an impartial investigation?
The real issue is not whether she's telling the truth or he is. The real issue is adherence to due process of the law. I mean, a judge should insist on due process. If Kavanaugh does not insist on a proper investigation he's not fit to sit on any bench, let alone the Supreme Court.
27
If, and when someone, of whatever age, is allegedly physically violated, by someone they know, or by a stranger, and this behavior is considered to be"some of the foolish things we’ve done in high school,” what can we understand about the violating and perhaps even "raping" of our culturally socialized human tools and processes of being aware?Perceiving? Sensing?Thinking? Feeling- about ourselves and others?Judging?Making decisions-for, about and with ourselves? Implementing them, or not?Learning from them, or not? By choice or by willful blindness, deafness and/or ignorance? What are our helpful options for becoming adequately aware of ever-present toxic semantic surrealism?And choosing to do whatever is necessary to limit it! At what age do we expect fellow human beings to become, and to be, personally accountable for their choices of words and deeds?At what age, and under what conditions, do each of us become complacent, or even complicit, about violating selected, targeted, created "the other(s)"in our WE-THEY culture? The choice for an individual, family, neighborhood, community, etc., to live and inter-relate in a menschlich OR ummenschlich manner has little to do with political ideologies. Notwithstanding the hype about this.Nor with identifying as a Republican,Democrat, Independent or whatever.The alleged, violating behavior is not understood in any helpful way by relating to it as being "foolish" or perhaps as"boys will be boys."IT was/is inexcusable!Unforgivable?
2
Excellent article. People like Blair Elliot are my heroes. He really gets it. Thank you, Mr. Elliot, for speaking out; your voice is needed.
Questioning why Dr. Ford did not come out sooner is useless noise. She sent a letter to Sen. Feinstein in mid-July; that act alone took great courage. She has been weighing her options, I am sure; she is a very intelligent woman and had to know what she was going to face if she came forward. Now she is facing the worst, death threats and the need to move her family, including her children. She is turned into a perpetrator by writers like the man below who claims his wife lied about sexual abuse in a divorce. This is not a divorce and Dr. Ford has no reason to come forward except a motive of wanting to unmask a man who is being vetted for the highest court in the country.
65 women came out and "know" Kavanaugh couldn't have done it. They weren't there, but they know. Women like them have had a free ride for decades now from women like Dr. Ford, who have come forward to tell their stories. Women in that group would be protected somewhat if if happened to them because of those forging a path to attempt to insure that this behavior will stop in the future. Many of the 65 probably have good careers, partly made possible by the women's movement. Yet they stand there in public stating what they cannot possibly know, that Dr. Ford isn't truthful. They are almost as sickening as Kavanaugh; no heroes there.
20
It does not matter how young Kavanaugh or Ford was when the offense is alleged to have occurred, because he has denied it. If he did it, then denying it is a lie. Whether or not you believe that a crime committed so far in the past at young age should be forgiven, we should not have Supreme Court justices who lie. That leaves the question of whether he did it.
The principle of "innocent until proven guilty (beyond a reasonable doubt)" is meant to protect the accused from punishment before being tried. Denying Kavanaugh tenure on the Court would not be a punishment. Service on the Court is a privilege. I cannot calculate how low a percentage of the American people have served on the Court. It is so low that no one can be said to deserve appointment to the Court. Any one of our greatest justices might have been rejected and replaced by another American, who would have achieved greatness in their own way. Instead of "innocent until proven guilty," the standard should be "beyond reproach," for the risk in appointing someone who might be of bad moral character to such a privilege is too great. Is Kavanaugh above reproach?
17
I can attest, these types of assaults happened in Montgomery County, Maryland, at that time. It happened to me (I have completely suppressed who it was). I believe her.
28
To me, whatever happened when Kavanaugh was 17 is not the issue. It's what he's saying about it now.
My personal opinion about what then is that it appears to be callous, immature behavior that doesn't rise to anything like 'rape'.
But it's his denial that anything happened at all and his willingness to let others call her a liar now that concerns me.
If we are to trust his judgement on matters that will affect millions of lives, wouldn't adherence and allegiance to the Truth be a fundamental requisite in a Supreme Court Justice?
17
Misleading headline--this is only one town in all of the United States.
This headline is positioned in a place where many people will read it and get a false impression of the current state of U.S. thinking about the subject. It says, "Many Voters Tend to Believe Christine Blasey Ford, Even If They Question Her Motive."
That people question her motive is not the reporting I have heard elsewhere.
Also, is it that difficult to believe that a woman might come forward in treacherous and national circumstances because she has a strong moral conscience?
I think the reporting about Dr. Ford has been shoddy.
10
Judge Kavanaugh should demonstrate his maturity and qualifications for the bench by insisting that Dr. Ford's allegations be thoroughly investigated, simply to clear his name.
If in his personal recall of the event, when he was very intoxicated nearly 37 years ago, is improved by his personal effort to put together what he can remember about that evening by discussing that house party with some of his classmates especially the friend who was supposed to be in the room, I would suggest the honorable thing to do would be to apologize to Mrs. Ford and ask for her forgiveness. I think he will be forgiven by the public and he will be a better man for the bench. He is compelled to follow this path if his name is to be cleared.
Studies show that the brain of a 17-year-old male is not fully developed until about age 26 and when they are slightly intoxicated they can make decisions without regard for the consequences. Our auto accident and fatality records show that these brain development findings are confirmed, by the years of mortality lost by young men driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Without an investigation of his behavior at the house part, he will tag his reputation for the rest of his life. His behavior at the party is somewhat understandable but his DENIAL that he was involved, if Dr. Ford's memory is correct, should disqualify him for serving on the bench.
This is an important matter and should not be rushed. His reputation is at stake.
9
No one will ever know whether Ms. Blasey-Ford at age 15 did or did not undergo a groping experience (an assault) 36 years ago at the hands of Judge Kavanaugh at age 17. So many women, however, seem to have undergone such an experience (or worse or more than one) that they are inclined to believe, without proof, that Judge Kavanaugh actually did what we've been told she says he did and do not believe his denials. I cannot condemn such women under the circumstances, where this sort of thing has gone on without detection or punishment for so very, very long. But that does not mean that the Judge did what he has been accused of doing or that he and his family should pay a price for it.
This cannot possibly or, under the circumstances, rationally be resolved now. It is too late and the record is too empty. Guilt here cannot be proved and should not be assumed. Absent such proof, the Committee should proceed without regard to this unprovable allegation, however troubling it understandably is to so many.
4
I could not agree less with you.
There are many clean and outstanding men and women who could get into the SC without all the trouble surrounding Kavanaugh.
Even if they pick a super conservative, they can find someone who’s not a heavy drinker, who hasn’t supposedly assaulted, and for whom you don’t need to keep years of emails out of the public view.
Forcing someone with law morals into the SC (when they could pick someone not surrounded by drama) will get back at them.
Not all Americans are blind.
4
Correct, that an accusation is not a conviction. That’s why Kavanaugh must withdraw his nomination while the investigation takes place, if he is a man of honor and cares one iota about justice. And while we’re at it, let’s investigate that baseball ticket debt.
Supreme Court Justice is a lifetime appointment. McConnell’s own precedent is that it’s too important and must not be subject to an arbitrarily imposed timeline.
Honestly, the only way republicans can save face before the country at this point is to put Kavanaugh on the shelf and start with a new candidate. And maybe vet the next one a little better.
1
Being pinned under someone, having one's mouth covered, is more than a “groping” incident.
4
In 6 weeks there will be an election. Let the American people decide whether they believe Dr. Blasey and whether they want Judge Kavanaugh. This is exactly what the Republican Senate cited more than 9 months before the last election as its reason for ignoring both political tradition and its Constitutional role. If Dr. Blasey and the Democrats succeed in stalling the confirmation vote and Democratic led Senate is elected, it will show where the people stand (and justice will have been served for Merrick Garland).
If the Republican led Senate succeeds in rushing through the Kavanaugh confirmation, this case of gross duplicity should in any case become THE issue of the upcoming election. You can vote them out.
14
The argument about Dr. Blasey not reporting the alleged incident at the time is irrelevant. There are dozens of reasons why she may have stayed silent back then.As a 15 year old, she probably may have attended the party against her parents wishes or without their knowledge and feared their discipline more than than recounting what occurred.
Why is more credibility given to the hundreds of victims and accusers of the clergy gong back decades? Is their memory more credible?
What is at stake here is the appointment, for life, to an all-too-critical position on our highest court.The rush job being literally railroaded through the Senate reeks of something quite foul.
Although , at this point, the Republicans are going through the motions of listening, one is highly suspicious that this is a done deal regardless of Dr. Blasey's account or of the other shady elements in Kavanaugh's personal and professional history. It is so transparent that their minds are already made up to confirm Kavanaugh regardless.
35
Sadly because many of those victims in the most recent Catholic Church abuse case are men. It speaks volumes to where we are as women and how much more we have to do towards becoming a civilized society. Currently we are far from it, and seemingly going backwards.
4
To me, this a last ditch attempt to stop a confirmation that people don't like. The fact that Democrats sat on this letter all during the confirmation process and released it only on the eve of the vote tells the true story. I hope that this smear does not derail the confirmation of a good man (remember the Rolling Stone fiasco?).
4
With respect to his nomination, we can do better than Kavanaugh. It's just that simple.
26
May I remind people that this is OUR Supreme Court...not the President's, not the Congress's. and certainly not the Senate Juduciary Committee's Supreme Court. They need to listen to us!
Judge Kavanaugh had extremely low approval ratings by the general population (us!) even before the current issue of past sexual assault was raised.
This isn't just any judgeship, or political appointment, this is our highest court, deciding issues and laws that will affect us well into our future and that of our children and grandchildren.
WE must demand better for a lifetime appointment to our highest court than someone with such a low approval rating and so many concerns.
45
Kavanaugh or any public official, including Supreme Court Justices, can be impeached for criminal behavior, sexual assault or high crimes and misdemeanors. There is no time limit on that. Benjamin Franklin stated that being obnoxious was sufficient enough to remove a person from office. Trump, in the time of our founding fathers, would have already been gone. We didn't just lower the bar; we removed it.
12
Can there be a conditional confirmation? Ie conditional on the FBI, or whatever other body is appropriate, advising that there is no evidence supporting the allegations?
1
I tend to believe he did it.
He should not be appointed to the Supreme Court.
He has reached some controversial decisions while on the bench. I really don' think he is Supreme Court material.
18
Ambition casts a pall on this whole episode, the ambition of a man who has devoted his entire existence to obtaining a seat on the Supreme Court. This is about power.
If he did it he should've owned up to it. Now there are two shadows over him; a alleged sexual assault from his teenage past, and a possible liar in the present.
If he's 'innocent' he should've been the first to ask the FBI to look into it while on the way to take his own polygraph.
He doesn't smell right. Nothing that trump touches feels right.
28
So many mixed feelings. She's likely telling the truth, private school kids were the perfect storm of privilege, intoxication and nihilistic abandon in my exposure to them.
The nature of her revelation seems suspect to me. People who are sexually assaulted generally want to be made whole in their own hearts and with their closest family. Dr. Ford's claims of wanting to stay out of the limelight seem naive at best and disingenuous and scheming at worse. Who tattles on a Supreme Court nominee to a US Senator and thinks it will stay private? How does getting dragged into a Senate committee to discuss getting assaulted help her healing? It sounds like it will create a trauma greater and worse than the original event. It creates the suspicion of politically motivated revenge.
My other doubts are about the ages of the people and specific narrative of the past event. To a person, myself included, every male I know 16-22 pushed the envelope sexually with girls. There is an adult-informed reading of every teenage boy's nascent sexuality that ranges from browbeating to shades of assault. Despite this, the same girls kept dating us and quite a few wound up marrying us. It was a mutual sexual learning and growth experience despite its occasionally icky post-facto narrative.
The narrative details matter. The nature of Dr. Ford's story hinges on details we don't know, it could swing from prank to literal assault. How do we know her details are the truth?
3
We can argue all day long the topic of 'Boys will be boys' or it was High School. More to the point for me is that Judge Kavanaugh denies even being at the party. If he is lying to the American people about even being at the party much less any bad behavior, should we trust him to make opinions that may shape our Country for generations?
2
Her motive was justice. People need to learn about why people wait so long to come forward.
31
There's a disconnect here that is just insidious, people believe that Dr Blasey Ford was definitely attacked, likely attacked by Kavanaugh, but it was so long ago that she must be using that attack for political gain. Otherwise why did she wait so long?
By now, the comments are full of people who have clearly explained why assault victims don't always report. The stories are consistent enough that anyone who still attempts the "why did she wait" defense for Kavanaugh is dissembling.
If Kavanaugh is placed on the Supreme Court Dr Blasey Ford will spend a lifetime being confronted by her (alleged) attacker. Her burden, the burden of a lot of victims, is that the attacker is still out there living a life to the fullest with no regard for the damage they did while the victim is left to heal from the attack. Every court ruling and television interview will remind her of what happened that night long ago. To her, that man will always be staring at her from a position of luxury, power, and a lifetime of respect. He got away with it.
Thomas allegedly harassed and the FBI investigated. Kavanaugh and Judge allegedly attacked. Let the FBI investigate witnesses and get testimony under oath from Blasey Ford, Kavanaugh, Judge, and others to ascertain what happened. Blasey Ford is ready and willing to speak to the FBI right now. The Republicans aren't. Who in this is working for political gain?
20
@M
Great post. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Dr. Ford is not running for office, trying for the Supreme Court or engaging in this for political gain.
3
Yes, Brett Kavenaugh was only 17 when this happened (Dr. Ford was only 15, but that is another story). It might have been possible to forgive him his youth two weeks ago, but not now. To be forgiven, Kavenaugh would have needed step up to the plate of adulthood and apologized. He could have admitted his error as a youth and asked for Dr. Ford's forgiveness. He might even have survived the nomination process.
But he didn't -- and he made that decision as an adult. Judge Kavenaugh is clearly the same person he was 30 years ago. There is no more forgiveness.
33
There seems to be this feeling that if Blasey's accusations are politically motivated then that gives those who support Kavanaugh a right to disregard them. Of course there is a political element to making accusations that can disqualify someone from sitting on the Supreme Court. But that does not mean that the accusations are false or that the person accused may ultimately not be deserving of a seat on our nation's highest court. That's why we have hearings. And the very fact that the position is one of the highest in the country is exactly way it may have taken so long for the accuser to come forward. It is impossible to believe that a week or two of an investigation is not worth the time in this case. I would surely hope that Trump has other qualified people to choose from that have better moral character to serve on this court if these accusations are true, for if they are, Kavanaugh is not a man of the character we should want sitting on the Supreme Court. If the accusations prove to be false, then he will have gotten through the process and can take his seat. I do not think it is too much to ask to become a lifetime appointee.
18
@Michael M. If we could turn the clock back to the beginning of August I would agree. Unfortunately the political timing has been the issue all along with this nomination. We all recognize Senator Feinstein's (and the Democrats) culpability and motivation for the way this issue was revealed. The request for delay is consistent with Senator Blumenthal's behavior the first day of the hearings.
Setting aside the obvious political game being played, let's assume Feinstein's delay really was about Ms. Ford's request for confidentiality. By all account Ms. Ford is reasonably bright. What did she expect her "revelation" to come to when it was made under the condition of anonymity? The judge has the right to face his accuser and respond to her vague accusations. If that right is not going to be available then the accusations should have never seen the light of day.
It is the same issue all over again with the timing of the hearings. The judge cannot go first as the news reports have suggested Ms. Ford is demanding; the judge cannot respond to accusations that have not already been made. Especially under circumstances where the story line surrounding the accusations has already undergone a significant change.
4
The fact that so many Republicans and conservatives are pitching the “mistaken identity” theory shows me that, despite their protestations otherwise, they find Dr. Blakey Ford’s account credible. Sadly, they are more interested in getting a quick, reliable right wing vote on the Supreme Court than they are in confirming someone with the integrity, honesty, and honor the Court deserves. A very sad time for women and the Supreme Court.
25
Why shouldn't they believe in Prof. Ford if indeed she has passed a lie detector test - by the way, has Kavanbaugh taken one - and she said she has spoken to her therapist about it previously? The Judicial Committee could easily confirm it with the therapist's testimony and notes since Ms Ford obviously would release her therapist from the confidentiality consent.
Oh, wait, a Texas school committee has voted to remove fact based teaching material and insert Moses's influence on American politics in its curriculum. So why did I bring it up? Because believing in the truth is no longer need in the American faith-based future. And people like the Steeles and Ms Foster may regret their decisions if they thought their short term economic gains could outweigh their welfare of the daughters and granddaughters. Or even themselves. This is especially dangerous for Ms Foster who thinks actual rape is the only terror in one's mind when sexual assaults without any penetrations could still leave trauma in one's psyche for the rest of one's life, irrespective of one's gender
11
I don’t understand why people are criticizing Dr. Blasey for not speaking out until the last minute and then casting doubt on her motives because of this supposed delay. Kavanaugh was nominated to the Supreme Court in early July and Dr. Blasey contacted Senator Feinstein in July. Where’s the delay? And if what she says happened to her is true (and there are good reasons to believe her), shouldn’t we be glad to learn this about Kavanaugh while there’s still time to keep him off the court and not waste time complaining that she should have gone public with her story ten weeks ago instead of one? If you want to question motives, question Feinstein’s in not sharing her information with others on the Judiciary Committee. Leave Dr. Blasey alone.
362
@Galfrido
I agree leave. Dr Bleasey alone. She believes she is expressing facts as she believes them.
Its her handlers, D. Feinstein and others, who are to blame for the tactics that have resulted in the turmoil now seen mininute by minute on the evening and continuous news.
From the same news I recall that the story was held by Feinstein for 6 weeks and released after the hearings were closed, a lawyer was hired to defend her and a polygraph test was taken in mid August (who paid for this?), her name was leaked to the press even though she requested to remain anonymous (who would benefit from the leak), through her (?) lawyer she has requested an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh, and etc.
All of happenings after her original letter sounds like politics to me.
Please warn your teenage sons and daughters that their actions can and will remain forever in the eyes of someone to use to their advantage.
Leave Dr Blasey alone.
3
@Galfrido The delay was because Christine Ford told Dianne Feinstein to keep her letter confidential, as she did not want her story to be made public. That was Christine Ford's choice. Had she chosen to tell her story, she would have been welcome to do so at the hearing. Dianne Feinstein would have called her as a witness.
This whole circus is due to the choices made by Christine Ford and Dianne Feinstein. Don't blame the Republicans. They had nothing to do with it.
@Galfrido
Not much to understand about it really. It is purely political and manufactured.
The R's have promised to stack the court with far right justices and have promised evangelicals they would stock the court enough to overturn gay rights, roe v. wade and the separation of church and state. And let's not forget civil rights and liberal immigration laws, both of which are, in their minds, the reason America is getting "browner" by the year, which they cannot tolerate.
with those things in mind, they would defend Satan himself if it got them control of the court.
3
What seems not to be appreciated for context in this endless dual involving Ford and Kavanaugh is that at the time of the alleged incident both individuals were highly privileged teenagers, attending private schools for the very-well-to-do. Who knows the convention such individuals follow at parties, apparently where alcoholic consumption was all right with adults owning the place of the party? Was there no adult supervision? As for Ford: Isn’t it case that the attack she claims came forth in mid-life marital counseling, presumably to explain some part of a marital difficulty ... and which needs to be sustained for her story to hold now? And is so, could this have been exaggerated ... not as a lie, but as something more than it was, if it was anything at all? As for Kavanaugh: His denial of this incident altogether is hard to accept, period. Something seems to have happened. So a formal investigation by experienced and qualified persons of the alleged incident certainly seems justified. All the more so, considering misdeeds of this kind against women that are all too common. As well, what’s at stake is the credibility of the Supreme Court whose members have life-time appointments. Without such an investigation on this account, moreover, the undesirable politicization of the Court is furthered.
9
I believe Ms. Ford. But I worry for her mental health and that of her family. To be suddenly thrown into the limelight of worldwide public scrutiny is more than most private citizens could endure.
Kavanaugh on the other hand does not get a pass on public scrutiny. He is a public figure who's personal integrity is important to the office he aspires to.
The thing that saddens me the most in this whole mess is that the US is once again being dragged through the mud in the eyes of the world. The Republicans no longer have even a low bar on personal and party integrity. They have none at all. They are secretive, malign, manipulative, and corrupt. And now it's all out there for the world to see. Sullying the reputation of the Supreme Court is just one more step in this cascade of accumulated shame. We don't need Putin to take us down. The Republican Party is doing a fine job of that all on it's own.
22
No, people shouldn’t be judged by youthful mistakes, but they can and should be judged by present-day lies. If the incident happened—and it’s very likely it did— then Kavanaugh can either admit it and explain how he’s changed, or say that he can’t recall it. If he really was drunk, it’s possible he doesn’t. But issuing a staunch denial of something that did happen is a lying that disqualifies him as a judge
52
People keep talking about why she didn’t come forward before and so on, but that is not the point. The point here is the character of the person who is about to be appointed on the highest court of the land - for life. The point is whether he did it or not. And yes, we do horrible things when we are young (although not often as horrible as this), but we are not trying to be a Supreme Court Justice, are we?
25
I could even accept, with background checks in the affirmative, “I rarely drank, and never that much before - I was as out of control, doing what everyone said would show I was a “real man”, a lie I bought because of too much beer and if Dr. B-F forgives me, I will continue with the process, otherwise I’ll withdraw.
That’s what Sen. Al Frankin did, for behavior that should have ended with a loud slap in the green room. Not surprisingly, the party of the Right to A Guy’s Right to Grope Gals said little, but Democratic colleagues said you, out, now. And an otherwise good (in other words,I agreed with his votes, actions, proposals and reporters of his constituent services) Senator was dumped.
But K categorically denied any kind of incident.
If the post were not so important, it wouldn’t require a full investigation. But this is a life-long appointment to the body that makes our laws match the Constitution.
A body, that, until recently, had been concerned more with the rights of individuals, rather than companies, the smaller not the larger.
The body that, in the last two terms, declared one company had a religion, and therefore could do all it could to deny workers birth control, and in a second, found that a company making wedding cakes could refuse gay customers because of corporate faith - and worst of all, a company could use cash earned by the sweat of its workers to endorse policies they didn’t like, but a workers’ union could not vote to do the same.
4
I am a Democrat and appalled by Trump. But, the problem with the accuser's allegations is One - That she only came forward because her letter was leaked, presumably by democratic operatives. Two, it is very old dirty laundry. Three, no other allegations have been made. Four, and the most offensive, that we have to listen to Richard Blumenthal's holier-than-thou nightly attacks when he himself lied egregiously about his "Return from Vietnam" in his recent, inaugural Senate campaign. Gives me a break! We are tired of politics as usual.
12
@Susan.Why can't you see the wood for the trees? In the same order as your comments: ONE - she wrote that letter only in July, after 36 years of silence, BECAUSE Kavanaugh was nominated in July. TWO - the duration the matter has been in abeyance is secondary, seeing that the nomination of a Supreme Court Justice, is involved. This is not the appointment of a police officer, coroner or new teacher, as honorable and important as those jobs are. A Supreme Court Justice helps make momentous decisions, often of life-and-death importance, that affect the lives of all Americans. That person's character must be utterly impeccable.THREE - if you are referring to other allegations of a sexual nature, then how many, you think, are necessary before we take cognizance? Two, five or ten? The number is really irrelevant. As for other types of allegations, you know that Trump sealed over 10,000 pages of documents pertaining to Kavanaugh's past decisions? Have you noticed how K squirmed under pointed questioning by Kamala Harris? The man gives the appearance of dissembling i.e. pretending with intention to deceive. That is horrifying to see in a SC nominee. Be tired, not of the politics but of the Republicans refusal to give Prof Ford what she asks for - FBI investigation, subpoena of the witness named Judge and only the Committee to question her. I hope she testifies and demonstrate her caliber and credibility there. May she flummox the Republicans and win the day, God willing.
10
I think tat they are trying to wait to see if other women stand up to say that similar things happened to them. Often it takes on person to stand up to provide the others the courage to do so. The fury released on Dr Ford is likely to discourage other individuals from stepping forward. Don’t you think that is clearly part of the political narrative?
This is not about DJT or even about Senator RB, but about the character of a man who is up for the Supreme Court. Dr Ford wanted her situation to be taken into account, but having thought about the full consequences, held back. She was flushed out by the wicked behavior of a Democratic staffer who should be identified and disciplined. Having lost her anonymity she then decided to come forward, since, after all, she had always wanted it to be taken into account.
It is now clear that this incident was known about, but no one thought to raise it. It would have been good if the FBI could have investigated it without all this fanfare.
And many voters don’t believe her or her motive.
9
@Todd Because we in Australia have such a good sense of the mood of there person on the street in the US about this. I always think I am clued in from here as to what my US friends and family are thinking. Then I go home to visit and always have my eyes opened. You are in Sydney. You don't really know what the majority of people in the US are thinking.
2
@Todd
And more do. Check the polls.
1
Has anyone suggested that maybe Dr. Blasey came forward and spoke out, in order to finally lay the memories to rest, and move on with her life?
There are many individuals who suffered the same kind of abuse, and either repressed the memories, became religious, suffered from major depression, or dealt with the trauma by abusing drugs and or alcohol. We were living in a very very different era.
As someone who suffered from the same kind of abuse in the 1960's, I wound up forcing the painful memories deep in to my unconscious. I did it so well, that I could not adequately recall them until almost fifty years later .
Three years later, I am still trying to figure out how I can go about confronting the aggressors. I desperately want to let go of the pain, shame, and the sadness.
I know that if I do ever speak up, it will get worse before it gets better
16
Dr. Blasey's motive is one and only one: civic duty for the good of this country, something that neither Trump, nor the GOP care.
29
Brett Kavanaugh is, quite literally, a judge. He is seeking to become a Supreme Court Justice. Why is he not demanding that the Senate slow down the process and have the FBI as a neutral party conduct the investigation? Isn't it literally Kavanaugh's job to, above all things, pursue justice through a fair process?
Instead, we have the accuser as the one who wants a process that takes the time to try, at least, to find the truth. Kavanaugh is apparently satisfied to have his chance to declare his innocence, followed as quickly as possible by a highly partisan vote. This, in itself does not speak well of his intentions toward deliberative and impartial jurisprudence.
189
This isn't even all about what happened 36 years ago. This is about integrity and empathy. Normal human emotions.
They (the Republican men) want to RAM this nominee thorough quickly because the KNOW these are real concerns about him and the longer they wait the more evidence will develop.
STOP. There should be no rush for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.
Get it right.
28
There's a simple enough solution. Since Dr. Blasey has already voluntarily submitted to a polygraph test - and passed - perhaps Judge Kavanaugh might do the same. That'd certainly offer more insight than a he-said-she-said back and forth in a GOP-majority Senate that's already invested in a particular outcome.
13
I would like to know what the questions were and who paid for the polygraph. Also, it seems odd that she hired an attorney and took the test almost a month before she decided to come forward.
2
Yes, Judge Kavanaugh was very young at the time of the alleged assault, and it took place a long time ago.
However, this is isn't the sort of thing that a person (even a drunk 17 year old) would forget. So, he's either lying (which should definitely disqualify him from the court), or he's telling the truth, in which case his age is irrelevant. The crux of this is whether the assault did occur; ultimately, we'll never know this beyond doubt, but Dr Ford's testimony and credibility will be critical.
11
@James Hearing Christine Ford testify as a witness will tell us little. I've been a lawyer for over 30 years. I clerked for a federal district court and then, though mainly a business attorney, did plenty of courtroom work.
Truth is, it's hard to tell when a witness is lying and when they are telling the truth. And even when witnesses try to tell the truth, their own perceptions and memory failures make what they say unreliable.
We know already as much as we really can know. Time to move on. If Christine Ford wants to pursue this further, I'm certain she can get the money to hire private investigators and a criminal complaint to the police in Maryland can be made. If she finds any evidence to support her claims, Brett Kavanaugh can be indicted and/or impeached for perjury.
But I'm pretty sure there is no other evidence. What else could there be?
3
@James Being assaulted, terrified that you will be violated or killed--that is something one does not ever forget. The activated brain will not let you. But a perpetrator, drunk and out of it could well" forget" he did it because he was not terrified. Healthy responsible young men and teens do NOT attack and terrify others for sexual arousal Offenders do. I don't know if Kavanaugh is or was a repeat offender, but I can surely say that if he did this attack he could well have forgotten it. No big deal to certain males, but fortunately not most.
7
@John: there is already more evidence coming out. Why give up so soon? The best thing would be an impartial investigation by the FBI. Then, if no clarity emerges, it is time to let it go, otherwise BK should simply withdraw. He already has a very influential job.
1
It's likely that Kavanaugh's accuser's motive is to simply derail his appointment as a Supreme Court Justice. But then, if the accusations are true, it's a perfectly reasonable motive. It's one thing to let bygones be bygones, if the two were never to meet again in life. But as SC Justice, he will wield enormous power over her and everyone else. It's her duty to prevent a man with a prior history of sexual abuse from ascending to the highest court in the land.
16
“Sometimes people make terrible mistakes when they are teenagers and drinking, but I know my sons wouldn’t, and my sons didn’t,” said Ms. Kydonieus, 70. “They were brought up to be moral.”
I have seen ADULTS make terrible mistakes while drinking. Being brought up to be moral has nothing to do with it. Being intoxicated has everything to do with it (and crosses every class boundary too).
25
And being moral means taking responsibility for your bad actions when you're sober enough to acknowledge them.
4
@redpixie Intoxication is not some kind of passport that permits a person to commit crimes with impunity.
2
It's a little scary that 'Innocent until proven guilty' is being turned into 'listen and believe'.
9
@ Chris: You make the false equivocation of the protocol of a criminal trial with that of hearings on a judicial appointment. It is good it is not a criminal trial because a legitimate defense would be "Denial As Evidence."
1
Our juvenile justice system locks up 14 & 15 year olds for they type of criminal conduct allegedly exhibited by Trump's Supreme Court nominee when he was 17. Had this nominee not been white and privileged, he certainly would have served time. Unfortunately our justice system is horribly and heart breakingly racist. We should have a more diverse Supreme Court with justices from all walks of life to represent the American people. Trump's nominee clearly lacks the insight and understanding that we need on our highest court.
19
Some people cannot understand why she spoke up now. But accepting "locker room" talk and behavior in a teenager becoming a U.S. Supreme Court Justice seems reason enough to me. Suddenly the stakes have changed for women. You may never go to a high school party again and be subjected to dismissal, taunts, and aggression as a mere "girl." But all women have to live with the laws of the land - and this person, and his prejudices will be affirming or changing those laws. Grown men who don't understand this are still self-serving teens somewhere in their thinking - and dangerous to 51% of the population.
28
And where are the wives, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, women friends of these Republican Senators? What they are doing in supporting Trump's obvious partisan candidate is unspeakable on so many levels. Aren't there 3 Republicans with a conscience?
4
I know, why don't we just decide this issue by polling people. Or better yet, put it on the ballot in every state this November. Do you vote for Brett Kavanaugh or Christine Ford?
I don't want to make Christine Ford into some sort of fool. She's not. She's clearly emotionally troubled by her memories of what happened. She is a bright, accomplished woman.
But the Democrats have made the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh into a circus. They had women come into the hearings and periodically pop up to scream at Brett Kavanaugh. An opponent rushed up to him after a session to shake his hand and then complained that he turned his back on him when a security man pulled Kavanaugh away. At the moment the hearings started they tried to stop them by talking over the chairman. They theatrically broke Senate rules and one claimed to be like Spartacus.
And Christine Ford's decision not to testify was taken out of her hands by someone leaking to The Intercept the existence of her letter. Only Dianne Feinstein (and probably her staff), Anna Eshoo (and probably her staff), and Christine Ford and her lawyers knew about it. The outing of Christine Ford falls squarely on them, all Democrats.
Every circus needs at least one clown. Thanks to the Democrats, Christine Ford has been made one of them.
15
You had me until you said it was the Democrats making it into a circus. As an external observer (who shares one conservative view with Brett Kavanaugh) it seemed that the Republicans were the ones creating the circus by trying to push this nomination through without due consideration. How can it be appropriate to do such a large document dump on the eve of the hearing, then restrict access to relevant documents and insist on such a short process? This ungracious and cynical behavior by Republicans will do more damage to the Republican Party in the long term. How can the party of Law and Order stoop to such flagrant disregard of law and order?
By contrast, whatever their behavior, the Democrats have no power in this (Republicans can push everything through with their majority), so the full responsibility for the debacle must lie with the Republicans.
2
@John Smithson. That "opponent" was a parent of a child murdered at Stoneman High, and Kavanaugh knew it.
And the Republicans are participating fully in any circus, starting with refusing for almost a year to consider a highly qualified Merrick Garland and denying it was political.
1
If we believe Dr. Ford is telling the truth, it doesn't matter that it happened in high school. What matters is that Judge Kavanaugh is lying.
80
@ruintheholidays
You’re going to judge someone’s guilt or innocence based upon your ‘belief’? No. The accuser must prove her case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt....with actual evidence, witnesses, something. She’s got nothing...
So, common decency is “political “ now?
Some question the timing. “Why wait until the 11th hour...”
My guess is that Dr. Ford worked to put the incident behind her, to find herself confronted with news of Kavanaugh’s nomination. Accepting her account is true, I can imagine her disgust and surprise listening to the hearing, knowing that this man should not sit on the Supreme Court, and feeling compelled to come forward. That’s not “political”, that’s a act of public service, for which she will pay a great price.
I don’t understand the motivation behind the the original act, but if the perpetrator owned up and took responsibility, I could forgive it.
OTOH, I understand the motivation to deny that it took place, and to lie about perfectly well, effectively attacking the victim a second time, but that I cannot forgive.
16
I'm sure she was also hoping that the nomination would fail without her having to come forward.
I can't see anything wrong in what she did. Especially given the harassment and threats she has had to endure.
8
35+ years ago, a 15 year old girl attended a drinking party with older boys and was traumatized by their alleged drunken sexual aggression. She doesn’t recall when this happened, or where, but she comes back 35 years later to derail the career, and life, of the alleged aggressor, against whom there have been no other accusations of sexual impropriety.
Let’s not pretend that this tempest isn’t politically motivated.
22
@Shenoa It doesn't matter what her motivation is. If the event occurred as she described, and he's lying by denying that it happened, that should disqualify him from being elevated to the Supreme Court.
7
@Shenoa I don't believe it is, at least on Prof. Ford's part, but even if that is the case, does it matter if her accusation is true?
2
@shenoa: You may be right or you may be unjustly accusing Dr Ford. You appear to have made your judgement, but I would like to point out that she did tell people at the time, and the assault clearly had a big effect on her because she dropped out of social activity and it came up finally in counselling (before BK was proposed).
Now... to BK - this is not about “ruining his life”, merely affecting his promotion. If true, his behavior at the time was wrong (and possibly criminal), and there is no “excuse”. A sincere apology would be appropriate at a minimum as well as a withdrawal from consideration to the SCOTUS. His reputation for general good character over the years would not automatically be affected. Many people live very good and productive lives without sitting on the Supreme Court. Some even do greater things because of setbacks like this.
Finally, even if she were politically motivated, if true, this is disqualifying, especially since BK would have lied about it. Blackout drinking is not even an excuse, because he should have made this part of his response instead of an out and out denial.
3
I don’t want Kavanaugh to be our next Supreme Court judge, but should he be disqualified because of an accusation?
Unfortunately, we will never really know whether this accusation is true. There is no hard evidence that will be presented, other than the word of the two seemingly decent people involved.
The tough part about the MeToo movement is how quickly an accusation itself tarnishes a person. The accusation itself makes a person a pariah, and in this way, whether it is true or not, the damage is already done.
If Kavanaugh makes it, Democrats will claim he was confirmed despite his possible crime. If he doesn’t, Republicans will claim he wasn’t confirmed because of a crime where his guilt was never proven. The damage is done.
18
Possibly Kavanaugh should be forgiven, but that does not mean he should be seated on the Supreme Court!
18
Let's first establish that Kavanaugh has done anything requiring forgiveness. Are you ready to forgive Dr. Blasey for falsely implicating an innocent man - or is that acceptable behavior?
I believe Dr. Ford's account. She is very courageous to volunteer the story of her experience and risk the many threats to herself and her family. There should be an FBI investigation, particularly because we know that Justice Kavanaugh has avoided other questions and been untruthful on at least one documented account.
54
With Kavanaugh's slithery and slippery answers in the confirmation hearing, plus with his contradicting his testimony in earlier hearings, compounded by the reality that Dr. Ford was reluctant to come forward until she was outed - and is now willing to submit to an FBI investigation which Kavanaugh is dodging - yes, I believe her. It's sad that this confrontation might be what it takes to derail Kavanaugh's elevation to the soon-to-be-Extreme Court if he gets on; he should have long ago been disqualified because of his fringe conservative positions. But I'm grateful to Dr. Ford for coming forward, and again, yes, I believe her.
61
I believe her. Nevertheless, it is difficult to believe that she had not revealed this during her professional training years ago, wherein it was mandatory for her to undergo therapy. Moreover, why would she have not spoken up when he was appointed to the federal bench? This too is an appointment for life. Lastly, why didn't she go to the FBI? She would have been protected, and if the story is true, Brett would have bowed out quietly. The hearing will be a circus, and there will be no winners. Our country is in very serious trouble.
6
@Mary There are thousands of federal court judges and their decisions are often checked by a parties right to appeal to the federal appeals courts or the Supremes. While they have significant power, they are not one of the nine that make binding decisions for the entire country. I tend to believe that when weighed against the impact to her life and family, the harm that his character posed to the country as one of many federal judges was not the same as what she saw as he sat in the hearings to serve as a member of the highest court on the land. Were I in her shoes the two situations would have been a different calculus despite both being lifetime appointments.
17
@Mary
She did undergo therapy and reveal this trauma.
As for the FBI- she went to her congressional representative- a truly courageous act.
10
@Mary. She might not have even been aware when he was first nominated to the bench. How many of the current nominees are you aware of?
3
The effectiveness of the Me Too movement wasn't just the travails of individual women, but their stories' confirmation by other women who would not otherwise have known that they were victims of repeat offenders like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein. So if Ford's brave action induces others to come forward, Kavanaugh surely should withdraw. But if not, maybe Senators could believe her but write the offense off as an isolated, youthful indiscretion.
4
@PaleMale I'm sorry but most people do not believe that sexual assault by a 17 year old is a "youthful indiscretion." Others from less privileged backgrounds spend years in prison for sexual assault. "Youthful indiscretion" is a term used to excuse criminal conduct by a specific class of young men.
19
@PaleMale At this point, if another Democrat accuser comes forward with some vague allegations that cannot be corroborated, I'd write it off as more political maneuvering. The climate created by the Democrats, where many said they would stop at nothing to torpedo Kavanaugh's confirmation, has made me very, very skeptical. And the ridiculous demands by Blasey Ford's team (Kavanaugh should go first?!?) come off as excuses so that she can refuse to testify. Now if a pro-life Republican woman accuses him, that might be believable.
6
@PaleMale Yet that suggests that his record is blemish free and that his performance during the previously held hearings was stellar. It was not as he was found to be dissembling on several questions, issues raised, and members of congress on both sides have raised this as a concern. He has already demonstrated his unworthiness for this appointment, so frankly he shouldn't be confirmed out of committee regardless of what transpires at next week's circus hearings.
9
I believe her and I don’t question her motives. She was almost raped, which seems pretty traumatic. Although she might be naive thinking she could remain anonymous. If she had remained anonymous I don’t think I would have believed it. At a minimum, he deserves to know his accuser.
My main point now is I want an investigation to see if he’s lying. If he’s lying, he shouldn’t be nominated.
If he did it, and admitted to it with remorse and a direct apology I would not have a problem letting the confirmation proceed. At this point, all we know for sure is someone is not telling the truth.
It will be one more example of trust and faith in public institutions being eroded.
19
@Scott Spencer Given the many, many gaps in Blasey Ford's memory, it is doubtful an investigation would bring us any closer to the truth. Most Democrats are aware of this, that's why so many are saying if it's a tie, it goes to her, despite our standard of "innocent until proven guilty." Besides Kavanaugh's denial, the two other men identified as having been there both deny it and vouch for Kavanaugh's character. Since Blasey Ford was the one that named those men, shouldn't we accept their version of the events?
5
@marcia. Since when is innocent until proven guilty the standard when you are up for a job? Most of us disqualify candidates based on a lot less than 100% certainty that the person has a disqualifying characteristic. In many many many instances mere suspicion is enough. PS. I was a teenager in the same era as Ford and Kavanaugh. I went to parties held at the homes of local teens who went to other schools, who I did not always know well. I can distinctly remember incidents that occurred where for the life of me I could not tell you the name of the kid whose house we were at. I don't even remember the names of half the kids in my graduating class any more. But if the FBI started talking to my classmates, I suspect they would be able to piece together whose house certain things occurred act, just like they do in any other investigation where they start with piecemeal information.
3
@marcia
Most certainly not. The third person in the room, Mr. Judge, has not testified under oath nor taken a lie detector test as has Prof. Ford. Worse, he is doing everything possible to avoid testifying. He desperately wants to avoid outing his friend or perjuring himself, in this case a federal crime. Therefore we should believe Prof. Ford.
Anyone willing to bet the day Ms Ford is scheduled to testify, her lawyers will suddenly demand a new delay for some new reason -- whatever it is? Then call for a postponement for two weeks. And then another, hopefully dragging it out past the midterms?
BTW: who is paying for all of Ms Ford's attorneys using the tried and true principle of "follow the money"?
29
@JW, what she wants is an FBI Investigation, what she wants is for other witnesses to be questioned. I believe she will testify next week because she knows that her story needs to get out. Republicans appear to be afraid of the truth, and that's why there is no investigation or no additional witnesses. So sad.
10
@TBW
The FBI does not investigate sexual assaults -- it's not in their jurisdiction. The FBI only investigates FEDERAL crimes.
She's free to ask the local authorities in Maryland to open an investigation, but they are not likely to agree -- not when the accuser doesn't know where it occurred of even what year it occurred -- only that it was around 35 years ago.
The only witness to the event (according to her) has already officially stated that he never witnessed what she claims.
I am not sure if judge Kavanaugh should pay the heavy price for some stupid mistake he may have done while growing up and while drunk. there are valid arguments on both sides.
But I do believe Christine Ford. I think she is telling the truth. that means right now Kavanaugh is lying.
for me, this is a bigger issue that he is trying to get on the Supreme Court bench by lying. I wonder what would happen if he is appointed and then FBI uncovers his lies. would that be sufficient grounds to impeach him?
67
@basjensma He is ALREADY NOT "paying the heavy price" - after all, he is not going to jail for an otherwise criminal behavior. He NEEDS TO pay the relatively smaller price of not being allowed to serve on the nation's highest court. It's not that his life and career would be ruined if he doesn't become a supreme court judge. He already has had a successful life and career.
Why would you want him to pay zero price for his actions? What sort of example would that be setting for future generations?
13
Because he shouldn't be denied opportunity for something he didn't do, and there is no evidence that he did.
2
Really. How many people were interviewed? A handful in Doylsetown, PA. Lovely town, but this proves nothing. You need to run a survey. Period. This is merely anecdotal and shows how inept the TImes is -I guarantee that if you had interviewed people who thought she was lying and that the incident never happened --- this article would never have been published.
17
Misleading headline, methinks! When I saw the word "many" in the headline I was expecting to see a statistic somewhere-like, "x% of <whatever subset of voters> support Ford". Instead, there were just a bunch of random interviews selected by reporters and no doubt later culled by editors.
I suppose I should have been alerted by the weasel word, "many", because I'm sure that if there had been demonstrable majority, we would have seen "most" in that headline.
I guess it was just a slow news day in Ford v. Kavanaugh.
15
These articles only harden my dislike of pro-Trumpers. Their vicious hypocrisy and vile selfishness is disgusting. And yet I'm still surprised they can go even lower, saying things like Trump could try to bribe every American with a $million and we'd still not like him. Seriously? Every word they utter speaks to their depravity and lack of a single moral fiber. You believe Ford but support her attacker because of her "timing?" Why not just ask what she was wearing that night? May God be your judge.
166
"But the details in the account by Dr. Blasey were what repulsed Cindy Shoemaker-Zerrer, a 59-year-old real estate agent. “The fact that he put his hand over her mouth makes it a whole different level,” she said."
Sorry Cindy, but that's not at all a fact. It's an allegation.
There's a difference, you know.
18
@HurryHarry
Yep- and an investigation would get to the truth, presumably.
So, why would the Republicans not want an investigation?
11
@HMJ
It's 36 years too late for an investigation...
There is no physical evidence. The person she claims witnessed the event has already officially stated that he never saw it.
It doesn't help either that she has no idea of the time or place of the alleged assault.
criminal sexual assault is punishable by years in jail, and jail is where kavanaugh belongs
36
@true patriot Then let Blasey Ford press criminal charges. If she did, then we'd really get to the bottom of things. But something tells me she doesn't want her life scrutinized. Everything she is doing now regarding the charade of wanting to testify suggests this is all about party politics. She wants to testify next Thursday because it essentially kills the chance of the Republicans to seat a Supreme Court justice if the Dems regain the Senate. Let's see if she agrees to a Wednesday hearing.
6
@true patriot
Maybe you are not aware that in our justice system, the accused is innocent until proven guilty.
It takes more than an accusation to convict someone.
Without physical evidence or witnesses, this type of case does not even make it to trial.
1
A resident .. a Republican .. asks, "What took so long"?
Men come forward decades later to share they were molested (by priests) - we believe them. Women come forward decades later - we (the GOP) question their timing, their motives.
What a sorry state of affairs ....
327
@JH The difference is that in the case of the priests, there was a pattern of assault that ran deep in the Church. In Kavanaugh's case, women with diverse political beliefs have vouched for him. This is the sole accusation against him and it comes at a time when partisan politics are at a fever pitch and, wouldn't you know, his accuser is a relatively far-left Bernie Sanders supporter. And don't even bother saying she has nothing to gain by this because right now she is the hero of everyone left of center and will go down in history if she succeeds in toppling Kavanaugh.
8
@JH if we have more than her come forward let me know. You make comparisons that don’t apply
4
@marcia
The fact that the accused deviant has female supporters that he didn't assault is merely deflective and completely meaningless. That fact that Kavanaugh has lied and dissembled on multiple occasions through his nomination process to date is entirely relevant and meaningful.
He should welcome an FBI ivestigation .. if the is as innocent as he says he is. There's far more reason to doubt him .. than her.
Did you not see the yougov poll that just came out @NYT ? It’s 1/4 with a surprising number of woman voting they don’t believe her. Really interesting stuff, I dunno I’m only your basic level stats guy but I don’t know many math professors that would call 1 in 4 “Many” voters. Subjective I guess.
8
They shouldn't be questioning HER motives, those seem pretty cut and dry ... and are in line with victims motives since there were victims of sexual assault.
The motives in question are the Democrats ... and of course, the Republicans and those are equally transparent.
Both principles will be butchered and neither party will be remorseful but they will be somewhat satisfied by the blood sport ... for a week or two.
2
Her timing to me is perfectly understandable. A lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land with decades of decisions effecting women in this country. No matter the destruction to her life, just like Anita Hill, she could no longer stay silent.
76
@Heidi 30 years of silence has consequences don’t you think. I have sons and daughters and fairness should be afforded to both
6
@David, so it’s fine with you if someone commits a crime against one of your kids and years later claims he shouldn’t be punished because “silence has consequences?” In this case, silence would put an accused rapist on the SC deciding on women’s lives.
Whatever the truth is about this accusation, the other truth is that we have hundreds of thousands of prisoners who were put in prison at similar or lesser ages for much lesser crimes, like stealing food or money. Those strikes have a very low bar, in degrees of criminality and age.
If those behind bar for life can't be forgiven should any other boy be treated differently because he was prep-school educated and allowed on a lifelong bench?
61
The Dr. is requesting an FBI investigation. The judge quite clearly does not want the FBI to investigate. Hello?
176
She doesn’t want to fly? Maybe Amtrak could out on a special Coast to Coast train for her. I’m sure that next her attorney will say she’s ill and can’t testify for weeks.
10
Maybe she doesn't want to get stalked and chased through a public airport. I don't blame her.
1
Perhaps the motive is really simple: Any individual wanting a life-time appointment deciding peoples' futures should be held to the strictest standards. Where is 90% of his decisions being held? These are public record, btw. Dr. Ford is brave, and dares to stand up to what is right. Isn't that motive enough?
65
The latest?
Dr Blasey Ford doesn’t want to ‘fly’ to Washington because she’s afraid of confined spaces. No, really.
Grassley has offered to take the entire committee to California to accommodate her needs.
Shut down this Democrat scam/sham now, Senator Grassley, and confirm Judge Kavanaugh.
(BTW, as a California voter, I had planned on voting for Diane Feinstein as the lesser of two evils — the other being Kevin ‘de’ Leon — but not anymore. Her wicked stunt will make me vote for Leon just to ensure her attempted destruction of an honest man does not go unpunished)
26
@EGD
Good for you .... vote for Leon, and waste your vote. it will all be worth it, I'm sure.
18
@JH
Much like my vote for Gary Johnson, I suppose. Some of us — perhaps foolishly — simply can’t vote for the likes of a Hillary Clinton or a Donald Trump. I’ve now extended that field to Ms Feinstein.
How about both parties are speaking their truth. The episode did occur. Judge Kavanaugh, "stumbling drunk" as noted by Dr Ford did not / does not remember activities of the night before. Does not address other many other issues but does offer explanation of conflicted accounts of two "credible" persons.
7
This quote from the article describes exactly the way I feel:
“I wish we had more [people] of integrity, a higher standard of people in the Supreme Court, for the president of the United States,” she said. “It makes me feel sick because I love the United States.”
71
We've heard stories repeatedly in recent days of immigrants being deported for minor long-ago transgressions like traffic tickets. If Kavanaugh were an immigrant, the Republicans would be howling for his deportation.
160
@Van
After a hefty jail sentence.
2
In my past life as a prosecutor and, later, a criminal defense lawyer, I'd say it's more likely than not that Ms. Ford is telling the truth about the assault. The basis for my opinion is that when it comes to sexual assault, women usually tell the truth; that's my experience. However, I'd reserve judgment in this case until both Ford and Kavanaugh testify and are subject to cross examination. When it comes to fact finding, I'm not one of those who thinks adult women victims are delicate little creatures who must be coddled in the process.
The question of Ford's motive stands out in this case and may affect her credibility. The manner in which she reported Kavanaugh, her attempts at anonymity, her lawyering up, the fact that she's a Democrat, that the Democrats dragged their feet until the last moment in a strategic move to upset the confirmation process, that she wants Kavanaugh to testify before her, all reflect back on her and suggest that she's an avenging angel out to get Kavanaugh. This could be the ultimate #MeToo moment. Some justice!
87
@Mrs. Proudie I am a past president of a state criminal defense attorney association. Belief based upon gender is repugnant to the oath a lawyer takes. On a different level, such a belief would seriously impair a criminal defense attorney’s ability to be effective (as in not committing mal-practice). I assume an attorney harboring such a belief tells her client before accepting his case of her personal bias against males if a female is the one making the claim.
9
@Mrs. Proudie
She was obviously fearful because of the Anita Hill hearings. Mrs Proudie, did you watch them? Those men
[2 now still planted firmly in the past] were merciless in their
swaggering power, insisting over and over again for exact
ugly words and phrases. Ms Ford had to accept the fact that she might be vilified even tho' telling the truth...
exactly as Anita Hill.
42
@Mrs. Proudie I have NO problem with an avenging angel who's now "out to get Kavanaugh" at this time and this place of HER choosing - provided her stuff is true. He may be a saint today, but must pay the piper for past misdeeds as do we all, one way or another. Amen!
3
If "many tend to believe" that he tried to rape her, what does her "motivation" in making the allegation now have to do with it? What matters is what he did, not the timing of her report. I am horrified by the utter amorality of anyone who would say "It just seems so political to me," as if that cancels a victim's right to be heard.
By the way, it is "confuse with," not "confuse for."
44
Plus the fact that if he DID do it, which they say they believe, then he is lying about it now. That alone is disqualifying.
1
It amazes and outrages me that trump supporters always are willing and able to brush off trumps flagrant impulses. Well, everybody did things like that in high school or you know, it’s only locker room talk, or Bill Clinton did things just like this. If trump did murder someone on Main Street there would be those with brooms handy, ready and willing to sweep it all away. Kavanaugh is another one of trumps favorite pets. This is the guy who worked with ken Starr to prosecute bill Clinton. Trumpy likes it. Some people have love in their veins. Trump has bilge water in his. Drunk or not, you know it’s wrong. And now your willing to lie about it. Excellent judgement.
31
They only brush them off if a Republican is involved. Turn the tables and hear them scream.
9
Senator Heller: "this is just a hiccup."
Senator McConnell: "we're going to plough through this."
Senator Hatch: "this woman, whoever she is, is mixed up."
Representative Ralph Norman: "“Did y’all hear this latest news on the Kavanaugh hearings? Ruth Bader Ginsburg came out saying she was groped by Abraham Lincoln.”
This is the Republican Party, in its own words.
Senators Collins and Murkowski, please -- please do the right and honorable thing! SOMEBODY in your party has to, for the sake of our country!
232
The Republicans are running cover for an alleged sexual assaulter in the interests of furthering their political objectives. Is there nothing more sick and twisted, never mind a clear example of putting party over country and self-interest ahead of genuine caring for this nation? The whole lot have betrayed their pay to US citizens.
31
Memo to Dr. Ford:
Tuesday, November 6 is election day.
How ‘bout we put off meeting with the Judiciary Committee until Thanksgiving?
Your Pal Stanton
5
@A. Stanton
Merrick Garland's nomination was before the Senate for 293 days, so a couple of months is really nothing to complain about.
11
As a nation we apparently have decided elite schools are safe zones for mostly white young men to get away with anything, including rape
We have also apparently decided that non-elites are not worthy of such protection, and should fuel the mass incarceration criminal justice system.
Lastly, the white men and women who gave Trump the electoral college victory decided no price was too high to overturn Roe v Wade, and to place race ahead of country
To them, this is making America great again. An apartheid state based on being white, male, and elite.
95
Based upon watching two hours of C-Span's Washington Journal this morning appears the nation is about equally split in support of either Kavanaugh or Ford. I was surprised by the women callers. There were quite a few and equally split between accuser and accused.
The second hour was an interview and call-in segment with Anita McBride. She worked closely with Kavanaugh during the Bush administration. "This is not the Bret Kavanaugh any of us know."
She was articulate, fair and instructive. Among the positions she held was Laura Bush's chief of staff.
No matter if you support one or the other or are undecided, it is well worth a visit to C-Span's website to view these two hours.
12
And lots of other people don't. So what?
2
“Sometimes people make terrible mistakes when they are teenagers and drinking, but I know my sons wouldn’t, and my sons didn’t,” said Ms. Kydonieus, 70. “They were brought up to be moral.”
This goes to the whole Kavanaugh narrative; his ambition, his equivocating and his lying … Somehow, this man either was not brought up to have ethical values due to poor parenting, or his own ambitions undermined his moral compass. Issues come to the forefront when someone is drunk. His apparently had to do with females.
26
This is a lie and I do know the truth.
3
Ms. Foster: "It’s not that I think she’s lying, but people do stupid things in high school. He pinned her down, he put his hand over her mouth. He did not rape her."
Oh, well, then that's OK, right? He tried to rape her, but didn't actually DO it.
What a phenomenally stupid thing for someone - especially a woman - to say about a Supreme Court nominee! Republicans seem more than willing to go to extremes to defend their votes for the serial sexual abuser in the White House, even if it means defending a judge headed for the Supreme Court who as a teenager may have attempted rape, a crime that most teenaged boys do NOT commit no matter how drunk they are.
This is willful stupidity, willful blindness. When I think of the damage these voters have caused to our country - from the environment to international relations - I cannot even begin to forgive them. I can only hope that Ms. Foster and people who think like her read her words in black and white and see how warped their reality is.
106
Here is a question
Kavanaugh said it never happened. Is he saying it wasn't him who assaulted her or is he saying he was with her in the room but it wasn't assault.
If he is saying it wasn't him, then why isn't he asking the FBI to find out who it was?
25
This liberal agrees that....it seems pretty clear why this accusation is coming out now. It's self-serving on the part of Dems and Liberals who don't want him appointed. Folks will do whatever it takes (within the law) to accomplish their end political goals.
However, that doesn't change the fact that... everything does seem to point as this assault having occurred. So then the question becomes, should a person such as Kavanaugh be allowed on the bench, or not?
5
It's not about one indiscretion, it's about the character of the man.
55
Dear Ms. Foster,
I was naive to a fault in high school. Whatever stupid things I may have done or did, none came close to assaulting another human being under any circumstances. I knew that was wrong. There was no ifs, ands or buts about it. It would appear from Dr Ford's description that rape was exactly what Kavanaugh intended to commit---until he was stopped by the drunken actions of his friend jumping on top of both them, which allowed Ford to escape. It is not an incident to be shrugged off.
Why come out with this story now...?
Because it took her, as it has taken so many like her, years to deal with the experience. We've heard from enough experts on sexual abuse trauma to know and understand this. As has been pointed out elsewhere, does anyone question the timing of someone who suffered abuse by a priest? Why hold women like Ford to a different standard?
Furthermore, her attacker had not been nominated for the Supreme Court before this. We all deserve to know about the character and perspectives of a man whose rulings would have direct impact on all our lives.
120
Some people seem to equate teenage stupidity with sexual assault. Sure, teenagers do things they'd rather not have splashed across news media years later but pushing a women into a bedroom, locking the door, turning up the music, climbing on top and putting hand over mouth is not a prank or bad behavior, it's a crime and had his friend not jumped into fray and unbalanced so she could escape, it might have been a very serious crime, rape of a minor.
This many details and her insistence on an investigation - yes, many years too late but as many victims have come forward, women were simply not believed back in the day and frankly, not always today. Mr. Kavanaugh, on the other hand, is using
the cover up playbook, just keep denying and hope no one can find proof. If none were there, why is his team so adamant it not be looked into? Also, why does a lawyer and judge need days with White House lawyers to get his testimony just right? How much rehearsal does it take to sound truthful?
This thing doesn't pass the logic test and for a Supreme Court nominee it should be a deep dive into his character. The all male Senate failed with Clarence Thomas; do they want to fail again? Women are angry because for years they've had to keep silent or risk being ostracized. The men continued on their career path with minimal harm while they dealt with the emotional fallout mostly alone.
41
The response to reports of sexual assaults that have come to light in recent years regarding members of the Catholic Church is quite different from that of those alleged against Brett Kavanaugh. In both instances, adults are recounting horrific events that happened years earlier. Why is it easier to believe the men who have bravely stepped forward and so difficult to do the same for this courageous woman?
73
@AY Because it clearly showed a pattern. There has been no pattern shown here.
1
An FBI Investigation needs to ensure before all the speculation about Dr. Ford. Let the facts speak for themselves.
19
It would appear that the Republicans would favor a pre-Civil War Supreme Court and a Justice of the same ilk.
16
If it weren't for Mark Judge in the room at the time, the attempted rape would have been rape. Mark Judge is a witness of the crime and should be subpoenaed. His book entitled "Wasted: Tales of a GenX Drunk" should be added to the record.
62
Was it luck that Mark Judge threw himself into Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey not once, but twice?
His knocking the 17-year-old athlete off the 15-year-old girl enabled her escape. It also prevented his friend from committing a felony sex crime.
Most people when intoxicated know the difference between right and wrong. Should the ethical person falter, they reflect, admit wrong doing, apologize, and ask for forgiveness.
19
@Carl Lee If your speculation is correct about Judge, it was he, and not Kavanaugh, that had enough conscience to take an action to stop it. Kavanaugh apparently did not have that moral hesitation.
1
I'm with her.
Republicans need to stop their war on women.
Kavanaugh does not have a right to a Supreme Court seat. American citizens though have a right to be confident in the honesty, integrity, capabilities, impartiality and law-abiding character of Supreme Court judges. Senators have a duty to reject nominees who sully the court or who cannot be perceived as legitimate by the American people. Kavanaugh had the lowest favorability rating of any judicial nominee and that was before the attempted rape allegations.
543
@Jess Darby
It's a sorry world in which he has a seat anywhere, except in a room with 3 concrete walls and a 4th made of steel bars. Let's be real. He is the perfect example of how rich white men get ahead simply for being rich white men. The image of him holding a 15 year old girl down with one hand on her mouth and the other tearing off her clothes is the perfect metaphor for what the GOP is attempting to do this nation. One can only hope for a metaphorical Mark Judge to jump in and save us.
15
A lot of people seem to follow the rule "it will never happen to me." Given that the accuser has nothing to lose it may and will happen to anyone in some power capacity - educators, managers, judges, politicians, and others. No evidence is required. And it will not be just female on male, we are going to see female on female too. Public accusers should bear sever consequences for lying.
3
She has everything to lose. Her life has been turned upside-down. She has left her home because of death threats and hired security. Because of her courage in bringing this to the attention of the American people, nothing will ever be the same again.
22
If Kavanaugh is being falsely, and unfairly accused, we should of course be outraged, that would indeed be a despicable act. Ford's accusation seems credible to me, but I know people can be falsely accused too. Take Edward Whelan for example. To help salvage Kavanaugh's reputation, Mr. Whelan found it convenient to try to pin Ford's assault on some middle school teacher. I guess by his playbook the ends justify the means. For Mr. Whelan, it's perfectly acceptable to falsely accuse people for political gain. Kavanaugh's confirmation process has become a circus, it's time to slow things down.
16
No judgments or excuses offered here, just a valid and pertinent question (and not necessarily apropos of this situation. If there were more ex-convicts serving as judges, would there might possibly be fewer unjust convictions and overly harsh sentences? Does insisting that judges be selected only from amon those who have never sinned, are we loading our courts with moralistic, unforgiving Puritans who dispropotionally send those who come from more difficult backgrounds off to serve pointlessly harsh sentences.
A last though: the Federal Government was never supposed to be this important. We are at the point where politicians have astonishingly little influence and the Federal Government is largely guided by revolving-door appointees and high level career civil servants.
4
Mr. Judge, the other person in the room, doesn't want to testify, and he said he knows nothing about that assault. If I recall correctly, he said he would black out. Nevertheless, he should be subpoenaed and placed under oath. How often did the 2 guys hang out? Did they frequently go to parties involving alcohol?
Other classmates might shed light on this. Not to "beyond a reasonable doubt" but perhaps "preponderance of evidence." Not suitable for a criminal trial, but it should demonstrate pretty clearly who is more believable. And of course an investigation by the FBI, adding a few days to the process to do the best job possible when voting for a justice with a lifetime appointment.
Sadly, the Republican Senate members of the committee have shown their only goal is to ramrod this through, regardless.
Would that Merrill Gardner had been given the same opportunity.
13
Being from the Harrisburg area, I don't consider Doylestown typical of Pennsylvania, rather it is more genteel and affluent than most other towns in our state. I am afraid that the continued economic boom may swing voters towards Trump, regardless of the headlines of the day.
3
I have been involved in a few life threatening events. I remember what mattered, it’s seared in my brain—I suspect it’s a survival instinct thing. She may lack clarity to specific details, but if she told people and it was a buzz and she passed a lie detector I’m good with her story. I think Kav has lied in some other stuff too. Not a good choice.
13
A man who always lived by "No means no" is more suited to be seated for life. "Equal Justice Under Law" is inscribed on the Supreme Court building.
Pick someone who has lived his life by those principles.
12
The tenor of the comments on Dr. Blasey's veracity is encouraging, but why can't people understand that it is the idea of someone with this history sitting on the Supreme Court making decisions that impact all women, all teenagers, in the country prompted her to speak out?
Imagine a man who thought he could rape a 15-year-old along with a friend by locking her in a room, covering her mouth with his hand, and trying to strip her sitting on the Supreme Court when decisions about violence against women, about gender or sexual issues, about women's bodies came up for consideration. It is amazing she was able to escape.
An FBI investigation or an investigation by Maryland officials that would interview classmates and others who knew about the assault would be the only way the dark cloud over this nomination can be cleared up.
If Kavanaugh wants to be exonerated, he would request the investigation.
In question now is whether Republicans care even a fraction about women and girls or only about wealthy white males.
Why in a million years would women vote Republican now?
41
@smb,
White women voted in the majority for Trump
White women voted in the majority for Moore (an admitted pedophile) in Alabama
There is just no way to understand this.
15
@smb, I am concerned that a resentful Kavanaugh, were he to actually be confirmed, would carry those resentments to the bench and, despite his protestations, pass judgment while incorporating them.
1
People believe Dr. Ford along party lines. The Democrats have been very vocal about agreeing with her truthfulness while demonizing Brett Kavanaugh and saying he is guilty as charged. They are saying she is very trustworthy and is giving an accurate account of what occurred at the party 36 years ago. They have been singing her praises while chastising Judge Kavanaugh and saying he has to be guilty of the crimes.
The Republicans have been very careful not to criticize Dr. Ford and insist that she must be able to tell her side of the story. They have been cautious not to find fault with her accusations but want to hear the facts.
Dr. Ford has been very vocal in listing her demands before she is willing to agree to testify before the senate judiciary committee. Some are reasonable but the one where she insists that Judge Kavanaugh testify first seems a bit unfair. I wonder if the Republicans will agree to her every demand. They should be the ones calling the shots but also acting in a reasonable manner.
4
Ms. Ford stated her motive early on: compelling sense of "civic responsibility."
"Thank" the Republican ethos for creating a culture of cynicism that would annul the credibility of citizen worry about a lifetime position of political power.
13
Of course the FBI should investigate first. This is an issue of historical facts, on which Senators can't pass on their own. Cross examination is unlikely to be useful here.
20
From everything I've heard about Kavanaugh, I believe the accuser unreservedly.
I'm familiar with men raised in his culture, and can imagine Kavanaugh and Judge doing this, and it not getting reported. I grew up with guys like this in my town, and in this era, that's how things happened. Familiar as I am with this culture, I certainly remember all my actions, and never pinned a woman down and tried to assault her.
The accuser is not seeking money or celebrity, and seems as trustworthy as any witness we've ever seen. If we as a society don't believe her this time, then it seems there's not anyone we would believe.
23
Ford has also changed her story. She reported to her therapist that there were 4 people in the room which the therapist's notes now admitted into evidence show. Now Ford claims there were only two others in the room with her, and realizes she has contradicted herself, so now Ford is trying to blame it on the therapist.
Ford states she can't remember the year, or month, this alleged incident happened. Ford also can't remember were the location of the incident occurred, what time of day it was, how she arrived at the location, and how she left the location. That's supposed to be a reliable witness ? Anyone that would call Ford a reliable witness at this point doesn't have all their oars in the water.
9
@ViperAggressor
The Therapist made the mistake. I’m a retired therapist. Sometimes, in writing up notes, we recollect things - like a number of people - incorrectly.
Don’t penalize the victim for an error in the therapy notes.
5
@ViperAggressor
Apparently Ford claimed FOUR BOYS were at the party, but only TWO in the room where she was attacked.
If I gave you a list of some significant events in your life, could you give me back the accurate dates of they occurred?
For example, on what date did you first have . . .
7
Folks...
This is absolutely why there should be an investigation to get THE FACTS!
The information on the internet and social media is inaccurate...
For what it is worth her actual story has not changed since her claim...
It is a fairly easy request and we should all be making it...CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION!
PS...If I were falsely accuse and my name was being dragged, I would yell and scream to get for a full and complete investigation to CLEAR MY NAME...
15
People greatly overestimate the accuracy of memory, even what psychologists call "flashbulb memories" of very traumatic or significant events. There have been studies of memories of events like 9/11 or the Challenger disaster, where people write down their memories immediately after the event, and then ,over the space of ten years are asked to recall what happened. Details can change something like 35% to 60% even in the space of a year... but participants remain very confident that their memories are accurate. Malcolm Gladwell has a couple of excellent podcasts on the topic.
Ms. Ford may honestly believe what she says, and her account sounds plausible, but that's a long way from saying her 35 year old memories are accurate. Something happened, yes, but when or with who remains very murky. What voters tend to believe about it, however, seems to boil down to pure confirmation bias.
15
Studies have found that when a person is involved in something personal and traumatic, their attention is fully focused on that event. The memory of his actions, coupled with already knowing his name, would have seared itself into her memory. Other memories, such as those related to the actual date, location of the house, are not important to immediate survival and are not stored the same way.
Memories are absolutely not accurate in most circumstances. But in this, I trust her memory. Plus, she had been through this several years earlier with her therapist. She had a visceral reaction to seeing him; she is afraid of him.
47
Sorry, but if someone tried to sexually assault you, I think you’d have some memory of it that was valid.
Putting this in the same category as someone watching the space shuttle on TV is completely ridiculous. I’m surprised you can even write this and equate the two.
16
I agree with Robert Pennington He said: “He gives me bad vibes. He’s dodged so many questions.”.
I also think Mitch McConnel, Charles Grassley and the GOP members of the committee are behaving in a very suspicious manner. Why are they in a such a rush that apparently even a few days of investigation into what are serious allegations is unacceptable.
On a side note I think there needs to be a more balanced group of Senators on the confirmation hearings. Many of the committee members like Grassley, Hatch Leahy and Leahy were on the confirmation committee 26 years ago for the Anita Hill hearings. They along with Senator Feinstein have made big contributions to our country but it’s time to step aside and let the next generation in.
31
Not once have I heard anyone question whether Dr. Ford imbibed that day. Wouldn't that have some bearing if she could remember (she has already stated she cannot remember certain facts: causal or convenient? under the influence or not?)? What is the true Truth?
19
@KJF what you pose is a red herring. Consuming a beer or a wine does not invalidate claims of sexual assault, nor, to push your argument, does the inebriation of a victim remove from her, the ability or power to say "no". Your argument appears to be, that if Ms Ford (as she then was) had alcohol on her lips, then somehow she is less virtuous and her claims can be ignored. That view is offensively archaic and seems more at home in a sharia law setting, than an educated liberal democracy. Further, the fact that over time certain memories are lost, is hardly surprising. Human memory is not a like a digital recording, that remains and exact record of what occurred. I know for example that my memory of client appointments is often not as accurate as my appointment diary for example.
16
So the same drinking which is exculpatory for him would weigh against her?
I wonder why, exactly?
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@KJF
She’s the victim. It doesn’t change her trauma is she imbibed. But clearly she mustn’t have been “falling down drunk” as she described her attacker and onlooker.
12
Robert Pennington, 28 yrs, a Democrat is right on the money when he says, " Kavanaugh dodged so many questions at the hearings. " That by itself should disqualify him. Never mind the other reasons like not disclosing 100,000s of documents and now the sexual allegation which seems quite credible. This is about a Supreme Court Justice to be with a life-long tenure. Only the best of the best should get that seat. And Kavanaugh whose past has to be redacted is certainly not that one.
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One Trump defender said, “I feel like Trump could give everyone in this country a million dollars and it still wouldn’t be enough for some people.” I think it would be enlightening to know who those "some people" are.
32
Me. I’d rather have a sane, thoughtful, experienced, service-minded decision-maker in the Oval Office than a million dollars. A million dollars won’t fix the damage done to those poor families separated at the border, or the damage being done to the climate as we continue to see environmental regulations undone. It won’t fix the damage done to our country’s credibility on the world stage. So yeah, I’m one of the “some people” who wouldn’t be happy with a million dollars, if this mad administration remains in power.
25
So, people who can't be bought are the suspicious ones in your view? Interesting.
12
Should actions taken as a teenager disqualify him as a Supreme Court Justice? I don’t think they should.
No other accusers have come forward and it’s perfectly reasonable that he does not recall the incident if he was drinking heavily.
Can past transgressions ever be forgiven or should all people bear the weight of their mistakes for life?
13
This may be true for most jobs, but there is no other job like a life-long appointment to the highest court of the wealthiest, most powerful nation on earth.
This is part of the vetting process. Some things can be overlooked. Others cannot.
49
For an incredibly significant lifetime position where character, judgement, honesty, etc. are significant factors? Well, yes.
@Brian
1. Most 17 year old boys do not act this way.
2. Kavanaugh not only committed a crime, but is lying under oath, which is not only disqualifying but grounds for impeachment.
3. It is a lifetime term to sit on the Supreme Court. Moral character matters. Someone who knows right from wrong, has an inborn moral compass that guides their judgement, and has integrity.
4
As the writer points out, importantly, the doubts pile up. My concern about Kavanaugh's fitness to sit on the Supreme Court is not limited to allegations of sexual assault.
His admitted history of heavy drinking is of concern. Let's look at that a bit more closely.
In addition, the Judiciary Committee needs to delve deeply into Kavanaugh's finances (who racks up a $200,000 credit card debt buying baseball tickets?). How did that debt get paid off? Apparently he dipped into his retirement savings to pay it. Seriously? Or did someone else give him a "helping hand?" I'd say that doesn't show particularly good judgement, and good judgement is a high priority for a Supreme Court Justice.
And finally, what is the incredible hurry to confirm him?
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@PKN
Have you seen JUSTICE Ruth Bader Ginsberg lately?
3
@PKN Cut it out ...he's been a federal judge for 14yrs
2
@PKN You have your facts wrong, which is no surprise. It was Mark Judge, NOT Judge Kavanaugh who admitted the drinking, and wrote a book about it.
Doing proper research before commenting keeps people from looking foolish.
4
Kavanaugh could have defused the entire debate by admitting his behavior as a youthful mistake fueled by alcohol (which I believe it was). A sincere apology would probably had been sufficient to tamp down the flames on this controversy, at least to a manageable degree.
That ship has sailed. Now it's too late for a sensible, truthful response, and the mud will fly. Unfortunately, I fear a repeat of the Anita Hill grilling of Professor Hill by a group of clueless white men US Senators. Women are watching.
Like I used to tell my kids, a lie is worse than whatever you're lying about. Once credibility is gone, no one will ever trust you.
Integrity is in short supply these days.
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@Helen I don't agree. IF it actually happened then any decent human being would have done something to prevent others from harm. Prof Ford did nothing for 36 years. Now there is evidence she composed a letter about Justice Gorsuch during his conformation. Seems to be a pattern for the Prof.
7
@CNM. Gimme a break. Boys in that sort of environment getting drunk and groping girls was commonplace back then, at least in my experience. Nobody saw any utility in reporting it -- you just would have been ostracized. Remember, we are talking about the 80s, not 2018. Things were a lot different then.
@CNM: here is another thought.
I remember being 15. I had a LOT of girlfriends and was very close to some of them. I told them things I 'd NEVER EVER tell my mother!!!
If I had girlfriends and I think Christine Blasey (Ford) had plenty as a pretty, popular girl at a fancy prep school….I'd be concerned that one of THEM might run into Kavanaugh and Judge at a future party (or even THIS SAME party) and get assaulted!
I'd want to PROTECT MY FRIENDS from these two "creeps" -- even if I never went to police or told my parents.
I'd feel AWFUL if my girlfriends had gotten into a jam with these two terrible awful boys!!!
SO I WOULD HAVE WARNED MY FRIENDS, and other girls as well.
Are we to believe that Ms. Ford never considered this, not once? not at the party? not later? not the next week or month or year? simply to PROTECT OTHER YOUNG WOMEN just like herself?
"OMG, stay away from those two creepy boys"!!! -- because I remember stuff like that when I was in high school….warning your friends about all kinds of stuff.
" He was only seventeen ". Yes, and SHE was fifteen. And THAT is grotesque. Period.
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@Phyliss Dalmatian:
kavanaugh needs to step down
3
@Phyliss Dalmatian You needed to date and get out from under the bed..
3
Amen. I am about ten years older than Kavanaugh, grew up in similarly privileged circumstances and social orbit, went to plenty of parties, drank my share of alcohol and never, ever would I have sunk so low as to try to force myself on any woman, especially in the violent way that has been described. And none of my friends would have acted in that way, and we all loved women. Only a real creep would ever act this way. Being seventeen is no excuse. I don't want this creep on the Supreme Court.
2
Why did headline writer choose the word "voters" .. here does it mean people who have or people who will vote or those in congress who vote on judge? Does it matter with a supreme ct. nominee?
1
"Not that this excuses it - but it does." Exactly- it is disqualifying, it is believable, and she still lets it go. THAT is the essence of being a team player. And that's what we as a country- whatever team we see ourselves on- need to get behind us to be the people and the country we CAN be.
7
What is often forgotten in all of these arguments is that Kavanaugh is akin to an applicant for a job. And, in this case, a lifetime job. Like any other job applicant he has to convince those appointing him that he is suited to do that job. He, or anyone for that matter, does not have a right to that job.
And, once you see it in that light, it becomes clear that he has not convinced the vast majority that he is best suited for that job. Just think about it: If this person were applying for the job of CEO at a major company, would the board appoint him with such dark clouds hanging over his head without any further investigation?
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@chickenlover These are not normal times. Before Trump even nominated him for the spot all the Democrats were apposed. It wouldn't matter who it was. So no one could convince the "Vast Majority" The Democrats will blindly vote no on anyone teh Republicans nominate.. Qualifications don't even enter into it with them. Anyone who thinks otherwise is not being truthful. Identity politics has rendered government disfunctional.
3
@chickenlover He has been grilled,had 6 FBI background checks,answered more questiions than any other supreme court candidate ever,the endorsement of over 60 women who have served/worked with him, and has a brilliant record spanning 30 years! 1 unsubstanciated complaint does not make him guilty of anything!
5
Yes, and he lied and obfuscated and dodged questions repeated during that supposed "grilling."
1
If I understand the timeline, Professor Blasey Ford first contacted The Washington Post in July, then wrote her congresswoman, then sent a letter via her congresswoman to Senator Feinstein. (She initially had discussed being assaulted with a therapist and with her husband, in 2012.) Her account of the attack is particular in the way that actual events are particular--eg, the other man jumping on top of them. Her persistence and particular details convince me that, yes, this happened, and, yes, it pertains to the character of someone being nominated for a lifetime position among the highest judges in the land.
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@Biscuit Then why did she do NOTHING to prevent others from harm???? Silent for 36 years? Come on!
3
Oh for God's sake. LOOK AT WHAT SHE IS BEING SUBJECTED TO. That is the price women pay for "coming forward."
Surviving a sexual assault isn't just about escaping from the room. It's about doing what you have to do to protect yourself from the repercussions of the assault for years afterward.
She has no responsibility to anyone but herself, so stop trying to put the onus for his behavior into her. The person who was obligated to keep it from happening again was the perpetrator.
Dr. Blasey appears to be a sensible, well-respected professor and member of her community. It boggles the mind that anyone would consider her story to be bogus or politically motivated. Dr. Blasey would not jeopardize her life, the life of her family, or her career to simply be a political sacrificial lamb for the Democrats.
Dr. Blasey reported her painful experience with Kavanaugh to her state representative and the Washington Post months ago, asking for anonymity. However, the story leaked out and now she is facing death threats. Despite these threats she continues to ASK for a FBI investigation. She is not running away scared. She is wanting to tell her story, in full, to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Dr. Blasey deserves to tell her story to the 11 white male GOP Senators on the Judiciary Committee, not to a female lawyer that they conjure up to do their bidding for them.
These 11 white male GOP senators need to DO THEIR JOBS and ask their own questions.
These Senators have already spoken aloud their thoughts about Dr. Blasey's story and their intentions to push through with the nomination of Kavanaugh. Sen. McConnell literally just said, "we're going to plow right through it".
Not ONE GOP member has stood up and demanded a FBI investigation of this assault allegation before a hearing can take place.
Voters are definitely paying attention. We are watching every minute of the Republicans absconding their constitutional duties.
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Mike Franz--They do not want an FBI investigation because they already know what will be found. They do not want any corroborating witnesses, who will have to tell the truth, under oath, in front of Congress and the FBI. Kavanaugh has told the whole story to tRump and those 11 Senators, and they will do anything to get Kavanaugh through, even if he is a sexual assaulter. Maybe he is innocent. An investigation would show that. But, he's probably guilty, given all this suspicious behavior and attacks on Dr. Ford. The residue of this civil and personal travesty will be the legacy of each and every one of them, and very well deserved. Vote Democratic, if you want to start trying to fix this. We'll deal with the corrupt Republican-lites, after the election. But, please realize that it's going to take at least 3 elections to clean up the mess.
9
@Mike Franz
Case has no FBI jurisdiction. Kavanaugh has 30 year record of judicial excellence and multiple endorsements from female counterparts. He sez~She Sez! Take the vote this week...
4
@Mike Franz Read her students reviews of her. She's not a "Sensible, well respected Professor". Most of them say she has mental issues and would never take a course from her again. Super opininated, and a left wing activist. To many red flags. So if one of Mikes old dates from high school decides to claim assault when it never happened, are you just going to roll over? Don't tell me women never lie about stuff.
5
Brett Kavanaugh had three choices in responding to Dr Ford’s accusations: admit guilt and ask for forgiveness; fight to clear his name because he is innocent; or, just lie in hopes that the whole mess would go away.
By denying Dr. Ford’s accusations, he has taken the first choice off the table. If he had admitted his guilt, I think a lot of people might have given him a pass. He was only seventeen at the time, and no other women have come forward with similar accusations. If he is innocent, he should fight these charges with everything that he can muster. So, the only question to be answered: Is Brett Kavanaugh telling the truth? If the preponderance of evidence shows that he is lying, he should not be confirmed. A person who lies under oath is not fit to be a judge in any court.
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@Matt
What evidence? Dr. Ford brought these allegations to the Washington Post. She sent a letter to her congresswoman. Someone "leaked" her name to the press and away we go. She has her story. Brett Kavanaugh has his story that he wasn't at this party and his friend has said he doesn't remember any of this, the party, anything. Does Dr. Ford have her own witness? Is she bringing this story out to the public to entice someone who may have been at the party (even if they didn't know anything about the alleged incident) to say they were there?
This is only going to end with each individual going to their respective corners with their specific stories and there will be no sunlight. Just a lot of innuendo.
4
@Matt
He had a fourth option. Admit his heavy drinking then and say that while he no recollection, he recognizes that his drinking might have led to a blackout - as he likely experienced other times. He could then have expressed regret and remorse if he did anything while so intoxicated.
8
well - kavanaugh doe not appear to want an investigation...as his accuser DOES. case closed, it would seem.
11
Seems that if there were three people present, in order to find the truth should not all three people testify? Is it possible that Mark Judge has made it clear that he will not lie under oath and that is why Congress is trying very hard to keep him from speaking under oath?
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@Barb Porto
Excellent point!
8
Regarding Robert Pennington saying that Kavanaugh gave him bad vibes with his performance at the hearings: Kavanaugh gave me bad vibes, too. Watch his face during the questioning by Sheldon Whitehouse. His expressions are those of a person without integrity.
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@David Holzman
But "Spartacus" Booker and Kamala Harris have the integrity you require? Can't agree with your "barometer"!
4
I don’t even care about the nomination anymore. What is important to me is seeing a person dragged through the mud based on an unsubstantiated accusation. I understand anyone who has a wait and see attitude about this whole thing. I do not understand, at all, anyone who says they believe the accuser without even hearing her out. When every other person involved in her accusation has denied the events described therein occurred, when there is no physical evidence or prior reporting of the event’s occurrence, when there is no modus operandi, how could anyone have reasonably made up their minds about this person? What if this was
8
@Matthew
I find Dr. Ford's accusation credible because:
1. Dr. Ford passed a polygraph test administered by the FBI in August.
2. She talked about the attempted rape to her therapist and husband in 2012.
3. She said Mark Judge was in the room during the attack. He is a witness to the crime.
4. Mark Judge wrote a book entitled "Wasted: Tales of a GenX Drunk" which describes many similar incidents. The book should be entered into the record. Mark Judge should also be subpoenaed so that he can testify under oath. The FBI should question him because it is a crime to lie to the FBI. And Mark Judge and Kavanaugh should be asked to take a polygraph test.
13
@Matthew
Well, Matthew, are you one of those people who has make up his mind? How do you know that the accusation is unsubstantiated? Do you think that you might hear her out before you make up your mind?
9
she is credible..more credible than the nominee
11
Dr. Ford's motive is to keep a sexual assaulter off the most powerful court in the land, so he can't contribute to decisions that will hurt most of us, in one way or another. Seems like an entirely altruistic motive, considering all the death threats she's received, and the damage to her career, and family life.
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@ChesBay
Or....she's just a political opportunist waiting fot that media payday that weall know is coming. Kavanaugh;s 30 years of judical service earn him as much if not more credibility then her self serving ,grandstanding.
3
@Jessie
.
Your comment might have more force if we had not all seen him on TV evading questions from various senators on the committee.
.
After watching his evasion, I can away convinced that this man would lie over anything. Good character? Seemed like a creep to me.
@Jessie Kavanaugh has nowhere near 30 years of judicial service. And your implication that his career in high level government posts is a hardship, implying that he gave something up to do so (focusing on the "service") is laughable. I personally know and have been to the homes of several federal court judges, have attended smallish social events at the private homes of senior government officials with multiple Supreme Court judges, etc, etc. Trust me, these people are leading very privileged lives. And nominations for federal judgeships always have a political element, in Kavanaugh's case no doubt a reward for his previous political "service". Not that you don't also have to be highly intelligent, of course, but in my observation, there is also a process of courting the right political contacts in order to obtain that presidential nomination. I don't know how that gives him more credibility than a highly educated professor.
I totally believe Dr. Ford. My story happened in 1966, I was 15 and was so very naive, most of us were. The details don't matter to me anymore. But I have never until today told anyone else about it...I was embarrassed. That said, the boy lured me into his house. He was a neighbor. My father saved me and I never thanked him, that bothers me. I still remember what my father said to me when I got 'the talk' afterwards..."I was young once, I know what boys are capable of...".
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@Karen
My first wife of 11 years lied openly in diviorce court about how I threatened and abused her. Same has happened to a number of my business and personal aquaintenences. Think women never lie? Why should we believe Prof. Ford over JUDGE Kavanaugh ,who ,by the way,has an excellent record?
63
@Karen
My story happened when I was 12. I was babysitting for a couple with a small child in my building and instead of picking his wife up at the movies the man came back to the apartment and attempted to sexually assault me. As a 12 year old I knew next to nothing about sex. I thought he wanted to kill me. I ran from him but he caught me and I fell on my stomach in the living room. He lay on top of me and then got up. I convinced him I would tell no one and when he finally left I called my parents.
That is my main question: Why didn't she tell her parents?
5
@Karen Thank you for sharing your experience.
8
How come you point out the debunking of the foreclosure story but don't point out how the credit card debt was a big nothing? And if they're concerned about his celebration of heavy drinking, have a look at Blasey's HS yearbook (recently taken down, though everyone has screenshots) with its celebration of drinking and parties.
4
@Chris - How is the credit card debt a big nothing? He spent money irresponsibly and someone seems to have bailed him out.
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@Chris
This is an example of tu quoque fallacy--a std form of changing the subject. No one is accusing Blasey of assault, nor is she claiming loss of memory.
8
@Chris. If Ford's yearbook also contains tales of the heavy drinking that was occurring at parties during that era in that milieu, doesn't that tend to confirm her story about being assaulted by a very drunk Kavanaugh at a high school party?
My wife was assaulted on an elevator by a stranger who exited as quickly as he got on. It would appear from the Republican response that she would not be believed if she couldn't remember the floor numbers involved.
289
Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth then, to silence her screams. The Republicans want to silence her as much as they can now. Kavanaugh has been prepped all this week for his questioning on this matter. Why? If he did not do this (although if he was a blackout drinker he may not remember) then why isn’t HE asking for a thorough investigation? The stink from this travesty will linger around the Supreme Court for decades. Kavanaugh will carry it on him forever. Maybe he and that empty suit, Thomas, can become best buds.
This is an outrage and ultimately a slam dunk for Republicans. They’ll go through the motions with a sham hearing, but they’ll get their anti-abortion guy on the Court. Seems like they get everything they want these days. Let’s put a stop to that come November.
119
Since you were there to witness what happened, I believe her.
1
If you believe her, why does the " motive " or timing MATTER ? That's an excuse, and a very poor one. Grow up, please. And get your head out of FOX. Seriously.
84
I don’t know what it’s like to be a woman in this country right. I also don’t know what it’s like to be a man who is accused, convicted in the minds of many though the only mention of the event was by the accuser in a therapy session with her husband. God help us.
6
The importance of Roe cannot be overstated. I can see a pro-choice supporter, like Dr. Blasey Ford, going to the lengths she has to derail the Kavanaugh nomination. Just like I can see a pro/life believer doing the same.
6
@Charlie May I remind you that several "pro life believer(s)" have shot and killed clinic volunteers and physicians involved in providing abortions? I think we need to listen to Dr. Ford before we decide she's a zealot like those pro-life believers.
25
@Charlie Dr. Blasey Ford is educated and, like just about everyone, knows that if Kavanaugh is rejected then Trump will just immediately nominate someone else who will then get appointed to the Supreme Court. So she is not coming forward for political reasons. That would be futile.
7
If Kavanaugh is appointed to the Supreme Court, he'll do so with a stained reputation. Kavanaugh was not forthcoming in his testimony and, now, this credible allegation has arisen. Republicans are very annoyed and don't want to be bothered, despite saying they will "hear" what Prof. Ford has to say.
Pres. Trump's has made clear his wish for speed in getting Judge Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court because of Kavanaugh's view on impeachment of a sitting president.
"And many saw too many gaps and doubts piling up around Judge Kavanaugh: the White House’s withholding of 100,000 pages of records from his time as a lawyer in the Bush Administration; his credit card debts; and his celebration of heavy drinking in a speech and in emails that were turned over to the Senate."
Yes, the sexual assault is a credible allegation and needs investigated, prior to any testimony.
45
Clairance Thomas is also tainted but he is still on the high court. God help us
4
Yeah, I'd like to know where this poll was taken, the Democratic caucus?
4
On the issue of FBI background checks for people being appointed to positions of responsibility, remember when Jared Kushner was repeatedly updating his disclosures to try to get his security clearance?
How many FBI checks did they do in him?
That was so long ago ... seems like forever ... but it was still going on in July 2018. That is a year and a half after Emperor Donald was coronated ... er ... inaugurated.
https://www.vox.com/2018/7/12/17566896/jared-kushner-security-clearance-...
12
This man does not belong on any court, much less the highest in the land.
Attempted rape is a CRIME.
38
(And, not for nothing, so is underage drinking. Drinking to blackout drunkenness and boasting about it as an adult? Judgment FAIL.)
5
Why is the GOP rushing this? When Anita Hill voiced her sexual harassment claims against Clarence Thomas, the FBI review took just three days. If we had started a review earlier this week, we might have answers right now.
The claims against Brett Kavanaugh are much worse: attempted rape against a minor.
At a minimum, there need to be more witnesses, including the other boy in the room, Mark Judge. If Judge really can vouch for Kavanaugh’s character, why isn’t Kavanaugh asking for this testimony under oath? Dr. Ford has taken a lie detector test. Why hasn’t Kavanaugh?
We don’t know if Dr. Ford is telling the truth, though many details suggest that she is. Can you imagine: being a 15-year-old girl at a party; going upstairs to use the bathroom; being pushed into a room by two older, larger, and stronger boys—seniors when you just a sophomore—having them crank the music, cover your mouth, one boy shouting “go for it” as the other attempts to rip off your clothes? Can you imagine this happening to any 15-year-old girl you know: your daughter or grand-daughter or niece? Maybe a neighbor or the daughter of a friend?
This is not OK.
133
If Kavanaugh's molestation of Ms. Blasey Ford had gone farther and she had become pregnant, I wonder if he would have opposed an abortion for her on moral grounds.
47
I think this country has gotten so used to the GOP rigging and stealing things - Bush v Gore, the grotesque gerrymandering, Merrick Garland's hearing, to name some of the big ones- that the goalposts for assessing even relative decency have moved too much. Too many shadows surrounded Kavanaugh in the first place...
241
There seems to be a lot to hide about Kavenaugh. He was picked by a very conservative group, not Trump. They are pressing very hard along with the evangelists to rush and get him confirmed. Trump should pick someone else all Americans can feel good about even if they don't agree with their outlook.
51
@Thomas Renner Trump could not pick an orange from a basket of plums, let alone a Supreme Court judge.
27
“I feel like Trump could give everyone in this country a million dollars and it still wouldn’t be enough for some people.” You're right it wouldn't, because we don't want to be bought off and some of us have actual standards for the presidency. We want autonomy over our bodies, living wages, real action on climate change, politicians who work for the people instead of their own greed, etc.
585
@Lindsey
If Trump offered every American one million dollars, he would have 90% sign up.
First of all, the 1% don't need the million dollars.
In every non-rich liberal beats a heart of envy, and every socialist experiment has pledged to salve that envy. That is why so many sign up for redistributive schemes that, time and again, go badly.
Do not paint any particular type of person as either good or evil. People are good AND evil.
1
It appears that both D's and R's view this very much through a political lens. Very unfortunate. Given this incident and other negative matters surrounding Kavanaugh, we should move on and find someone without such a horrible history for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.
24
Her motives seem clear --keep a morally unqualified judge off the Supreme Court. This episode from his past and how he deals with it now speaks volumes about Judge Kavanaugh's character. He has admitted to abusing alcohol with his prep school buddies on a regular basis and his accomplice documents this in his book referring to "Bart O'Kavanaugh passing out in his car". He can't be sure he did not assault her as she claims because of his alcohol abuse and blackouts. If he had integrity worthy of a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, he would concede it is possible and beg her forgiveness and show all the female character witnesses who can affirm that he is a different person from that alcohol induced assailant from that night. Instead he has chosen to lie and count on the fact that the republican senators seating in judgement have less character than he has and will confirm him no matter what he has done or said.
96
All I'm taking away from this is that the Dems believe her and want to disqualify Kavanaugh, and that the Republicans believe her, think it's political, and want to have him confirmed. Nothing has changed. And until it does we are stuck with this mess. VOTE!
18
So even though she hasn't come forward, they hid the letter for months and are still hiding it and we have only second hand reports of what this is all about and absolute denials from the accused and the supposed eye witness, people have "made up their minds"? Based on what? Who needs facts when your ideology tells you what to think? What a sad commentary on our populace.
10
@Tim Fitzgerald
We wouldn't be in this situation if the Senate hadn't held up and ultimately blocked Merrick Garland's nomination. Republicans cry politics when it suits them. Yes, a sad commentary on our populace!
40
Tim Fitzgerald--Republicans were aware of the letter almost as soon as Feinstein was. Very little stays secret in Congress, for long. And, they have been preparing ever since. That's how they managed to come up with 65 "supportive" women, within 24 hours of the revelation. None of them has wanted to restate their support, since then. Given our clear picture of Kavanaugh and the Republicans, after all this, I wouldn't, either.
19
"debate over whether he should be forgiven, if the allegations are true, because he was only 17."
That is precisely the wrong argument. It's not about how bad the assault was, although it was bad if true.
It's that if true, Kavanaugh is being consistent as liar, now, as an adult and SCOTUS candidate, just as he was during his obfuscations about the stolen democratic strategy and talking point during his prior confirmation hearings.
28
All mothers of sons. This is the future. Allegations from 40 years in their history. There is no defense. Reputations ruined.
8
@greatnfi, mothers of sons need to teach those sons that sexual assault is always wrong, and that if blackout drinking may lead to an assault, those sons should not drink until they blackout. This is not the future: this is, alas, as it has always been. Talk to a woman who has been assaulted or harrassed. You won't have to look far: we are everywhere.
11
@greatmfi
There certainly is defense. Teach your sons to respect all woman and not to attempt to rape them.
11
Easier - teach all your children no means no, stop means IMMEDIATELY - and never use no or stop if you want the opposite.
Stop ‘s better, no claim ‘I confused it with ‘oh’,’.
An error I made once, in light of my own education - confusion resolved, we continued at that which is not your business.
Lastly, teach your kids if they’re attracted to someone who says (in the majority of cases*) ‘sorry, but I don’t date outside my gender’ - if you really are attracted for more than just appearance, it’s a chance to make a friend.
I’ve been told this once over, well, scores of years, and once told someone “sorry I don’t date my own gender”.
Got a couple of great friends out of it.
And it is nice to be able to give a hug to a woman you see once a year at an annual meeting, knowing it’s because you like each other, mind and body, knowing there’s no sexual implication at all - then shake her wife’s hand (what she prefers).
The word is respect. Another concept to teach - along with ‘if someone doesn’t respect your space, you have every right to report it and it is NOT your fault that they try/do violate your wishes or worse.
Intoxicated or not, such an assault on another person requires significant amends and is certainly a strong indication of your character. It is possible to change your character from the way you were at 17.
I believe that the judge is lying about what he remembers happened. And that is unforgivable. If he was a blackout drinker, it's a little late in the game to acknowledge that now.
I believe Christine Blasey Ford.
68
I believe her motive to come forward was to prevent a man of low moral character from the lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court. It takes guts to do what she did, given the attacks and death threats she must endure to come forward publicly. She is a national hero.
284
Suppose Kavanaugh almost robbed a liquor store when he was 17 and there are witnesses, one of whom will not testify. Would his supporters call it 'youthful indiscretion'? How is this felony almost committed any different?
28
@ThePB
Actually, sexual assault and battery on a minor, aged 15, is often treated as a felony.
14
It's not surprising that a teenager would want to keep a sexual incident private. That silence and attempt not to have anyone know about it should not be the criteria for disbelief of a claim, even after years have passed.
Looking at incidents that we all know now to be true...such as abuse by Catholic clergymen, the Penn State scandal, our U.S. Olympic women athletes and the boys Rep. Dennis Hastert coached in high school...took years before the victims felt able to come forward. We need to appreciate how difficult it is to deal with these issues inside yourself, much less in public.
46
Well, maybe, just maybe, his accuser just did not want to spend her life cutting clips on Brett, She does it now because she has been made aware, by tons of media, that he is seeking the life time appointment to the SCOTUS. That made the news. But the media, always looking for opportunities to bring someone down, anybody, has jumped on this brave woman's case. I for one, and I am sure I am not alone, want to hear every word she has to say. I would also like her to ask questions of her interrogator(s) to know their motive(s) so she may be better able to answer their questions. Evidently, those wondering why she has not done something in the past have little knowledge of what happens to someone who has been sexually assaulted. And these same people stand in judgement.
38
As a victim of sexual assault more than 30 years ago, I understand the need for Dr. Blasey to go public now.
A man, who is drunk or sober, and perpetrates unwanted violent sexual acts on another human being, tends to be a repeat offender throughout periods of his life.
An FBI investigation is warranted.
67
A lot of people are saying what's the big deal, this happened more than 30 years ago. But in fact, the big deal is that Kavanaugh is denying this so vehemently that he is most likely lying. Do we really want a liar on the bench of the highest court in the land? If he were innocent, he would welcome and encourage a FBI investigation.
146
@Sharon
Still, attempted rape of a 15-year-old, even if it was a long time ago, even if he was only 17, goes well beyond being "a youthful indiscretion", and shows a flaw of character that now he may hide better, but that rarely goes away. That is not the kind of person you want making critical decision on the lives of all Americans, especially women.
1
@Sharon: not to put too fine a point on it, but apparently 60 million Americans saw nothing wrong with electing a liar to the highest position in the land. That is our biggest problem.
1
It has nothing to do with how long ago it happened, and should he be forgiven. The issue is, did it happen? If you believe it did, and i do, then his denial is a lie. I'm sure we have other liars on the Supreme Court, but should they be confirmed?
I will admit to bias against another right wing appointee, that will evicerate choice, environmental rules, presidential powers, etc.,
but if he had acknowledged being a drunk 17 year old who made a bad decision, i might have some sympathy.
25
Christine Ford likely did experience a harrowing and rough sexual encounter decades ago and she should be allowed to tell her story, keeping in mind that by her own admission she was not raped. The unfortunate issue for her is that she cannot remember details and it will be impossible to prove unless Kavanaugh admits to any of it.
The real issue for anyone choosing to talk about it is the Democrats feigning any sympathy for Ms Ford in light of the blatantly political positioning they have taken.
The timing, the demonizing of men in general and particularly all white men, and the pure hypocrisy of protecting the likes of known abusers like Bill Clinton and Al Frankin. Ford's own lawyer was an enabler for Clinton and encouraged Al Frankin to stay in Congress.
While Ms Ford's experience is sad and should never have happened it pales in comparison the damage the Democratic party is doing, and has been doing, destroying the moral fabric and rule of law, of the United States. No excuses for the misdeeds of the President but the actions of progressives are why Trump is in office.
What is happening now smacks of McCarthyism and third world justice and the party will pay a price.
9
@JAC
Are we living on the same planet!? "...the
Democratic party... destroying the moral fabric and rule of law of the United States." Let's see, who has slept with a prostitute while his wife was pregnant and had his personal lawyer pay her hush money, who was recorded on tape denigrating women and boasting about his own sexual assaults on women, who mocks handicapped people while taking to the press, who attacks the FBI and has his PR machine create lies about Mueller (a patriot who served in the military and earned a Purple Heart), who encourages racists by not immediately condemning white supremacists who instigate violence in Charlottesville VA, etc. And the list is a work in progress! You have it wrong, it is the Republicans who are turning a blind eye who will pay a price!!
49
Looking on from abroad, this is a horror show. We are watching white men and evangelical ‘Christians’ (remember Ghandi - I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians) demonstrate in effect that they are not interested in what happened to Dr Ford because it will get in the way of their holy grail, a deeply conservative Supreme Court for the next generation
It is depressing that nothing has been learned by these people since Anita Hill. The arguments put forward - why didnt she report this then, boys will be boys, he is a nice man, he couldnt have done it etc - suggest most of them have never heard of the #metoo movement. And to add insult to injury some of those who will be hearing testimony have already made up their minds against Dr Ford. Where is natural justice in all this?
Please America, do the right thing. Millions are watching and the outcome will affect those around the world who are living with abuse every day and who desperately need an example of fair treatment of women.
223
Don't worry, person from 'abroad'. Despite your despair at the way we do things here, our republic will survive-make that thrive, unlike many of those countries 'abroad'.
1
Her motive seems clear. To keep someone unfit off the Supreme Court.
31
The only reasonable conclusion given the facts is that Ford is telling the truth. Republicans know this!
22
@Joseph I would love to hear how you came to this conclusion since the only facts she seems to remember is that she was at a party and attacked by Kavanaugh 36 years ago.
6
My daughter says you raped her. She doesn’t remember where or when, and there were no witnesses. Defend yourself.
3
I don't believe her story. Thank you.
8
@Southern Boy
well, ... that SETTLES it ... let's go get a beer. Problem solved, right?
13
@Southern Boy: What a surprise! I believe her and I thank her for coming forward and taking this terrible abuse.
6
If Ford and the Democrats are successful any American can have someone from 36 years ago make the same accusations against them ruining their lives and career.
You don't even have to know the exact time, date or location of the crime just that you were attacked.They can have any motive to do you harm.
8
Of course, she is telling the truth and that's why the senate republicans and Kavanaugh want no FBI investigation. Kavanaugh has lied about attending any party with his accuser and the FBI should be able to confirm or refute both their claims. Her motives seem obvious--keep this lying low life off the supreme court for life and payback for the years of misery he caused her because of his drunken assault. There does not seem to be any other motive to question.
23
@EPMD
"Of course, she is telling the truth and that's why the senate republicans and Kavanaugh want no FBI investigation."
And what would you have the FBI do given that she doesn't remember when this alleged incident took place, where it took place, how she got there, how she got home or how many people were there? Should the FBI dust for fingerprints in every house within a 5-mile radius of Georgetown Prep? Create a Facebook page and invite anyone who can remember being at the party to post something?
This FBI-must-investigate angle is a pathetic ruse that cannot possibly shed any light on anything. But it sure makes for a great delaying strategy, which is the whole point, anyway.
9
@Projunior
For starters, they could subpoena Mark Judge to testify under oath.
3
@Projuniorn
You are basing that argument off of hearsay--let the FBI do their job and try and investigate before you and your fellow republicans decide it is useless.
Never underestimate the incompetence of the GOP.
20
@Pb of DC
Never underestimate how many females in America have been molested, attacked, or raped - and no one came to their aid, comforted or believed them. Just as no one arrested and prosecuted the male(s) who sexually assaulted them.
25
@Pb of DC
Sure. Ask Justice Garland about that.
Any person opposed to the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh, perhaps in fear of a reversal of Roe v Wade, could make up a very convincing detailed lie. In normal times such an act would be weighed judiciously in determining its truth value. But we are not in normal times. We are in the extended frenzy of the #MeToo moment. Now the benefit of doubt is given automatically to the accuser.
9
Thank goodness the benefit of the doubt is going to the woman. For all of history, men have silenced women and been the final word. I pity the women who have you as a doctor.
43
Thank God we're NOT in "normal times" if that means ignoring, undermining, and denigrating women.
You, sir, should not be treating the public.
19
@Mike Murray MD
You are right. Keith Ellison's accusers are discredited by these same #MeToo women. Progessives get a pass for alleged domestic and emotional abuse, and for being really bad with money (referring to a socialist who shall remain nameless). Nearly all of these comments posted here presume Kavanaugh is guilty of everything from attempted rape to kidnapping to suspicious credit card bills. It is a frenzy. It is very disheartening. What happened to reason?
3
It makes me feel a little sick to read people - especially women - who say they believe Dr. Blasey - but then excuse Kavanaugh's behavior as a youthful right of passage. Tell that to their own daughters or granddaughters - one of whom has most likely been assaulted. Tell that to all the young girls out there who are victims - that it's the price they have to pay to help teenage boys grow up to be "decent," "moral," men - who love their own daughters much more than they loved their neighbors' daughters in youth. And why don't these people tell that to all the victims - mostly male - of Catholic clergy abuse? I guess when it's a boy who is sexually assaulted that matters more - because by their logic - boys matter more.
370
I don't care what Pa. voters think. They are responsible for placing Trump in the WH.
21
In reply to your comment about Pennsylvanians:
Not all of them put him there.
And we had better become a nation that cares about every citizen, not just our "tribe".
9
I was lucky to be living overseas during the Clinton administration and thus didn’t have to hear in granular detail about the Lewinsky scandal. Now, having read Kavanaugh’s prurient memo about it, I am grossed out. He made this part of the public record.
Serves him right that he has only daughters, but it doesn’t serve them right. This man is a weirdo who doesn’t belong on the Supreme Court shaping our society.
204
"Blair Elliot, 50, who owns a record store in Doylestown, Pa., said, 'When you’re 17 you know that kind of thing is criminal.'’'
Maybe in 2018 they do; I'm not sure that was a universally held teenage belief 36 years ago. I seem to recall many, many people blithely dismissing the harassment claims of Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaderick against President Clinton a decade later in the 1990's. And these Clinton apologists were not seventeen-year-olds.
3
@Projunior
Males knew that ganging up on and kidnapping a female, locking a door, covering her mouth to muffle screams, and (attempted) rape was wrong in the 1980s,1970s, 1960s, 1950s...
40
The one time Juanita Broaddrick was under oath, she denied anything at all happened.
4
“What took so long?” said Ms. Foster, a Republican who voted for Mr. Trump. “It just seems so political to me. It’s not that I think she’s lying, but people do stupid things in high school. He pinned her down, he put his hand over her mouth. He did not rape her.”
Gee, I wonder what Ms. Foster would say if I offered to pin her down and put my hand over her mouth, but also promised not to rape her? Not so bad, right?
Sexual assault is a CRIME. Being 17 and stumbling drunk is NOT an excuse. People go to jail for dong things like that, and end up with a life long listing on a sexual offender registry. But Brett Kavanaugh wants a life long listing as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Anybody see anything wrong with that picture?
649
@Joe From Boston One particular comment I read on NYT yesterday really rings true with me regarding Blasey's timeline.
Nobody ever questions the men who come out against Catholic priests who raped them, yet the first thing everyone asks about Blasey is "Why did it take her so long?"
27
@Andrew
100% agree.
Nobody makes a big deal about the HUNDREDS of MEN who have never spoken about being assaulted by a priest until the Boston Globe "Spotlight" series (and the film) came out and "it was ok to tell."
Most of those guys were TOO ASHAMED to admit they were victims of sexual crimes.
But when a woman tries to tell her story, all of a sudden she is some kind of liar, who should go around wearing a scarlet letter.
Hypocrisy is alive and well, it seems.
1
@Andrew Nobody will question the hundredth woman who comes out and says Kavanaugh assaulted them either. Do you really think nobody questioned the FIRST man who ever accused a priest of molesting them?
Kavanaugh lies, Blasey Ford truth teller. If Kavanaugh cared about the judiciary he would withdraw his name.
84
I believe Ms. Ford. The nominee should take a lie detector test, just as Ms. Ford did.
146
I wonder what would have happened if Judge Kavanaugh, upon hearing of the charges against him by Dr. Blasey, had immediately said something to the effect, "I was a wild, stupid, hard-drinking seventeen -year-old, if I did this horrific act, it was during a blackout and I have no recollection of it. However, that is no excuse. I deeply regret having caused Dr. Blasey years of suffering and I offer the a full-throated apology. I hope she will forgive that brutal, thoughtless teenager because he is not who I am today."
But he is. Judge Kavanaugh's current response, "deny,deny, deny," out of the president's play-book trumped any kind of response that smacked of decency and character and it's too late to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
482
@Vicki Cobb
Or as a human being, a husband and a father of 2 girls had Brett Kavanaugh simply said "I'm so sorry this happened to Christine."
They knew each other socially as teens prior to the attack. It's not as if as a lawyer and judge in crime riven metro DC for nearly 30 years he hasn't encountered heinous rape attacks and an unending number of rape/murders of females just like Christine Blasey and his daughters: white, well-educated and newly out in the professional world Chandra Levy was simply jogging in broad daylight in Rock Creek Park.
3
Exactly. Excellent point.
2
It’s not hard to understand her timing. The man is about to become a Supreme Court Justice. If you are a person of principle, that’s the trigger to talk about something you’ve pretty much keep to yourself all your adult life.
And, ask yourselves, why did Mitch McConnell have 65 women already signed up to vouch for Kavanaugh? Why women specifically? Why not women and men?
Could there be, in those thousands of pages that were not released to the Democrats on the Committee or to other Republican Senators before the vote, some hint of a recurring problem?
Dr. Blasey gains nothing from making these allegations. In fact, she loses much. She’s had to upend her family and the crazies are out in full force, threatening her.
Please, her timing is not the issue or question here.
And to the person who said, “he put his hand over her mouth, he didn’t rape her” I ask, “Is that really your line in the sand?”
549
Republicans have taken America into the gutter; promoting hate;prejudice and racism. Why would any woman vote Republican?Professor Ford needs to be heard and she needs to be protected. Professor Ford is being attacked; harassed and receiving death threats. Professor Ford should be heard on her terms; she is bring attacked and threatened. FBI should investigate. Mike Judge should be made to testify. Professor Ford is a reliable witness who should be allowed to tell her story on her terms. No vote on Brett Kavenaugh until Professor Ford can tell her story. Ray Sipe
69
This man, Kavanaugh, is exactly the type of person who doesn't belong on the Supreme Court -- a self-righteous, religious hypocrite with boilerplate nonanswers -- a man who sexually attacks women but would deny them the right to an abortion or even birth control.
622
Bill Cosby, Trump, Boston's Catholic archdiocese, Harvey Weinstein, Brett Kavanagh - it all happened so long ago so doesn't matter?? It does matter!!
109
With apologies to G&S’s Mikado
Here’s a pretty mess
If I now confess
Back in high school I was horny,
What I did makes my path thorny
What am I to do,
Here’s a howdy do.
Here’s a state of things
Trouble Ms Ross brings,
I was very close to chosen
Now my chances may be frozen
What am I to do
What a howdy do.
T’was so long ago
Now she had to show,
I will always have a label
And to be a Judge not able
It is so unfair
Such shame I can’t bear.
Back to chasing ambulances
Every morning I must go,
And the comfort of the Supreme Court,
I’ll never, never know,
I’m a sinking ship
Maybe I should flip,
What a pretty state of things
What a messy how-de-do
What a horrid, horrid state of things.
17
The main problem with the Republican Senators and Judge Kavanaugh is that they are opposed to the FBI looking into the allegations before testimony is give to the Senate Judiciary Committee. If Judge Kavanaugh is telling the truth, why is he not supporting an FBI background investigation? Moreover, this is akin to an interview for a very high level position and not a court proceeding. The standard for hiring someone is nothing like "beyond a reasonable doubt" about their conduct. Let the FBI investigate then have a hearing. There's no reason to rush these proceedings. The focal concern should be on gaining legitimacy for the Supreme Court and not on the politics of the moment.
397
@truthatlast The Judge has already had 6 background checks by the FBI. The Professor needs to be investigated.
7
@truthatlas
There should be little doubt by now that politics of the moment are the ONLY thing the Democrats care about.
2
@CNM
Not ONE of the FBI background checks looked into his drinking and sexual assault problem. That was not even raised.
The FBI does supplemental background checks all the time.
How many did they have to do for Jared Kushner, who kept changing his filings, and could not get a security clearance?
Remember that circus? Oh, it was SOOO long ago, ... like way back in JULY!
https://www.vox.com/2018/7/12/17566896/jared-kushner-security-clearance-...
3
There are questions about the Democrat desire to delay the Kavanaugh process, or even their desire for him to fail. But these are independent of two factual matters. Did Kavanaugh violently assault her then? Has he been lying about it (and other things) now? Those are very important questions, regardless of how this is political. The Senators are, in effect, deciding whether political tactics are much more important than matters of fact and morality.
142
@Dagwood The Professor is lying. Fact: If this actually happened a decent human would do everything to ensure no one else would become a victim. She did nothing for 36 years. Why? because it didn't happen.
3
@CNM
You were there any you KNOW what happened, right CNM?
Brett Kavanaugh's record as a binge drinker is plain for all to see.
He bragged about being in the keg city club and commented “100 kegs or bust” on his high school yearbook page, posted on Twitter by @wusa9.
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/brett-kavanaugh-high-school-...
It is reported that he was a member of a secret society at Yale called Truth and Courage, which had a reputation for drinking and trying to have sex with coeds.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/mollyhensleyclancy/the-yale-secret-...
Kavanaugh gave a talk at the Yale Law School Federalist Society in 2014 in which he admitted that while in Yale Law School, he was a binge drinker. The text, all 8 typewritten pages, is available on Twitter as posted by @feliciasonmez.
So we have a pattern: ADMITTED binge drinking in high school, college and law school.
Dr. Ford tells us that Kavanaugh was “stumbling drunk” when he attacked her.
Kavanaugh says he wasn’t there. But if he was bombed, maybe he just can’t remember the party or what he might have done there. (Or maybe after days and days of coaching, at the White House he is going to try to say "It wasn't me. It was two other guys.")
Who do you believe? I believe Dr. Ford.
1
@Dagwood
Fact and morality are the operational words here. If politics plays a large role, Americans will always remember him as a female terrorist. Should he come forward at least we know he is honest and has learned from his mistakes. He may become a Supreme Court Judge. He must be a man of integrity and morality. Will he really honor the precedent setting case of Roe vs Wade as he has alleged stated?
Or will he force women and girls to travel miles for the terror of unwanted sex? Ask Dr. Blasey how horrific it can be. Pregnant or not, the violation of a female body is terrorism. Just ask Ivana!
8