"When the Republican party sends its people, they’re not sending their best... They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."
18
You think his appearance on TV with his wife of fourteen years was "remarkable"? The only remarkable thing about this whole affair has been the unstinting slander and pure filth visited upon this judge and his family by this newspaper.
Instead of concern about his judicial philosophy and work as a judge (which is what really bothers you and would have been fair game for discussion about whether he should be confirmed as a Justice of the Supreme Court), you've spent your ink and your time on repeating and elaborating on weak, uncorroborated slander about the judge's purported sexual misconduct when in high school and as a Yale freshman. To be sure, you've noted that you were unable to verify the second of these outrageous claims, but not for want of trying. Applying the same standard that stayed your hand about reporting that second tale (except in a kind of back-handed way -- you could instead have ignored it), you ought to admit, too, that you don't have any support for the first of them either.
Why? Because there is none. None of us have anything but the word of the story-teller. Were it otherwise, with so many determined opponents of this nominee and the President who nominated him, and noise from justifiably angry and concerned women nationwide, it surely would have been found by now.
8
I remain even more disappointed in Justice Anthony Kennedy, for his purposeful retirement timing before the midterm elections and for surely knowing that Republicans would select either Brett Kavanaugh or a similar deviant to be his replacement.
7
Breaking News: President Trump publicly attacks Ms. Ramirez, which is not be the role of a president.
11
I am getting more angry with each day. Kavanaugh just used his wife as a prop on Fox. If he were the man he says he is now he would say, "I was so drunk at parties in high school that I don't remember many of them after a certain point. Because of my drinking and the culture I was part of creating, I am unable to swear that I did not assault Dr. Ford. This is a consequence of my teen behavior I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I offer my sincere apologies for the pain and distress I caused and would like to make amends."
17
Kavanaugh should bow out or be given the boot by the president. It is necessary to the American public.
Furthermore any Trump threat to Rosenstein will be regarded as a personal threat to the American public. Rosenstein is an honorable man which is more than we can say for the president
9
Good, good points made regarding why oh why, would Kavanaugh go on the propaganda entertainment machine of the POTUS but refuse to be transparent and invite the scrutiny of the FBI to clear him of allegations??
This was a telling and revealing mistake that will haunt him.
To pander to the the court of public opinion is undignified and unbecoming for a nominee of the high office of the SCOTUS.
9
The whole debate needs only two voices to forfeit this nomination.Lisa and Collins. We can talk, scream and yell about what should and shouldn’t be. Regardless of what is revealed on Thursday, the whole Republican team is in on it except maybe Lisa and Collins. What these two determine is all that matters. In the end, the question is, Did Lisa and Collins finally join the pack of wolves?
5
There is no justice without truth, and Republicans are doing anything they can to avoid finding it.
Every member of the Senate who does not call for a fair and thorough investigation of this matter and vows to confirm Kavanaugh regardless of such extreme allegations should be voted out of office in any election when their current term is over.
There should be an amendment to bring punitive charges or impeachment for any member of the House or Senate who does not uphold law, order, and justice. These are the people who write are laws, they should not be above them. Those with greater power should have a greater level of accountability.
11
Evidently what happens at Georgetown Prep does not stay at Georgetown Prep.
And on into Yale Kavanaughs behavior continued?
God Bless Debbie Ramirez. I salute her courage.
Now unlike the repeated dumbing down of the Republican judiciary regarding Dr. Blasey Fords' allegations as uncorrabated (inspite of documentation of her therapist and husband in 2012 ); here are people coming forward remembering Ms. Ramirez' humiliation being shouted down the hall!
How will these old biased men spin and distort the recollections of witnesses?
We are not stupid and we are watching.They know a FBI investigation will blow up their underhanded workings to seat a man who is not fit to wear the robe or sit in the seat.
10
So says the nominee in Fox interview:
“did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter.”
What an absolutely amazing statement from Judge K given the hard drinking, partying portrayals of his elite prep school and subsequent college experience and freewheeling social life style at Yale.
13
He is lying. He has lied. He will lie again. But we all have lied and we will all be untruthful again. All things being equal - he shouldn’t get the job. Fire fast - hire slow they say. Not sure why that should not apply here.
18
How curious that Mr Kavanaugh should talk of his sexual habits and history thereof as a proof of his innocence as if that had anything to to with the issue. Theoretically of course, he could have been a "virgin" as he claims he was at he time time, and still be an aggressor.
21
@ves, likely he was coached by the White House experts to portray himself as smeared, to a sympathetic audience that is addicted to FoxNews.
4
“did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter.”
That seems a odd thing to say...was he asked if he had sex during his time at high school?
12
A report out the other day suggested that Kavanaugh balked during a prep session designed to test him on the tough questions he would face. Well, here's Exhibit A of what happens when you don't take advice. (Quite common behavior, by the way, among the Ivy League supposed-genius class.)
7
It’s perhaps interesting how republicans and perhaps the media are responding to the two women, one with a Latino name and the other white. The white one seems to have elicited at least some sympathy from the republican men. The Latino sounding named one however has already been called “phony” by a republican white man according to this story. One wonders whether there’s some sense that one of these women is perhaps more “human” or “genuine” even while they probably write off both as incosquential.
11
They'd better get this confirmation done fast, before more accusers decide to come forward. Once he's in, the whole thing will blow over. As with Clarence Thomas, conservatives won't care what he's done, and moderates will move on to things they can do something about.
3
Latest news this morning is Ford's legal reps are upset with conditions for Thursdays scheduled hearing. Another delay tactic and nothing more. Congress needs to put their foot down and tell Ford and her bunch of legal eagles that she show up and testify on Thursday. No more delays Hear her out under oath and if she fails to show then take the vote on Friday and confirm Kavanaugh. Tell Ford to take her circus act elsewhere
5
@Bill Cunnane, what is your hurry? Slow down, we women need some time. Our daughters deserve the pause.
1
Who better to introduce a gang rapist to the Supreme Court hearings than Condoleeza Rice, a war criminal with hundreds of thousands of deaths on her blood-soaked hands?
10
Smart move on the Republicans' part to put Condoleeza Rice up there. Compared to what she and her pals did to Iraq, even Mark Judge and Brett Kavanaugh's series of gang rapes seems pretty mild.
12
In any other case of this sort, the children would be interviewed by authorities to see if the accused rapist has ever molested them.
As always, there's a lesson here: If you're going to be a gang rapist, make sure you're rich. Being Republican also helps.
9
Too bad Roger Ailes or Bill O'Reilly or best of all, Trump couldn't have done the interview with Kavanaugh on Fox. It would be much more apropos to have someone on the same page in terms of sexual assault.
At least Trump still gets to have his bedtime conversations with the Republican hoodlum Sean Hannity, (who is still denying being a client of the Republican hoodlum Michael Cohen).
Quite a country.
10
That a life can be destroyed by allegations is horrifying! All men, especially white men, need to be very afraid. The #metoo gang is out for blood.
8
So what should be done? The indications are that Senate Republicans intend to push Kavanaugh's nomination through no matter what evidence against him might emerge. The question has to be what action can be taken that will actually stop Kavanaugh's appointment.
The first thing that must happen is for Senate Democrats to declare - to make it part of their platform - that Kavanaugh will be impeached immediately Democrats control the House and the Senate and that they will change the rules to allow impeachment with a simple majority vote. So no matter what happens, Kavanaugh proceeds knowing that he will be leaving the Court in disgrace in the foreseeable future.
Second, House Democrats should announce that if they take the House in November they will be impeaching Donald Trump if he appoints Kavanaugh. People say Democrats should be coy about impeachment. This is no time to be coy, the Republicans have upped the stakes to an attack on the very idea of justice in the United States. Democrats have to draw a red line for Trump and scare him into retreat.
These men are clearly unfit for office - and most important of all in the political bubble they live in - they have a woman available for appointment who would meet all the expectations they have of Kavanaugh, and I bet she would resist impeachment as strenuously as him anyway. The GOP wants to shove this one down the throats of their opponents, they have to be stopped by any means necessary and available. Don't let this happen.
2
Based on Kavanaugh's testimony during a variety of confirmation hearings lying seems to come easy to him & forgetfulness not only marks his drunken youthful escapades as treasurer of the "hundred kegs or bust' preppie club but now even that he was such a treasurer once and what it might signify. The women who have come forth so far and those who are about to have everything to lose with going public. I congratulate them and their courage.
6
these accusations may be true and correct. but perhaps they are not totally true and correct in their remembrances. 30-35 years ago. both women drinking. the 2nd woman admits to drinking enough to have been "foggy" and "slurry in her speech". Maybe between the alcohol and the length of time the memory plays some tricks. Maybe not and maybe their stories are 100% factually accurate. I have no doubt the women believe their accusations are 100% factual. Maybe they are right and maybe they are not quite right. I don't know.
but what bothers me is that without any ivestigation, without any questioning, we assume that Kavanaugh is guilty and we demand he step down. can anyone be so sure of his guilt at this point that you believe he needs to step aside? what happened to innocent until proven guilty? I feel that this integral ideology of our judicial system is near death. we're even destroying it in a judicial confirmation. and what scares me as a moderate liberal is I can't even blame republicans for this. we did it ourselves. we have taken our hate for all things trump to such an extreme that we are on a vicious vendetta and so blinded that we can't see what we're becoming. and we toss it off with, trump and republicans are the evil ones. and just imagine our anger and hate if the situation was reversed. what would we be like then...we need to step back and look at what we, all of us, have become. before it's to late.
#believetheproventruth
6
He has a very selective memory when confronted with his conversation with Presidents personal defense team.
He also has strict moral values, when target of investigative process is opposite party.
He also has a very nice set of rights, when confronted by women....
If he was few shades darker...
3
@bored critic
What do you mean "we"?! You got a mouse in your pocket?
We the people want the FBI to investigate and find the facts they seem to have missed when doing the 6 previous clearances on this man.
The opinions of people who think him guilty are just that not court rulings at all.
The whole premise of your post seems to rely upon a distorted and incorrect view of how free society and public discourse functions.
10
I beg to differ. We stood aside when Obama's nominee got sandbagged, denied even a hearing. Kavanaugh is not entitled to a seat on the Supreme Court. That he chose to defend himself on TV rather than call for a full investigation in the Senate makes him, in my view, unqualified.
5
If Kavanaugh is an honorable and just candidate and wants the best for this country. He should withdraw his name as a candidate for the Supreme Court. However, he is like every other Republican. Innocent no matter how many witnesses prove the otherwise. In a twitter post by his former roommate at Yale, James Rouche, states that when he was sober, he was "generally reserved," but was a heavy drinker and when he was drunk, he would become "aggressive and belligerent." These statements further confirm he should withdraw his name. If he is so adamant about not withdrawing then this Senate should most certainly vote him down.
10
Dr. Christine Blasey Ford...do you really believe this woman exists , I don't. The picture we have been presented with is of a nondescript individual who could be anyone. What's the matter there are no more recent pictures ?
She will be a no show.
3
@Tom, we will see...
I would feel for this man if he would sit for an FBI interview rather than go on Fox TV. This whole process has been a typical McConnell rush job with as little candor as possible. I can't help but wonder what else is being hidden, i.e. who paid off his very large debt and what does he owe them? As far as his treatment of women - the Republicans don't care. They will sit and listen but they have already said they don't believe these allegations and will vote this guy in. It's hard to believe that this is the best they can come up with.
18
Regarding the questions of why Dr. Ford had not come forward sooner, just ask Trump or Grassley this question: If you were tied to a tree in the movie Deliverance, how many people would you have told what happened?
3
Why is Kavanaugh using FOX to politicize his run to the supreme court? first of all, the FBI should use procedural process to investigate these allegations, and relay this investigation to the Judiciary committee, where Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford should be heard.
10
Agree completely.
This is a serious allegation against a man who will hold a lifetime appointment to our highest court.
If true, this man cannot sit on the supreme court.
This matter deserves an investigation by the FBI, not just a dog and pony show put on for mid-term optics.
The fact that Kavanaugh gave a right wing-propaganda-network interview makes me very concerned about his judgement. He looks like a Trump minion now, not a measured, cogent and impartial judge.
Politics and big money have invaded the judicial branch, our last bastion in defense of democracy.
2
Winston Churchill said ~ politics is a blood sport.
Jump into the ring and expect to take shots, under the belt.
The Republicans refused to even hold hearings for Supreme Court nominees under Obama.
So the Democrats have dug up dirt, whether true, false or somewhere in between on Kavanaugh.
Expect nothing but the worst in today's political arena.
2
@D.S.Barclay
Prove your allegation that the democrats dug up dirt. I want the names of these democrats!
You can't because this is not mud slinging this is The People standing up and using their right to free speech to tell their own story in spite of how painful it is to do so because it will benefit us all to know these stories.
2
Many times women misuse laws to settle personal scores or act on behest of someone else. In some cases it's consensual relationship that at some point ends and the girl wants to teach the guy a lesson.
No one believes the guy. The system is sympathetic, bias towards the women. No matter what the outcome of the case is , the guys reputation is destroyed for ever.
In fact the the guy is presumed guilty even without a trial. No to mention the media trial that starts.
The law of limitation should apply to these cases too. After five or ten years of alleged incident, the charges should not be allowed to be brought. Why should someone wait for so long before complaining.
No one is bothered about what Judge Kavanaugh and his family may be going through. My sympathies are with Judge Kavanaugh and his family.
3
@Abishek
No mention of Dr. Blasey receiving death threats and their family having to leave their house?
9
@Abishek
Judging from the response to his interview, millions of Americans feel badly for him. Just not within a particular circle.
@Abishek, with a disease like dowry related bride burning domestic violence and abuse, India is notorious for its patriarchal male dominated culture. It has caused the police and the justice system to first suspect the groom's family, because of this social evil that still persists to this day.
1
The picture of this man is one of perpetual scowling anger and a mean, puckered mouth that one can easily imagine him as a privileged, indulged and doted on high school and college male child - the entitled son of a lawyer and judge who clearly raised a rapist, among other things. It's coming back to haunt Brett Kavanaugh not just in the public sphere relating to his employment but across his face and whenever he speaks publicly. Perhaps he is beginning to understand just a teensy bit what it feels like to be cornered. Except that he is a country club 53-year-old gold plated $200,000/year predator judge, not a terrified and assaulted 15-year-old girl.
7
@Margo. A predator judge?
Nobody in America should be treated this way. We are supposed to have a presumption of innocence and due process and fairness. These are the values our country was founded on and are enshrined in our constitution.
The #metoo movement, although well intentioned, has been hijacked by highly partisan democrats and the lawyer of a porn star. Shame on the Senate democrats.
2
Um, the Senate Dems have asked for fair due process, i.e., an FBI investigation. It's the Republicans who refuse. Shame on them.
14
@johnny
Agreed to presumption of innocence.
But then have an investigation, call witnesses, testify under oath where it is a crime for lying under oath.
Not difficult for Republicans if they wanted to get the truth.
3
Sex allegations aside, Kavanaugh is a proven liar and possibly a perjurer. He is unfit for this post. Let's note that Neil Gorsuch, whom I opposed, attended the same prep school as Kavanaugh, but exhibited none of the scurrilous behavior that is now proving to be the case with Kavanaugh.
Kavanaugh is a white, privileged preppy who clearly disdains women, minorities and anything not heteronormative. He is a suck-up to power and is going to be a Trump toady. He should withdraw before his reputation is tainted even further.
22
Sexual impropriety is one thing, but perhaps even more cause for concern is that Brett Kavanaugh is a former football player.
Do we really want someone with possible brain damage on the Supreme Court?
11
good point did he play in college?
3
Perhaps Republicans want to plow through for the following reasons:
On Saturday night, Kimberley Strassel reports how WaPo sent the story on Ford to print the week prior and talked about 4 boys while simultaneously writing a letter to Mark Judge asking him about a situation with 3 boys and 1 girl. And then on Saturday we come to hear the girl, Leland Keyser, finally speak and say she never attended a party like this, with or without Ford, which CNN reported. Apparently WaPo knew about Leland Keyser, decided not to talk to for a week or ignored her testimony. Isn't it interesting that Ford didn't say a word to Leland Keyser about this despite them being lifelong friends. Ford's lawyer says "of' course she'd deny, b/c she didn't think there was a problem". We are to expect Leland Keyser is not going to ask "where did my friend go?" when Ford reportedly ran home? All 4 people there denied this happened. So the story, b/c of these new revelations on Sat night, looks like its going to crash.
Then on Sunday, we have a new accuser, Deborah Ramirez, which the NYT investigates, talks to several dozen witnesses and can find no one who can corroborate and don't print the story. Now where did Deborah Ramirez come from? Well, according of the New Yorker's Ronan Farrow "she came forward because Senate Democrats began looking at this claim. She did not flag this to them, this came to people on Capitol Hill independently... It's really cornered her in an awkward position."
3
Yes, unfortunately we all run into a certain number of unstable people in life. Ford and Ramirez seem like such people and their word cannot be given more weight than that of a longstanding public servant like Brett.
3
When I was in school we called these guys "frat boys". White, priveleged, above the law, irresponsible, anti intellectual and woefully un-self conscious. They don't change other then to become older, whiter and Republican.
8
To call Kavanaugh “anti-intellectual” is a total joke. Give me a break!
I don't know how many times I've heard lately "People are sure getting nasty" as if Trump has given free reign to obnoxious, hateful speech. The Kavanaugh nomination may give rise to something far worse: Trump and the Republicans may open the floodgates to sexual crimes in which the perpetrators may feel emboldened by the minimizing of consequences.
8
You are done, Brett. You and your tone-deaf misogynistic backers are the only ones not to know that yet. Your pathetic performance on Fox only reinforced that you are indeed hiding something. No-one else has ever done anything that pitiful before but under this administration anything is possible.
By Thursday night your option will be lobbyist or crank commentator for Fox News.
Next.
9
Getting to the truth requires more than what is apparently being accepted as sufficient. He must explain “what” he defines as sexual assault. He only makes statements that deflect the accusations, such as claiming his virginity. His accuser(s) never once claimed penetration. He must explain “his” definition of what a sexual assault really is. When questioned further, he must answer to the specifics, otherwise he stands in his own truth and we may never know.
As for his accusers, they have every right to be heard in fair and just ways, although that may never happen with the process that is unfolding.
Until we, collectively as a nation, honour and respect all life, which is abhorrently not currently the case, we will be faced with an endless stream of what we are witnessing now, both in this administration and this nominee. We are not an incredible nation of people who enjoy basic human rights, let alone a nation who honours and respects one another. We have a great deal of work to do, and honesty is only scratching the bare minimum surface.
6
I'm a nearly 80-year-old man, father, and grandfather, who has lived what would generally be considered as an "upstanding life." But when I was mid-teen teenager I took some liberties with my sister, who was younger than me. There was no force, no penetration, just touching, which stopped when she said "No."
I am thankful to her for saying no, as I might well have pressed on without it. My sister and I, about 20 years ago, jointly confronted the issue and I offered an apology and even offered to go public, if it would help her. She declined my offer, to my relief.
I have lived my life thinking my actions then were simply the bad judgment of a teenager, nothing more. Have I been living a life of shame? My sister was content to have me own up to and apologize for my behavior.
Brett Kavanaugh Vows to Fight ‘Smears’
"Smears"? Fine.
But what is he going to do about the allegations that end up being proven, and are no longer merely "smears"?
His Yale college roommate Frosh year, James Roche, just put out a statement that explicitly states that the roommate knows and believes Debbie Ramirez, and says that "I do remember Brett frequent;y drinking excessively and becoming incoherently drunk."
Steve Kantrowitz tweeted:
@skantrow
Perhaps Brett Kavanaugh was a virgin for many years after high school. But he claimed otherwise in a conversation with me during our freshman year in Lawrance Hall at Yale, in the living room of my suite.
Sounds like there is a little "fact checking" going on. Ain't the internet great?
10
Brett Kavanaugh was fishy to me from the day in July when he accepted the nomination. He played his “woman” credentials to the hilt - from his mother, to his daughters, to his name-dropping of Justice Kagan, who hired him at Harvard. I suppose the tenor of the times, and the republicans desire/need to keep, and attract more, women voters might have been at the heart of that speech.
But, when he said “No president has ever consulted more widely, or talked with more people from more backgrounds, to seek input about a Supreme Court nomination”, my first thought was -Really? Really?
Watching him in the confirmation hearings did not do very much to convince me of the need for him to be appointed to the Supreme Court. But, fatalist that I have become, I figured he would be confirmed anyway.
Now that these allegations have been made against him, and watching how the whole thing has been handled, my mind has not been changed. I don’t think he should be confirmed.
But he will be.
9
The reason he stretched his woman credentials, obviously, I was as a result of the “hysteria” over Roe v. Wade
5
Then the action starts
The state of Md will likely investigate his conduct ( no statute of lim there) charge him
The Post Nov 6th Democratic Congress will move to impeach him
Either his rep or the rep of SCOTUS is taking a big hit here
Better him
2
A Supreme Court nominee going on television to offer anything (especially to deny sexual assault charges) is as unseemly as it is to bombard the public with advertisements trying to portray how great the candidate is.
A judge (on any bench) is to be beyond reproach, and to keep their views limited to the law, the Constitution, and the facts of any case that is before them - that is it.
If we are now in the age that we must ''elect'' any officer of the court, then we have already lost the veneer (and the stuff) of the law.
Oh wait!
13
Yes, he deserves due process, but going on TV is pretty tacky.
7
@mjbarr there needs to be no due process! This is a essentially an application for a job, not a trial. If I was looking to hire and employee and there were allegations of lying under oath, assault and massive gambling debts, I would just move on to the next job application.
The GOP is creating their own mess by creating some sort of false deadline. I am sure some more modern accusations are on the way,
4
@mjbarr
Love how Kavanaugh jumped right in when a question was directed at his mute wife, talking over her like a puppeteer of a marionette.
6
No he doesn’t deserve due process
This is a NOMINATING committee NOT a court of law
Moral integrity and decency are at stake
He and the entire GOP right wing ‘ news’ machine are guilty of being immoral
amoral and having zero integrity
1
Unfortunate that a potential lifetime Supreme Court judge is defending himself in a chest-beating manner like our flawed and disposable president.
12
Elevation to the highest court in the nation demands the highest standards; it is not a normal, natural career progression, it is something extraordinary. A lifetime appointment, with the power to make life and death decisions for an entire country. It demands the highest of standards. How do we reconcile this with Kavanaugh's well-documented background, even without considering the recent allegations of sexual misconduct? His notorious fraternity, his secret men's society with the obscene nickname, his blackout drinking? I find the comments by so many that this sort of behavior was "typical" breathtaking-- no one who thinks this is (or was) typical young male behavior and just part of growing up should be sitting on the Supreme Court. Did the FBI miss all of this the first time around? There are other excellent jurists out there who have accomplished as much or more without this repulsive misogynistic history. Let's nominate one of them.
12
Speaks volumes of The radical right wing
Federalist Society that this is their ‘ best’ candidate
6
This is a job interview for a lifetime appointment. This seems like enough reason to toss this applicant. I doubt that I could get a job at McDonalds if all of this came up during my hiring process.
13
You have to love Michael Avenatti. He has new clients coming forward against Kavanaugh and he suggests Trump, Kavanaugh and the old white men on the Senate Judiciary committee be "very very careful."
That's a man who doesn't bring a paper knife to a gun fight. Good for him!
15
@TM
This is a man who doesn't bring anything to a fight, except his own ego and desire for fame. He tarnishes anyone he represents and should be cast away from your party if you care about its image.
Unreal that a Supreme Court Justice candidate goes on Fox to give an interview but won't demand an FBI investigation to clear his name. If that doesn't speak volumes about his character I don't know what does.
19
Brett Kavanaugh made a serious mistake taking his argument to FOX news. It made him look like a coward, and by extension, guilty of the charges before him. It was easy to imagine the teen-aged Brett groping and exposing himself lewdly because giving the FOX interview was an impulsive, poorly considered act of a juvenile.
The Supreme Court needs people of integrity and courage, who understand they protect and defend the laws that govern our whole democracy, which includes even his detractors. Facing the soft pitches on FOX cable "news" was a play right out of the Donald Trump book of Sidesteps and Obfuscation. Someone is lying here, and I hate to say this, but appearing on Fox news as he did only strengthened Dr. Blasey's credibility.
8
Merely spewed out his memorized talking points. Didn't allow his wife to speak when a question was addressed directly to her. what is he so afraid of that he's not willing to let a full investigation go forward?
12
Same thing as trump is
The truth
Nothing surprising about Kavanaugh appearing on Fox News. That is the chosen, the only mainstream venue for the scurrilous among the GoP for whom the ends always justify the means. Even if the means involve forcing themselves on women ...whether at a drunken party or a widely watched media venue.
Yes, Kavanaugh did it. He did it at prep school and at Yale where he belonged to a frat house, DKE, thrown off campus for sexually outrageous behavior and a secret society dedicated to womanizing (see Michele Goldberg editorial).
Doubtless the experience he gained at these august institutions' more iniquitous dens also gave him a leg up (?) in the salacious attacks on Bill Clinton. How quaint that this is the person the GoP wants on the SC to protect our country's moral fabric.
To be credible Kavanaugh has to ask for a FBI investigation and also the release of 100,000 pages authorized and redacted by the National Archives. And he needs the FBI to look into allegations that he did not purger himself under oath.
To be credible the GoP, its leaders and members sitting on the Justice Committee need also to do these things. Because when the Democrats are able they will surely undertake these investigations and the resultant denigration of the Supreme Court and the GoP because Kavanaugh has been "plowed through" will be devastating when the truth is known.
Finally, will God please tell Evangelicals the Bible is not a dark comic book justifying whatever means to their ends.
11
This man wants this nomination too much, he has or subscibes to an agenda that is forming on the conservative of thee court. The US is so divided that it would fall apart if there weren't a virtual impossibilty to sucede from the union.
1
Kavanaugh spent years blacking out from alcohol. This point is confirmed by almost everyone that knew him. It is absolutely possible that he committed all of these allegations, and has no memory of his actions. And his friends that publicly “do not recall” are not under oath. They are being questioned by Senate investigators whose job is to push through the Kavanaugh nomination. His friends are watching how those that come forward are persecuted by the fair and balanced of Fox News, and they understandably do not want to enter that spotlight. It will require questioning people under oath to force witnesses to speak truthfully, which is likely why Dr. Ford requested an FBI investigation and Kavanaugh did not. He is obviously afraid of what those around him will say under oath, as the chatter among all of his friends when the nomination was announced was “This is going to be a problem.” They all remember, but they choose not to have their lives hijacked by Kavanaugh. They knew all of this to be true long before it became public knowledge. So to assert his innocence, Kavanaugh appears on Fox News? Absurd. Was he only interested in cementing his support with the klan? Kavanaugh will never be a legitimate candidate for a lifetime appointment. If Mitch does ram through this appointment, Democrats should re-open the entire matter that moment that they take control of Congress!
10
He probably has lead an upstanding, moral life in more recent past decades, professionally and personally. But, and this needs to remind younger people, and all those who use media like Facebook, there is often little wiggle room in escaping one's past.
Many of us have done things in our youth about which we are not happy or proud, but degrading others is high on any negative list when we are called to be leaders and stand in judgement of others.
3
@fsa
To my mind it is not just his actions as a teen ager that deserve a second look. Someone is lying in this he said/she said present day scenario. And they are lying as grown ups, in a very high stake moment when we need the truth.
Im afraid Brett is looking like the liar here. There are a growing chorus of classmates at Georgetown and Yale that are piling on about his drunken behaviors and statements about women, including two of his freshman college dorm mates/roommates.
1
I'm in favor of Kavanaugh's appointment and initially was in favor of an FBI investigation. No longer, as it's become obvious that this nothing more than a political play for the Democrats in an attempt to destroy a man his career, his family and our system of justice whereby it is incumbent on the accuser to prove their accusations.
Democrats now believe that regardless of charges, proof or not, it's now up to the accused to prove their innocence.
Insane and intolerable.
Confirm Kavanaugh and prove to Democrats that this kind of injustice won't stand.
5
Of course Rich White Frat Boy won't withdraw or even encourage further investigation of his alleged past conduct. He's a Rich White Frat Boy! That means he is automatically entitled to be a Supreme Court Justice or anything else he desires to be. Regardless of his qualifications or his behavior. So there!
16
@Jane
"Rich White Frat Boy"
Most of these criticisms are directed at paper tigers. He's like a substitute for any male identity someone has a grievance against.
Kavanaugh is Rorschach test for progressives.
Kavanaugh is a fool and has sold his soul to a job he really, really wants. May he go down in flames.
9
We need an independent investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh.
If the old white men in GOP are intent on denying due process and plow right through by not asking the FBI to investigate, maybe the Maryland Attorney General can file charges, as there’s no statute of limitations for sexual assault in the state.
We demand an investigation. We will burn down the patriarchy (metaphorically, obviously) if need be.
Enough with these drunk on power men, who say privately “what happens in Georgetown Prep stays in Georgetown Prep”, “100 kegs or bust”, “Renate Alumnius” and then come on TV and pretend in front of the world as if they are virtuous altar boys who’ve been abused. As if they are the victims!
Justice. Due process. For all.
8
Wow.
He is wicked mad.
He may not get his big job promotion, the one he was "born for."
He even went on Faux News about it (!),(unprecedented for a job applicant ! )
My fear is less that he will get the job - and more that he is so wicked mad he wants revenge.
And he will seek that revenge for the next 30 years- getting even -
with women, with progressives, with anybody who dares to question his patriarchical world view.
Scary dude
21
The GOP is fragile at present, no shock if they announce a new nominee for the Supreme Court. Their public bravado is a real indication of insecurity. McConnell has already backed off from publicly announcing that Kavanaugh was a sure thing. Kavanaugh did himself no favors by being interviewed on Faux News, it only proved to a wider audience that he definitely not fit for the highest court in the land, and not allowing his wife to answer questions is a reflection on his real attitude towards women.
3
Kavanaugh looks like one of the creepy frat bros from the evil fraternity in Animal House
8
"Judge Kavanaugh — joined by his wife, Ashley Estes Kavanaugh — gave an extraordinary interview to Fox News that aired Monday evening."
This is akin to being a defendant in a jury trial and the jury is made up of your 12 closest friends. How are you supposed to win people over if you won't even have your interview aired on the mass market media outlets, ABC, NBC, & CBS?
6
It was “extraordinary” only in that it represented a new low for Republicans, even by the standards of their expected meretriciousness.
6
Kavanaugh drafted nasty, sexually-explicit questions to ask President Clinton during the Lewinsky scandal. They were never used, but Kavanaugh’s intent to humiliate and abuse Clinton was obvious, and his fate was sealed. Now that he is the accused, Kavanaugh wants to just skate past everything and be handled with kid gloves. If you live long enough, you will get to see Karma play out.
22
Democrats have no need to worry. Drunken creeps like Kavanaugh won’t get rid of something like abortion because they rely on these sort of procedures for fixing situations after a Tuesday night of debauchery.
7
Participating in a scripted interview on what is essentially state TV is not a way to "clear your name." What a circus.
17
Just when you thought the GOP and crazy Christianists couldn't get any lower on the morals scale, they go yet lower by "doubling down" on their sexual predator nomination. What year are we living in again? 1918 or 208?
9
It seems that Kavanaugh may still be in the mentality of that which he is being charged. Instead of assaulting intoxicated women or girls, he is in bed with a group that is assaulting America. Judge Kavanaugh, Senator Grassley, the GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and President Donald J. Trump are all standing in line just waiting to “pull a train” on America.
The fact that he and none of his cohorts refuse to ask for an investigation is just unacceptable. Especially as more accusations pile up. If Kavanaugh believed in the concept of justice for himself or anyone else, he would do what is right and ask the FBI to conduct an investigation.
But when your goal is to rape America, or an intoxicated teenage girl, you think you know what is right and fair. It’s time for Americans to stand up and not be raped by Brett Kavanaugh, Chick Grassley, The GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Donald Trump We refuse to have them “cover our mouths” as they assault and molest us. It is time for this “train” to be derailed.
9
@Paul
Pretty much the way I see America these days, except, from my perspective the entire planet has been enduring rape by America, for decades, while being forcibly intoxicated by the short-term deleterious effects of the economic sugar high administered to blunt the delayed effect of the trauma.
Today we live in a world shaken to its core by the excesses of an American inspired and led, predatory capitalist system which knows nothing except that its appetite is eternal, insatiable, and must always be on the move as its hunts down its next unwitting victim.
2
Kavanaugh says he was a virgin through high school. This means that the media is looking for someone during that time to say they had sex with him. Maybe a guy to add a little extra to an already salacious story line. Or maybe someone who had sex with him and had an abortion. That would be great press too.
1
@Jim
Many males throughout history claim purity after they raped a child or woman by justifying that degradation and horror as nothing, because the child or woman are already inferior and not human. Because: religion.
How many men are posting comments even now, detailing how Kavanaugh's victims are inferior, as well as claiming it's the fault of the woman.
1
To be very clear, if this was the most liberal person ever and appointed by the most beloved president ever, I would still be against having a sexual predator appointed to a lifetime position.
If this man had any morals or ethics he would welcome and fully comply with an investigation, he would ask for his nomination to be put on hold until his name is cleared. He clearly has no morals or ethics and is certainly not presenting himself as an innocent man.
5
Instead of FOX News, why not talk to the FBI, as requested by Dr. Blasey and Ms. Rimeras?
11
If my mother were to run for office on the Republican line, she would not get my vote. I'm done with these horrible people.
10
TOAST.
5
He lied again. This is the big problem, He has a series of lies that we know of. This is not someone for the SC. We already have Thomas and that was a huge error. A model student, never drank, never had a sexual episode, studied hard, went to church etc. However, others saw him dunk many times, various women report him trying to have sex, he was treasurer of the "100 Keg club", he threw up in cars, and more . His poor wife having to stand there and listen to him. How embarrassing for her and her daughters.
4
"Defending himself on Fox news!"
Early on the proceedings he looked like an average suit with immaculately coiffed hair.
Today he's looking like a dark demon with a sordid past.
When in doubt - rule him out!
5
How many times will we have to listen to all of the women who have been raped and abused before we learn that these rapists and abusers are part of our society. These men need to be shown that they will never be given preference to the supreme court by anyone! If that happens then we as citizens of our great nation ought to fight to the death to keep our democracy free! Perhaps that sounds archaic but it is still true! We cannot abide tyranny be it Faked or Flawed by any would be member. There are simply hundreds of decent law abiding women and men who can do this job.
10
The truth is none of us know the truth.
1
@Truthiness
But for a position of this level, let's see what we can do to find the truth.
2
By going on Fox News, the media arm of Trump and Republicans, he is already showing he’s partisan. He should have been interviewed by someone from the Associated Press or Reuter’s who is more neutral.
12
Kavanaugh's Yale college roommate says he believes Deborah Ramirez, always truthful, over Kavanaug, who drank excessively (even more than most) and when drunk would become very aggressive and belligerent when drunk. (Should the Senate inquire if he is still a heavy drinker, perhaps?)
From Political Wire:
Kavanaugh’s College Roommate Speaks Out
"James Roche, who was Brett Kavanaugh’s freshman year roommate at Yale, issued a statement on Deborah Ramirez’s accusations that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in college:
Based on my time with Debbie, I believe her to be unusually honest and straightforward and I cannot imagine her making this up.
Based on my time with Brett, I believe that he and his social circle were capable of the actions that Debbie described.
Roche also gave an interview with KGO-TV." https://politicalwire.com/2018/09/24/kavanaughs-college-roommate-speaks-...
10
Anyone who has regard for the Supreme Court would withdraw. It's not Brett Kavanaugh. Take a polygraph and ask the FBI to investigate.
3
The fact that he chose Fox News for an interview says it all. Just like any other Republican apparatchik.
9
This very sad. These women are getting used by the Democratic Party to achieve their political agenda. All this is, like it or not, is a political smear campaign.
I think the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should investigate these allegations. But I think the findings will not say much of anything.
If these allegations are true then another person should be suggested as Justice. But if they are not true then we should just proceed as is.
------------------------------------------------------------
Federal authorities should give both of these women 72 hours to talk to the FBI and have the FBI proceed with an investigation, or they should just go ahead as planned with the confirmation.
2
@American Patriot Who, pray tell, are "Federal authorities" that are preventing such an investigation? Ms. Blasey Ford has requested such an investigation so I'm not sure what you are getting at here if not Republican obstruction of the investigation you are wanting.
5
Regarding Judge Kavanaugh's genitalia and his virginity timeline, so glad the Merriam-Webster Scrabble dictionary just included "ew," because ew. Just ew. And recall Mr. Kavanaugh set the bar (pornographically low) for publication of salacious details in the Starr report. We got it. We didn't need to know about viscosity and residue. But since you brought it up.
And for the record, just because you're technically a virgin doesn't necessarily mean you're not a heel. I'm glad I'm not the one fighting him off in the back seat of his '57 Chevy.
11
For those of you requesting that we focus on the behavior of Judge Kavanaugh as an adult rather than an adolescent, should we investigate any felonies if he’s accused of them? Burglary? Larceny? Is it just sexual assault that doesn’t interest you?
3
I'm quite surprised that Kavanaugh chose the Fox tabloid network for his "tell all". Actually tells me a lot about him.........no further words needed.
4
The only thing Trump does with reliable consistency is insult and offend Americans and our allies. He denigrates people (Dr.Ford) he doesn’t even know. He knows nothing about good governance and has incredibly poor judgment.
3
Right. Brett doesn't take no for an answer. And that's exactly the problem. Why is anyone even considering to put this lying partisan hack (fox news? really?) with credible allegations of sexual assault on the highest court of the land? Even when nominated by a "president" who is under investigation himself?
8
Poor, poor Mrs. Brett.
Taken just a finger-nail short of prestige and position, reputation and notoriety, now cast in the supporting role of just another drab political spouse.
Sitting dutifully through the humiliation of her husband recounting his sexual ineptitude and near monk-like removal from carnal activity (the good kind of monk, not the Catholic kind).
Now she, along with the rest of us, are being treated to the extended spectacle of her husband disrespecting, deceiving, playing carnival tricks on the system of laws he is in a media-cage-match to win control over.
If any one, from any station or walk of life, said half the wicked and bizarre things this man has espoused in Kavanaugh's courtroom, this sad cartoon of a judge would have chastised them, dismissed them, and probably sent them off to the slammer for a bit.
Whatever he may have been before he unwisely opened himself up to the expected scrutiny, everything he became right before our eyes renders him not simply unfit, but a curse upon the courts.
Hateful, biased, self-centered and self-righteous, full of bile and contempt for those who fail to meet his mercurial standards, and bereft of doubt in himself or his secret code to the good life.
Even Republicans should be rooting for his removal. The man is a curse. Mrs. Brett is his latest victim.
7
Why doesn't anyone ask McConnell or any of the Senators asserting that "the democrats" are running a smear campaign what evidence they have to support this assertion?
Then when they cannot supply that evidence and try to stop the questions along that line say this- Let me get this right, 3 women come forward with allegations, willingly open to FBI scrutiny, naming names and giving all the information they have and they are not to be believed. But you in an effort to besmirch these women make a claim of conspiracy against the SCOTUS candidate by "the democrats" and have no evidence to offer to back up your claims against persons you cannot name and we are to believe them without question?
One thing is very clear to me the FBI 6 previous vetting's of Kavanaugh were seriously lacking. Even without the perversion claims against him (which his behavior in the Lewinsky scandal tend to lend credence to) they should have come across the stories about habitual drunkenness and how his personality changed when he was drunk. Whether or not that would disqualify him to the Judiciary Committee or anyone else does not matter the FBI should have turned that up. The press has in conversation with people who knew him or were acquainted with him then in short order. Did the FBI or was it a "contractor" just stick to the list of names he provided?
2
@magicisnotreal
This is unintentionally hilarious. Kavanaugh's complaint is that those who have accused him of sexual misconduct have failed to provide a single shred of evidence. This is the smear campaign he is complaining about.
Your response to this legitimate charge is that Kavanaugh and the Republicans should have to provide "evidence" that this is a smear campaign. But that is turning things upside down. Can you imagine a world where you are accused of a crime and then have to prove your innocence? Kavanaugh could easily respond to any evidence his accusers have, but they have failed to put forth any such evidence.
Deluded, and backwards, thinking like this is how we ended up with Donald Trump. The Dems simply couldn't imagine that everybody wasn't drinking the Clinton Kool-Aid, and thus lost the most winnable election in history. Unless the Dems and their supporters get out of their ideological bubble, they are going to lose to Trump again
2
@GMooG
Wow distortion squared.
Interesting indeed.
OK say your false premise is true. Why would Kavanaugh and the republican's who are shouting at anonymous Democrats who they cannot name and not the women who have come forth at all, allow the FBI to do its job?
Nice try no cigar for you. Next.
1
Two words for you...Michael Avenatti.
This private citizen has challenged the moral corruption of the president of United States with precise accuracy and intense gusto - he makes our elected officials look passive. I am not saying he's the next president of the United States but...Americans don't trust the Clintons, Barrack Obama is too polite and Donald Trump is completely corrupt. I'm open to what Mr. Avenatti has to say.
5
@Bruce Savin
In the age of Google, I simply do not understand how adults with access to the internet can be so clueless about avenatti. Google the LA Times expose that came out a few days before, and was completely ignored in, the New York Times puff piece on this guy
1
@GMooG
Thanks, I read the piece. The history of what the media hides in my lifetime - from JFK to our current “leaders” is frightening. Avenatti will get his chance.
While interviewing a man for an important job, you ask to see his previous work. He says, no, I can only show you these few pieces, but not most of what I did.
So you ask him, if this happened what would you do? or What do you think about this task or policy?....He says, no, I really won't tell you what I would do in a hypothetical situation.
Okay, so you try again, What do you think of these previous decisions that have been made at this job? Once again, he says I really don't want to comment on previous decisions or what I might do if hired.
You haven't hired him yet and three people come to you and say, in the past, he has gotten crazy drunk and sexually assaulted us.
Don't you think it would be time to look at the next candidate for the job? This isn't a court case, it is a job interview for a very important job.
12
Here's a guy going on the air via the republican party house organ. Not political you say? You must pay more attention.
3
News flash: entitled, affluent man from privileged background shocked and outraged when inappropriate behavior is questioned.
6
dre: Am astonished that, given the politicization of the Bureau and intel. community in general, full of Obama holdovers like John Brennan who simply doesn't know when to leave the stage, and incredibly called the c-in-c a traitor, along with Clapper and other big enchiladas of the previous era that you would call for another FBI investigation.Whom would you put in charge of the "interrogatoire," Peter Stzruck and Lisa Paige or other anti Trumpers? Enough is enough. Kavanaugh may have been guilty of hi-jinks while in h.s. which he now regrets, but that was almost 2 generations ago.Ironic that the latest unsubstantiated charges by Debra Ramirez were published in the New Yorker, once known for its scrupulous fact checking. As someone wrote in National Review, where is William Shawn or Harold Ross when we really needed them? Magazine under David Remnick or Tina Brown has become just another magazine, putting advertisers and readers ahead of the product: the writing.For G0P now, it's either do or die, and if it caves, and Kavanaugh is not confirmed, it will lose its base, Including millions of hard core Trump aficionados!That is Ralph Reed's prediction, and he has often been proved correct.
This article was so much better when he was facing "mounting" allegations. How long did it take to figure out that was poor word choice? Refusing to pull out during mounting allegations, you can't make this stuff up!
10
Based on what we've heard so far, the Senate should take a hard look at Judge Kaviar's drinking habits and check for past DUI's, Deliberating Under the Influence.
1
Kavanaugh has been coached by the best - the best misogynist, the best liar, the best denier of his past despicable actions. So, no. He will never admit to his deplorable past and he will never voluntarily withdraw.
5
“I just want a fair process.”
I wonder if those words have ever stopped a sexual assault from happening. Thankfully, we have the Supreme Court to answer so many of the difficult questions that our nation often faces.
When they’re not arguing over the religious liberties of a pastry chef being violated, at least.
6
No member of the Supreme Court should join the Court with baggage and blemishes. Kavanaugh is piling these up at break neck speed with apparently more to come. Any honorable judge and citizen would withdraw. What does this say about Kavanaugh?
5
Partisans protect other partisans.
Kavanaugh, who has partisan soldier as his most important qualification, appears on partisan network and asks for fellow partisans to make sure he is a partisan on the Supreme Court.
He could care less, and Fox could care less, and Trump and McConnell and Republicans could care less, about the rest of us that aren't in the Republican Party club.
8
More credible if he had been interviewed by almost any other network. Fox doesn't exactly have a pristine record on this issue.
8
@Prudence Nor does NBC (Lauer) or CBS (Moonves)
1
Remember when our biggest domestic issue was a consensual, albeit clandestine, affair between two consenting adults named Bill and Monica ?
Remember when Brett Kavanaugh, an ambitious young buck on Ken Starr's inquisition team insisted that it was a matter of patriotism to make a sitting president's - and I quote- "pattern of revolting behavior clear - piece by piece."
Remember when he wrote up and insisted that the POTUS answer outrageously prurient questions about a cigar, that normal people did not want or need to hear?
I bet BK wished that a consensual antics between adults, with a cigar, was his biggest problem.
15
so your saying with clinton, there were facts you didn't want to or need to hear. but with Kavanaugh you want to know everything?
1
@bored critic
I am saying consensual intimacy (with or without a cigar) is not the same as allegations of attempted rape (something about the locked door, the allegations of hand gagging, the grinding, and the frat boy friend egging him on ....)
Why don't we throw someone as aggressive and curious as Ken Starr and his crack young lawyer on this one ?
2
Maybe I’m naive and maybe this is standard practice, but it seems wrong to me that Kavanaugh is being coached on how to react to the accusations so that he can “win” confirmation. That the Whitehouse is participating is very troubling. How are we supposed to believe that the members of the Supreme Court are impartial when we now know how and why they’re selected. Seeing ads both pro and con seem wrong and means a lot of money is being spent on influencing the confirmation. It’s bad enough that vast amounts of money are spent on elections, but we can vote politicians in or out. Money spent on confirming judges makes them beholden. Republicans want a judge who will overturn Roe and the President wants loyalty to him - not to the Constitution, but to him. This whole process is shameful. It sheds more light on corruption run rampant in our country’s government and adds the Supreme Court to institutions we can now be suspicious of.
8
Appearing on Fox News is not "submitting to a television interview." It is participating in an advertisement organized and paid for by Rupert Murdoch. Fox News is not a "news organization" in any meaningful sense of the word; it is a propaganda organ that exists to promote right-wing political ideology through disinformation, sophistry and naked appeals to the worst instincts in the American electorate.
12
But Kavanaugh performance was pathetic and did himself more harm than good. His wife sat silent and had to endure the nonsense.
2
Mr Kavenaugh's virginity is not relevant to the discussion of whether he abused women in the past. Had he not disrespected women he could have had a health relationship at a younger age and not been sufficiently frustrated that he had to act out.
6
We don't know for sure what Bret Kavanaugh did at parties in prep school and college, but more importantly, we don't know what kind of man he is today. Are the public words he has spoken in response to these sexual allegations his own words or words put in his mouth by his political "handlers"? Is he the quarterback of his own life or a waterboy for the team? His legal service to all the Bushes, his participation in the Kenneth Starr investigations of the Clintons, including sexual allegations and leading to Bill Clinton's impeachment, and the Bush vs Gore election controversy and more all point to a very loyal and valuable team player for generations of Republicans. At this critical moment in our nation's history, we don't need a partisan Supreme Court justice carrying water for any team, much less the team that has Donald J. Trump calling the plays.
7
Kavanaugh had an interview on the Trump state run media entertainment channel Foxnews which says it all for me. He's too politically biased to be a SCOTUS.
10
He’s still a strong Catholic. That speaks volumes about his support for women as second class citizens and male dominance.
8
@Jack Noon
Is that what you say about the other Catholics on the court, like Sotomayor?
2
The fix is in. Kavanaugh is spinning like an old-fashioned hard drive, and McConnell and Company are pushing this through like a steam hammer. Who cares about democracy, about fairness, about a lifetime appointment going to a slimy idealogue? Obviously, not the Republican party or its huge dark money contributors. All other Americans are just collateral damage.
14
The GOP is hiding the truth? Lies and deceit are the norm.
Americans seeing the truth is politicians worse nightmare. The truth would probable boot half+ of congress out the door.
4
At this stage of the game I am more concerned at the “Righteous” vengeance that will befall us if this man is ultimately confirmed.
What I see now is a politician, not a judge who is supposed to be above politics and defend all of us and the Constitution.
Republicans do reserve for themselves the right to lie, cheat, and steal.
5
I'm sorry, the entire scotus is highly politicized. and republicans reserve the right to lie? Ummm does the name clinton mean anything to you? pick either one of them or both. inappropriate behavior toward women: clinton, how about the entire kennedy clan.
1
It's probably a very accurate "tell" as to how Kavanaugh will vote on a myriad of issues before the Supreme Court that he chose to do his interview on Fox News, before the true believers. It would probably have been much more effective for him if he had gone on NBC, CBS, or one of the other, more neutral, networks.
11
Three cheers for due process.
Never in a American should shifting and uncorroborated allegations ruin a man and his family.
2
@Prof Emeritus NYC: That's why an FBI investigation is called for.
3
Due process is an FBI investigation which many have asked for.
1
Due process is exactly what should have happened prior to all this theatre, due process includes gathering of statements from possible witnesses, subpoenas etc. We would be less likely to speculate about someone's innocence or guilty if the committee had sought proper due process for both parties as soon as the allegations were made. The GOP members of this committee are to blame for this theatrical debacle.
1
If Kavanaugh were truly a judge, who seeks out truth, justice and fairness, he would be demanding an FBI investigation.
13
I see that the NYT has changed its report on the second woman's claim. In an earlier report, the NYT wrote that the second woman admitted that she wasn't sure that it was Kavanaugh that "exposed himself to her." It is telling that her earlier statement is now missing. This is #MeToo at its logical extreme.
I don't know if as a young man Kavanaugh did either of these alleged acts but I have serious doubts about either woman's claim. The first one claimed that a woman friend was a witness but that friend denied ever being at a drinking party with her. The second admitted that she thinks it was Kavanaugh but is not sure.
Kavanaugh would be a very bad justice in that he is determined to repeal every liberal law on the books. BUt this "witch hunt is going to be very destructive to the Liberal Cause.
1
I think Kavanaugh is a poster child for white privilege.
A golden boy. Every door has opened for him from the elite prep school, to Yale undergrad, Yale Law, and then he was essentially granted tenure in the judicial system.
Very often such people have an astonishing sense of entitlement. Not accustomed to rejection, they bulldoze their way forward irregardless of any past foibles.
I hope that indiduals like Kavanaugh are on the endangered species list. He may in fact, ironically, have created that seachange.
It has been reported that a Yale Law professor suggested to women vying for a Kavanaugh clerkship that all of his clerks “looked like models,” and that same professor encouraged women candidates to present themselves similarly.
8
It seems Supreme Court justices are no different than reality TV contestants, vying for America's votes. Trump has successfully diminished the final American institution that had any legitimacy. Everything Trump comes in contact with becomes tarnished.
9
Ha. He will not be intimidated! This is quite a strategy, to paint himself as a victim. He is a man of enormous privilege. If the accusation is untrue, he should champion an investigation just as much as Dr. Ford.
I know many of men like him that have boasted they can "get away with things" because no one suspects someone like them would do such things.
7
Pitiful to see the Trump voters blindly supporting this nomination - Kavanaugh is just the stereotype they all criticized HRC for palling around with: entitled, rich, establishment, educated. So much for draining the swamp, huh?
All of this can't end soon enough.
7
Judge Kavanaugh claims that he was a "virgin" through high school, college and "many years" after. This does not mean he never sexually assaulted anyone. Indeed, it may mean he was even more angry and frustrated than he might otherwise have been. Was he repressing tendencies he feared? Did his demeanor alienate potential partners? How does his experience inform his values and opinions to this day? This raises more questions and it answers.
5
I'm pretty sure he said, "We" will not be intimidated into withdrawing.
7
His refusal to step aside, despite the obvious lack of support and faith of the American people, betrays his real intentions. He intends to do things he feels most will not or cannot. The hubris, the greed, endlessly gripping for power despite the humiliation, are these attributes we value in a justice?
6
Outraged Republicans expressed zero misgivings about the shabby mistreatment of Garland. Now they are up in arms about Kavanaugh. They are partly responsible for helping to break this system and yet they feel they are blameless. Sorry. They should have expected that any nominee was going to be subjected to intense scrutiny after what they pulled. Nevermind one who is is at the very least a blackout drunkard. But we can also look at the whole picture. He lied under oath about his work during his Bush years. And now these allegations, which in the #MeToo era can’t simply be brushed aside. Do we really need this “frat boy” on the Supreme Court?
8
It's beginning to look like a comedy routine, as the Republican Party continues to collapse.
7
@pkbormes Cementing a generation of conservative domination of the Supreme Court is hardly a collapse.
3
Grant it, what Mr. Kavanaugh is accused of doing as a teenager is definitely wrong. However, many people act like it is on the same level as attempted murder, etc. Put it into perspective, folks. By the way, there’s no telling what all Donald Trump and Bill Clinton have done in the past and gotten away with.
Rachel Maddow (MSNBC 9 pm ET weeknights) interviewed Michael Avenatti last night and he has another very credible victim and the people to back her up showing what a sleaze bag Kavanaugh is. They and the other two victims are demanding FBI invesigation.
WE THE PEOPLE must keep the pressure on and not allow the International Mafia Robber Barons - the Koch brothers and brethren - to corrupt OUR U.S. Supreme Court with democracy-destroying people like this.
Not now. Not ever.
Please, Good People, call your U.S. Senator, the eleven old white supposedly "christian" republican men and Traitor Mitch McConnell today - and as often as possible - and tell them NO KAVANAUGH.
Here is the link to their phone numbers:
https://www.senate.gov/general/contact%5Finformation/senators%5Fcfm.cfm
7
And while you are at it, demand that they protect the Special Investigation in our election cyber attacks.
1
I find it more than somewhat alarming that students some faculty at Yale Law School have decided that Kavanaugh is guilty and Ms. Ford and Ms. Ramirez must be believed because they are survivors. What are the teaching at Yale? Have they forgotten due process and the rights of the accused? I guess if you are not a liberal progressive you have no right to be at Yale. Ask Amy Chua or her husband who Yale is currently investigating for
"issues" they have not revealed to him. Amy Wax was driven out of Penn Law School for questioning Liberal orthodoxy.
7
@Bill
The false assertion that you base the comment on makes it all wrong. BTW the people at Yale know him were there with him and are aware of what went on while he was there. You think that might have something to do with their attitudes about him?
Amy Chua and her husband know full well why they are being investigated.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/sep/20/brett-kavanaugh-supreme-...
1
@Bill she can always go to one of those for profit universities that Betsy DeVos is so fond of. I’m sure the quality of education is just as good, right Bill?
2
@Bill
My estimation of Yale Law School just dropped several notches. Law school tuition is extremely pricey (I'm paying it now). They are clearly not getting their money's worth.
1
Merrick Garland was also a very decent guy. Kavanaugh seems like a decent guy too but for these allegations from 36 years ago. I am not comfortable with him getting confirmed. I think it is bad for the country and will further tarnish the reputation of the highest court. Call it to collateral damage from Clarence Thomas, or what you will, at this point it will not be good for him to win confirmation.
6
@AK Except he's most likely lying about his actions from 35 years ago. An innocent man would ask the FBI to investigate to clear his name in this situation-you know, like his first two victims. You think there's no reason that Mark Judge won't testify under oath?
6
This is simply disgusting. This whole mess. The Garland nomination and now the Kavanaugh nomination are tainting the appointment process for years to come. In order for the public to continue to have faith in the Supreme Court, there will have to be repercussions. We are going to have to fix the process. Based on these last three appointments - Garland, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh - a long-developing trend has solidified beyond all doubt: the Court has become a political body.
History might show that it always has been. Regardless, current events are cementing that belief in a way that will cause irreparable harm to the judicial system. We cannot walk away from this mess and expect to ever again have a Court that is nonpartisan and apolitical.
12
Mr. Kavanaugh is taking the stance of bravado....I will not succumb to smears. As a judge, he should be taking the stance to trust in the judicial process; to respect due process; to be cleared of any wrong-doing, or found guilty of such, because of due process. His behavior is partisan and self-serving, and embarrassing. He should be calling for the FBI to investigate, so that he could be exonerated, and if not, then most definitely to step down, not only from his candidacy for the Supreme Court, but from the judiciary period.
27
I attended Yale in the mid 80s, just a few years before Kavanaugh and offer the following general observations for historical reference. The culture included intellectual endeavors, athletics, and alcohol — and sometimes people got drunk, but it seemed confined to weekends. Undergrads who were later admitted to the law school were generally among the more focused students, although I can think of a few exceptions who were admitted based on high-level family and political connections or affirmative action. There was no internet and there was relatively little sex compared to nowadays, however, there was a relatively high degree of gay sex among both women and men, at least compared to other colleges that I was aware of through friends. There seemed to be a high degree of neuroticism and people were not as good looking (or focused on making themselves physically attractive) as at some other schools.
5
Nothing at this level of politics has changed since 1991. Trump & Co are following the Clarence Thomas playbook: A woman makes a claim and the Republicans scream unfair character assassination.
None of these theatrics will change any Republucan Senator's vote. They've all been bought and paid for. We're just waiting for other pre-midterm sensitivities to be settled first, but they never were going to make a difference. So why bother?
9
@joe
"Republicans scream unfair character assassination"
While elbowing each other in the ribs - wink, wink, nudge, nudge - "What happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep."
3
Republicans defending Kavanaugh continue to conflate public sector vs. private sector, saying Kavanaugh is being treated worse than CBS exec Moonves. We are talking about the job with the highest bar in the US- a lifetime appointment, not someone who decides what programs people might want to watch on TV.
Any person chosen for consideration for the Supreme Court should have a background of impartiality in reviewing law. It's clear from Kavanugh's record that he's been a political hack for years, and now feels entitled to this Supreme Court position. He's lied under oath multiple times, and it doesn't matter whether the topic was minor or not, we're talking about a judge, and his qualifications to serve on the highest court in the land. He's not fit.
28
I believe that Dr. Ford will not show up on Thursday. She took a gambit in her middle years to become a feminist heroine by bringing about the downfall of a conservative Supreme Court nominee, but she could not make it work. She may still get paid speeches and possibly a book deal from this. When this blows up it will hurt the Democrats. God bless and God help America to recover from feminist madness.
4
@Steve
How do you explain the psychologist’s notes dating from years ago? You seem to be very quick to portray this as a feminist plot?
4
@Steve
Ha. I love it. You believe she will not show up.
1
@Steve On the other hand, when I read posts like yours and yours specifically, all I can think is: "God bless and God help America cure itself of stupidity".
3
Judge Kavaugh is able to continue his quest for the nomination only until President Trump decides that he is a major political liability. At that point Kavanaugh will "withdraw" and Trump will nominate a new conservative choirboy in the mold of Mike Pence which the Senate will confirm before this session ends. I am a bit surprised that that has not already happened.
7
I hope Brett Kavanaugh is aware that he is not the victim here. If he still has some conscious and decency, he would withdraw from the job offering as a Supreme Court judge. Or to prove his claim that he is innocent by letting the FBI officers do their job to get to the bottom of this.
10
Just one question -- given Brett Kavanaugh/Bart O'Kavanaugh appears to have been an excessive, perhaps black out drinker in the formative years called into question, how can he speak with such certainty regarding his recollection of events?
14
"Defending himself on FoxNews"
And in that one single act, disqualified himself from ever being taken seriously again. This candidate is hereby no longer in consideration for any job at the Supreme Court.
37
By going on TV, Judge Kavanaugh demonstrates that he wants to fight the battle in the court of public opinion, but not in the justice system, which would be the more responsible way to demonstrate his fitness. Our country should expect that Supreme Court Judges should be appointed due to merit and probity. Judge Kavanaugh should be able to prove his merit, but doesn't seem to want to do that. He is aided in clouding his merit by Grassley, McConnell and Trump, who aren't interested in providing a fair hearing to concerns about Kavanaugh's fitness.
17
No to an FBI investigation but yes to an interview in FOX news... Interesting choice to come clear.
50
@Bruce
In the first case that puts him in legal jeopardy. In the second he probably got paid and it helps keep the GOP propaganda machine going.
3
Kavanaugh appeared on Fox "News". Well, that should tell you something right there.
26
Women's Lives Matter.
10
Michael Avenattis statement on the Rachel Maddow show last night marks the beginning of the end. Yet we still have fools making fools of themselves.
5
@The Iconoclast
Nothing can replace the image of Kavanaugh being asked about...a sex ring. The contrast couldn't have been starker. The beginning of the end for democrats.
3
Great . Another bully.
We have a government of bullies that won’t listen to the people.
They are convinced that the American People will not sway them.
13
How can he withdraw after the Koch's just spent millions on TV ads for months on him?
14
So, Brett now claims that he was virginal little religious boy in high school? That’s hilarious! Except it’s not, because it reveals that once again he’s a pathological liar (just like another sexual predator we all know). He cannot be confirmed for the Supreme Court. Michael Avenatti, please bring your witnesses forward asap.
28
@Zareen I don't know, I can believe the virginity thing, since desire for sex isn't the same as a desire for sexual assault.
Moreover, a guy who exposed himself and put his junk in an unwitting girl face just to humiliate her is going to have some trouble getting dates from anyone who heard about it.
3
@Zareen He said in the Fox interview that he didn't have intercourse or anything close to it in high school or for many years thereafter! That's just bizarre. Was he a 40-year-old virgin?
3
So all those hardworking reg’lur folk Trump supporters in The Real America want a rich white guy from “Georgetown Prep” and Yale, and who along with his drunk football bros identified a classmate as a (purported) sexual conquest in their yearbook, on the Supreme Court.
Way to really stick it to the “Elites,” Trump supporters.
[slow clap]
14
What a mess!
We have a Fox News presidency, and it looks like we're moving toward a Fox News Supreme Court.
The score: A president accused of sexual misconduct by 11+ women. A sitting Supreme Court justice accused of sexual misconduct. A Supreme Court nominee accused of sexual misconduct by 2+ women.
Oh, how we have fallen!
23
I love how Kavanaugh went on Republican channel FOX for the interview. That was a set up if ever I saw one. He couldn't face the music alone, he had to bring his wife for "image sake".
The article says Kavanaugh was a "virgin" after college. Well, no one is saying Kavanugh succeeded with his attempted rape, just that he "attempted" to rape. Therefore, he would remain a virgin.
As with President Trump, the GOP side steps facts.
With the GOP and President Trump already determining that Kavanugh is a "great guy", regardless of the accusations, the hearings will not be a fair and just court.
This is how the GOP confirms a judge for the highest court in the land - the Supreme Court. The mockery of the GOP is without end. I hope everyone in the US refuses to vote for Republicans come election time.
22
I wonder if the judge would feel the same about abortion if he or one of his pals had got a young lady in trouble back in high school.
6
@Walter McCarthy
At Jesuit high schools the young men are taught not to have sex unless they are ready to be fathers. Obviously, this advice isn't taken by all their students, but I can attest it is very effective in making many young men take responsibility for their actions. Kavanaugh appears to be such a young man.
1
@AACNY
This is laughable.
We are looking at a crisis in the Catholic Church as far up as the Bishops who "didnt take this advice".
The culture at these prep schools included plenty of young men like Kavanaugh who were two sheets to the wind drunk often - maybe they were preparing to be drunk fathers by your calculus.
1
@AACNY
Then you have not been reading or listening to what his classmates say, his own speeches referencing that debauchery fondly and his HS yearbook page in which he lists many an alcohol reference and apparently a claim that he had had sex with a girl his friends also claim they had sex with. It was one of their clubs. The woman after being informed of this reference to her told a reporter who informed her of the club she had signed the letter vouching for him not knowing about this and wanted to stop talking about it.
The evidence tends to confirm the allegations and as time passes more people are sharing more info that tends in the same direction.
Kavanaugh should have demanded an FBI investigation unless he fears its findings. He is a disgrace as a man and a jurist.
10
Where are we when a Supreme Court nominee sits willingly for a tv interview and responds to questions about his virginity?
15
Rarely have I been so disgusted with our country or a party. I was with the Rs when they tried to take down Bill Clinton over sex, with the Ds when they tried to take down Justice Thomas over banter, and now again over a man who seems to have led an exemplary adult life - after what may have been some bad behavior as a teenager. May. We weren't there. And, it really doesn't matter much to me as if it disqualifies him, it would also disqualify millions of fine adults we all know and love who did stupid things when they were young - including some on the Judiciary Committee, if we only knew. Maybe all of us, if you dig deep enough.
We have to stop this stupidity. Witch Hunting is exactly the right phrase, like it or not. It is never really about pubic hair on a coke can or cigars in the oval office. Right now it is really about three things - Trump, Garland and Roe. The pretense that it is about sex, as if we are still in the 1930s, is ludicrous. I'm not justifying assault at all. It's always wrong. Personally, I taught my daughter to punch someone's lights out if they touched her against her will. But, stop pretending he's a monster or that it is disqualifying. If he did it, he grew up a long time ago.
I have no hopes that the childishness will not happen Thursday. Senators Hirono, Blumenthal and Whitehouse, in particular, will probably be sickening, and even Republicans will be hyprocrites. They all are. Can you imagine such a thing? We have become a pathetic people.
3
@DHEisenberg
Democrats are now the ones dragging us all down. The real pattern is the depths of decency politicians will descend to win. Then, again, those of us who pick sides (myself included) are the useful idiots in all this.
2
@AACNY
That's laughable: "Democrats are now the ones dragging us all down." The Repubs. currently control all three branches of the federal government and look at the mess we are in.
@Trish Do you really think the Rs control much? It doesn't look that way. Technically, of course. But, between Mueller, the inability to get Kavanaugh confirmed, the inability to get health care passed, or an immigration bill, or a budget that Rs really want, they run, but don't control. It's the case b/c the block of Ds can always find a few Rs to go along with them. It's not hard when so many detest Trump too. It does not seem, at least in modern history, that the reverse is as true. Hence, Obama could pass his healthcare bill, Trump cannot pass his.
It seems that Kavanaugh's lingering problem tainting his present reputation is that he "withdrew" too often with regard to his relationships with females.
1
In his public writings Judge Kavanaugh has supported polygraph tests as an important tools for measuring credibility of witnesses and criminal defendants. So why would he take to Fox News instead of a polygraph to defend himself and establish his credibility?
Sack v. U.S. Dep’t of Def., 823 F.3d 687 (D.C. Cir., 2016) at 688.
United States v. Malenya, 736 F.3d 554 (D.C. Cir., 2013).
Jackson v. Mabus, 808 F.3d 933 (D.C. Cir., 2015)
13
Sad that this is the best the GOP can do. But then again what else would you expect from a party dedicated to bigotry, intolerance and religious fanaticism.
Kavanaugh’s a hack but he’s a reliable vote for rich people and corporations, the suppression of minority rights and the imposition of Evangelical Christianity on the country.
He’s the dream candidate of the greedy Christian racists that make up today’s GOP.
7
I'm holding my breath waiting for the bombshell stories of locker room towel fights to break. Imagine, naked boys snapping each other with wet towels, it's got all of today's salacious elements: males, sex and violence. Kavanaugh hasn't a chance. Where is Gloria Allred?
1
@John Doe It's simply not possible for Republicans to discuss the matter without letting everyone know how little they care about sexual assault. "It's just someone getting undressed, like in a locker room, and then having something bad happen to them, like a snap of a towel". That's why this nomination is a disaster for Republicans: you can't even fake it when it comes to one of your own.
1
Pretty funny watching Kavanaugh say that he was a virgin in high school and college. It couldn't possibly have been him on top of that young girl with his hand over her mouth because he was a virgin?! You could see him sticking to the defense plan just repeating the same practiced lines over and over again. Let's see the rest of his records that the Republicans are defiantly hiding. I'm pretty sure that the R's can dig up a nominee who is conservative and doesn't have these kind of accusations against him. Gorsuch made it through those hearings without this kind of accusation.
5
Stand tall Brett. Goodness, truth, and honesty will triumph over the despicable character assassination attempts of the DNC and their ilk.
4
@Indie Voter
Let the process be uncorrupted.
The GOP committee should have followed the established vetting protocol - if Ford's accusation was or is not legit, it would have been disproven as part of the formal process and without the circus or without the "done deal" distortion of that process.
Goodness, truth, and honesty was systematically weeded out of the process by a dishonest Senate committee. That needs to change yesterday. We have protocols for a reason.
1
@Indie Voter, truth and honesty?
You must have forgotten who the Republicans president is.
1
"Religious conservatives have doubled down on their support......."
'Religious' as a word must have a new meaning. 'Conservative' as we know is now a word unmoored from character, moderation or truth. 'Religious', in the context of white Christians, used to mean adhering to church precepts and acting in the manner modeled by Jesus Christ when he walked the earth. Now it is a brazenly political word, and behavior previously appalling is now weighed by a different Trumpian measure totally unconnected to Christ but completely connected to SCOTUS and stacking the Federal Judiciary.
This morning I read the statement by Kavanaugh's Yale roomate, stating that he was a frequent heavy drinker, drank himself into incoherence and was an "aggressive and belligerent" drunk. When I was in college folks who drank like that and behaved like that were described as "blotto." My college years preceded Kavanaugh's by a decade, but even way back then nobody accepted being "blotto" as an excuse for degrading, assaulting or molesting women. When things like that happened, when bad behavior and alcohol led to someone being humiliated or worse, there was shame, anger and blame.
I read through the stream of consciousness blurb under Kavanaugh's high school yearbook picture and what I found is nauseating. He demeaned a girl by name and the references to kegs and drinking were obvious. One question for Georgetown Prep administration - had you never heard of a "Yearbook Moderator?"
5
So he can dish it out, posing all kinds of extraordinarily personal and intrusively sexual questions to Bill Clinton when he worked with Starr, but he cannot take it. Republicans have tried to ram through this nomination with minimal vetting because they understood that something like this might happen. His past needs to be thoroughly vetted now.
14
“But The Times did not rebut her account and, unlike The New Yorker, was not able to obtain an interview with Ms. Ramirez.”
You should have added another sentence:
And, unlike The New Yorker, the Times also could not find another sober collaborative witness who was willing to go on the record to support Ms. Ramirez’s accusation. However, the Times does not rebuke her account.
8
I cannot fathom how petty and vindictive people can be that we have to use allegations 30 years old when someone was a minor to smear their career. If this happened as an adult is one thing, but to use high school yearbooks to validate someone's character and career---is beyond silly. This is insanity.
6
Usually someone by age 17 knows that you aren't supposed to hold girls down and cover their mouths so they can't scream while you try to disrobe them. SCOTUS positions should have flawless character. Yes, even during teen years.
2
“But The Times did not rebut her account and, unlike The New Yorker, was not able to obtain an interview with Ms. Ramirez.”
Why is this sentence buried in the article. This is precisely the problem with the reporting on this issue.
3
Is it any wonder the Dems fear Kavanaugh getting on the SCOTUS? After liberals literally drag him through the mud with unsubstantiated harassment claims, once on the court my bet is he will not give one inch to liberal’s agenda in court cases. The democrats are sealing their Supreme Court doom with how they’ve handled this.
1
@DanielMarcMD
I suspect Kavanaugh is above retaliatory action. Nothing in his history indicates this. He's a real judge, clearly relishing the law. He'll remain one despite this.
That said, it maybe it wasn't the smartest move to harass Senator Collins with over a thousand clothes hangers. Then again, she too has made it clear she won't be bullied into a decision.
Many of us like to think of a judge as one who seeks the truth and acts accordingly.
With Kavanaugh's attitude, I sense he is just like Trump, more interested in the title than the work involved in the job.
For me, I do believe the allegations presented about Kavanaugh.
However, since they happened during his high school and college years, I am prepared to overlook those indiscretions from
our youths.
As adults, we learn and we grow.
Instead of Kavanaugh even admitting that I drank too much and might have done things I'm not now proud of, he has called these women liars.
He has even seemingly refused to admit that as a youth, such things might have happened and I don't remember, but I am truly sorry for any indiscretions and foolishness by me and any hurt I have caused you to suffer.
One can forgive the things one have done as a youth.
But now Judge Kavanaugh is an adult and a federal judge, seeking to become a Supreme Court Judge.
By not expressing a bit of humility is telling
6
I think the smart move for Kavanaugh would be to admit/claim that his underage drinking was so excessive that he doesn’t remember any of these parties. He and his plas certainly were not shy about their drinking goals. He can say he’s sorry for the excessive drinking and anything that may have occurred while under the influence. I believe the women, these things happen. Men and boys have gotten away with bullying and assault for too long. We need to learn from this. Too many men just stand by and let this stuff happen because they don’t want to rock the boat. Look at Trump, his bullying adult behavior is worse. Vote on November 6.
6
It appears that Kavanaugh is using the Trump playbook...deny, deny, deny. He says he wants a fair process, which apparently does not include an investigation. I am sorry, I do not trust an individual who has been put forth by a lying, co-conspirator-in-chief whose only goal is self-enrichment.
11
The unreason on display from all sides is appalling, the disdain for separating what one may “picture,” from what one knows is worse, and the Republican sanctimony about “due process,” and “justice,” and suchlike truck is positively nauseating.
3
White-Robe Kavanaugh, the fake jurist strives to be whitewashed by Fox propaganda, an instrument of the Russian-Republican Party.
Confirmation of Kavanaugh will permanently delegitimize the already overly politicized Court.
Kavanaugh gives almost every appearance of being an lying cad who feels that he is owed a powerful position because he was born to it.
7
Kavanaugh is acting like a guilty person if he doesn't allow witnesses or any investigation.
9
Is this a man who has been wronged, or is it one who has been so privileged his entire life that he believes that, by "pushing the right buttons", he can get away with anything? The fact that the Republicans held back so much information about him and so much of his prior writings suggests a man with a "dark" side (like much of the current administration) that remains suppressed much of the time. This situation deserves an extensive, but fair, investigation, not just a 1-2 hour hearing by a group of biased politicians...
8
I support Judge Kavanaugh and want to see him confirmed to the Supreme Court. He is the kind of man that the Framers had in mind to serve on the Supreme Court when they established the institution in accordance with Article III of the United States Constitution in 1789. Thank you.
2
@Southern Boy
Democrats have made him a poster boy for sexual debauchery while he is, in fact, a poster boy for a Supreme Court Justice: Impeccable references. Hundreds of positive personal references. A champion of women mentees. Highest ABA rating.
The evidence isn't stacked against him. It's very much in his favor.
@Southern Boy
Robotically accepting the company line is not a strength.
A proper vetting would have told us that Kavanaugh was and who knows maybe still is, a GOP operative. That was his role in the Bush years. Whether that is a deal-breaker for you or not does not change his resume.
2
Yes, the Framers probably assumed back in the 1700s that all Supreme Court justices would be white men with an education/socialization from an all-male elitist/prep school. Where, if they thought about the status of women at all, they would not consider them as deserving equal status or equal treatment.
Judge Kavanaugh fits the 1700 mold. But, unlike those times, today we have evolved considerably on these issues.
2
By selecting Fox News for a campaign appearance, Judge Kavanaugh makes it clear that he is not interested in fairness or in justice for all. He’s clearly a politician and interested only in winning at whatever cost to our judicial system and to our country. To me, that is enough to disqualify him.
13
Final politicization of the SCOTUS will result in a " super congress". The SCOTUS has the final word on any Federal ( and in some cases state ) legislation which gives it the power to negate any laws passed by the Congress. Conducting a political campaign to gain membership to SCOTUS makes it no different then the political campaigns used to elect the other branches of the federal government. It can no longer claim the "high ground " when it exercises a political agenda.
4
It's not about you, Kavanaugh! Be a man and step down for the good of our country. This is about our justice system. It is about our ability as citizens to trust in the system to hear us and to have influence on it. Not just anyone is fit to be a Supreme Court Justice and there are millions of people who are telling you that you are not one of them.
Seriously, can't this administration find someone better than him? Someone more palatable than this guy? There is a large section of the population that cannot stomach this guy. I don't know how much more clear they need to be. The nomination process should not be just about who is in power right now. It is about our country, our values, and listening to the other side, too.
This type of nomination and refusal to listen to the other side is what continues to divide this country and causes swings based on to the victor goes the spoils. This action will reverberate for years to come.
7
Just the fact that he went on Fox News for an interview to defend himself is weird. He was not under oath. He is playing to the cameras now and his current actions are well beneath the office of Supreme Court Justice.
He should be demanding a full investigation if he’s being wrongfully accused.
At this point, Congress is just wasting time. Next up?
8
@Dorothy
Yes, why not choose a neutral news program like ‘PBS Newshour with Judy Woodruff’?
Two points:
1. The confirmation process is not a criminal trial. It is more akin to a job interview. There is no presumption of innocence. The issue before the committee is whether Kavanaugh deserving of this lifetime appointment.
2. You'd think that because of the Trump base's outrage of this controversy that Kavanaugh were the only possible conservative available for nomination. There are hundreds of "originalist" on the Federalist list.
2
Let us remember that Judge Kavanaugh is a nominee because of his stance on Roe which will deny a woman her right to choose and send many to backroom, dangerous, abortions. How does that qualify for "lifelong respect and equality?"
6
How do men like this get away with this bad behavior? They all keep each other's secrets and come to each other's defense when one of them gets caught. That's often the motto for these fraternities and secret societies in colleges. Seems there should be some new examining there - where it can start.
8
The Supreme Court nomination issues around Judge Kavanaugh are becoming clear:
1. He drank episodically, and wildly as a teenager.
2. He grew up, reflected, learned and became a decent man and talented jurist, representing one pole of our divided country.
3. The Republican, Democratic establishments, and Judge Kavanaugh himself are unable to confess that early discretions, and later growth is the best we can hope for as humans.
4. Our fractious nation needs a strong center in the Supreme Court to help us pick through our angry, divided opinions.
@Phil Zimmerman
It wasn't "episodic" it was habitual drinking and it seems always to excess. Take a look at his HS yearbook entry in the article on the front page about it.
In I think it was 2014 he gave a speech at Yale and in it he referenced his debauchery at Yale nostalgically and fondly without regret or expressing any sentiment that indicated it was not right for him to be that way capping that reminiscence with the phrase in reference to a party bus they used at the school " What happens on the bus stays on the bus".
He is literally an unchanged and unbowed man. Nothing about his life that is publicly known does him any honor. His behavior in the Lewinsky scandal alone should have resulted in lifelong shunning.
Kavanaugh cannot be trusted and he has proven so. He may have had sexual affairs or at least tried to force them on others but that is not the real problem, or should I say problems? When he was being questioned by the Judicial Committee members he avoided answering many questions. At the same time, he kept a substantial number of records private and thereby kept the truth out of the hands of those who could challenge his attempted move into the Supreme Court. However, if the Republicans do get him in there is one type of issue where he could be proven to not hold his office “during good Behavior” as required by Article III of the Constitution and he could be removed and that relates to Amendment I. “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion”. Establishment of religion is the fundamental premise used by many to legalize limiting a women’s’ right to abortion. The right-wing establishment has for some time tried to have the Federal Government adopt their beliefs when it comes to making laws. This is without doubt a violation of the second amendment and each Supreme Court justice who votes in favor of this violation, a prejudiced behavior, should be impeached and removed from their jobs.
1
Majority Leader McConnell has no basis in blaming the Democrats for playing politics. He started it by not giving a hearing to Obama's choice well ahead of the election. The Supreme Court became a political arm when the conservatives by a 5-4 vote decided not to permit the recount in Florida. In addition Kavanaugh has a long history of being involved in the GOP power base if one considers his assistance to Starr and his involvement in preventing the recount. Choosing a political insider to the Supreme Court was a major mistake.
1
Kavanaugh is trying to paint a picture off himself as an innocent choir boy - His past tells a very, very different story.
It is obvious Kavanaugh is, at the very least, not forthcoming about his hard partying days in high school and college. I don't blame him, but don't we deserve a SCOTUS that is better than this ? This man will be making critical decisions on the court for decades. A thorough investigation is a must if his nomination is not withdrawn.
1
If Ford really wants "justice" then she can file a police report in Maryland, which does not have a statute of limitations on the alleged crime.
They could open a case and bring it to trial and if judge Kavanaugh is found guilty in a court of law then he will go to prison, or whatever the sentence might be.
Until then, he should be presumed innocent and confirmed to the Supreme Court.
2
Why isn't there a demand for the judicial branch to get involved and order an FBI investigation ?
Surely, the gravity of this appointment should be out of the hands of partisans. An injunction to stop the appointment from being voted on is obviously in order.
Or.....
Are we not free?
2
Is it possible that Judge Kavanaugh is Mr. Trump's nominee quite simply because of his raunchy past; i.e, his past comprising leverage should the Judge not decide along party lines?
4
For a job candidate, the question is only is this person the best fit for this job. This is a lifetime appointment. For Kavanaugh, there is the perjury question, the odd credit card debt and these sexual assault accusations--even w/o proof, they seem credible based on Kavanaugh's and others' comments about youthful drunken antics. Is he the best person for a lifetime appointment to our land's highest court? I don't think it's too much to ask that members of this court have impeccable moral character.
5
First question. When you were in high school and college did you go to parties and become incoherently drunk? What should that kind of behavior say about your character and judgment?
9
@W.A. Spitzer, that's a ridiculous question. Obviously anyone who reads the New York Times would never have done such a thing therefore could have any idea of what you're talking about. Smelling grandma's sherry was the closest I've ever come, that and communion wine once a month.
2
@W.A. SpitzerGetting "incoherently drunk" is not at issue here. It's what he allegedly did when he was drunk is at issue. I know many, many people who got incoherently drunk at parties in my youth. To my knowledge, none ever attempted to rape anyone.
1
@W.A. Spitzer
So you are irresponsible when you are immature and that means you don’t qualify to be on the Supreme Court? I don’t think so.
1
The GOP should think about adding some new tactics to their playbook.
First, try putting Judge Kavanaugh on a real network for an interview. Don't send him to Propaganda Central for softball questions on Fox.
Second, don't nominate partisans to the SCOTUS. Judge Kavanaugh has a steep history of being a partisan hack. That can't be good for justice.
Third, it is time to concede the 'good old boys' network should be wrapped up. I get it that women can drive in this country... but, dang, stop treating women so disrespectfully.
16
@Pauly K His nomination is more about continued control by the oligarchy, employing the principles or primeval religion to render it seemingly legitimate.This is nothing new.
4
He did this on FOX News. If he wanted a truly impartial interview he should have done it in NBC, CBS or ABC. Seems he wanted softball questions from friends.
7
@Tom that's a joke. The biases of the mainstream media are well known. The left wing biases.
@Tom
I agree it would have been more credible had he chosen another network since Fox has earned the reputation of being a GOP cheerleader.
That said, the few clips I saw were not softball questions. Maybe softball answers, or just flat out unbelievable. A virgin until when?
1
I frankly don't know the truth about Brett Kavanaugh, but I find the #Metoo narrative of "believing woman" to be in direct opposition to the impartiality of justice. Should men be thrown out of universities, jobs based on uncorroborated accusations? Sorry, I find the danger of biasing justice based on gender to be incredible dangerous and will only exacerbate the gender political division.
10
@Pat
Only if they block an impartial investigation into the accusations
3
Bet the Republicans are already looking for a possible replacement as things get too hot. McConnell and minions have no loyalty to Kavanaugh and will dump him if things get rougher. All they want is an activist Republican in the slot. And fast!
Let's have an FBI investigation and let the chips fall where they may.
5
Again, Kavanaugh and the Republicans show that they care more about their power than the American democratic process of this country. A former candidate withdrew because he had smoked marijuana which is now legal in many places. I don't think attempted date rape will be legalized in the future. He is unsuitable as a Supreme Court judge by his biases as well as his reputation.
9
Nothing could be better for Kavanaugh than the creepy open lawyer jumping into the fray with his “victim.”
His appearance makes it a total political circus and diminishes Ford’s accusation and makes it easier for wavering Republicans to confirm Kavanaugh.
2
@RS
Another woman who should be silenced?
2
That creepy lawyer took down Michael Cohen and we now have a President that is a co-conspirator in campaign finance fraud. I would not understimate Michael Avenatti.
2
What’s “fair and balanced” about republicans shouting character assassination about Kavanaugh while the Merrick Garland nomination was totally squelched.
7
The body politic is galvanized over this Supreme Court nominee, in the belief that primordial religious belief systems should supersede rights of humans, women in particular. In his mind, someone's religious views must impose on the rights of others. His writings have confirmed our suspicions. Maybe poisonous snake handling, hunting down gays and witches for execution, infidels should perish in the name of the almighty. When it comes to religion, one cannot be too pure because primal thought is sacred. Where does reason begin and these belief systems end? As civilization, we have come far, yet very little. Christians and Muslims think humans are incapable of virtue without their type or hype of their brand of superstition.
4
Why wouldn’t he go to Fox with his tale of virtue and victimization? When it’s a conservative’s time in the headlights, that’s what they do. Easier than facing further FBI investigation.
4
"The Wife" is a current film widely distributed. I wish that Congress should see that movie. Women, wives and all of the fairer gender have accepted a submissive role and should let the boys be boys. It is time to be fair.
Men can come forward and recount sex abuse by priests and it's a headline. Women come forward and are slammed "Why didn't she come forward when it happened.?"
It's about time this issue is addressed. It's about time men stop getting the "superiority" treatment. Believing simply because of gender in the year 2018 is disgusting.
11
How impartial can he be if he chooses Fox News to make his case?
10
Why not dump Kavanaugh and start over? If he gets a seat on the Supreme Court, he will be forever tainted, just like Clarence Thomas.
8
@Laurel Justice Thomas is tainted for other reasons as well. Supremely unqualified for starters.
1
@Laurel
So what? His vote will still count the same as the rest.
@Laurel Tainted how? All Justice Clarence Thomas' votes have counted in every single case.
Vote them all out. Don’t do much as put a tick on the R running for town council or school board. Vote them out....each and every last one and let’s let the blue wave speak for itself.
6
Let’s say you work for a fortune 100 company and you are on the hiring committee for a new CEO. Brett Kavenaugh has been your top candidate until two of your highly credible employees, Christine Blasey and Deborah Ramirez, come forward publicly and tell you of their experiences with him. No company in the USA would touch Kavenaugh with a 10-foot pole. It’s utterly absurd he’s still a nominee for SCOTUS.
Not getting to be a Supreme Court Justice is not a punishment and it’s not ruining his life. It’s not even a thing.
Kavenaugh, you are not entitled any longer. Withdraw!
16
All Brett had to do was face the issue, say he was young and foolish, apologize and move on. No, everyone has to double down. They're all better then the rest of us. They don't have to follow the same rules. Are these the type of people we want leading us and making decisions on the lives of all Americans ...No.
9
@AJ
Unless, of course, he didn’t do it. In which case he should push back. Hard.
2
@AJ
Kavanaugh should perjure himself by admitting to something he didn't do?
1
Kavanaugh is the flawed pick of a flawed president. They have both been accused of sexual harassment and lying. Two peas in a pod. The last thing either one of these men want are investigations into their lives. This all seems crystal clear to me. Kavanaugh doesn't belong in any American court of law, much less the Supreme Court, and Trump will go down in history as the worst president of the United States and will hold that distinction long after we're all gone.
9
Kavanaugh doesn't have to submit to a liar detector test,., Stop asking.
They are not admissible in a court so why would they be admissible here?
3
@There
Kavanaugh has been investigated many times by the FBI. What's the likelihood the FBI missed these events -- especially an alleged sex ring -- in all its prior examinations? The FBI speaks to childhood friends, by the way. It is looking for precisely this kind of thing.
The accusations just don't fit all the evidence.
3
Trotting out the "little wifie" to endorse what a great guy hubby is? How much more self-parodic can Kavanaugh and his handlers get?
And on Faux (err, I mean, Fox) News?
An utter joke of a "news" event, right out of House of Cards.
12
@NYer Agreed. But even within those friendly confines, he absolutely stumbled. I think he lied yet again. I went to class, tried to be the No. 1 student; went to church; tried to be a good friend. Really?
2
@NYer
Yes. This reminds me of former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey’s press conference when he denied having an affair.
He and his administration forced his wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, to stand by him while he lied to the citizens of New Jersey. As with McGreevey, lies and concealments eventually are exposed.
The entire Kavanaugh confirmation process has the same stench.
1
@NYer
Yes, but at least we got a terrific tv series out of the concept of The Good Wife standing by her disgraced husband.
If I was Kavanaugh and if I was innocent, I would have demanded that the FBI investigate each and every allegation against me as they were made pubic. The last thing I would do is drag my wife into this mess for a Fox News interview. Where else but Fox News? What's next? Commercials paid for by the republican party and republican party sponsors?
12
Trump must have taught Kavanaugh to plea to be the real victim. Trump is the king of being mistreated as 15 women accuse his of abuse.
6
Sorry dems. Your dirty tricks won't work. One woman coming forward right before the senate is set to vote and seat Kavanaugh on the supreme court with a recovered memory about Kavanugh misbehaving is dicey, 2 having recovered memories in the same week is ludicrous.
And I'm certain that those males on the short list for the SC are breathing a sigh of relief that they weren't picked knowing that they too would be the targets for sexual assault claims.
The recovered memory gambit is great. You can't be prosecuted for lying if you can't confirm your story, even if it is directly contradicted by the known facts. And the dems know that allegations of assault from the distant past will automatically be given credence by the masses.
8
Facts matter. Gorsich troubled dems for his narrow views, but no women came forth with assault violations. Hence, his nomination was quiet and he now sits with the supremes. Hasn't it occurred to you that there might be real fire here, since dems so recently went along with the majority?
@Ralphie Let the FBI investigate, Ralphie. Let it take its course. Why have 90% of relevant documents been kept back? Why ram this amazingly mediocre person through the process? These aren't rhetorical questions. They need answers. You know, honest ones.
@Ralphie
Willing to bet there are men on the list who are not worried - because they know they have nothing to worry about.
Kavanaugh has and continues to prove himself a partisan hack. This is not a criminal matter. It's one one of assessing fitness and integrity. You gotta wonder why Republican leadership is so hellbent on getting him on the SC.
1
Why do an interview with Fox? Why not answer to your critics on CNN or MSNBC? I think I know the answer to my question. But please show us who you are. Judge Kavanaugh seems to have proved to be a right wing hack from elitist society.
9
The Supreme Court nominee appears on Fox News to deny, deny, deny... right out of the Donald Trump reality tv playbook. 'It's a witch hunt,' sez he.
The office of the President has been turned into a sick, twisted, Jerry Springer Show circus for the amusement of the trailer trash in the cheap seats. The Trumpublican Congress has become the White House sideshow. The Department of Justice is fast becoming just another plaything and punching bag for the Tangerine Toddler.
Some of us had hoped the judicial branch of the federal government, at least, would remain above the fray, and might even put the brakes on this lunacy. But no. There he is, soon to be 'Justice' Kavanaugh, doing the Trump schtick on Fox.
To borrow a turn of phrase from William Bendix, 'What a revoltin' development this is.'
10
Hey Brett! Man, you are digging the hole deeper everytime you open your mouth. As a lawyer, you of all people should know the best way to clear your name is to welcome an investigation. Your steadfast refusal to do so was initially puzzling, but not so much anymore given more women are coming forward with accounts of additional sexual assaults committed by you.
Just how much are you willing to traumatize your family? Apparently as much as your victims.
15
He said that he "did not have sex in school or many years thereafter". Are you kidding me? What was wrong with him? When he lost his "virginity"? After his marriage? Something wrong with all this story....What he was doing all years before he married his wife? Is it his first marriage? Any girlfriends?
Something is missing in all this story. His answers sound that he is a almost saint. It is fishy...
15
@maria, we're beginning to see where the myth of divine conception and virgin birth originated. In societies so consumed with judging others, perfection that does not exist has to be fabricated to satiate our demand for the super-natural. We obviously understand that we're not it and are too ashamed to face that fact so we create our own masks to wear in public to pretend that we are. Our public officials are expected to be like those big stone heads the Easter Islanders made for themselves. When they end up looking like Trump we're forced to push them off the cliff and into the sea because we can't bear the shame of our own real image.
1
If he bragged about being a Renate Alum - was he lying then or is he lying now?
7
How about the deeply flawed Democrats.
They have shown they will stoop so low and use the tool of
#Metoo to destroy this candidate.
The mean Republicans did not do this their nominee Merrick Garland. It was an up and down vote. They did not drag him through the mud. I am sure if they dug far enough they could have found something from his past. I am sure they could have found victims to testify
What if the President picked a woman candidate instead of Judge Kavanaugh. Would they have engaged slut shaming?
The whole process has now been tainted. What will happen when another is put forward for a high profile position. Will the Republicans seek revenge if the Dems are in power? Of course if they did then they are cast as evil troglodyte Republicans.
I wonder how many secrets members of Congress are hiding too.
What goes around comes around.
5
There was no vote, up and down or otherwise, on the eminently-qualified Merrick Garland.
2
@On the Ferry And how do you think Merrick Garland is feeling today? Karma is for real.
2
@Medium Rare Sushi No, there was no vote on Merrick Garland because the Senate followed The Biden Rule. Then-Senator Joe Biden held that there should be no nomination of a Supreme Court Justice in the year leading up to a presidential election.
Biden may not have the best foresight ever.
Kavanaugh claims he wants a fair process. Kavanaugh claims this is a “smear campaign”. Yet he and Republicans refuse any type of investigation. Why are they afraid of investigating Blasey’s claim? Why are they afraid of witnesses testifying? Senate Republicans are restricting the information necessary to take an informed vote.
Kavanaugh claimed in an interview he didn’t have sex in high school. What Blasey claims is Attempted Rape. As a survivor I do not equate being sexually assaulted as “having sex”. Having sex implies consent. Being forced to do something against my will was not sex.
If I was rolling out a pie crust, a man broke into my house, took the rolling pin and beat me with it, I would not consider it a bad baking experience. I would call it Assault and Battery. Being sexually assaulted is not a bad sexual experience, it’s Rape or Attempted Rape. These are violent acts. When a man rapes he is using his penis as a weapon. Men don’t rape for sexual satisfaction, they rape to exert power over their victims.
Kavanaugh is using the same wordplay Bill Clinton used when he emphatically declared, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.“
An innocent man wouldn’t call claims of sexual assault a “smear campaign”. An innocent man would acknowledge the horrors of sexual assault. An innocent man cooperate with an investigation. An innocent man expresses sympathy for victims of sexual assault.
9
@BMUS the dems sat on this for six weeks. The could have done a quiet confidential investigation without making her name public. They could have contacted the 4 she names as being at the party. They could try to determine where the house might be -- her letter to Feinstein gives enough information about the house that it could be determined if it exists. She says it was in the Maryland suburbs and describes it as having a short stair well up from the living room to a bathroom with a bedroom close by. Had to belong to the parents of one of the four in attendance or within their circle of friends -- likely at Georgetown prep. That would have given Ford some credibility perhaps.
And you have nothing to go on except your own biases in your babbling about "an innocent man would.... blah blah blah."
Watched some of Kavanaugh's faked sincerity appearance on Foxy "news" last night. Is there anyone beside die-hard Trumpians who bought that pile of stinking horseradish? What utter nonsense.
And oh, by the way, I did not know Kavanaugh was a Muslim. He must be because according to the sexual predator president who nominated him, Muslims do not allow their wives to speak. When Kavanuagh's wife was asked directly a question, she was muzzled by Kavanaugh. He did not put his hand over her mouth, like he did with Dr. Ford. He simply shot her a look that could kill. Answer that question, woman, and you're done, hon.
Republicans both in Congress and out should be hanging their heads in shame. Their attempt to push this nominee to the finish line, to "ram through" as they put it, this deviant is an outrage and an insult that undermine the very foundations of our democratic republic. Shame. Have they no decency? That question of course is rhetorical.
DD
Manhattan
16
If Kavanaugh doesn't want to consider the facts or face them, how can he be a justice on SCOTUS?
How will he judge cases if he has no respect for facts or opposing sides?
6
Sen. Grassley ought to be made to give a public statement on the question of why he stubbornly refuses to issue a subpoena for Mark Judge to appear and give testimony before this committee. Sen. McConnell gave a speech yesterday saying this Ford claim should be dismissed because there is no corroborating evidence to substantiate her claim. Thus Sen. Grassley is insuring that there will be no corroboration even though Judge has been named as a participant in the event.
Judge could also be investigated by the FBI, which Grassley won't allow. Without Judge's testimony, this is just a he said/she said case, which the republicans would probably win. Regardless, there will always be a question mark over Kavanaugh and his assent to the Supreme Court.
Kavanaugh has the power to change this question mark into an exclamation point by requesting that the committee subpoena Mark Judge to the hearing.
4
I trust the Judge would handily admit, that it continues to be very frustrating. Waiting isn't easy, and it requires a great deal of self control.
2
Wrong network. He needed to make his vow to the people who watch the other broadcast networks.
7
Maybe I'm too easily distracted by tangential issues, but the expression on Ashley Kavanaugh's face looks incredibly close to the one I remember on Silda Wall Spitzer's face as she stood by her man for his morning-after interview.
4
@Peter D'Eustachio
That is exactly what I thought. At least Mrs. K got to sit down.
Kavanaugh is not on trial. He is in a job interview situation. His chief supporters, Trump and McConnell, want him hired to do a job that many if not most Americans don't want done, namely to eviscerate Roe v Wade and press other arch-conservative Republican bêtes noires, such as the ACA, and support a theory of presidential power and freedom from indictment while in office that go against my grain, if not against everyone's. If the claims by Ms Blasey Ford and Ms Ramirez ring true, and I believe they do, he should not get this position on the Supreme Court. Such a decision "doesn't ruin his career and reputation," as McConnell would have us think. It says he does not measure up to the status of the job. He gets to keep his current job.
11
While these allegations about Judge Kavanaugh are very serious and should disqualify him, it's almost too bad that they are distracting us from the real problem: Kavanaugh believes that a sitting president shouldn't be subject to interrogation and indictment. Since Donald Trump is at the edge of being interrogated and indicted, his nomination of Kavanaugh becomes part of a conspiracy to obstruct justice. Why are we even having a conversation about something that is such a huge and obvious conflict of interest?
10
Completely agree. His appointment would kick the one of the legs out of the checks and balances tripod.
1
I always feel sorry for the wives who are expected to sit patiently next to their husbands while they try to wave away past indiscretions.
A seat on the court is not an entitlement. In a country of 325 million surely we can find a jurist without such a problematic history.
10
Put aside the issue of whether Kavanaugh committed sexual assault, since that is going to depend on a person’s politics.
What is clear and unarguable is that Kavanaugh spent his formative years in an elite all-male prep school – Georgetown Prep -- where he was integrated into a pack of boys that frequently drank to excess, and freely disparaged and degraded women (see, e.g., the shameless writings in his high-school year book). He went on to an elite college – Yale -- where he continued to drink to excess.
Kavanaugh’s formative years thus evidence a socialization skewed to self-indulgence and entitlement, not a background and perspective representative of Americans and American values, which all Americans should see as essential to the decision-making of a Supreme Court justice.
10
@Dan88
Do you feel the same way about all elite prep schools? The "socialization skewed to self-indulgence and entitlement" would surely be the same at any elite prep school.
And if your answer is yes, how do you feel about the fact that neither of President Obama's daughters ever set foot into a public school?
From kindergarten through high school, the Obama daughters went to the University of Chicago Lab School ($18K per year for each student) then to Sidwell Friends School ($40,840 per year for each student) after the move to Washington D. C.
Doesn't say much for President and Mrs. Obama's opinion of public schools, does it?
1
@Dan88 Dan, sorry, you must have had a boring HS and college experience. I didn't go to no darn elite school for HS or college and all my rowdy friends drank to excess -- male and female. They all become very successful -- doctors, lawyers, business folks, academics. Teenage drinking isn't predictive of anything or a sign of a lack of American values.
1
An interview "defending himself on Fox News" is not an interview defending himself. It is an infomercial designed to prime the audience that matters to his handlers, namely the Republican base.
9
This morning on the news, an interviewee from Yale was asked if how the Kavanaugh controversy was being handled was "fair". She did not answer the question, she instead responded that the process must be "fair" for Ms. Ford.
If there is a process that is fair for Kavanaugh, and different process that is fair for Ford, but not a process fair to them both, we have a huge problem.
We cannot have a civil and law-abiding society if issues with such wide implications cannot be settled through a process fair to both. Anything less is anarchy and eventually, tyranny.
When you read or hear someone say they want "justice for X", understand that "justice" is not what is being asked for, it is retribution or special pleading.
14
@DEH
You are right, there should be a process that is fair to both. Yet the process is not being handled fairly. Fair means an investigation to get to the truth. No investigation and no truth finding equals unfair.
Grassley, McConnell, and Trump’s handling of these accusations are biased in Kavanaugh’s favor.
McConnell was able to wait nealy a year to replace Justice Scalia but he is rushing Kavanaugh’s confirmation process. This makes me highly suspicious that McConnell and ranking Republicans are aware something in Kavanaugh’s past disqualifies him if found before he is seated on the SCOTUS. Remember McConnell was against Kavanaugh at first. I want to know why.
When Trump claims Kavanaugh is a decent man I must question it. Trump’s history with women indicates he’s unqualified to determine who is or isn’t decent. Perhaps he means Kavanaugh is decent as compared to himself.
1
@DEH
We have an even bigger problem. These are law school students at one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.
As a parent of a law school student, I have to wonder what they're teaching them there.
Apparently it needs to be said again and again and again that a) “fair,” is a perfectly-fair term to use for a job interview, which is what this is rather than a trial, and b) “equitable,” is also a reasonable term to apply to a process that was begun on the campaign trail when Trump started bragging about what sirts of right-wingers he’d appoint, continued when the right-wing Federalist Society screened for ideological purity, and is now said by Republicans to be moving “forward,” whatever facts or objections are raised.
Apolitical justice, my left...foot. Is it really necessary at this point to rehearse the fifty reasons that that’s a crock?
Personally I think that a lot of this is crazy. But crazy is Donald Trump’s stock in trade; and the Right’s going to have to learn to live with the crazy that they fought for.
So ‘scuse me all to blazes, but live by the crazy, die by the crazy.
1
“If such a thing had happened, it would’ve been the talk of campus.” Apparently it was!
This is just crazy. I don’t know who I’m the most disgusted with, Trump, Kavanaugh, or McConnell. This is like the exact opposite bizarro world version of what happened with Garland but for the same purpose—get your own way even if you know it’s wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong—these people are despicable.
17
What a photo! Women of all ages saying "Enough is enough!"
9
Men of a certain type always make this mistake. They double down in the face of what appears to be overwhelming negative evidence about their character. Once that fight or flight switch is flipped and they fight it's a sad spectacle that usually unfolds. Kavanaugh flipped the fight switch last night. But, the issue of his virginity, which he volunteered, and when he may have lost it is irrelevant to be accused of assault assault and groping. He looked ridiculous and desperate.
14
My opinion. I believe Ford but I think there is likely much more to the story. I can picture a wild party of rich 16-18 year olds in Maryland. Pretty much everyone is drunk. Ford and Bret go off in a corner and engage in what we used to call kissing, necking and generally making out. Both are getting excited and both are contributing. They stumble into the bedroom and Bret falls on top of Ford and starts to unbutton her blouse. She panics and he puts his hand over her mouth. Game over and he gets up and leaves.
Tom, is this how you describe the relations between all the young boys and priests? How about coaches and teenage boys? When truth comes out because one guy can no longer live with the evil that was planted in him, do you describe the events in such cynical, ho hum, and mildly humorous rterms? If not, why not?
1
The fact that he went on Fox “News”—and only Fox News—to plead his case tells us everything we need to know about his comittment to being fair and impartial.
25
Let's conjecture, for a moment;
What if this is a last grasp from the sclerotic Democratic leadership, unprovable allegations designed to tear at the heart of our system, the Supreme Court itself, conflating the myraid gender issues so the voices of those who are rightfully entitled to basic moderate conservative principles, are silenced.
What if the only way this sclerotic leadership can return to its failed status quo policies is to rile up its base sufficiently enough, so they are once again blinded to the Pelosi/Schumer/Clinton/Coastal Liberals Elite desperate plan to take back the reins of "their" right to rule the people, into subjugation, penury, and poverty.
Of course this is not meant to suggest that the Republican leadership is in any way less onerous than their Democratic counterparts and oft-times partners, in their relentless drive to be the Masters of Mankind, so I suppose what it comes down is simply this -
Which group of Masters doles out the best breadcrumbs, with no fillers included ... ?
Isn't it a sad day in America when "We the dumbed-down People", are blown hither and thither, by our fascist government which we spent decades helping crawl into power so we could enjoy their "benevolence", benevolence they actually believe they are capable of.
Both parties are playing all of us, as they have done for generations; the only difference today is the degree of subtlety and the ability to manage perception.
You are all being played.
9
@Mel Farrell
Identity politics is a winning strategy.
This last minute character assassination is a malicious at best. Whatever happened to Michelle Obama’s “When they go low, we go higher”? That’s not to say the GOP is full of choir boys. I’m thoroughly sick of the Dem’s antics and Feinstein needs to be Censured for her role in this. Shame on her!
10
The senate judiciary committee, the president and the 64 women who signed a character affidavit vouching for Kavanaugh do us all a great disservice. It is not about Kavanaugh's reputation any longer. It is about endorsing the abuse of young girls by young boys. They seem to be send a resounding message that it is a rite of passage. How can republican voters care so less about the future of their own daughters? How is it Kavanaugh is not considering justice from the perspective of the women who have accused him? He is after all in the reckoning for a position that defines justice in this country. He shows such ego when he puts himself ahead of justice.
11
Fox News? Seriously? I cant imagine a more poor choice in which to air ones grievances with the nation. In terms of television it simply does not get any more partisan or deceptive. Poor poor choice Mr. Kavanaugh. If credibility and integrity are what you are after then you absolutely picked the wrong media outlet. The proper choice would have been to call for the FBI, not Faux News to clear your name if you are indeed innocent of the accusations against you.
23
It was the only choice. It’s not really journalism. It’s the Republicans’ marketing network.
5
@Ziggy
"It's the Republicans' marketing network."
And MSNBC and CNN are the Democrats' marketing networks.
@Azalea Lover
Think Sean Hannity would ever make a statement along the order of this one?
Responding to Avenatti's claim, CNN Chief Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin called the attorney's behavior "really irresponsible."
"For Michael Avenatti to just simply throw out there that there are these unnamed people who are going to make these allegations that is really not how the process should work," Toobin said Tuesday on CNN's "New Day." "It is not fair to Brett Kavanaugh and not fair to anyone involved. It is publicity seeking of the worst kind.”
If Democrats are out to smear Kavanaugh, where were the baseless accusations against Gorsuch, who went to the same high school? If Kavanaugh is so anxious to clear his name, why doesn't he demand an FBI investigation? Why did Kavanaugh go on Fox News, a partisan, far-right network, instead of going on a more mainstream program? What is he so afraid of? The answer to all of these is simply that he has never been held to account for behavior that he thinks is totally acceptable, and that he resents / hates the people who are now demanding that white, privileged men be held to the same account as immigrants, women, and POCs.
12
@purpledog
Why not Gorsuch? First, he wasn't a swing vote. Second, democrats are under severe pressure to "resist" at all costs. Third, democrats are using identity politics, in this case gender, to rally their base to vote. (Yes, it's divisive and harmful but it works.)
Their problem is that in rallying their base with this second baseless charge, they've now galvanized conservatives and potentially engaged all Americans who are uncomfortable with "guilty until proven innocent". Viscerally, they know this is not right regardless of whether it's a legal case or not. It's a core American value.
4
@AACNY
Wake up. "Rallying the base" is exclusive Trump territory. The rest of us - and that includes a lot of independents and former Republicans - are disgusted by the corruption of the current Republican leadership. That corruption is exhibited each and every day.
@Ann Are you serious? You don't recall the corruption of the prior Democrats' leadership?
I'm disgusted by corruption, period.
The appearance on Fox alone should now be disqualifying. Kavanaugh is now the first candidate running for SCJ? Talk about degrading our sacred institutions. At most, call for an impartial review Judge. Instead the proposed the next SCJ runs the well honed Trump sexual misconduct defense strategy of shouting "Deny, Deny, Deny" from the biggest and closest right-wing megaphone available. The term "partisan hack" comes to mind. The irony of "fair and balanced" should not be lost on the electorate.
18
@fdc Appears you hold the opinion that FOX is "the Republicans' marketing network."
And MSNBC and CNN are the Democrats' marketing networks.
1
I found it interesting that Judge Kavanaugh said he was a virgin at marriage, implying he never raped anyone. His language is too cute. He could engage in all kinds of sexual assault having nothing to do with intercourse, activities which were not within the scope of his denial. When I see such cuteness in a witness' reply, especially by another lawyer, I smell a liar.
26
@LawyerTom1
Kavanaugh is not a nominee for pope. I'm less interested in the puritanical aspects of his virginal youth and than an established career of under-age drinking that followed him into an ivy league education.
@LawyerTom1 - I thought similarly but also don't believe for a minute that he was a virgin at marriage. A guy with a pedigree like this, going to the best schools, in the upper echelons of his peer groups, is not having sex? I don't believe it.
@LawyerTom1 I can believe he was a virgin, since acts like sticking your junk in an unsuspecting woman's face isn't the best way to get a date on Saturday. And sexual assault and sex aren't the same thing.
I am vey disappointed that the NYT has not prominently reported on the sworn statements issued by the three individuals specifically named by Christine Ford as having attended the house gathering/party where the alleged attack took place. Unfortunately, the Times is endorsing a certain narrative and these individuals do not support that narrative. Dr. Ford's friend, Leland Ingham Keyser, issued a statement through her attorney, "Simply put, Ms. Keyser does not know Mr. Kavanaugh and she has no recollection of ever being at a party or gathering where he was present, with, or without, Dr. Ford.” The other named party attendees, PJ Smyth and Mark Judge, have likewise disclaimed attending such a party or witnessing an attack. To be sure, had any three of these individuals corroborated Dr. Ford's statement, the Times would have run a prominent story to that effect. John Adams wrote "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence". I expect the Times to uphold the highest of standards in its reporting but, unfortunately, it is failing to do so.
9
None of these have been sworn statements; and because I read this paper, I happen to know that Keyser went on to say, “But I believe her.”
How’d you miss that tid-bit?
5
@Jake
There has been an awful lot of digging and not one piece of indicting evidence has been found. Kavanaugh has already been investigated by the FBI multiple times and not a shred of evidence was ever uncovered by it either. He has also dozens of personal references from women who worked under him. He is, by all accounts, highly regarded both personally and professionally.
Contrast this with the accusers' cases, which are primarily backed up by "I believe". The evidence is overwhelmingly against them.
This is not to say they weren't attacked, which is what people hear when the accusers receive even the slightest challenge. Not at all. It is just to say that there is very compelling evidence that Kavanaugh was not their attacker.
2
The pity of it is, he will be appointed, by this feckless group of mindless marionettes who do not know how to do real work. Resist. Recoil. Recall. Every. Single. One.
November's coming.
10
I just can't help but think this band of elderly white men includimg Mitch McConnell, are saying to themselves, "So what if we let in Clarence Thomas who everyone knew was guilty we will shove our boy through."
And, wow, the GOP republican judiciary and Mitch McConnell were well aware of the 2nd allegation last week regarding Debbie Ramirez?? But said nothing? That sheds light on one of their reasons for rushing.
8
Kavanaugh's assumption "withdrawal" is his choice to make is laughable. The WH will suddenly go quiet and GOPers on the Hill will slink away. That is withdrawal.
4
Republicans act as if this man's right to be on the Supreme Court is somehow being compromised. Nonsense. The Supreme Court serves the people, not this individual, and anyone receiving a lifetime appointment should be beyond reproach.
I'm sure it is a genuine shock to this wealthy, white male that anything he says is not automatically believed. But Kavanaugh has already proven to be a liar during other parts of the process, so anything self-serving he says should be viewed skeptically.
21
In point of fact, the Court primarily serves the Constitution and the law in general, not the People. That’s why they’re appointed for life, not elected.
2
Mitch McConnell, the Judge Roy Bean of our age, will give Ms. Blasey Ford a fair hearing before disregarding all she says. Her lynching will be the undercard to the coronation of their savior, the multiply-accused sexual predator Kavanaugh to his anointed position on the Supreme Court.
The country we have become would be anathema to the founders and is to many today. This cannot continue.
15
“did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter.”
Now he has not only lied - he has doubled down with this ridiculous statement.
This illustrates perfectly just how stupid he (& the "high ranking" republicans who have rallied around him) thinks everyone in this country actually is. And if he is confirmed and nothing changes in November, well they just may be correct in their thinking.
If nothing changes, you ain't seen nothing yet as regards to how bold the so-called "president" is going become. He will feel empowered & exonerated in every way.
9
@Dheep P'
It's truly fascinating to see how the allegation of "lie" is formed. It stems from a preconceived idea (ex., guilt) and works backward, essentially dismissing every single piece of evidence that doesn't comport. Eventually, the accuser winds up confirming his preconceived idea. Every single time.
1
@Dheep P' . “did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter.”
Now he has not only lied - he has doubled down with this ridiculous statement.
Why is that a lie and ridiculous? Did someone you know sleep with Kavenaugh?
Truth has an amazing way of peeling away Falsehoods even when all seems lost and hidden. When I first saw Kavanaugh, I knew absolutely nothing about him. He seemed like a perfect nomination to the Supreme Court and there would be no way to stop his being seated on our countries highest court.
Then the winds of truth began to blow past his brow. His facial image that at first appeared almost serene, started to take on a very different persona as more and more allegations began to appear. His interview on Fox yesterday lead me to one of the best quotes I’ve ever read on the subject. “The argumentative defense of any proposition is inversely proportional to the truth contained.” Kavanaugh trying to convince everyone that he didn’t have sexual intercourse during high school or college and many years after that was “way too much information.” He was never accused of having sexual intercourse.
12
We hear the refrain "Why ruin a man's life?"
What about the lives of women? The lasting trauma? The jobs lost?
This man already has a lifetime appointment. Let him return to it.
10
It doesn't matter what Dr. Ford says, it's a done deal. Brett Kavanaugh will be confirmed, and we will begin a generation of rule by the beliefs of the base - thirty years of backward evolution. As Saudi Arabia seeks to break the egg and struggle into freedom, America is choosing to go the other way. For the next 30 years, we will be governed not by reason but by religious doctrine. In the near future, we will program the human mind in the computer, and this will be based on a "survival" algorithm. Then, we will finally learn how we confuse the mind about what exactly is supposed to survive with our ridiculous beliefs. At that point we will begin the long trek back to reason and sanity. See RevolutionOfReason.com
3
Brett Kavanaugh's failure to request a truly fair process for the upcoming Senate hearing should disqualify him as a Supreme Court Justice. In interviews he keeps pontificating about how he tells his law students "the process protects us." If he truly believes this, why is he raising no concerns about the process the GOP majority has put in place which is blatantly unfair/incomplete? Why isn't he saying that Dr. Blasey Ford deserves to call additional witnesses to supplement her testimony, and that if she claims Mark Judge with a witness, he should be questioned? If she wants her therapist to corroborate her statements under oath, then she should have that opportunity. The reason is obvious: he is partisan who is totally comfortable with his side using whatever power it can muster to enact its will, regardless of what is fair, just, or supported by Constitutional norms or precedent. Moreover he can't disassociate his own interests from the situation. These are huge failings for an individual being considered for a lifetime appointment as a Supreme Court justice. They call into deep question is ability to be fair, disinterested, and just. They raise questions about his long pattern of siding with the powerful and elite over the less powerful, average American. And this isn't even getting to his pattern of lying and or obfuscating the truth. Perhaps the American media and those in Washington have become so cynical that they don't even see this point.
5
The simple fact that kavanaugh decided to take his "case" to the "court of public opinion" on TV absolutely disqualifies him to be a supreme Court Justice. It's basically a massive, media-centric form of witness tampering where it has become a he-said-she-said at the hands of kavanaugh and the media before the Thursday meeting. This TV interview episode definitely politicizes what should be a formal investigation into what exactly happened before a confirmation hearing.
And trump acting as his shill... because of kavanaugh's "presidential immunity" stance?
I do hope that come mid-terms, some balance can be reintroduced into our branches of govt.
9
"Republicans find themselves caught between the growing anger of many female voters over the Kavanaugh allegations and the demands of core conservative voters infuriated by what they see as a Democratic plot." - just like that plot against Roy Moore?
It turns out that "core conservative voters" overlap with reactionary misogynist divorce embittered males with socialization problems. And, it turns out that Kavanaugh's strategy of denial is coming up against Michael Avenatti's assertions that he is representing at least one victim of gang rape by Kavanaugh and Judge.
It turns out that Judge, just caught hiding out at a beach house in Delaware, is implicated in other gang rapes.
And it turns out that criminal charges are likely in the offing, and that more than one person in Kavanaugh's orbit will be advised by their attorneys that they may be circling accomplice after the fact charges.
This will not end well for Kavanaugh and clique. Or Trump. And it will not be pretty. It will, however, as far as generations of rape victims are concerned, it will be justice served.
9
Why don't the Democrat senators refuse to participate in Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, like the Republicans did with Merrick Garland? Is it because confirmation of a Supreme Court judge required 60 votes in the Senate at that time, and the requirement was reduced to 51, to push Neil Gorsuch through? In that case, the Democrats with only 49 votes would not be able to block Kavanaugh if all 51 Republicans stuck together.
1
Imagine that, a current sitting judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals chooses to appear for an interview on Fox News, an organization that peddles in right-wing conspiracies, to defend his nomination to the Supreme Court against charges of sexual assault . That he did it at all is remarkable. That he choose this media outlet, instead one that presents balanced reporting (e.g., PBS Newshour), is far more telling about his judgment and outlook than what he actually said.
20
One wonders why the Republicans are daring to push ahead with Kavanaugh's nomination against the majority of the American public who are shouting he's not fit to serve on the Supreme Court?
One wonders why the Republicans don't seem to fear being voted out in the coming elections?
Does their confidence stem from the fact the number of states, including those critical to the Republicans holding onto power, have private entity voting machines with no capability to verify the vote count? I think the answer lies in the fact that Republicans have already proven themselves to be Thieves.
It may just be time for another American Revolution
7
And now Michael Avenatti enters the fray. With the assertion that he has a new client with evidence that Kavanaugh and his bros used "parties" to lure girls in and "run trains" on them. Which, curiously, matches what Blasey describes about her encounter with Kavanaugh, told from the perspective of someone who probably didn't even think of being "trained" as a possibility, if she even knew of it as a thing. Avenatti has a pretty good track record for being right, too.
Oh man, this guy is even worse than I thought. There is also evidence that the mindset that allowed him to participate in such things has actually not faded over the years. Oh, I'm sure that with women he knows and respects, or otherwise needs to think well of him, he is wonderful. But for those he doesn't know, or respect, or has no need to impress, his attention can run between indifference to paternalistic dominance to outright predatory malice. And he can lie about it with the best of them, after decades of ample practice since childhood. I still keep thinking about the pregnant immigrant teenager he tried to keep from getting an abortion, despite her right to do so.
Sick.
8
We are where we are today because of an egregious abuse of power!
Kavanaugh would never make it through the confirmation process if McConnell and the Republicans did not do away with regular order and invoke the nuclear option of a simple majority in confirming a Supreme Court Justice, a lifetime appointment. Dr. Ford would not have needed to come forward and bare her wounds to the world. And, Gorsuch would not be on the Supreme Court as well!
McConnell and the Republicans denied a popular sitting president his Constitutional right to nominate a candidate and receive a advise and consent from the Senate. That's an abuse of power and in the minds of many should have triggered a Constitutional crisis.
We the People are not being represented fairly nor equally and that is because Republicans have marginalized election results through gerrymandering, voter suppression, and in 2016 they very likely colluded with Russian oligarchs.
Elections are overwhelmingly rigged for Republicans and Democrats are relying on elections to regain power? There's something wrong with that picture, don't you think?
I don't know about you but I'm tired of being unfairly oppressed and made subservient to a plutocracy that has more money than they could ever spend while millions upon millions of America are struggling to make ends meet or are destitute without any way of recovering.
Say NO to wealth and privilege today and every day! Stand up and stop being subservient to America's oligarchs!
7
Now with more accusations of improper sexual conduct being brought forth against Kavanaugh, it seems that there is enough "smoke" surrounding his relationship and treatment of girls and women that one would hope, if he truly loves his country and its judicial system, he would remove himself from consideration for an appointment to the Court, if nothing more than for the good of the country and the reputation of that great institution we call the Supreme Court. All the recent allegations of improper conduct, sexual and otherwise, on the part of members of the Executive and Legislative branches have so degraded the respect accorded those bodies. Must the Supreme Court, whose authority is almost entirely premised on the respect with which it is held by the public, be similarly degraded? Where, oh where, are the patriots?
5
I am a little older now, maybe a little slower, but it still seems to me that those who will be asking questions of Mrs. Ford on Thursday have already voted to confirm Kavanaugh, even if only in there minds. If this were an actual trial, none of them would or should be picked to sit on the jury. I spent 24 years in Law Enforcement, people lied to us all the time about what really happened, and many of those faced criminal charges for those lies. I don't (maybe I do) understand why they don't insist on an FBI look into the accusations by these women. If its not cleared up one way or the other, the will always be a cloud hanging over one of them. Normally in these types of accusations one of the parties is being less than truthful. Kavanaugh should want to be completely cleared; or we should know he is not qualified to be the next Supreme Court Justice. If either of these women are found to be making false allegations then they should also be held accountable. Which is it?
10
Five years ago, after a 30 year marriage, my husband told me 'he just couldn't do this anymore'. He had cheated many times, so I asked that he please tell me if there was someone else, so I wouldn't have to find out from others. He assured me that there was not. He promised that he'd take care of me the rest of my life as I was the mother of his children, packed up and moved in with his girlfriend.
Lying can be like telling the truth if you think enough of yourself and your goals.
4
Democrats have become a group that are only concerned with trying to impose their beliefs on others using whatever tactics they deem necessary. Doing the right thing doesn't matter.
God could be the Republican candidate for supreme court justice and democrats would oppose him simply because he wasn't a democrat.
Think about this the next time you vote.
3
There is no God and it isn’t a he.
@Don - I knew someone would mention God sooner or later. I wouldn't vote for a god who was a Republican or a Democrat. Personally, he should be indicted for creating such a mess.
This pretty much locks the Judge Kavanaugh and the republicans on a collision course in which the only option is to discredit Dr. Ford, or sow doubt that she can't quite recall the events involving the sexual assault that occurred when she was 15, and cast a shadow over her life as an adult.
Kavanaugh's defenders (male and female) will proceed to push a narrative in which female sexual assault survivors who come forward later in life are inherently confused or mixed up.
It is worth noting that no such characterizations were circulated about male sexual assault survivors who emerged from the Catholic church's sexual assault cases in Philadelphia. Gender clearly plays a part in our opinions about a victim's credibility.
4
One thing seems obvious but is discussed so little.
Women make up roughly 50% of the American population, have the right to vote, and exercise that right.
Why are conservative women supporting this agenda on social aspects? Ms Murkowski and Ms Collins, despite being heavily outnumbered by men, can tank this whole thing. Republican women voters have the power to remove these entitled men from office.
Why is it that the women on the left are fighting uphill against the women on the right for things as basic as control of their own bodies.
The numbers just make me cringe. Poor and uneducated Republican males vote against their best interests out of pride and machismo, a love of guns and blind following of religious propaganda. But why do Republican women vote the same way without exception? I truly do not understand, it makes no sense.
10
We seem to be devolving from Democracy to Zealotry.
I am amazed by the number of people who hear a story and simply state "I believe the woman" or "I believe Kavenaugh".
How did we bridge the gap from either of the two being believable to " I believe".
Democracy demands due process. Zealotry does not.
11
Why is there so much concern for Mr. Kavanaugh’s personal future? Shouldn’t we be primarily concerned about the future of the court and our country?
16
This ‘“ time machine” character assassination of a man who has led an exemplary professional and private life is very disturbing , and even schoolyard vicious! It is bringing the worst out in our dysfunctional political system to a degree that I want no part of it anymore. Wonder how many others feel the same way I and the wife do, and have decided not to bother voting for any of the above this November?
5
@Moe Def Good - stay home in November. I won't.
3
I guess you feel the same about your PA priests against their teenage boy victims?
I want to put in my request for the following two things to happen in the hearing:
1. That Judge Kavanaugh be asked point blank if he would submit to a lie detector test.
2. That if the Republicans on the committee have a proxy ask the questions they have to Dr. Ford, after each question, one of the Democrats ask, for the record, which of the Republicans was responsible for that particular question.
7
The problem with Kavanaugh fighting for himself is the Supreme Court isn't about him. What does he win if he gets confirmed despite serious doubts and concerns? The Court itself gets stained. The Court is higher than the individual judges, and in order to be qualified to sit on it a judge should be able to put the Court before personal gain. Just like Merrick Garland didn't through a tantrum when the Senate refused to respect him enough for a vote, Kavanaugh should withdraw for the sake of the Court he was nominated to. And if we were able to wait over a year to find Scalia's replacement, I'm not sure what the rush is with this nomination anyway.
Beyond that, let's be real. He went to a privileged prep school surrounded by kids privileged enough to be guaranteed immunity from any of the world's hardships or their own errors. That's not the kind of person who knows how to put the law before personal considerations and ambitions. That's someone who has only known personal considerations. Not sure why he's a judge in the first place instead of a lawyer, because impartial he is clearly not.
12
We do not know the truth in this moment. Both individuals have credibility. A proper investigation would help clarify. But what is disturbing is the rush to the vote.
The confirmation of a Supreme Court judge is not a 2 minute drill on a football field. It is not a matter for momentum and might and determination. This is a life-time appointment. Slow down and get it right.
20
@mzmecz
Only one has gone under Oath. Let her go under Oath and if she is credible,maybe they will delay the vote. I predict she will refuse to go under Oath. Let's see if time proves me wrong.
2
Submitted to an interview with Fox News? He would have been more challenged by a high school newspaper.
31
The Times' breathless phrase "Facing New Allegations" promises more than it delivers.
”Wow!" one thinks. "Another near-rape charge! This is going to do his nomination in!"
Instead we get, first, the ugly yearbook incident. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. They should apologize and make what amends are possible.
But, we're talking about an offense close to rape, in this epochal discussion, while the yearbook story is one step above writing on the high school stall "for a good time call Lucy 555-0199".
This happened to my girlfriend. She didn't like it. She was hurt and humiliated. She recovered. Had she been raped, she wouldn't have. The two offenses aren't in the same league and shouldn't be conflated.
The second of the "New Allegations" is worthy of a tabloid: "And the lawyer Michael Avenatti posted additional salacious allegations on Twitter."
Kavanaugh pulled a Wiener? He mooned somebody? He raped somebody and murdered her? He was the Masked Manhattan Rapist? He talked dirty in 10th grade?
We have the Who. Maybe some What, When, Where, and Why is in order?
The Times might also reduce its focus on the Ramirez allegations until her memory improves.
Well, after mentioning that her claims recall Paula Jones' accusations against sober adult Bill Clinton, which Democrats dismissed as no big deal. After all, she was "trailer trash".
So, there is one allegation and one story. As there was a week or two ago.
Let the tabloids hype it.
8
Kavanaugh is applying for a job. It happens to be one of the most powerful jobs in the world. Everything matters. There are other judges out there that have less baggage than Kavanaugh.
6
@alyosha no man should ever attempt to establish a spectrum for sexual offenses. The only acceptable measurement is zero.
2
@alyosha
Your poor girlfriend. Perhaps you don't realise how hurtful your sentiments are. Perhaps you presume she has overcome her fear. Perhaps you need to reevaluate your stance on condoning abuse of women. There is no mild abuse in this world. That perception has been invented by men who live outside the mind of women.
4
If he's vowing not to withdraw, stick a fork in him now -- he's done.
8
Brett Kavanaugh is so obviously Bryce from 13 Reasons Why
Disgusting that white males behaving badly is still rewarded in our society
8
Could democrats have picked a worse poster boy for high school sexual predator? They actually managed to find a virgin to charge with being a sex ring leader. What were they thinking?
6
This is not a smear campaign...it’s called a public vetting. His past has been “crowdsourced” and his sketchiness as a young man has been uncovered - simple as that.
The GOP needs just go find a less compromised tool for their fascist agenda.
21
Kavanaugh is running on the principal that if Trump can get away with things like this, then so can he.
The aforementioned pigs have no shame.
23
Judge Kavanaugh, do you remember what Wordsworth said? "The child is father to the man". You cannot escape your past. Of all people, a judge should know that.
14
A small point: He denies having sexual intercourse or anything close to it during the years in question. But none of the allegations amount to this, rather they are in the nature of violent and ugly assaults. There seems to be no categorical denial of such.
15
Appearing on Fox News instead of a reputable news service says everything that needs saying about his political activism. It is an outrage that he appeared on the propaganda tool of the far right wing.
34
Fox news is a well-worn mouthpiece for right-leaning conservative Republicans. And the only "news" station the current administration is tunes into. 24/7.
What happened to judicial impartiality??? What about the separation of powers between our three branches of government??? Guess this stuff doesn't matter anymore...
11
@YogaGal As many - perhaps the majority - of people do, I watch MSNBC, CNN and FOX.
A computer program using neutrally-programmed AI would find these results:
MSNBC Left-leaning Democrats
CNN Left-leaning Democrats
FOX Right-leaning Republicans
And your point?
4
Chairman Grassley claiming these sexual assault allegations are a "smear", failing to use the DOJ/FBI to investigate the allegations PLUS coming out in favor of Kavanaugh before Dr. Ford's Thursday testimony is a travesty.
Adding to that travesty is the GOP-led Congress denying Merritt Garland's nomination to replace Scalia for ten months, yet"plowing ahead" or rushing to confirm Kavanaugh.
The GOP-led Congress has no shame in placing the good of their political party over the good of our democracy.
17
Typical with Trump and his little minions in the Senate-sexual exploitation is a badge of honor rather than disgust.
When Bill Clinton's escapades were revealed, in the White House and prior to his election, the GOP went wild. The evangelicals, the extremist "christians" (lower case intentional) called for his head on a pike and denounced him. But, here we are with a sexual predator in the White House and a person who should have no questionable behavior who will the court of last resort, a court that we hope will be non-partisan in its decision-making.
I believe should the judge be confirmed, it will affirm the court has now become a political football, and fulfills a dream that only despots could wish for-their very own court to do his/her bidding.
12
That this guy went on FOX News demonstrates a bias (or an ignorance) that is totally inappropriate. To millions of educated people, this confirms our worst suspicions not only about that person, but about the stink emanating from the whole process.
31
Read Kavanaugh's letter, for which a link is provided in this article. It's very instructive. What you see there is the rich, entitled, 17-year-old white boy from the pages of his prep school yearbook. Is that what we want on the Supreme Court?
22
In the absence of independent witnesses to the allegation, the only way truth can be determined is by examining the qualities ofBrett Kavanaugh and Christine Ford. Kavanaugh's attributes indicate history of alcoholism, financial imprudence, and propensity to gamble. These traits are strongly associated with sexual perversion.
13
Defending himself against accusations of sexual assault by disclosing he did not have sex until many years after high school is like an accused car thief telling a judge he never passed a road test.
16
@J
He played choir boy with the nice lady he married.
He's forced to keep on singing his chorus of lies.
2
Judge Kavanaugh's interview on Fox News last night was a travesty. The judge, with his wife by his side, assassinated his own character by appearing on the President's favourite cable TV channel and intimating that he was a virgin in high school and college and never harassed any woman sexually. Brett Kavanaugh played directly to the President. As the ancient Utah Senator Old Boy, Orrin Hatch, averred, re the Kavanaugh confirmation, "we're down to rug-cutting time". Surely Hatch didn't mean today's juking kind of "rug-cutting" time! If Brett Kavanaugh's respect for women truly promotes dignity and equality in our age of the real cultural change of feminism in America today, then he would do the honourable thing and withdraw from consideration from the Senate Judiciary hearings. G.O.P. leader McConnell promised Trump's base to "plow" Kavanaugh onto the Supreme Court. Sen. Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee signed his letter to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford -- one of Brett Kavanaugh's accusers of sexual harassment -- "Chuck", as if they were in high school together. The chips will fall where they may this week.
7
When are women in this country going to get the message? In the Republican Party, use and abuse of women is not a disqualifying characteristic. If anything, they're irritated that they have to respond to allegations at all. In setting the tone, our First Lady herself has said "Boys will be boys." Even when they're 70. And what of the brilliant legal mind of Kavanaugh himself? Accused of a drunken attempted assault on a fellow student and exposing himself to another, his defense is to go on national television and state that he was a virgin in high school? No one was accusing him of having had intercourse in high school. Are we to believe that he doesn't understand that one has nothing to do with the other? How will he torture logic to get the desired outcome when ruling on the laws of the land on the Supreme Court?
15
1) Like the Pharisees of old, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee have ears to hear, but do not hear. Eyes to see but they do not see. It is specific women who have been sexually abused by young Judge Kavanaugh, not Democrats. Rather than patiently waiting for these women to tell their story, old white Republican men prejudged their unspoken words as that of a "mixed up" woman, that they are "unsubstantiated smears". The woman is not to be believed. 2) Alexander Hamilton wrote about his hopes for SCOTUS in 1788 in "The Federalist" sections 78-83. In section 81 Hamilton addresses the question of his time which is still a question for our time; Is SCOTUS "a distinct body or a branch of the legislature"? Hamilton's optimism concluded that in spite of the factionalism of legislatures hey would be able to select wise and knowledgeable men for SCOTUS. "The members of the legislature will rarely be chosen with a view to those qualifications which fit men for stations of judges, and as, on account of the natural propensity of such bodies to party divisions, there will be no less reason to fear that the pestilential breath of faction may poison the fountains of justice." Well, Alexander, welcome to the 21st century, the fountains of justice are poisoned by the pestilential breath of faction, especially by those who seek power and justice without love.
8
I saw the interview and the pain of these false charges was all over his face, as well as that of his wife. Shame on Democrats for this tactic. It will not result in Kavanaugh being denied his seat but may just cause that Red Wave to happen. Voters are disgusted.
8
@GregP
Denied his seat?
Like Merritt Garland was for ten months?
6
@Question Everything
Garland was denied a vote. He wasn't smeared and Obama had options he chose not to use for tactical reasons that didn't turn out too well. McConnell was just following the Biden Rule as I am sure you know. Everyone, including Mitch, thought it would be Hillary picking the next Justice he just wanted to motivate the voters to help him keep the Senate. It worked just brilliantly because Trump was elected instead. Dems knew SC picks were on the line and still voted for Mickey Mouse instead of Hillary as a protest because of the way Bernie was treated. Now we are caught up on the history. Confirm Kavanaugh now.
1
It's entirely predictable that Kavanaugh chose to appear on Fox, where he was assured of a series of t-ball level questions, instead of appearing on an actual news network.
25
If Kavanaugh is as innocent as he claims he should unequivocally support an FBI investigation into the matter.
The notion that Trump stands behind him is about as meaningful as CharlesManson character witnessing for John Wayne Gacy.
As far as I am concerned there simply are way to many unanswered questions, not to mention the unusually rushed manner in which the senate has handled it. What are they hiding that might disqualify Kavanaugh? Something stinks here and it isn't those who want clear concise answers.
14
Our country must get back to the principle that it takes more than a simple majority to block (i.e., Garland) or confirm Supreme Court judges, or any judges with lifetime appointments.
8
@Steve Do you recall who changed that principle?
"After years of threats and retreats by both parties, the Democratic Senate majority on Nov. 21, 2013, enacted a controversial rule change called the "nuclear option."
"The change eliminated the filibuster — a blockage of floor action, typically by the chamber’s minority party — for executive branch nominations as well as judicial appointments short of the Supreme Court. Under the new rule, the Senate only needs a 51-vote majority instead of a 60-vote supermajority to end a filibuster and move to a final vote on a nomination." https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2013/nov/22/harry-re...
2
They elevated Clarence Thomas. I think that says it all about how republicans view the Supreme Court. And women in general. I am hopeful Jeff flake will stand up and do the right thing.
7
Going on Fox News did it for me. Kavanaugh can become Chief Justice of the Fair and Balanced Court, along with justices Pirro and Napolitano. Kavanaugh is a right wing toady, a Federalist Society widget, appointed to the federal appellate bench by Dubya without ever having tried a case. I only wish that his attitude and behavior towards women were unique to men of his political persuasion. But they are not, as we all must admit. So pillorying Kavanaugh only obscures the stark truth that we guys, some of us, anyway, of all political shades, can be pigs. And with this blind outrage we assure more episodes of accusers showing up at presidential debates, and politicians whose policy prerogatives are gender neutral or even clearly supportive of women are relegated to the trash heap for indiscretions which don't approach being prosecutable offenses and which no attorney would accept to support a claim for civil damages, or which are so remote in time that memories, including those of the alleged victims, are unreliable. Our tribalism has us believing or rejecting out of hand whatever charges are made, depending on our support for or opposition to the alleged perpetrator. We are all hypocrites. Our hypocrisy is threatening the very foundations of our system of government. I fear this is not a good price to pay to keep Kavanaugh off the Supreme Court.
4
It's only Tuesday. Bill Shine has 2 more days to produce and direct the Kavanaugh Show. And Thursday he will put Rod Rosenstein on as a guest sure to grab the cameras and headlines. Just as Trump would have it.
There is waiting in the wings Mr. Avenatti. He has a new special guest maybe for Wednesday's show. Mr. Avenatti has Trump's instincts with a solid education which should worry the White House. So far he has done his due diligence and has come up with more solid leads than Trump.
The new allegations may prove to be way more credible. Who knows? But the show is certainly dramatic.
This folks is how our President runs his administration. We should have expected it. Trump is incapable of being anything but a reality TV star and thusly is turning the Oval Office, Congress and now the Supreme Court into stage sets. He cannot grasp the seriousness of any issue nor give it the respect and due consideration it deserves.
13
How many Senators voting on Kavenaugh's confirmation went to Georgetown Prep? Given the school's alumni approach of "saw nothing, heard nothing, remember nothing" when asked about allegations against Kavenaugh, the school has the clique-y mores of "covering up is best for climbing up in one's career".
It's pretty creepy, knowing what went on in the privileged youths of some of our leaders. Their past actions and current careers speak loudly to the benefits of wealth and white privilege. That Congressional Republicans and the President defend him so forcefully reminds me of Shakespeare's quote, "He protesteth too much", meaning, he lies.
The Democrats did not orchestrate this roadblock. The victim herself, Dr. Blasey, went to her Senator to tell her of the attack, so that one voting member would know the truth. It became clear that if she didn't state her name, her accusation would lack credibility.
It's since become clear that young jock Brett had a drinking problem in high school. I don't know when or if it stopped.
But his desire to control women, from the bench, continues. His record is to the far right, nowhere near impartial, just like the Republican Senators voting for him. Trump loves him due to his belief that Presidents shouldn't have to deal with the trifles of criminal accusation while in office.
Brett should drop the pugnacious attitude and ask for a full investigation, but, perhaps he's hiding something.
9
Investigate _everyone_ and get some clear air and objectivity into this corrupted process. If I were an innocent person, I would insist upon the investigation; it would be the only process that could possibly clear my name and protect or restore my reputation.
That Kavanaugh is being coached in the White House for days, and that he chose to plead his case on Fox tv further disqualifies him in my eyes. Fox tv--a Supreme Court appointee pleading his own case on Fox tv. That hits about rock bottom.
26
@mecmec
but accusers being coached by democrats is completely acceptable, got it
This man is supposed to be an impartial judge, yet he is out there on prime time television attempting to sway opinion and influence the Senate Committee before Ms Ford's testimony is even heard. Does this mean that he could make up his mind on a case before the Supreme Court before is is presented?
Do we really want this type of person making decisions affecting our and our childrens' lives?
18
@An American Abroad
He also went under Oath before she was heard. Has she? She will? No, she will come up with some excuse and we will never hear from her under Oath. Ever.
What kind of man can’t set his ego aside for the good of his country? Withdrawing is the right thing, the patriotic thing, the moral thing to do.
10
You only have to look at his wife sitting beside him, a stricken look on her face, hands clasped between her knees like a little girl. I always wonder what is said between these men and their wives, when accusations that go to the heart of the marital relationship are made.
The President who should be a model of behaviour in my view, has made it all right to belittle, demean and besmirch females and it feels like men have just been waiting for permission.
Of course he should not sit on the Supreme Court.
12
Does anyone remember what the republicans did to Merrick Garland? The hypocrisy of it all is too much to handle. Kavanaugh clearly has skeletons in his closet and should withdraw. Why didn’t the Democrats “smear” Neil Gorsuch when he was nominated?
Trump is backing Kavanaugh because of Kavanaughs views on presidential power and when proof of Trumps criminality comes out, he will have Kavanaugh on his side in the Supreme Court.
12
@Zachary: Perhaps because Neil Gorsuch, aside from his obvious conservative leanings which in itself do not disqualify him, has nothing serious to “smear” about?
@Zachary The Republicans followed what is called "The Biden Rule". Then-Senator Joe Biden opined that a Supreme Court nomination/confirmation in the year of a presidential election should not be done. That's what the Republicans did: follow the rule made by Democrats. "As a senator more than two decades ago, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. argued that President George Bush should delay filling a Supreme Court vacancy, should one arise, until the presidential election was over, and that it was “essential” that the Senate refuse to confirm a nominee to the court until then." https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/23/us/politics/joe-biden-argued-for-dela...
And the change to a 51-vote majority to confirm a nominee was made by Democrats. https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2013/nov/22/harry-re...
These two changes made by Democrats makes one think of this sound advice "Be careful what you ask for - you might get it".
3
@Azalea Lover: Republicans only follow the rules and precedents they like, no matter who made them, and toss the ones they don't like without consequences. Democrats, good boy and girl scouts as they are, follow all the rules, and that's what does them in confronted with Republicans. Rules only are effective if all parties agree to follow them.
Brett, my good fellow: Have you and your family reached the "is-all-this-worth-it point yet? When and if you do, of course, the correct response is "no, it isn't." The second prize in this dogfight is a permanent seat on the SCOTUS. The first prize is a much wished-for anonymity. You are sure to win one of them.
2
In what world does one woman stepping forward become "she should be heard," but two women stepping forward become a "smear?"
And, now that a third woman is stepping forward, what will be the response?
The evidence is becoming compelling that, in his youth, Judge Kavanaugh abused alcohol and women, and now, in his adulthood, is lying about it.
Sounds like the perfect Republican nominee for the Supreme Court, which says all one needs to know about today's Republican Party.
14
A supreme court justice is supposed to be non-partisan and vote based on the issue before the court and not based on political arguments in the media.
So why did he choose to defend himself on Fox News, better known as Trump TV, rather than on NBC, CBS or ABC .
He is saying that he aligns himself with the republican point of view to the extreme!!
24
This is a political appointment.
3
Brett Kavanaugh probably rightly expected softball questions and a sympathetic interviewer from FOX, but not from the mainstream network news.
2
@michael axelrod
have you seen the unhinged coverage from those networks? they have all acted as accusers instead of non-partisan reporters.
How ironic that Kavanaugh defends a predetermined outcome, rather than due process and trusting others to hear the evidence and decide. Hasn't this been the issue all along -- his impartiality and commitment to the law and justice ?
22
"I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process." Sounds like someone who can't take "no" for an answer. In his own strange way, he's adding to Dr Ford's credibility.
10
Charles Manson didn’t understand what he did was wrong. It was the norm for him. Treating women as second class objects has been the norm for many men for many years. That behavior is expected if you want to join the boys club.
5
Unfortunately, the fact that he went on Fox "News" to defend himself tells you exactly why he is unfit to be on SCOTUS. Fox is as political as it gets. I guess he forgot that SCOTUS is supposed to be apolitical.
20
In <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/health/men-rape-sexual-assault.html">What the Experts Know About Men Who Rape</a>, written by Heather Murphy an published in the NYT on Oct. 30, 2017, there's a discussion on what experts know (surprisingly little) about men who commit sexual assault aren't necessarily criminal in other ways, the hidden rapists among us.
We seem to know the most about men who rape from the prison population that are convicted rapists. Yet it's also obvious that most rapists are never part of that population. And if you ask people in general if they rape, like Kavanugh, they say no.
"The focus of most sexual aggression research is acknowledged nonconsensual sexual behavior. In questionnaires and in follow-up interviews, subjects are surprisingly open about ignoring consent.
Men who rape tend to start young, in high school or the first couple of years of college, likely crossing a line with someone they know, the research suggests."
The piece is worth reading in light of what's known about the cultural milieu at Georgetown Prep and Yale, and Kavanaugh's long tolerance of friends with demonstrated histories of harassing women.
Due process here is for you and me, too; ascertaining that we are elevating someone to the nation's highest court who comprehends how wrong this kind of behavior is, and will bring that moral and ethical understanding to his jurisprudence.
3
Why do parents allow institutions to raise their children? Are these parents too busy working & socializing instead of loving & guiding their children?
4
Republicans brought on this Democratic ambush with their despicable handling of the Gorsuch nomination. That said, recognize the Kavanaugh onslaught for what it is: a politically-motivated character assassination. Feinstein’s releasing Ford’s letter a few days before the vote despite having it in her possession since July and the near-comical announcement of Ramirez, which can’t be corroborated by even her college best friend, are not reasons to prevent someone with an otherwise stellar personal and professional history.
Given that the next nominee, if Kavanaugh is derailed, would have similar conservative views (a Republican did win the presidency), this is not about stopping Kavanaugh, per se, it’s about delaying the vote until after the midterms with Democrats hoping for a Senate majority. Period. Enough silly moralizing.
4
@Pragmatist In CT
Garland wasn't smeared and if another Dem ever wins the Presidency, unlikely I know, he could still get a new appointment. Kavanaugh is being smeared in a way that is just Un-American and goes against hundreds of years of English Common Law. Not even remotely the same as not giving someone a hearing but leaving his name untarnished.
5
Garland
I meant Democratic treatment of Garland, not Gorsuch
Kavanaugh is way too far-right conservative to sit on the highest court in the land, making decisions that will affect all Americans for decades! His views on women's rights and abortion rights are well known, and they do not reflect a respect for the equal rights of women. His views are far too extreme and do not line up with the majority of Americans' views. And, on top of all of this, he is Trump's Guy. And, that is a tragedy.
16
Maybe Kavanaugh the US Supreme Court Justice will also go on Fox to lobby the other justices to support his legal opinions.
8
In a previously unpublished part of his Fox interview, Judge Kavanaugh went on to say that he and his wife had used a bundling board in their bed throughout their entire marriage and that their two children were conceived using in vitro fertilization.
6
What's remarkable is not that he defended himself on television. What is remarkable is that The New Yorker ran a story about this man and an alleged incident of sexual misconduct with no corroborating evidence.
What's remarkable is the shocking lack of journalistic ethics in printing the article. So too is the lack of due process shown the candidate by so many in our country, especially democrat Senators, who incidentally have vowed from day one to defeat this nomination.
Those caught up in the zealous fervor to wine at any cost should take care. It can happen to you too.
12
@Rob: Yes - as to Kavanaugh it does appear that it is “wine at any cost” - though it sounds as if the beverage of choice was beer ...
4
@Rob
Due process via an FBI inquiry was requested, and denied.
The fervor to win at any cost is a Republican trait, not a Democrat's. "It can happen to you." -- It already has. Remember Merrick Garland?
9
@Rob: The New Yorker had corroborating first hand evidence. Read the article again.
A FOX News interview? Tweeted about in advance by the President? The hearing and vote scheduled (and already decided by the GOP) for Thursday with poor Rosenstein lined up the same day for something, depending on what’s needed to capture the most media attention - will there be split screen images on all the networks? The Court has been politicized, the Executive branch is weak, and Congress doesn’t function. Americans do not have a working government.
35
Moral fiber should be well established by the time one gets to college. Kavanaugh's denials -- and the plausibility of his accusers, who had nothing to gain and a lot to lose by coming forward -- strongly suggest that, even now, he hasn't got any.
He should not be put in a position to overturn the abortion laws, or indeed any legislation affecting the well-being, the personal agency, or the human status of women and girls.
6
I would be more inclined to believe Judge Kavanaugh if he had had his interview on any news channel/program than Fox News, which is nationally known for its right wing version of “fake news”.
Secondly, his assertion that he “did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter” seems highly improbable. He was the prototypical hard- drinking, privileged, white male student, and it difficult to believe he went through “many years” (college? law school?) without a sexual encounter.
Finally, “Judge Kavanaugh denied Ms. Ramirez’s accusation” in typical trump fashion.“I never did any such thing — never did any such thing,” he said. “The other people alleged to be there, don’t recall any such thing. If such a thing had happened, it would’ve been the talk of campus.” First, Kavanaugh used the same phrase over and over as if simple repetition would make it true, and then pointed out that his prominence on campus was such that if he had exposed himself, it would have been of campus-wide interest. By implication, he is saying that since no one claims to remember, it didn’t happen. His denials ring hollow, and “Me thinks he doth protest too much.”
8
Kavanaugh comes from a culture of "What happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep." Deny. Deny. Deny. This lack of self-honesty is a deep-seated character flaw that absolutely precludes his nomination to the SC. In this way he is much like Trump. He seems to deeply believe a delusional picture he paints of himself as flawless choirboy. This was remarkable to watch in the Anita Hill hearing, Clarence Thomas stonewalled for hours, not an iota of doubt about himself. Kavenaugh simply deploys the same tactic.
6
The only smear is the one that Kavanaugh and Trump and the GOP senators are doing against the women coming forward. Kavanaugh has a history of bullying (sexual and otherwise) evidenced by the posts on his high school yearbook, the reputation he had in college (ask his roommate) and the inexplicable ignoring of his buddy Judge's chronicles. He in no way will be a legitimate justice.
10
In Canada we have the "notwithstanding" clause in our constitution, which allows the federal or aprovincial legislature to enact laws over a finding of unconstitutionality by a court. I am very happty about that.
2
The fact he chose Fox News for the interview is disturbing in itself. You would think he would chose a more neutral media organization.
13
Neutral like CNN or MSNBC?
4
@Doug: Or an actual news organization.
1
He seems to behave as a sorry little man, Mr Kavanaught is.
First, the thousands of pages of not disclosed documents about his writings and positions of years past. Now, his refuge at a TV network. Next comes the descending of the steps at his home cellar.
10
It would be good for all to remember, especially his supporters, that Kavanaugh is not owed the position of Supreme Court Justice. It is not his to lose because he does not own it. Nothing is being taken from him if he doesn't get the job.
11
He needs to withdraw.
36
@John He needs to be put in a cage.
Has anyone read his yearbook page? Just a guy? Not my idea of an upstanding guy - how did he ever become a lawyer?
23
Gee, don’t Kavanagh and wife look great in the FOX interview? Soft, diffuse lighting, and who needs to listen to the helpful, sympathetic facilitator?
Perfectly appropriate, given what he must have felt, back when he was fifteen, enduring some grunting drunk frat woman as she ground upon him.
And think of the years of repression he endureth, those awkward moments late at night, abed with his beloved, struggling to explain why he just couldn’t.
That horrible, horrible woman who assaulted him. How dare she now aspire to the highest Court in the land. How dare she prattle on behalf of a gross swine of a President. How dare she stand before Jesus so encumbered.
Oh, wait. Do I have this backwards?
You know, I started out equivocal: let’s wait and see, I said to me. And the more I hear from Kavanagh—scratch that, the LESS I hear from Kavanagh—the more disgusted with him I become.
A judge worthy of serving on the Court—not overturning Roe, or pandering to corporations, or kneeling before the shabby likes of Donald J. Trump, but serving—would have said last week that this is wrong. Would have said that the Court and justice matter more than me, and withdrawn.
William O. Douglas would have. Jackson would have. Marshall—either one—would have.
This is a toady, not a Justice. Shame on us.
33
He could dish it out, but sure can't take it.
20
After all who better to Judge in him'S case if it gets to the Supreme Court in any manner?
1
@Just Me Perhaps you have been up too long. Being without sleep too long is a problem for our brains.
Alcohol is a problem for our brains as well.
Whatever problem you have, your comment makes no sense.
1
Withdraw now, Brett Kavanaugh, or be forced to withdraw later.
You are simply not that good to be on SCOTUS!
20
@V In your humble opinion?
1
He should pull out before it's too late.
10
That's right. He has so little respect for the American nation, he treats us like the women he either did rape or attempted to rape - he won't withdraw.
13
Quite the hypocrite again, that McConnell -- calling these sexual allegations a "resistance” . . . “becoming a smear campaign -- pure and simple". He's even got the same verbiage on his website this evening! "Resistance" is exactly what McConnell plotted and executed for 8 years during the Obama administration - obstructing all the legislation he and his cronies could - so he's way too late to take any high ground now. I believe every woman coming forth!!
30
May her testimony leave an impression like Ofglen running down the aisle at the new Rachel and Leah Center.
#UnderHisEye
3
The leadership of the Democrats appears blind to the rabbit hole it is leading their party down. Trump has provided peace and prosperity to the nation while all they can offer are demands for the abolishment of the foundation of English Common Law, presumption of innocence. With their base acting like depraved Jacobins baying revolutionary justice, you have to wonder whether the aging Democratic leadership is too feeble to tamp this insanity down or just too morally corrupt.
11
If the bar for appointment to the highest court in our land is set so low that merely not being a criminal is enough, how sad. The Founders envisioned people of high character and honesty. Until there is a real investigation and impartial fact-finding about Kavanaugh’s veracity, he should not be appointed.
26
@J.
I am all for a subpoena to bring in Dr. Ford after Kavanaugh is confirmed to get her under Oath. You know she won't show on Thursday willingly don't you? She won't I promise you. So Confirm, then subpoena the witnesses, all of them and get them under Oath. See where it goes. Impeach him if he is guilty and charge the false witnesses if the evidence shows the charges are indeed false. Let's find out.
2
@Jack You belong in a nut house.
1
Really, an interview on Fox news to clear his name.... Really ?
That alone is enough for me to impeach him as a right wing apparatchik. If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. Fox is not the network one would want to be on if one wanted to speak the truth, it has a few decent journalists but its goal is to twist the truth not spread it.
32
If Kavanaugh wanted to clear the air, why did he choose to be interviewed by Fox News instead of a reputable and unbiased news organization?
27
Kavanaugh’s decision to take his case to the public on FOX demeans the Supreme Court and the constitutional confirmation process. If he has not engaged in sexual misconduct, the ethical and proper means to deal with the accusations is for him to demand an FBI investigation as part of the confirmation process.
One question keeps coming to my mind: is there a case on the upcoming Supreme Court docket in which his vote to achieve a certain end is indispensable to the right wing in this country? The outright panicked desperation with which he, the Republican Party and evangelical leaders are trying to foist his lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court upon us is notable and suspicious.
24
Kavanaugh exudes entitlement - as did many prep school guys just out for “beer and babes,” knowing there would be no consequences; they’d be protected by the chummy fraternity of their buddies and a code of silence, mutual lies (and yearbook inside “jokes”). He - and the GOP - are a sickening spectacle of an old boys network - The He-Man Woman-Haters Club, masquerading as true respecters of “the fair sex” (as long as women know their place, don’t speak up, and never challenge the “natural order of things”). Enough.
26
The fact that the only interview he is giving is to Fox News tells you everything you need to know.
35
Kavanaugh is categorically saying that Dr. Blasey is lying. Any Senator who votes to confirm him is also saying that she is lying. Got that, Senators Murkowski, Collins, Flake and Heller? You can't finesse this. You can believe one or the other, but not both. Call her a liar and you will regret it.
23
Being interviewed on Fox with a bunch of softball questions and not being called out for dodging others after secluding himself in this White House did nothing to enhance his credibility.
Kavanaugh's conservative base won't dodge him, he needed to convince me. Now I am more convinced he has something to hide.
24
The fact that he went on Fox News rather than a real news program shows just how troubling is past behavior likely has been. If he was truly unblemished as he claims he would have been interviewed by a credible news organization rather than partisan hacks.
23
1. The FBI needs to interview accusers' contemporaries, at minimum to determine whether today's accusations have any support in sufficiently identical stories circulated among them 'back then' - at best hearsay corroboration but the 'back then' existence of such stories would also tend to rule out recent fabrications
2. FBI interviewees must include persons identified by the accusers as having been present at el tiempo of Kavanaugh's supposed sexual misconduct - to include, of course, Mark Judge who needs to be reminded, as do all such interviewees, that lying to the FBI is a felony and, additionally in the case of Mr. Judge, that making amends is required under steps 8 & 9 of AA's 12 Steps
3. Evidence aside, and speaking only politically, isn't it time for our politicians to finally and at long last give the women of este país a break, maybe even a win, even though it will mean sacrificing a possibly innocent and even virginal Judge Kavanaugh on that altar of political reckoning ?
8
@James Tuppen
In your third paragraph, you mention "give the women of este pais a break". A search for 'este pais' brought articles on the nutrition of infants and children.
Please clarify your thoughts on the fairness of "sacrificing a possibly innocent and even virginal Judge Kavanaugh on that altar of political reckoning".
What does one have to do with the other?
And who would even consider sacrificing a possibly innocent person - man or woman - on what you term an "altar of political reckoning".
2
Isn't it obvious that Kavanaugh is not made of decent stuff? It is to me. I have stopped assigning a label to him. However, it isn't a stretch to say that lying is a major component of his character.
The only way to stop him is via the courts. Thus far one complaint has been filed against him with the Disciplinary Counsel,The Board of Professional Responsibility District of Columbia Court of Appeals; and, another filed with the Judicial Council of the District of Columbia Circuit Complaint of Judicial Misconduct or Disability .
Kavanaugh's lying will ultimately stop him from serving on any bench and I hope will cause him to lose his law license. He is not morally or ethically fit to hold a law license.
Those senators who have direct knowledge of Kavanaugh's perjury have spoken out and must continue to do so.
17
@Alabama . "Isn't it obvious that Kavanaugh is not made of decent stuff?"
It is completely obvious from the fact that he is a Republican. These "people" are a plague on our world.
1
Any live broadcast of the hearings during the day should beat out the soap operas in ratings.
2
Kavanaugh, like the president who nominated him, is unfit for the new position.
22
As a outsider, I really don't understand how it is possible for the republicans to do everything they do, without anyone question their motive. Something similar I see on the democrats side. It is easy as an outsider to see what is right and what is wrong in the american politics these days. And I urge you all to think independent. Go for an independent president next time.
Concerning Brett Kavanaugh. I saw the interview at fox news. Brett Kavanaugh had about 4 rehearsed answers. He said those same reply several times. He appeared coached. He was avoiding questions. And yes he lied. Even though you are a virgin, that doesn't mean you tried to get sex in high school. You could see on his face that he was lying. The way he talked. The way he seems to catch a tear. As a person who teach others to perform. I saw an act from both him and his wife.
There are no way that those women who has come forward, is doing it just for fun. I believe Mrs Ford. The reason is the way she has talked about it, the way she wants FBI involved and her language. She would have presented it different if it was a lie.
Good luck USA! I really hope that he doesn't sit in the supreme court. Everything about him are false. But again; it is up the USA senate. Good luck.
22
Kimba Wood was denied the AG post under President Clinton because a gotcha nanny tax - which was and probably still is more like you never disclosed your tax free purchase from Amazon on your state tax return before Amazon has begun withholding state taxes on the state's behalf - but Brett Kavanaugh has debt forgiven mysteriously and serious allegations of misconduct, never mind he has always been a political animal.
Yet, Republicans have decided to stuff him down America's throat because they can. Good luck, America, your 150 years of progress is wiped out in 2 years. Imagine that!
21
This is not hard. Reopening the FBI background investigation would likely provide facts to support Judge Kavanaugh or to support accusers. It is not a given previous FBI background checks would have uncovered all problems. Refusing to consider reopening the background investigation suggests fact-finding is unimportant, the accusers are not credible. Republican Senators lying about the purview of the FBI, when they know better, does not instill any confidence of fairness. Instead of doing what common sense dictates and providing some closure to accusations one way or the other, the President and the GOP majority in the Senate are abusing power.
6
Shame on the Georgetown Prep faculty, also, for allowing that abusive yearbook photo caption. You can't tell me no one knew what it meant.
26
@DW
Thank you to the Georgetown Prep faculty for allowing those guys to make all of those ADMISSIONS in their yearbook.
Kavanaugh and Mark Judge - Hoist on their own petard!
12
The fact that he did the interview on Fox tells you all you need to know about the depth of his character and the veracity of his statements.
25
@Richard Mclaughlin
Of course all of his statements are TRUE, and he is of STERLING, UNIMPEACHABLE character.
.
.
.
.
In some alternate universe.
5
It will not be possible to provide a balanced, thorough or fair hearing Thursday. An objective investigation is needed into the charges, and whether that is conducted by the FBI or some other law enforcement entity, it should be conducted without delay.
Otherwise, Thursday's dramatics will be just that....all for show. And Republican senators will make Kavanaugh's preordained selection to the Supreme Court a mockery of our system of justice.
20
If the Republicans were smart, they would insist the FBI investigate and this whole mess would be over much more quickly. One way or the other.
15
that is something I don't understand.
if the women are proved to be lying it's a huge win for the GOP. if they're telling the truth they cut bait and nominate another conservative judge. with no investigation by an outside group and rushing the vote they look far worse. they're hiding something. all the accusers welcome an investigation. Kavanaugh and the GOP are running away from one
14
Kavanaugh is going with the Trump defense. Slandering his victims and making assertions that are patently false -- all, of course, on Trump propaganda machine Fox News
26
"...conservatives more galvanized by what is going on because it has become such a pattern of unsubstantiated smears and character assassination.”
...And conservatives claim exclusive privilege to that tactic.
6
Kavanaugh keeps denying sexual assault... From his perspective, maybe nothing happened. Like so many males, he most likely is defining assault on his terms and not that of the victims.
He'll fight to the end. To give in and admit a wrong would embarrass Kavanaugh in front of his wife and kids, his family and friends. Could he still serve on the court of appeals without others seeing him differently?
He's apparently created a mess and now he must live with it whether he tries to cover up the past or admit to his wrongs and then move forward.
17
Why should he withdraw? He’s already been chosen by a GOP Senate with the same moral optics as Kavanaugh. This in conjunction with the great moral leadership of our “tremendous, fantastic, we’re gonna like it very much” anti-Lincoln in the Whitehouse, what else can go wrong?
17
Why doesn’t he take the “remarkable step” and be questioned by the FBI and/or submit to a polygraph like the Dr did!
25
He went on Fox "News" to deny the allegations? Preaching to the hypocrites' choir.
21
It may well be true that Kavanaugh is telling the truth when he says that he did not have sexual relations with either accuser and he was a virgin until after college, BUT that statement is perfectly consistent with his accusers statements of his attacks.
In fact, he appears not to have exactly denied the attacks - he has merely said that he did not have sex with either woman.
22
McConnell: hypocrite.
“I want to make it perfectly clear, Mr. President: Judge Kavanaugh will be voted on here on the Senate floor,” Mr. McConnell said, addressing the Senate’s presiding officer and leaving no room to pressure the nominee to withdraw. “Up or down. On the Senate floor, this fine nominee to the Supreme Court will receive a vote in this Senate in the near future.”
What about Merrick Garland?
19
Thank you!!!! Finally someone brings it up. it makes me I'll hearing him whining about a fair hearing when Garland was denied a hearing altogether.
8
@Leo Had Merrick Garland received an up-or-down vote in the Senate, he would have lost on a party-line vote. He would not be on the Supreme Court today.
2
Is the great and pure Judge Kavanaugh, nominee to the Supreme Court, actually so ridiculous that he wants Fox News to exonerate him before the world? Why not take on some questions from the other side. Or is he not up to that challenge?
18
Life lesson: don’t lie, even if your ego takes a bruising
7
I believe Brett Kavanaugh when he says he is innocent of all charges. This is a classic case of character assignation. This is a crime and the criminals are the Democrats. They have smeared a fine man for political gain. They will pay a heavy price at the ballot box down the road. They are shameful.
11
Please ask yourself why Christine Blasey Ford would throw her life into chaos by coming forward if her accusations weren’t true? Or why Judge Kavanaugh hasn’t called for an FBI investigation? Or why he hasn’t offered to take a polygraph examination? Wouldn’t you do that if you were innocent? I would.
29
@WPLMMT
Kavanaugh has lied under oath to the senate, on more than one occasion.
Some "fine man."
17
One would think Kavanaugh would WELCOME a polygraph test as well as an FBI investigation to clear his name...if he were innocent.
However, he doth protest too much!
12
This is over. Kavanaugh will be appointed. The preponderance of evidence swings in his favor especially with the latest allegation, if you can call it that. The Democrats better start thinking ahead because it is very likely the current President will get a third appointment to the Supreme Court.
7
The claim that he was a virgin in High School and beyond is no defense against an allegation of attempted rape. It might even be viewed as a motive.
16
For sheer unmitigated hypocrisy and gall, Brett Kavanaugh's performance this past week has to rank with those of House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in terms of the breadth of his arrogance and his self pitying narcissism. Only President Trump seems to have managed to surpass all three of them, either individually or collectively. American historian Jon Meacham must be furiously taking notes while dabbing the tears from his eyes.
To hear Judge Kavanaugh tell it, all he wants is fairness, but without an impartial FBI investigation; without the testimony of other persons as witnesses who, when placed under oath, might be telling a different story than the one Senate Republicans and the White House have been peddling this past month; and without any contextual reference to the judge's past history of alcoholism, being a party animal, and his recent history of giving false or misleading testimony to the Senate Judiciary committee on matters bearing on his truthfulness, integrity, probity, or whatever term one might want to use to describe a person Mr. Kavanaugh obviously has not shown himself to be. Simply put, Mr. Kavanaugh bears the same relationship to the truth that his patron and sponsor, and would-be supplicant, President Trump, should it happen that Mr. Kavanaugh is ultimately confirmed for seat as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
Like Bram Stoker's infamous Count Dracula, Mr. Kavanaugh is hiding from the light. That says it all.
25
This has got to be one of the most unfortunate headlines ever.
5
I must’ve missed something... When did attempted rape and indecent exposure become “sexual intercourse”? Sounds more like linguistic gymnastics to me, Brett.
16
Can this administration find a moral man or woman to fill the seat of Merrick Garland?
14
You know you’re at the top when your defense for an accusation of sexual impropriety is that your friends attest you were drunk a lot but that you don’t remember any of it and that besides you were some type of virgin.
Having a booze trust fund and the president say you are owed the job and “born to it” isn’t the most inspiring “American Dream” this WH has but I guess they are just throwing garbage at us now.
19
Seems to be another case of were you lying then with the yearbook and subsequent speeches about your life and previous bad behaviors or are you lying now when you claim that you never did those things?
14
Refusal to have an FBI investigation is crazy and leads reasonably to suspicion that the rush to confirmation results from fear of damning facts being substantiated. Why else tie this can to Kavanaugh’s tail?
A conjecture is that Kavanaugh’s appointment will help the GOP gain the evangelical vote in 2018. If that is the real motive for railroading this appointment through, regardless of the suitability of the candidate, it is a mockery of the pledge to serve the country.
I hope the Dems will be able to tie that can to the GOP in 2018.
4
The very fact that Kavanaugh ("Kava-NAW!") has to acknowledge the POSSIBILITY of withdrawing his name is an indication of the depth of trouble of this nomination.
Nominations that are in good shape do not discuss withdrawal.
Wait for Michael Avenati's disclosure about his client's allegations tomorrow.
8
Hey, Brett. Your "lifelong record" began at birth, proceeding through adolescence and on into adulthood. Cannot cherry pick which parts of your "lifelong record" to ignore just to get a rest-of-your-lifetime seat on the Supreme Court.
11
@Dr--Bob
And it includes trying to block that refugee’s abortion last year, telling her that teens need to live with consequences of their choices.
Uh, Brett...?
7
I went through the catholic high school process with people like the judge. The yearbook thing clinched it for me- he’s a bad guy and an abuser.
27
What good for the goose is good for the gander. Merrick Garland was NOT even interviewed.
11
His lifelong respect for women? How does that claim hold up when you learn that he and his high school football friends used their high school yearbook to besmirch the reputation of a girl in their social circle, as reported elsewhere in the NYTimes: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/24/business/brett-kavanaugh-yearbook-ren....
Ask any teenager you know to decode what Judge Kavanaugh and his friends were implying. Brazenly smug and sleazy at the time that his high school yearbook was printed, the judge is now cynically counting on Republicans to push his nomination through without the benefit of an actual investigation into the alleged sexual assault. Let's get more information before we give this man a lifelong seat on the nation's highest court.
9
There is curious switch of verb tense
from your transcripts :
JUDGE KAVANAUGH: No. I "HAD" never sexually assaulted anyone, not in high school, not ever. I’ve always treated women with dignity and respect.
From your article:
“The truth is I’ve never sexually assaulted anyone, in high school or otherwise,” Judge Kavanaugh said. “I am not questioning and have not questioned that perhaps Dr. Ford at some point in her life was sexually assaulted by someone at some place, but what I know is I’ve never sexually assaulted anyone.”
The different tense lend different meaning and context.
Which is it? For a judge, and scholar who needs to write laws, this seems strange.
4
@cloudsandsea
Judges do not write laws. They interpret the law.
That false idea that judges write law is one of the republican's anti American ploys to discredit rulings that use the law to stop them doing things they want to do.
1
He vows he won't withdraw. He should, although his career will be destroyed.
He is a victim of changing social norms, beyond his control. Just as blue collar union workers have seen their world collapse, with not one of them seeing the writing on the wall, so Brett has been caught in the metoo movement.
Although, in my opinion, his behavior would have been reprehensible in my time, and I am older than he is, his inclinations have now become as abhorrent as assuming the righteousness of slavery. Times change, although they have changed far faster than his behavior.
Unfortunately for him, his aspirations are to be a Supreme Court justice. This is akin, ot ought to be, to wishing to be a sage. A sage need not have been a saint. But a sage would surely acknowledge that he had learned, that he had developed, or even that he or she had matured.
Yet this wannabe model of judicial wisdom takes the stance that his sagacity has been ordained from birth. That he is above reproach.
A judge need not be a saint. Far better to have been a sinner and therefore understand the situations and the lives his judgements will touch.
A man who cannot admit that he has learned and evolved is not fit to arbitrate matters that touch all of the rest of us imperfect beings.
17
Judge Kavanaugh vows he will not withdraw. Bad choice of words.
7
Do you think Kavanaugh will let his daughters attend any parties at Gtown Prep when they are in high school?
Don't bet on it.
7
I have an idea : maybe you could elect Judge Merrick Garland...
9
The fact that Kavanuagh lets himself be 'interviewed' by Fox News is an admission of guilt. Not of the alleged misdeeds, but of:
1. The fact that this man as a partisan judge is intent on delivering for his ultra-conservative Base, and
2. That he doesn't give a dime for truth or fact.
27
Withdraw? Withdraw?
Of curse he can’t withdraw. If he did he’d have to return the money he received to zero out his personal debts.
18
Having a bit of a bout of partisan paranoia, are we McConnell?
It's obvious you don't have much respect for women and that goes for the other Republican leaders as well.
It's kind of scary how they would not only ignore, but criticize an allegation of attempted rape.
Pretty scary stuff there I'd say.
9
The Fox interview: Kavanaugh's wife expression ranged from disbelief, discomfort to wanting to disappear ...He jumped in and did not allow her to answer the question about requesting an FBI investigation. She looked sedated and he sounded robotic, defiant, coached and absolutely oblivious to the harmful effect the circus of this Fox interview and his disclosure about his virginity is casting on the already damaged reputation of the Supreme Court. This interview was Court TV.- The whole spectacle is frankly nauseating.
29
If Kavanaugh had any regard for the Supreme Court, its reputation and the legitimacy of its future decisions he would withdraw. But it appears he is more interested in obtaining the prestige of being a Justice, even if one under a cloud, than any of the foregoing. Shameful. Let's not speak of T, who also cares not one whit about any of that either.
11
What an embarrassment this man is to himself and the country.
23
A letter to Judge Kavenaugh: Please do not take the accusations personally. You are a mere product of your upbringing and the white privileged environment when you came of age. I know it well. I participated in it. I attended the equivalence of a private school and was a member of a sorority in the Netherlands. I was not one of the hot girls that needed to be conquered. A part of me was very angry about that, but instead of going to live my own life and find my Self, I accepted the first marriage proposal that came my way, because that is where I thought my worth came form: catching a successful man and supporting him all the way! So judge Kavenaugh don't take it personally. You do not need to defend yourself other than saying that the social climate you grew up in was/is not conducive to honesty, self-confidence and, equality and partnerships between women and men. Be a man and say you participated in that culture and that you withdraw your nomination because it is time for a change. Then say you are sorry for participating in all that. And then fight your damnedest to commit yourself to change.
25
Unless Renate was the best looking girl in school or cutting a swathe through her admirers, there is no way to put a gentlemanly spin on the Alumni claim. It would have been a mean, insensitive and ungentlemanly thing to do.
12
I saw the Fox interview. Kavanaugh just looks totally coached, repeating his talking points verbatim over and over “I just want to be heard” “I just want a fair process” “Just listen to the 65 women who signed a letter supporting me” etc, never straying from these points, never saying something unscripted from the heart. This interview will not change minds in either direction.
15
We're in a well planned, well financed, and well executed coup d'etat by the far right oligarchs. Supreme Court cover for Trump and whoever else needs it. A screeching halt to the Mueller investigation. Goodbye America.
20
He's not believable, and neither is his sad wife. What's coming in the next few days will be truly horrific for the country to have to watch, and it's all unnecessary. Kavanaugh is banking on being able to deny everything but the pile up of victims and witnesses looks to make that impossible. He's a ridiculous choice for a Supreme Court justice. He has lied prolifically from the start about a myriad of issues. He may have a crack resume but all his character testimonials are lies. One question that will eventually need to be answered is - just who was in charge in that prep school back in the '70's and 80's?
20
So... why can't the GOP just choose someone else? I'm sure there's someone out there who hasn't sexually assaulted several people in the past and also has the correct credentials.
It might even make them look good to deliberate and hesitate a little bit. Not that they care about anything like that anymore.
6
I didn't not know that Supreme Court Judges were chosen by popular vote. When was this change made to our Constitution? I always understood that the President appointed each judge based on their qualifications, and the Senate either approved or disapproved the choice. Why is this man lobbying for himself on television? Public opinion should have nothing to do with this process. He is either an appropriate, qualified choice, or he is not. Given the charges brought to the attention of the Senate, I would suggest that the matter of his past interactions with women be investigated more thoroughly before his nomination be voted upon. Isn't that what "advise and consent" means?
11
For those who keep telling us Kavanaugh has lived an exemplary life, what about Blasey's life...? Has it not been well-lived? Is there any indication whatsoever that she is some sort of psycho, a person who would falsely accuse someone of a serious crime?
Has anyone come forward to say she has a history of dishonesty? That she's known to lie? Has one single man come forward to say she falsely accused him of a crime? That she tried to harm his career? Harm any male colleague, academic adviser, or supervisor she had along the way...?
Unless you've bought into deep-state conspiracy theories, in which case you cannot be reasoned with, this really is not that complicated. This isn't a criminal trial. We do not need insurmountable evidence. This is a job interview; a confirmation process to ensure someone should be granted a tremendous reward and privilege in a high-profile institution where law and ethics merge.
Kavanaugh and Judge won't take a polygraph and do not want to make statements to the FBI. She has volunteered for both.
Come on.
40
Kavanaugh is so partisan that his video was broadcast on Fox!
We do not need a more partisan Supreme Court! Let the people speak: don't confirm until after the upcoming elections in 7 weeks.
15
If anything Brett Kavanaugh has learnt from his benefactor Trump it's that if caught guilty never admit the guilt, keep lying until people get fed up and confus; failing all, seek refuge in the hall of lies and fake news-the infamous Fox news without bothering for the credibility associated with the high office being chased relentlessly, the confirmation of which is still awaited.
14
Does K have no sense of the dignity of the Court he wants to ascend to? His reality-tv campaign appearance is way beneath anything we've seen.
26
@farhorizons He's not a jurist, he's a political operative.
7
There is no question that Kavanaugh went to lots of parties in high school and in college and got stinking drunk. But he's absolutely certain he never did anything like what he is accused of by Ford and Ramirez - never. Why is that considered believable? Ford has been accused of mistaking Kavanaugh for someone else and for faulty memory and more because she was drunk and these things are considered believable by many. I think the most charitable view of Kavanaugh is that he was stinking drunk and doesn't remember much about what he did. His denials come from righteous aggression and entitlement and the suppressed memory of something that couldn't have seemed right: putting a hand over a girl's mouth so her screams wouldn't be heard. There's no way that could have seemed right. Ford, on the other hand, has gaps in her memory, which is realistic, but vivid memories of what scared her badly and still embarrasses her, also realistic. She's for an investigation, which is the way to go, and investigation of the evidence Kavanaugh may have committed perjury in his testimony for his last appointment should be included.
It's not about convicting Kavanough of sexual assault. The question is should he be appointed to the Supreme Court? I think his character is questionable and his stated opinion that a sitting President cannot be indicted or subpoenaed is unacceptable. Putting the President above the law is unconstitutional.
16
@Saint999 His opinion that a sitting President shouldn’t be indicted or subpoenaed is a legally acceptable one. His being chosen by a President who is under threat of being subpoenaed and indicted precisely because he has that opinion makes him an unacceptable choice.
2
America has many challenges- Massive hurricane destruction, Historic climate change, Farmers suffering from trade wars, Massive budget deficits. Meanwhile, our President Trump & GOP are focusing on their own survival from self inflicted wounds instead of focusing on helping the average Americans. Trump & GOP are stuck in a nightmare of their own construction, dragging all Americans down with them.
17
Nominee for the highest court chooses the network that has different views on facts, to defend his case is extremely deplorable. What 'rule of law' can we expect from this person? need to be opposed just for this act.
17
It is possible that Kavanaugh is telling the truth basically. If you binge drink, 2 things happen. You become disinhibited, saying and doing things you probably wouldn't do sober, and you also cannot remember what you said or did the next day. Kavanaugh, according to many of his classmates, including his freshman-year Yale roommate, have stated that he was frequently incoherent with drink. So, his vehement denials of the accusations may merely reflect his uncontrolled bingeing. It is not that the alleged incidents did not occur, so much as the fact that he has no memory of them.
8
I think the real question here is whether Kavanaugh should even be a judge -- I think it's pretty clear that he should not be a SC justice. (Yes, I believe the women.)
22
This is really tragic for all parties involved. Beyond Judge Kavanaugh's youth, he seems to have grown to rigid maturity and must have a degree of respect for women being married with two daughters. Kavanaugh is not the same man he was in High School. I can make two statements in that regard; he must now understand the stigma and psychological harm sex crimes wreak. He should have a better understanding of why some women have abortions, the hot issue underlying this story. Unfortunately, he is very partisan and might vote against Roe V. Wade as a reconsideration of the law allowing abortions. He may deliberate more in a partisan way than a man who now understands the plight of women. He is witnessing the decades long trauma experienced by Dr. Blasey. With that in mind, I can not even guess how he would side on the issue of abortion, right now in the back of all women's minds and rightly so. That's the Gorilla in the room no one acknowledges. He may vote for or against. Recent events may have left an indelible impression on him that may aide women's rights if he ascends to the court. This whole story of allegations and denials must have been exceedingly impressionable. He certainly is a partisan, but I hope that once on the court, he follows the middle road much as his mentor Justice Kennedy. If so, the women have served a purpose greater than their own.
2
In the Fox interview Kavanaugh at times looked as if he were about to burst into tears. He repeated himself, sounded inauthentic and scripted. His wife looked tense and unhappy. Not the best way to convince the world of his innocence.
16
Due process... When the world says "boys will be boys" and many witnesses got blind drunk together and egged others on or stood by and watched while that happened, only to forget later - or at least forget how awful they truly were to the WOMEN in the situation - and then to say (since such behavior was generally excused) that nothing of the sort happened... And for good friends who grew up in that environment to say that they had never heard this complaint? There's no way that growing up with the "boys will be boys" attitude would make a young woman, especially one who was drunk at the time, say, 'Hey, this happened and I have lasting trauma', especially to friends who were around at the time and never asked.
Men supporting men is a given. What about women? Will we finally all vote for women's justice? For women's rights? For women's equality? Sure, we can't evaluate facts based on allegations, so let there be an FBI investigation. Let the witnesses and people involved be truthful and beholden to morals and integrity. Not like the Manaforts and Cohens of the world. If you want, let Merrick Garland be a stand-in on the Supreme Court while this investigation unfolds. Anyone who thinks that the delay of his vote was just and non-political should know where they stand in terms of this debacle: on the side of bias, not the constitution, not fairness, and nowhere near equality.
2
What a spectacle he's made of himself. Shouldn't this alone disqualify him from further consideration? Surely even Republican Senators can see how political this candidate--excuse me, nominee is, and will appreciate the importance of pausing the process to investigate him further.
11
The reference to "Renate alumni" is enough to bring him down, given its code. Who thinks you reference a single date on a yearbook page?
46
Now that we know about the Renate club, we know how much Kavanaugh is misleading everyone about what he was like in high school. He doesn't have the decency to apologize for his abhorrent behavior. Nope, he is excusing it because - as his lawyer said - Kavanaugh just wanted to be in the Renate club because he took her out once.
23
@RJ-Hopefully he'll get asked about FFFFF and what it means.
3
....And as each bogus accusation lands without merit, the left push forward another 'accuser' (ie, "pawn").
It's a waste of time and FBI resources to follow up on pure innuendo. "I can't remember, "I can't be sure" "Here are the witnesses" (all of which contradict the testimony).
Senator Feinstein had every opportunity to have this handled in an thorough manner. Rather, she played politics.
15
The issue is no longer about what's best for the Nation. No doubt Kavanaugh sees his Supreme Court appointment as his just due for having played the game and he will fight tooth and nail to reap "his" (by God) reward. A more magnanimous individual weighing the long-term health and well-being of the country, given the circumstances, would withdraw from consideration. Absolutely nobody is irreplaceable.
25
I have undoubtedly only read a very small portion of everything that’s been written on this subject, so this tidbit may have been mentioned elsewhere. And it’s just a sidebar. But Kavanaugh‘s Georgetown Prep Yearbook references his being the “Biggest Contributor“ to the “Beach Week Ralph Club.“ Not sure how obvious it is or how well known or dated the term may be, but to “ralph” is to throw up. Again, only mentioning it because I’ve not seen it elsewhere. Mark Judge’s 1997 memoir, “Wasted,” references a “Bart O’Kavanaugh” character who passes out drunk and throws up in a car. (The Bart reference is also synonymous with throwing up.) Again, it’s just a sidebar, and the Ralphing reference may be well known. But I thought I’d just toss it into the world of commentary that’s out there. Glad to add a modicum of anything that will help shed more light on Kavanaugh’s past.
25
@Robert G.-There's also the FFFFF reference in his yearbook. Unfortunately, politeness won't allow writing out the words in this national newspaper.
4
@Robert G. Good point. And another commentator reminded readers that K was a member of a secret society at Yale, so his brothers would never rat on him (to use Trump's inelegant term). He was a member also of DKE fraternity, which has had its own problems with misogyny. Much to be mulled over.
3
It's not just the Supreme Court that will matter later, but who controls and motivates the US armed forces, and to what end.
7
The GOP seems obsessed with Kavanagh being treated fairly, although fairness didn't enter their minds when Garland was nominated. How about considering the American people. More than half don't like him, his honesty has been questioned, and now at least two sexual assault allegations that the GOP refuses to investigate. How can Kavanaugh, the women, the public and the Supreme Court be treated fairly without an FBI investigation. Truly a travesty.
37
Brett Kavanaugh’s willingness to lie on national television using his wife as a prop does not depict probity, only a shameless, desperate thirst to fulfill a lifetime ambition of becoming a Supreme Court Justice.
If he were innocent, he would insist on a thorough, unhurried FBI investigation to clear his name. His resounding silence in this regard speaks volumes.
For sanctimonious hypocrites like Charles Grassley, Orrin Hatch and Mitch McConnell, incessant lying, obfuscation and betraying the public trust are acceptable behaviors in their scheme of self-aggrandizing politics where only outcomes and faithfully serving their plutocratic master donor class matter.
Political considerations for them will always take precedence over the pursuit of the truth.
In contrast, Christine Blasey Ford is an honorable, loyal, well-intended American citizen motivated only by a desire to protect the integrity of the Court.
She is a courageous, unwavering, incandescent light who in service to her country and at great personal risk dares to speak the truth to power.
I applaud her. She is a true patriot.
46
Since people appear to have made up their mind about him, one way or another, I'm not sure what is served by more of this show. Vote this week.
11
Making up one’s mind, a dynamic, complex multidimensional process, over time, is about assessing. Weighing. Considering, FACTs. Fictions. Fantasies. Fallacies. It’s kind of a bridge to...Much different that a “mindset.” Anchored. A man-made barrier of thoughts, Feelings. Certainties.Based in answers which are not to be questioned.Associated with questions which are structured so as not to actually clarify. To elucidate. To help us to move from relevant and irrelevant data to analyzed information. Levels of knowing. From which, if the necessary conditions are enabled and operating generalizable and useful understanding is derived. Created. Including much needed insights and even much rarer wisdom. What is the relevant data re the “K file?”
What do we know? What do we want to know? About...?What do we as individuals and as a country of diverse cultures and people need to know? What do we understand? That is understandable?Generalizable?What are the critical enabling conditions which will enable us to do so? What are the barriers; manmade as well as other kinds? Lots of questions. Which is what making up ones mind is all about. The quest inherent in legitimate questions is a viable, necessary pathway. Your unquestioning conclusion, garbed in certitude, perhaps as a mindset,can serve as a barrier during these conflicted times.
2
Kavanaugh is too small of a man to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States. He would do the patriotic thing to remove himself from the process but he may be blinded by ambition.
16
@M Knox
He "may be" blinded by ambition? You're very magnanimous.
1
@M Knox:
. . . "MAY be blinded by ambition" [my emphasis] is an understatement of great magnitude.
1
As a liberal, I must say that anything Mr. Avenatti says is probably self-serving nonsense. If he has a future in the Democratic Party then I do not.
15
What a farce - America is ready for a complete remake. Can't believe the political scene has sunk this deep.
27
@Jan
Yes, now Supreme Court nominees go the reality-TV route. Holmes, Brandeis et al are spinning in their graves
6
What a circus. Mitch McConnell stands up in the Senate and smears Dr. Blasey Ford, suggesting she is part of smear campaign against Judge Kavanaugh before she's even had a hearing.
And now we've got Michael Avenatti making it totally farcical with his "watch this space" showbiz tease about new allegations.
No wonder people are fed up with the current state of politics in Washington, and that Putin finds it so easy to exploit.
18
Please, Kavanaugh appearing on FOX NEWS is not an interview, nor is it a news organization. They are a propaganda mill for the the Trump fan base and Kavanaugh appearing there is a love-in. The US is in big, big trouble and the blame sits directly in the laps of apathetic and complacent voters. If you don’t think democracy can be lost in Western Nations, give your heads a shake. Wake up, get informed, understand what can be lost.
45
If Judge Kavanaugh is so committed to the law and sympathetic to women, why does he not condemn his supporters who are using federally regulated means of communications to torment and threaten the life of the woman who has (rightly or not) accused him of sexual assault? Why does he not demand that the FBI investigate and prosecute these blatant, ongoing federal crimes? What is the FBI and the Department of Justice doing about these obvious federal crimes?
7
@richard young-There's also Trump who called out a private citizen and denigrated her.
4
"Prepping," in this case, is another word for "coaching," right? Is the administration coaching the witness? Isn't that illegal?
He's a judge. Surely he has had enough experience in hearings that he knows what to do without anyone's help.
Why does he need prepping or coaching when he is so certain that he remembers everything and that he is telling the truth? All he has to do is answer the questions.
14
Regardless what "method" Kavanaugh finds agreeable, the GOP has already debased the highest court in the land.
27
@RA Hamilton
I disagree. The DNC has already debased the highest court in the land.
The weak (don't know when, don't know who, don't know where) statement, a possible false memory, by the accuser debases the process.
2
I believe Dr. Ford. I believe Trump knew the type of man he was nominating. I believe he knew something of the incident before hand and I think he believed that knowing this would give him leverage to threaten Judge Kavanaugh and so influence his decisions once confirmed, especially those involving the president himself.
I can't believe that I can write something like that and find it believable.
31
@Rodger Madison
Interesting, but probably a stretch. Trump isn't that smart.
2
@DW. No Trump is not smart but he is devious and always looking for an opportunity control, undercut, and expand his kingdom of serfs.
1
Kavanaugh using the same tactic as Trump via Roy Cohn: Never tell the truth, lie to the end, feign innocence. Let's see how gullible the American voters are at this point of overload. Hopefully, the electorate will show their savvy by demonstrating fatigue with drama and deceit.
39
he spent 4 days prepping at the White House. Do we really want him on the Supreme Court? given that this interview was probably scripted?
20
Wow! Anybody who has not seen the full interview of Kavanaugh and wife by Martha MacCullum on Fox News should tune in. Kavanaugh looks emotionally traumatized to me and is wooden, repetitive, and evasive in responding to direct questions. Can't wait to see Senator Harris destroy this guy in the hearing - and if this interview is any indication she will. This guy is so inarticulate it begs the imagination.
Am beginning to think he is a pawn in the Republican game of 'win at any cost'. Looks like Kavanaugh may have a mental breakdown over this. My guess is that if it were up to him he would withdraw.
56
I think Erin Ryan called him “Mashed Potatoes in a suit.” That is not nice and I don’t think she should’ve said it!
@Gwen Vilen
Oh no, that one will never withdraw. He will need to be pulled from the stage with a large hook, so desperate is he for the brass ring.
Presumed innocent...period.
10
It's not a trial. Use common sense. The Senate has to determine fitness. Is fitness lying about underage drinking? The year he turned 18, Maryland changed its drinking age to 21. but he said he drank legally at 18; he lied.
He joined one of the most misogynist fraternities at Yale. The New Yorker article cites many who remembered him as a mean out of control drunk certainly capable of the things described.
And what high-school kid schedules parties on a calendar? And how is it he can find a high school calendar, but can't find emails and other government documents pertinent to review for his confirmation?
With sexual assault, the silence often extends beyond the victim, to witnesses. Your irrational decision and it's logic of abandoned details only serves to terrified and threatened women from past generations into the future. But that's the point of white male privilege, isn't it? To plough through.
46
This is a job interview, not a criminal trial. The man is unfit. Period.
47
This is not a trial, it’s a job interview. He’s not “presumed “ anything. As in any job interview the burden of demonstrating that he is qualified is his.
4
Early voting has started in Wisconsin. Never has voting felt weaponized to me --- until today. I filled in each little oval on the ballot as if it were a bullet to take down the GOP. I had the GOP dinosaurs on the Senate Judiciary Committee in mind. White hot, seething rage.
73
@Blueandgreen802-I hope that Wisconsin citizens will vote, press for transparency and an auditable vote count, and do everything to protect their votes.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/10/voter-suppression-may-have-...
http://realkochfacts.com/the-koch-brothers-and-americans-for-prosperity-...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/us/wisconsin-voters.html
4
An interview on FOX is neither "submitting to" nor "remarkable." It's the go-to Republican PR machine.
58
Kavanaugh, if innocent, should tell Trump he will withdraw if there is not a full FBI investigation into this matter.
If I had been falsely accused I would want my name cleared, first.
If he is confirmed with no investigation, there will be a cloud over his head for life.
By Kavavaugh not insisting on an investigation only leads me to believe the accusations.
61
Judge Kavanaugh's weird choice of an opening statement about his daughters and coaching a girls' team seemed strange at the time. Now I am wondering if he was preparing for possible accusations from women who he most likely sexually harassed or worse in his younger years.
If these are true, and he continues to deny them, he is totally unfit for the Supreme Court. Treating women as conquests (see his yearbook posts) demonstrates he, like some other men, whether priests, movie industry moguls, or high powered businessmen, has no place to determine what women do with their bodies (Roe vs. Wade). He has demonstrated he believes they are objects to be used and not valued as equals.
74
Trump claiming that Brett Kavanaugh is "born for the Supreme Court" is chilling.
In the United States, nobody is "born" for anything, except in the minds of bigots and the entitled. Monarchies and aristocracies still exist in European countries but are largely ceremonial and held in contempt by many in those populations.
The idea that Trump is eager to push that idea here - with himself and Brett Kavanaugh as poster boys born to the manner and to hold power - further illustrates Trump's worldview that wealth and connections are everything - that everyone else is a peon, rabble and that those people need not be attended to. He can, for example, take away their healthcare because - who cares, right?
--"Oh, I have taken too little care of this."
--King Lear, Act 3, Scene 4 (King Lear upon meeting Poor Tom O'Bedlam on the heath, expressing regret for his abuse of the poor and displaced while King of the realm.)
Donald Trump is not king.
Brett Kavanaugh is not noble.
47
Dems have been desperately scouring the planet for any way to derail his nomination. If the best they can come up with is 36 year old allegations of drunken behavior while he was a minor, he’s probably a saint.
14
Jay, lots of people oppose this nomination for lots of reasons not the least of which is the judge's attitude of misogyny, surrounded by actions and a culture that demonstrates repeatedly an insensitivity to the criminal assault and abuse of women and its effects on individuals and society.
Your saying Democrats created a conspiracy is no more than the same fantasy that rapists have when they say she wanted me to do it. Both are based on the perception of anger and power, their cause and blame lacks logic. (The good doctor sent her letter to her Representive before the judges nomination!)
The real question is why would Republicans back a man so patently unfit for a lifetime appointment and why all GOP parties involved have refused to allowed the FBI to undertake fact-gathering and interviews.
22
He wasn't a minor at Yale. Just saying... and then there's the stuff starting to trickle out about the coaching female applicants were getting about how to look when then interview for an apprenticeship in his court... Wasn't a minor there.
Truth is, there were other conservative Judges that could be considered. But none that have essentially stated, as he has, that a president is above the law. People all around the President are going to jail. Sooner or later it will be him. Probably not for Russia Collaboration in the election, but on charges of money laundering, tax evasion, fraud, and campaign finance violations.
When Bannon left the Whitehouse, he said it would be the money that brings Trump down and looks like he's going to be correct. Just a matter of time, which explains this feverish race to get this nominee in, no matter what he has done.
15
Amy Chua denies the rumors that she recommended dressing in an outgoing way when interviewing with Judge Kavanaugh--just like every single person named by the accusers denied witnessing the acts they are supposed to have witnessed.
since the republicans won't allow the FBI to investigate, I guess here we are doing it in the comments of the NYT
James Roche, who was Brett Kavanaugh’s freshman year roommate at Yale, issued a statement on Deborah Ramirez’s accusations that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in college:
"Based on my time with Debbie, I believe her to be unusually honest and straightforward and I cannot imagine her making this up.
Based on my time with Brett, I believe that he and his social circle were capable of the actions that Debbie described."
78
Kavanaugh truly believes in his innocence because men like him don't understand they have even committed sexual assault because they don't view it as such. To them , they are just acting out their normal sexual aggression, frustration, or fantasy in a perfectly normal way with a consenting partner. Wrong !
In his mind I don't doubt he believes he's innocent . I really don't care how long it takes this new information to sink into his privileged brain, as long as while it's sinking in , he's not sitting on any judicial bench, let alone the Supreme Court Bench .
Plus he completely blew it for me when he appeared on FoxNews . That's like showing up at the local bar to tell all your friends you've quit drinking. Hardly credible....
70
@My 2Cents-Kavanaugh's week at the WH prepping appears to follow the Trump m.o.: profess innocence, double-down, act aggrieved, and accuse your victims of the very vile things you've done. White-male-privileged guilt "offense" in full view.
8
McConnell is unethical and his karma is catching up with him. He should resign. Merrick Garland.
57
Well I am tired. I am father of a girl. What am I to make of this. When a woman accuses someone it is a smear. There is no investigation, but the accused and his supporters are real quick to condemn that this is a smear! I am not saying Brett Kavanaugh is guilty but given that Dr. Ford has accepted to testify maybe an investigation is warranted.
Mitch McConnell has no right to say anything... he lost it when he refused to act on President Obamas nominee.
I hope both parties seriously start thinking what country they want going forward. Bitterly divided one or a country that is competing on ideas.
57
Two questions:
1) Why Fox TV?
2) How does not getting to be on the Supreme Court truly ruin a person’s life?
70
Agreed. Even Brian from CSPAN would have been a wise and more reassuring platform for the interview.
8
If he's appointed, rammed through by the Republican Senate without regard to the issues that have emerged, every decision made by the Court in which he's involved will be irrevocably tainted.
I know adolescents act in ways they would condemn as adults, and if Kavanaugh, as an adult and a judge, had confronted his troubled past and dealt with it, I would say he's put if behind him. But he hasn't confronted it: he continues to deny it, and to try to belittle and smear those who have brought it into the daylight. He and his supporters are saying his accusers are lying. What does that say about how he would act as a justice in the highest court in the land? What weight would he give to witness testimony in cases where he has strong opinions on one side or the other?
As I say, irrevocably tainted.
25
Once this allegedly “fine man” attacked and acted-out upon girls and women, he lost his chance to sit on the SUPREME Court.
Many of us did something thing along the way which would disqualify us from sitting on the highest bench. That is why is has been reserved for those qualified, not disqualified.
The old Peter Principle kicks in - Brett may have been marginally manipulated into a lower court, but his is unfit for SCOTUS duty.
32
Judge Kavanaugh is not denying the reports that he was consistently breaking the underage drinking laws while in high school and does not express any regret for this illegal behavior. A fine supreme court nominee indeed.
40
Brett Kavanaugh and his wife did the 'stand by your man' interview with Fox "News".
I seem to remember Bill and Hillary Clinton doing something similar before the 1992 election.
And of course, everyone who refused to believe a word of Clinton's interview is eagerly accepting and believing every word Kavanaugh says. Of course.
Well, we know what happened to the Clintons... and how much truth there was there. I wonder how much truth there was to Kavanaugh's interview. He 'was a virgin' all through high school and beyond... even at college, despite the most recent allegation. Oh, I completely believe all that, just like I believe Bill Clinton was, is, and has always been a fully faithful husband.
I doubt the interview will change any minds... it would be more interesting if it was a statement under oath. Not that that would stop anyone from prevaricating - even if impeachment was one possible outcome.
Were Kavanaugh truly honorable he would say that he doesn't remember any incidents, but that he welcomes and demands a thorough investigation to settle the matter, and that he will abide by the outcome of that investigation. And threaten to withdraw if the investigation is not done. Invite the FBI in, search out and question all possible witnesses under oath, and publicly reveal all the evidence whatever is found... only by this will Kavanaugh escape the lifelong cloud that hangs over Clarence Thomas. The Court doesn't need another compromised Justice, with two already.
14
My husband asked an interesting question. Has anyone verified that Dr. Ford has left for Washington? Assuming she will testify on Thursday and will not fly to Washington, then she should be on the road. A quick calculation by Google says it takes about 42 hours or about 5 days at about 8 hours a day. Assuming she wants to get there by Wednesday night, she should have left last Saturday. Even if she drives about 10 hours a day, she should have left by Sunday morning.
5
@Nana: Can you not accord Dr. Blasey Ford even the privacy of choosing when and how to travel? Can you now understand her reluctance to come forward?
1
She has said she won't fly. That leaves car, train or bus. The train might be quicker but all would take a very long time. I have to assume any more negotiation is happening while she travels. Of course she should be protected along the way. We were pointing out that this large time commitment to getting there complicates things . Are her lawyers traveling with her? She would have to leave before things were completely settled.
I watched the interview with Judge Kavanaugh and his wife tonight.
Last week, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono (D) said that Brett Kavanaugh doesn't deserve Presumption of Innocence because his conservative views conflict with hers. She also said that "the men of this country (should) just shut up and step up." Rhetorically, she wants to turn the tables on history. That's not possible.
More realistically, men and women must continue to converse. During my lifetime, great progress has been made with issues involving feminism, race, and gender, issues that have dogged this country since its formation.
RvW and Trump are today's sticking points. However, it's a mistake to lay the blame at the feet of Judge Kavanaugh, just because he is male and conservative. Women expect to be treated equal to men, but some of the tactics being used to get there are just wrong. I don't believe that anyone can rationalize away the destruction of a good man and his beautiful family as collateral damage.
12
And that right there is why victims of such acts against them do not come forward. Or if they do, years and years later.
"How dare they say such things about our priest/pastor/wife's boyfriend/step father/ teacher/ uncle/ etc etc etc. They are such a good man. They should be ashamed for lying about it and trying to destroy their good family."
Absolutely pathetic and abhorrent. I suppose you claim to be a Christian as well. I am and I don't need to drink Faux New's coolaid to be one either. Treating these women poorly, dismissing them as liars with no investigation, and siding with a potential abuser makes us Christians look terrible. How would Jesus treat these women?
These women have every right to be heard. They themselves have nothing to gain other than death threats. More and more evidence of his drunken behavior keeps coming out, and the circumstances with the cumulative effect of everything, make their claims believable.
If he had nothing to fear, he would demand an FBI investigation. I know I would, but then again I've never treated women with anything other than respect. Most likely if the FBI starts looking they will find more victims, which is why the Reps refuse to involve them. Where there's lots of smoke, there's usually fire.
4
How can we possibly understand this as "ruining his life"? He has a lifetime appointment to the Circuit Court of Appeals. Is this what passes as destruction to the GOP members of the judiciary committee?
57
As a rally speaker said today on the Supreme Court steps, this is not punishment, this is a consequence of his own actions and reports.
Whatever happens, his hurdle of recovery will not be as high as it is for women who are assaulted and abused. I also urge everyone to read the primary sources, the doctor's original letter, the letters between her attorneys and the committee, the New Yorker article, among others. they will deepen your understanding of the issues, especially his attitudes toward women and the Republican approach to his nomination.
13
Quoting from the article;
"He pledged to “defend my integrity, my lifelong record,” and told his interviewer, Martha MacCallum, that he “did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter.”"
Being a virgin is no defense against a claim of attempted rape, and additionally could be a motive.
Judge Kavanaugh is putting his reputation far above that of the dignified Supreme Court and harming the civility of future formal and informal deliberations in the court with inevitable mindful remembrance of these allegations, true or false, in the Justice's minds. How could a court with Kavanaugh civilly deliberate over matters involving half the nation made up of women and their rights?
The mere fact that Judge Kavanaugh appeared on a clearly partisan Television network demonstrates his extreme
partisanship that will taint the court with extreme political overtones and stress for all there.
Regardless of the claims of innocence, Judge Kavanaugh should recognize how his presence will harm the court and simply have his hearing in which he claims to have been maligned, to satisfy he and his followers, but resign the nomination in a dignified show of respect for the Supreme Court and all America thinks of it.
16
Love it. Even his being a virgin counts as evidence of his guilt. This is the logic of our time!? We are mad. We have lost it. Or we are lying to ourselves.
1
Th words that Kavanaugh has spoken in these past few days give me the impression that he feels a seat on the Supreme Court is due him - that he should be granted it because of who he is. Apparently he does not realize that that seat is a privilege given by this democracy and conveys a responsibility to this democracy.
43
Judge Kavanaugh was appealing to a partisan segment of the public by appearing on FOX. His exceptional partisanship along with Trump's and McConnell's means that Kavanaugh will not serve the interests of all Americans and should resign his appointment.
33
Judge Kavanaugh sounds a lot like the high school boy who thought disrespecting his female classmates was cool because he respected and followed the status quo of his male peers. Never, ever is this behavior acceptable from any young male. And yet he lacks any remorse nor regret but denies and excuses his behavior. So unfortunate this man was not vetted properly. The only good that can come of this is communication among middle school and high school students and their parents on what is acceptable,unacceptable and never ever backing down from a gang of abusive teens.
31
Much commentary I've read about Judge Kavanaugh in the context of these allegations is that they automatically disqualify him from the lofty position of a Supreme Court Justice. I do not know what the truth is. But even if we were to assume that the allegations were true, from a time period of 36 years ago when he was a minor, does this truly preclude him from consideration as a SCOTUS appointee? Are we at a stage in society where we do not truly forgive a youthful transgression, even a serious one, as alleged? The discussion in this country now is towards significant criminal justice reform, especially as it impacts young men of color, particularly black men, for offenses ranging from drug offenses to violent acts. Do we tell all these young men that no matter how much they think they will be forgiven and provided a chance to redeem their lives, that ultimately there is a limit to what they can achieve through good works and an honest life? I hope they (or Judge Kavanaugh) are not forced to wear an albatross around their necks for their entire lives. "'There was a ship,' quoth he." Coleridge spoke of redemption and forgiveness. If Kavanaugh has led a good life from that point decades ago, and not "strayed from the path that does not stray," who are we to say he can only go so far and achieve only so much? He has led an exemplary life after his high school and college days. That speaks volumes to me of his present character and qualification to be a justice on SCOTUS.
6
@David
He has not led an "exemplary life". He has led a life in service of powerful men and proved his willingness to lie for them.
He was not truthful during the hearings and has not been truthful about his behavior in high school.
12
He needed to acknowledge his mistake and apologize. But I suspect he is a serial
abuser and a man of impure character. As is said, it'll all come out in the wash. The guilty always deny till checkmated as the facts roll in.
1
@David
On top of his squirming through much of hearing he then turned his back on the Parkland father whose child was killed and refused to shake the father's out stretched hand. That one moment revealed the lack of integrity in this person.
1
If the Republicans cave in to the bullying by the Democrats, they will get more bullying in the future.
Hopefully the bullying Democrats will suffer massive defeats this November.
12
Merrick Garland - enough said.
42
Who said plow through?
10
@George Orwell
It isn't "caving" to anything. No bullying.
Ford came forward and stated that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in the past. This isn't politics. Keep your eyes on the facts.
1
Minnesota has made a law that employees can't ask about former felonies as it often keeps those who have served their time from getting a job. The crimes can be serious, so why is that alright, when it isn't alright to ask about, or investigate those who are being screened for political appointments? Most states are leaning towards ban the box laws. In the state of Minnesota, there have been serious sexual assaults of vulnerable seniors for decades in nursing homes, and it wasn't reported to the police. What is going on in that we allow and absolve this horrific behavior on vulnerable adults or even children, by former or current criminals, but want to lay decades old high school behavior on those who might run for office or be appointed? We have a very ignorant and political country, not consistent in any truths it seems to be. We shouldn't be political, or make different laws for different classes, genders, races, or religions, when it comes to sexual assault at all. Basically, it now boils down to being in the right political party. If you have a horrific sexual past as a Democrat as Bill Clinton did, you get voted in anyways, and if you have a horrific sexual past as a Republican, you get voted in anyways as Donald Trump did. I guess in the end, it is a man's world, and women still don't know it, or care if they vote for men who have any sexual past, which includes predatory behavior.
9
Mr. Kavanaugh,
Your "alleged" behaviour that is being discovered on a day-by-day basis reminds me of the speech by Churchill:
"we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..."
Except in your case it would be interpreted to read:
We shall search your past out in the gutters, in your yearbooks, in your community, and in your schools. We shall leave no stone unturned, until we get to the truth, the whole truth, and not the Republican truth. When we do find out what you have this, "this will have been our finest hour"!
8
What's interesting in the Fox and should give anyone pause is that Kavanaugh denies the allegations in a way that actually sets a higher standard of conduct than the allegations call for.
(1) Not only did I not do these things, I was a virgin. (Bold claim, seeing as it would be very possible--in the current climate--for virtually any woman who knew him in HS or college to come forward and say, "He's lying, we had sex," even if they didn't.)
(2) I drank but I was never blackout drunk. (No room for the "it's possible some other version of myself could've done this under the influence of alcohol and not remembered it" defense.)
3
“I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process.”
This statement alone is so deeply problematic and ignorant that anyone who reads it should question his fitness for the role.
38
By appearing on Fox News, Kavanaugh has just proven he is nothing more than a political hack. His desire to be on SCOTUS overrides his sense of justice and if confirmed, he will forever taint, to a higher degree than now, the politicization of SCOTUS. If he wanted to talk with the press, he should have held a news conference, not appear on a partisan network with his red cheeks blazing.
20
Being prep by Republican Operatives, sounds sinister.
Put him and everyone involved in this case "under oath"
5
I just read an article front page of the Guardian in which Attorney Michael Avenatti has contacted the Judiciary Committee with a third woman who is going to allege that Kavanaugh and Judge were in the habit of targeting women with drink and drugs to rape them among other things.
Now the assertion about not ever having had sex until well after HS on that Fox appearance makes sense. he knew tis was coming just like they all knew Ms Blasey and Ms Ramirez was coming long before we did.
10
No measure of gentlemanly decency for this man. How many of his school friends? acquaintances have now hired lawyers. How many has he humiliated with his little scribbles. What quality will his presence on the court bring to it. He is a person with a naughty mind.
14
Gosh, "a Democratic smear campaign" must really rankle poor Brett Kavanaugh yet at the same time be somewhat familiar. His trajectory as a poster boy for priveliged white male is dotted with episodes not unlike what is happening to him as he seeks one of the most powerful positions in the United States. From his squad of his country club high school drinking buddies, to the brotherhood of the Bush fraternity, to clerking for accused groper Kosinski, to being a hound dog for Ken Starr to then becoming a US Circuit Judge appointed by his fraternity brother! Wow, the benefits of belonging to a club! As a judge he has taken positions against the Affordable Care Act, defended Exxon for abusing workers rights in Indonesia, defended the meatpacking assoc. for suspect packaging etc. The women who have come forward to challenge Brett's qualifications to judge others have stepped into the lion's den of "brotherhood" and I applaud them.
32
We made a serious mistake in allowing the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, and Brett Kavanaugh is bearing the brunt of our anger at the Senate's failure to do a thorough inquiry when charges were brought against Thomas.
This time the accusations against Judge Kavanaugh will be investigated or the American people will respond at the polls this November in a way the Republicans will not easily forget.
11
I attended an Episcopal prep school like this in eastern Virginia. That photo of the football team made me squirm. WYSIWYG.
5
I watched what Mitch had to say. I'll even accept that Mitch the traitor is accurately describing what women have been saying about him and are accurately describing his behavior when not drunk.
What does that have to do with actions he took when really drunk in high school and university? Nothing. Unless of course, there are people who will come forward and say that when K gets really drunk, he gets quiet and curls up in a corner.
I accept that K's behavior when not drunk or not trying to get others drunk (females) was within the acceptable standard of the men of the time and even those of privilege.
The issue is that we need an investigation of how K acted at the time when drunk and if he acted inappropriately , even for that time and privilege, whether he stopped getting drunk.
All the evidence we have so far, even without an investigation and even ignoring what Ford or Ramirez have to say is that he was a nasty drunk and kept getting drunk even though he was a nasty drunk. If for nothing else, K. is disqualified because as an adult, he wasn't able to change his behavior so that he act civilized.
1
Are there no Democrats left with any scruples? Is the gutter really where the Senate Democratic leadership want to lead our country?
Sadly, the answer seems self-evident.
9
We know for sure he is finished because 1/he is a total liar and 2/ Nixon said he was not a crook. One more thing, an employee may not get a job or get fired for almost anything - sexual orientation, a drinking problem, political views, debts, boss does not like them, etc. without any proof. A lifetime appointment to the court should have a much more stringent standard so even the hint of malfeasance should be sufficient to keep him off the bench.
27
Dear Judge Kavanaugh,
If the allegations against you are true, then there is no smear and the destroyer of your good name would be none other than you. If they are false, thank you in advance for heeding calls to explain your resistance to an investigation.
If the allegations are true, their late-breaking nature is beside the point, as are questions of motive. A Supreme Court nomination quite obviously demands consideration of all known facts, no matter how inconveniently timed their revelation and no matter how much you may question your accusers' motives. Timing and motive are merely side issues, deflecting attention from the only pertinent one: whether you are worthy of a seat on the Supreme Court.
Finally, though your relative youth at the moments in question might be mitigating in other job settings, the one at hand is the Supreme Court (enough said).
Sincerely,
Barbara Ginsberg
13
The American people deserve better than this.
It is absolutely true that everyone needs to be treated fairly, including Kavanaugh. Memories fade become distorted with time. The women coming forward have absolutely nothing to gain by coming forward, and have a whole lot to lose. Lying in their situation would be stupid. Kavanaugh, on the other hand, has a lot to gain from lying and very little to lose. As more information come forward, the allegations against Kavanaugh appear consistent with the atmosphere that he was undoubtedly a part of. Did he get caught up in the party lifestyle and make some bad decisions ? Probably yes. But, that is not an excuse for poor decisions and abhorrent behavior. Kavanaugh deserves due diligence in the investigation of this case, as do his accusers. A rushed nomination to serve Trump and his cronies in not in the best interest of anyone involved, including the American people.
18
Yale Law schooler here. So distressed over my school's backing of Kavanaugh and my mentor -- Akhil Reed Amar -- backing of this man.
Our common enemy in judicial matters is the Federalist Society. They have a revolting agenda and Putin-like power over all three of the branches of our government.
No one need to look any further for a "Deep State" in America than the Federalist Society.
16
Does reporting of fact count as a smear?
Let the accuser(s) come forth, be heard and the Senate decide.
Chances are that they really don't care about anything more than appointing another GOP nominee at this point.
Those who care have no power in this case.
For Trump this is just a joke.
5
All of these categorical denials of responsibility from Kavauagh might stem from the fact that he was indeed extremely drunk and did not remember his illegal conduct from the night before. His inability to remember does not get him off the hook.
8
Brett Kavanaugh has Donald Trump (and Donald Trump Jr.) attesting to his character. Think about that for a second.
44
And over 200 women who have worked with him, known him for many years, and who are completely ignored by the press. The press that finds teenage Yearbook bragging about a date more important than the testimony of hundreds of women.
3
Let's all remember that the reason Trump wants this guy in there is because he'll keep him from being indicted or subpoenaed. It's sheer corruption at the highest level of government while the Republican toadies look on.
22
Gee, If everyone was held accountable for what they did at a frat party, no one would be elected.
6
"if everyone was held responsible for sexual assault they attempted at frat parties, no frat boy attempted rapists would ever make it to office" seems like a pretty fair outcome to me.
3
I believe Christine, as do all the other women who endured "boys will be boys" assaults in their youth and chose to keep quiet. Kavanaugh has been groomed by conservative handlers for this moment his entire career. A man who blithely misused women in his youth doesn't truly change his spots. He wants this seat with as much blind greed as he had for women back then, and he'll lie to get it. Whatever it takes. This will get even uglier. I only hope that if he gets appointed this will be the permanent stain on his legacy. A spoiled, frat boy abusing drunk. Like Clarence Thomas, he'll never be truly respected.
21
It would be reasonable to believe Kavanaugh’s claim to have remained a virgin throughout prep school and college considering the effects of his alcohol consumption that he also claims.
16
The president says of Dr. Blasey, “I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with Local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents. I ask that she bring those filings forward so that we can learn date, time, and place!” He is old enough to have been aware of the tenor of the times then; that women had to put up with all kinds of humiliation and abuse with little recourse to justice.
Working for a major oil company in my late teens, I was sexually assaulted by the doctor during the pre-employment physical. I had never had a gynaecological exam nor been intimate with anyone. My best friend explained it to me after. It never occurred to me to tell my parents, it would have been his word against mine; he was a professional, I but a teenager. Working in a totally male environment I experienced all kinds of humiliating things; what I recall most was the man who would follow me constantly and pinch my behind. When I complained to my manager I was told it was best to avoid him, nothing was said to the man.
I laud Dr. Blasey for coming forward. When she saw her abuser about to climb to the height of the American judiciary she could no longer keep quiet as we did all those years ago. Luckily the world has changed and there are avenues women and men can pursue to see justice done. Now another brave woman has come forward. Judge Kavanaugh should withdraw from consideration.
9
The republicans have politicized the Supreme Court. the GOP act all victimized. This is your mess.
You picked a flawed right wing conservative and tried to rush him through. Purposefully withheld important information.
The Supreme Court Justice should be selected by both parties. This would properly represent the country. America is primarily centrist. Sometimes it leans right sometimes left.
When Mitch and his extremist did away with the filibuster they picked judges on only party lines. Let’s bring back bipartisan selection.
Kavanaugh is unfit for the SCOTUS.
14
You would think the Trump administration would want to make the smallest impact possible considering it is already on shaky grounds. The fact that the SCOTUS pick was an alleged sex offender without them knowing, or, that they did know and continued with the process, goes to show that the White House staff and the president have completely lost their grasp on almost every aspect of their administration.
12
@Jacob. Of course they didn’t know. They don’t know anything.
I wonder if there are allegations of abuse to men such as hazing in which the honorable Judge Kavanagh was implicated. This is more about power relationships than sexuaity. Is there anyone who believes Kavanagh is telling the truth?
9
Kavanaugh's response: "If such a thing had happened, it would’ve been the talk of campus.” That is exactly what happened at Yale. It was a guy who heard about what happened the day after the party, and then this last July emailed his Yale friends who also heard about what happened at that party years ago. Those emails were given to the New Yorker reporters.
Mark Judge's ex-girlfriend has said that Judge told her about an incident where he and his friends raped a girl that was drunk. Just because the girl doesn't remember the assaults, or hasn't come forward yet, doesn't mean the crime didn't happen.
Do we expect Kavanaugh or Judge to admit to any of their crimes?
Dr. Ford has taken a lie detector test administered by the FBI in August. In 2012, she told her therapist and husband about the sexual assault by Kavanaugh. She has named Judge as a witness. Judge should be subpoenaed and made to testify under oath. His book 'Wasted' should be entered into the record, along with his girlfriend's statement that Judge and his friends gang-raped a girl who was drunk.
If Kavanaugh were honest he would request an investigation by an independent body. Instead his response is to deny, deny, deny. At one point he even tried to stick the blame on another guy.
Kavanaugh seems like a guy who under the influence of alcohol would do anything, including gang-rape, if egged on by his friends, and would say anything to save his own neck. He's simply not fit for the Supreme Court.
22
"'I want to make it perfectly clear, Mr. President: Judge Kavanaugh will be voted on here on the Senate floor,' Mr. McConnell said."
In other words: The hearing with Prof. Ford is a farce, a lie. Otherwise there would be a recognition that the Judiciary Committee, which will hear her testimony, might decide not to send the Kavanaugh nomination to the full chamber. Or is the chairman of the Judiciary Committee expected to do the Senate Leader's bidding, without independent thought? (Answer: Yes.)
By being so brazen about it, Mr. McConnell is betting that most Americans want government to be run that way. If so, I wonder if he'll bother to hold a funeral for checks and balances on November 7.
9
How berserk would conservatives have been during the election had it been discovered Obama behaved this way?
26
I think the two women who have accused Kavanaugh are mentally ill, highly neurotic, or delusional, and that those who simply say they "believe" them are misguided by nothing more concrete than outcome-determinative faith. I say this as an anti-Trumpist, who is politically centrist. Sadly, I think there will be a huge political backlash, in favor of Trump and the Republican party, as a result of excessive and irrational opposition to Kavanaugh.
9
During their nomination and subsequent candidacy, were the current and past members of the Supreme Court ever asked when did they lose their virginity. Or what was their sexual experience and behavior in their adolescence? Are we really having this conversation in the public square? Have we become so sick and perverse that such matters are relevant in determining the competency of a Supreme Court candidate?
12
You are referring to questions asked by Fox not by the senate. I don't care about Kavanaugh's virginity or how long it lasted. However, I do care if he has a history of drinking, along with attacking and degrading women.
14
It would be at least a starting point if we could get one corroborated allegation. Every witness that has been mentioned by an accuser has denied that these acts ever took place.
Good to know that Judge Brett had a sit-down with Fox News. Taking softball questions from that particular kind of reality journalist is what I want out of a Supreme Court justice. Go on PBS or NPR and field some real questions. Act like you want the job. Act like you want to serve the American people.
15
There are so many emotionally-loaded opinion, which make me nauseous.
"I believe her", "empowered by her", "he's reputation/credibility etc are gone".
wut?
some are even said the burden of proofs is on Kavannaugh's?
I pity this man, not confirmed is a thing, but ruined personal and professional lifes because of this unproven allegation from decades ago, is another thing--more devastating.
11
Kavanaugh has undergone six FBI deep dive investigations. I have been interviewed by the FBI regarding security clearances for former colleagues. To note that the agency is thorough and incisive is beyond reproach. The questions presented to me in those interviews were pointed, incisive and designed to uncover potential malfeasance. I was a tangential person in each context. I cannot conceive that an additional FBI investigation would illuminate more than has been exposed.
13
Assumes that there are no new allegations comprising “evidence” in need of verification or falsification.
4
@Bobby Gladd. The manner in which the FBI vets people is extensive. I was horrified by the FBI agent who interrogated me (and it was an interrogation) about a person of, in my experience, outstanding character. Have you ever seen this person drink alcohol? How much? At this or that event, did the person drink? Did you see it? Do you know whether they did or did not have a drink? Given my experience, I cannot conceive that if Kavanaugh had a drinking issue, it would not have arisen much earlier.
Given that all the witnesses to the alleged acts that have been named by the accusers have denied that the acts ever took place, and that K has been investigated to the bone by the FBI already, it's a bit hard for the agency to go forward in anything like an ordinary way. They would be stepping on the same stones.
Kavanaugh reminds me of the soft rich boys I encountered for the first time as a lower middle-class lad at Stanford. Programmed from toddlerhood to do the right things to rise and succeed in society. These clueless guys fascinated me, because they were utterly secure in the knowledge that life would treat them well, that it had all been arranged. But there comes a time when some of those who know the likes of him say "No, not this time." That time has come.
78
@Mark Hugh Miller
In other words, you believe that all rich people accused of a crime must be guilty. That is some very poor reasoning. How did you even get into Stanford?
6
@GMooG, you read, but you do not understand, because you're already in a defensive crouch. I know a lot of rich people. Few of them are guilty of anything, save scant sense of their privilege.
1
Usually when someone vows they will not withdraw, that means they'll withdraw within about 36 hours.
27