The confederacy of McConnell marches on. Made up on Biden Rules and Grassley's fictitious Executive Rule of this hearing, the confederate mob that live within loopholes are not representatives of our republic. They continually cite what their idea of "founding fathers" and "framers" of the Constitution as if they knew them and what they wanted. Anyone who believes these charlatans and snake oil salesman ignore the migration within the citizenry due to Katrina, Maria and Harvey. Those that follow the confederacy ignore the funds transferred from FEMA recently to ICE which will directly influence the Carolinas. This action happens without public notice and is a confederate movement of our funds.
Kavanaugh is a confederate. The senate hearing surrounding which Grassley deems "not of executive order" proves its illegitimacy. These are methods of a state within a state outside of answerable rule of representation.
7
I thought the U.S. had a 2-party system with the possibility of compromise. When did we become a dictatorship?
We are talking about a life time appointment to the US Supreme Court - and about a nominee whose well known history includes: 1. Speeches about attending drunken parties at Yale; 2. Huge gambling debts with no explanation of how they were repaid; 3. Public opinions that a president can't be held accountable for criminal behavior while in office, after finding no problem investigating Bill Clinton for a consensual affair and reopening an investigation into the suicide of Mr. Foster; 4. Attempting to block a minor from having a legal abortion in direct conflict with existing Supreme Court law on the subject. That is not enough to kill this nomination? The assault claim is but icing on this cake.
17
Is there really no on out there, other than Dr. Baisley, who remembers this party?
Frankly, it concerns me that Dr. Blaisey hasn't identified any other person who was present at this party, or who might have been present, nor has any such person stepped forward on his or her own.
Probably we'll never know more about the "bedroom" allegations, but we can and should know more about the party. She doesn't remember where it was, or how she got there or got home, but she probably does remember being there with others -- friends, for example. If she doesn't remember names, does she at least have any "possible attendees" she could identify to the FBI, or the Senate Judiciary Committee? If she now draws a total blank on who was there, should she at least hand a yearbook to the FBI, or the Senate Judiciary Committee, and tell them to just call everyone pictured there? If so, is there no one she'd exclude from the list of "possible attendees"?
I don't expect Dr. Blaisey to come up with physical evidence 36 years after the fact, but she should at least be able to point investigators toward someone else who was or might have been there. Absent that, it's a "he said/she said" case, and so credibility is all we've got to assess. If she refuses even to show up, she's denying us all a right even to assess her credibility.
Shouldn't WE be the ones to decide who's credible? Or should Dr. Blaisey simply tell us she's credible and Kavanaugh is not?
7
Dr. Blasey-Ford is going about this the wrong way. Even though the alleged crime against her was a disgusting trespass, it is not a federal crime so to involve the FBI is inappropriate. If I were her, I would avoid a congressional hearing at all costs . The Republicans will do everything in their power to eviscerate her. If she wants America to know what happened to her, I think she should go on one or more of the network news magazine shows and tell her story to the electorate. I can’t imagine any of them refusing her.
This is so blatantly a last ditch effort by the Democrats to try and put off the confirmation vote until after the midterm elections. They desperately hope (in vain) that they will pick up enough seats to change the decision
We, the people who still use our intellect instead of our twisted emotions to make decisions, are fed up with the immature and basically, evil actions of the Democrats.
The FBI is not needed on a he-said, she-said allegation that some woman came out of left field with on something that happened over thirty years ago. That anyone would give credence to such an obvious sham is a sign of complete idocy.
17
Here's how we know that Kavanaugh is lying:
He claims not only that it didn't happen but that he wasn't even at the party. However, Dr. Blasey never said where or when the party took place, so how can Kavanaugh know he wasn't there?
Kavanaugh's buddy, Mark Judge, has written about multiple drinking parties that they both attended. Again, how can Kavanaugh say that he wasn't at this particular one?
If Dr. Blasey is interrogated by the Republicans, I hope that she will keep reminding them that an FBI investigation would answer some of the questions they're asking.
Republicans were fine with keeping a Supreme Court seat open for eight months while they waited for Putin to get Trump into the White House.
10
Perhaps the likes of Grassley and McConnell should be charged with intimidating a potential witness? That's still a crime, isn't it?
4
This is the step that marks all of this a ploy. Delay is the name of the game and the Democrats have found a pliant teammate in this woman.
10
This cockamamie story is starting to unravel.
What the FBI should investigate is role of Senator Feinstein and her office in what is starting to look like an orchestrated, desperate smear campaign. Any person in Feinstein's office who has touched this matter should be compelled to testify.
If Dr. Ford wished to remain anonymous, why was her story leaked to the press? Who leaked it and why? If she intended to remain anonymous, then why did she take a polygraph test in August? Who suggested this and why? Who paid for it?
And let's let this be the last anonymous accusation to Congress. A Senate confirmation process should not be a forum for anonymous character assassination. Future accusers should be told they must be willing to make public testimony or they should keep their accusations to themselves.
12
How interesting to hear Republicans claim that Dr. Ford's recollection must be faulty, or a case of mistaken identity. There seems to be an awful lot of failing memory taking place these days, especially among Republicans. Think back (if your own memory isn't failing) over the countless times that we have heard White House advisers, nominees, and the usual crowd of Republican congressional figures claim that they "have no recollection" of a given event.
7
Should be a simple matter of procedure for the FBI. The original background check was incomplete. Now go back and finish the job. Why are the R's so afraid of information?
6
The right and correct thing to do would be for the FBI to do a preliminary investigation so that Dr. Blasey does not have to suffer through spurious and distorted accusations by the committee's male members. By denying her that right they obviously see this as an opportunity to railroad the nomination through. Another despicable decision by a political party that has made twisting the truth and engaging in outright lies a way of furthering their political agenda rather make decisions that put the good of the country first. This is the Supreme Court, for heaven's sake! Take those flag pins off your jackets Republicans.
2
I thought that he was a devote and exemplary man.
That starts from day 0 and not after you finish higher education
Seems like, based on his own words, alcohol and party and doing whatever you want was fine and it’s fine now. “ What happens there stays there “????
Agree with Senator Warren: not the message I want for my kids.
He’s not what he says. Maybe a better man now but with a turbulent past history with party alcohol and maybe gambling
Not to the standards for the higher court
Maybe good enough for DT but not for me
Can anybody in the media put together a recount of all the stuff that has emerged over the past weeks so we know exactly what he did so we do t get another C Thomas ? Please?
5
It never fails: Trump manages to turn this whole episode into a personal attack on him. Why did the Dems hold this information about Dr. Ford til now? It's called strategy. The R's have insisted on ram jamming this highly unqualified individual's appointment to the highest court in the land. I say, the Dems are obliged to delay and potentially derail this candidate. They are not obliged to help the R's to save face.
9
The crime of being a teenager. It’s about time that was officially put on the books.
5
I'll bet that trump and republicans really don't want to know the facts on this one nor do they care about the truth.
8
“Not at the party.” Come on. A woman doesn’t forget the face of the boy who jumped her, groped her, and assaulted her. The event deserves an investigation. Mark Judge should be ashamed at his cowardice. Orrin Hatch himself is “mixed up” if that is his opinion of how a Supreme Court Justice hearing should be conducted.
1
This whole issue got easier to resolve two days ago, when Sen. Hatch said that Judge Kavanaugh told him that he, Kavanaugh, wasn't at the party where the alleged assault took place. Perfect. Now, there doesn't have to be a swearing match between two drunks; if Kavanaugh was at the party, he lied to Sen. Hatch. If he wasn't, then Dr. Ford "misremembered" who tried to get into her bathing suit. What do the other people who were at the party remember? (Mark Judge doesn't count)
1
As the alleged sexual assault took place in Maryland and as this state is reported to have no statute of limitations on sexual assault, why isn't Dr. Ford insisting that Maryland's law enforcement agencies investigate? Is sexual assault a Federal crime?
10
They say that Americans are incapable of recognizing irony.
How ironic it is therefore that this woman has chosen the year "1984" as the year of her, unmentioned, uncorroborated, unsure of even the time or the place details crime.
She demands a hearing, but upon learning that she will be asked to make her accusations under oath, she suddenly coyly demurs and demands preconditions and a delay of indefinite term.
Her handlers then label as "misogynist," anyone who declines to participate with sufficient enthusiasm, in the nationally televised, endless loop of the "two minutes of hate." Kavanaugh condemned to play the dual role of Goldstein and now, Winston Smith!
We live in a nation where declaring one's innocence is now PROOF POSITIVE of guilt? The question now becomes, "Is that the new standard by which each of us are willing to be judged -- personally, that is?" Do not boor me with claims that there is some unique circumstance here that allows you to ignore the sacred "innocent until proven guilty" standard in cases where it is someone whose views you disagree. If you demand exceptions for your enemies, the standard is absolutely meaningless.
Leftists now decree with neither shame nor embarrassment, that "innocent until proven guilty" will now join "freedom of speech", as conditional rights.
11
Unfortunately if the FBI reopens the investigation into Kavanaugh the President will probably fire the Director. Then it's time to take to the streets by the millions and bring his whole presidency down.
1
Mitch McConnell told Mario Kart not to nominate Kavano. But the Unindicted Coconspirator wanted a judge who would rule him above the law when the inevitable happens and he is either subpoenaed or indicted.
Now we know at least part of why McConnell said Perjury Brett was a bad idea. Aside from his lying under oath to the Judiciary Committee on multiple occasions, his vile lies about Vince Foster, his rampant drunkenness, his unexplainable disappearing credit card and gambling debts, his support for torture, and his extremist fringe rulings regarding women's rights and corporate oligarchies, Republicans also knew he was a sex offender.
How else to explain them having a list of 65 women who said Brett did not molest them? A thinly sourced list, like everything Republicans do, since 63 of those women have subsequently withdrawn their names, but the very existence of that list says they knew and were rushing this nomination because they know it will be almost impossible to get him off the court regardless of how many sex crimes he has committed.
18
Reality check is it me or are we all being smoked by what she said or he said . Mean while our government continues to waste trillions on imports for government use further exporting jobs pay living wage. We live in great age of deseption where truth is rarely seen. Our for fathers an for mothers didnt want a free for all they wanted people to be free from deseption. Does any one know what freedom mean any more?
The stakes are very high for this supreme court pick. That is why the country deserves a reasonable amount of due diligence with regard the Ford's claim and Kavanaugh's denial. We don't need to prove the allegation. That can't happen anyway. But if someone that was at the party on the night in question and can put both of these people at the party as well, then that's enough for me to conclude that Ford is credible. Remember, he said he was never even at a party with her. If the judiciary committee lacks the guts to conduct a proper due diligence, then along with being cowards they are also merely political hacks. A disgrace to their offices. Remember also, we are also talking about a nominee that has been credibly accused of lying to the senate in previous confirmation hearings and whose recent confirmation hearing was chock full of non-answer answers and much evasiveness. Not really SCOTUS material even without the deviant teenage behavior being alleged.
5
Dr. Blasey's is a mere tool used by the Resistance to delay the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh. Senator Feinstein chose to disclose this information at the 11th-hour in the process as a political stunt to delay the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh.
Yesterday morning the attorney for Dr. Blasey confidently stated the she would testify, by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), the goalpost was moved to require an FBI investigation prior to her testimony. This new requirement can only be observed as a political move.
The voters already concluded this is a political hit-piece.
Let's compare and contrast, if this was about sexual assaults against women, why isn't the same level of news coverage has been given to sexual assault allegations against Keith Ellison? The recently elected Attorney General for the State of Minessotta?
11
The problem is simply partisan politics. This is the scotus not the rcotus or dcotus. Surly there is someone who servers the country and not party. It’s the swamp ppl of congress who keep this nation torn apart. Vote them all out!
1
This is starting to resemble a Shakespearean tragedy. On the one hand you have a man who has clearly spent his entire adult life working toward his dream of sitting on the Supreme Court for the rest of his life. Then; just as the dream is within his grasp; comes a highly credible woman who accuses him of a hideous crime from his days in an all boys prep school as a teenager. Suddenly; instead of basking in the limelight and achieving his dream; everything fades to black. Is he the Boy Scout that was a slam dunk for the G.O.P.; or a molester who should have been facing criminal charges if his alleged victim were not so traumatized would surely have gone to the police. Where; oh where; does the Truth lie? I suspect that as usual; the world will never know the whole story. Especially with the high stakes political poker game going on over the future of SCOTUS. In my mind there is no way Christine Ford would have come forward if their was not some element of truth to her story. Who in their right mind would face death threats to her; and the trauma to her entire family; if she did not feel the need to tell the world of her pain and trauma years ago. So; in this twisted tale we come to today. What to do? In many ways the damage is already done. Brett Kavanaugh cannot escape this dark cloud. It will always be there; whatever the Truth.Does SCOTUS really need another Clarence Thomas passing judgements for decades to come. What a tangled web!
2
The Federal judge appointment process will now reach a new low with character assassination an accepted practice.
9
Mr. Trump said that the accusation was “very unfair”. Someone has to remind him that an allegation can be only “true” or “false”. All the rest is miserable politics only. Nauseating.
2
Putting an accused rapist on the court without due diligence makes a mockery of our justice system and insults everyone ever victimized in our country.
The FBI needs to investigate these charges fully and fairly. Or do the Republican Senators rushing this confirmation already know the answer?
Sad for my Grand Old Party and fearful for our nation.
1
The FBI has to investigate because this is regarding the confirmation of a SCOTUS! LIFEtime appointment! Also, Mark Judge should be ordered to appear since he should be put under oath to testify! What a sham by the GOP!
2
“Republicans extended a hand in good faith,” said Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee” who then instantly burst into flames.
2
Once again Chuck Grassley has led his committee down a wrong path. By failing to follow precedent, FBI investigation of assault charge, he continues to embarrass Iowans, the nation, and the world. The judiciary committee has no right to steamroll past this issue of sexual assault for the sake of GOP gain. Shame on you, Senator Grassley.
3
Dr. Ford says she will not testify unless Judge Kavanugh is first investigated by the F.B.I. So why shouldn't she also be investigated by the F.B.I.?...she has just as much motive to lie about this matter as Judge Kavanaugh does...she is worried about his appointment to SCOTUS because of Roe vs. Wade being crippled or overturned. She is a democrat and doesn't want to see a conservative Supreme Court for the next 3-4 decades. Both those reasons are enough motive to lie about an incident that never was...and if nothing else it will stall the vote until the next election is over greatly decreasing Judge Kavanugh's chances of getting approved...sounds to me that she is very smart like a fox, and a very good liar...
9
This has been scripted to the last crossed T. First make the accusation and say she will testify. Then say the FBI needs to investigate first. The Democrats have some sneaky agents working for them. Drag this out until it is like Judge Judy
7
The FBI has completed its background investigation of Judge Kavanagh; in fact, the FBI has investigated him several times in the past. Why didn't this issue come up then? In fact, why didn't his accuser, Ford, a "professor", report this event to authorities when it happened? Why didn't she tell her parents who could have taken legal action then on behalf of their daughter? It should have been reported it to the local police, then there would have been a police record of the event, which would have been found by the FBI when it did its original investigation of Kavanagh when he began government service. Then the FBI would have developed it to establish what happened. And even then, unless Kavanagh had continued to behave as a sexual predator, as did Bill Clinton throughout his entire political career, the event would have been an isolated one in the life of man of the utmost character and intellect. This is only a tactic by the progressive, permissive, and promiscuous liberal opposition to delay the confirmation of Judge Kavanagh. In the end the tactic will fail and he will be seated on the SC and join the other originalists who will systematically begin to dismantle the unconstitutional liberal agenda, and restore America back to that which the Patriots fought and died, a nation unified by divine purpose, not divided by identity politics, and respectful of the right to life. Thank you.
8
The American public should be fully aware that this attempt by the DNC is just another facet of their "resistance" movement. The allegations appear to be salacious, but they are clearly lacking in specificity that suggests it was not truthful. Senator Feinstein sat on the letter for months, and then leaked it to the press when it appeared that Kavanaugh wasn't going to be Borked. Ms Ford, who may be nothing more than a social justice warrrior, willing to sacrifice all to "save America", is now demanding that the FBI investigate her claims. This of course is nothing more than a delaying tactic, which will prevent Kavanaugh from his lawful appointment. The DNC has become the party of personal destruction. It started with HRC and her efforts to destroy the women who accused Bill Clinton of rape and other sexual assault allegations, as far back as his days in Arkansas. This is nothing new in the playbook for the DNC and for Americans, who are truly supportive of the Democratic process, should be dismayed by these actions. It won't end here. This has all the markings of tyranny. A tyranny that has all the elements that Leftists dogma imposed on the people of Venezuela.
9
Isn't the first thing the FBI would do in an investigation be to interview the victim? I don't understand her position on this. Go and testify and tell your story.
5
All the Republican male Senators, plus Lindsay Graham, should defer the hearing until after the FBI have done due diligence.
corrected version:
What would happen if Kavanaugh comes to realize he suddenly does recall this incident from 36 years ago of which Dr. Blasey accuses him? Prior information about him has set him up as one who understands the precepts of his faith (Catholic), as one who does community service (feeding the hungry) and as one interested in nurturing the athleticism of young women (coaching). Given these earmarks of a possibly well-developed spiritual life as well as the evidence of a carefully nurtured professional life, what might happen if Kavanaugh were to say publicly: "I apologize. I do remember that awful night. At least parts of it. I was so drunk some of it seems a blur, but I do remember attacking Christine Blasey that night at that party. I am sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me."
I may be wrong, but I believe this acknowledgment and apology would set him far above any of the impressive credentials he has established so far. He knows the rules. He knows Jesus Christ. He knows the Spirit. I think an honest and sincere apology, if he really knows the truth here, would cause a melt-down. A good one. Everyone would win.
1
It is getting old. Either Christine Ford puts up or shut up. She can file a criminal complaint with the authorities in Maryland jurisdiction where the incident 'occurred' and proceed with this nonsense.
Weinstein is not being investigated by FBI because the crimes he is alleged to have committed are not Federal crimes or Inter-State offenses.
Her therapist has notes that allude to 4 boys involved but she claims the therapist was wrong. Really? I would like to have the therapist testify before the committee if she can waive her patient-doctor privilege.
The only other person in the room, according to Ford, was Mark Judge who has denied knowledge of such an incident or does not seem to remember. She does not remember either how she got home from the 'bathroom' where she was apparently hiding after the alleged attempted prank, nor does she remember in whose house the party was held. It it was not Kavanaugh's or Judges and if the adults who rent or own the house were not present. how did they get in the house?
Nothing in her story makes sense. She must come and testify before Congress on Monday under oath or just shut up. File a criminal complaint with Maryland authorities if you know the place where you said it occurred or just fohgettaboutit.
10
Republicans men like Chuck Grassley an Orrin Hatch look at Saudi Arabia and see a model for how women should be treated.
Misogyny, racism and homophobia are the three pillars on which the GOP is built. Kavanaugh is a reliable vote for all three and that combined with his slavish devotion to Trump, who has replaced Jesus as the Evangelicals’ Lord and Savior means he must be put on the Court at all costs.
I’m starting to think that the best course of action is for this country is to break up. Other than having to change planes, I try to spend little time in red states. I find the atmosphere of ignorance, bigotry and religious fanaticism very depressing.
2
Attempted rape or rape itself is close to actually being murdered, especially when you are a young virgin. Rape happened to me in Seattle when I was an innocent 17 year old. I never spoke of it for many years as my family were immigrants and he was from a wealthy Seattle family. I left the USA a few weeks after it happened and never went back to live there again. Anita Hill's testimony made me cry and now here we are again with the same male arrogance that may ruin Dr. Ford's life. I believe her as I believed Anita Hill. No woman would put herself through such an ordeal if she could help it. But a nomination to the highest court in the land is vitally important and the judge should be impeccable. Both women knew their duty. Such a pity that others don't.
6
If I understand the pro-Kavanaugh argument correctly, it is that the liar (Ford) is the person who is demanding an independent investigation by the FBI into this matter; that the liar is the person who took and passed a lie detector test; that this liar who is making this up, for reasons unknown, said in her fake story that a friend of her attacker's was in the room, i.e.: was a witness ( I know that, if I am going to make up a lie about being assaulted, the witness I make up would be a friend of my attacker. NOT.). But, the truth teller is the person who has, on the record, already lied to Congress and other hearings committees; who has been assured he will not have to testify under oath; who has not volunteered to take a lie detector test. Yep, rightwing/Trumpian reasoning. Reminds me of their insisting that Hillary Clinton is such a huge liar that she can't be president so we're going to vote for Donald Trump.
3
Everyone is forgetting the new constitutional principle that the Republicans discovered in connection with Merrick Garland. The Public are suppose to weigh in unless an election is more than a year away. Silly Republicans.
1
It is not fair (and thus biased) to include Kavanaugh's title of "Judge" and leave out Ford's title of "Prof." or "Dr." Why should the man get the respect and credibility conferred by the title, and not "the woman"?
Gee whiz, one word sure makes a lot of difference in a news story, doesn't it? It worked to your benefit, of course, for approximately 40 minutes. I continue to feel embarrassed on your behalf.
Dr. Ford is no David facing Goliath. An investigation is necessary to give at least a slingshot. Republicans think that she accused the guy just to get headlines.
yes, boys will be boys: like me: " altar boy in mornings, real man at night," and that s the way it was. BUT I admit what I did, (drinking on the tracks, making out in "the pit"..etc.). all before 17. The difference is I admit it and. grudgingly call it a permitted of rite of passage. It was wrong, but socially the norm for us in my very Catholic circle. I wish I passed into manhood differently. Why can t we all just admit this..Judge Kavanaugh?, if it were the case? Or is It to be held secret like the many sexual abuses by priests? A culture of silence.
And dont think it's about Catholics. That s simply my own experience.
A Swedish exchange student while completing his home stay in Alabama, told how he went to the Sunday worship of his host family but typically every Saturday night he was out drinking with his host "brother" after football games where the brother was a star player... (heavy drinking..no drugs: which was considered the norm) He said he thought it was funny how in church he envisioned the "brother's tatoo of the devil's face with the mouth open & surrounding the boy,s "tool". He talked about their heavysexual exploits with the "girls." So, it s not only Catholic bad boy behavior. if you did that kind of stuff, judge, fess up and explain to the current "bad boys" to have second thoughts, or let them know that they 're just going through "boys will be boys."It s Almost as hard as a dad explaining wet dreams to his son.or didn t u ever have one?
1
Assuming, for the sake of argument, that Mark Judge could be hauled in front of the FBI or the Senate Judiciary Committee, and forced to repeat his denial under oath, I very seriously doubt he'd change his story. There's some chance he would, of course, but I'd put the odds at about .00001%.
If Dr. Baisley can't remember any details about the party -- who was there, for example, or roughly how many people were there, or where it was, or how she got there or got home, or whom she went with, or whom she spent time with there or saw there -- and she refuses to show up at a hearing, public or private (her choice) so that the Senators or their aides can assess her credibility, and Kavanaugh's and Judge's credibility, are we really expected just to accept from her anonymous letter that she's telling the truth and Kavanaugh and Judge are lying? Seriously?
At the very least, Dr. Baisley should show up. Every effort should be made to enable her to tell her side of the story privately if that's what she'd prefer to do, but we have a right to assess her credibility ourselves.
6
This is strictly a woman’s crusade now, so at least no one can call this another witch hunt, thank God.
3
So what about those dunken adventures of “Bart O’Kavanaugh” mentioned so clearly by Mark Judge in his own book on being “Wasted” as a gen Xer?!
6
Some 200 women who have known Kavanaugh for decades have signed a letter attesting to his good character and behavior. Another 10 former fellow students at Yale have similarly weighed in. And two of his high school girlfriends have additionally stated that he was a perfect gentlemen. Against this we have the lone voice of a woman who offers virtually nothing, not one single shred of evidence, not even the merest verifiable detail of an encounter that is long beyond capability of confirmation. Combine that with the Democrats' piously and enthusiastically making hay from this accusation, and the whole affair reeks to high heaven.
9
Didn't we do this type of thing in the 1600's. He is a witch! Come to think of it we did a similar thing through the McCarthy era.
If all we need to do these days is to level a claim to be taken seriously, then I guess what they say is true, history tends to repeat its self.
8
What could the FBI possibly investigate?
Kavanaugh says it never happened. Mark Judge has signed a statement saying it never happened. Those are the only two people besides the accuser who could possibly clarify the situation.
Swear them all in before the committee. Their exposure to lying under oath before the committee would be as great as lying to the FBI. Any senator -- including the Democrats -- with reason to believe anyone is lying can refer it to the Justice Department for prosecution.
This is obviously part of a stall tactic in league with Senate Democrats -- who have known about this for nearly two months -- in hopes of getting a majority in the November elections. Grassley would be crazy to go along with it.
Let them all tell their stories to a jury of 330 million Americans. We'll decide who is telling the truth, and whether the allegation from 35 years ago of overly aggressive fondling at a make-out party even merited being aired.
11
Blasey Ford states that there was a third person in the room during her attack. Kavanaugh says he did not attend the party. This is not a mere “he said, she said.” There is evidence: the testimony of the third person in the room and the other party attendees, the latter of whom could tell the FBI if Kavanaugh attended; the therapist’s notes, taken long before Kavanaugh was nominated, which go to Blasey Ford’s credibility; if Blasey Ford waive’s spousal privileged, the testimony of her husband, to whom she named Kavanaugh as her assaulter.
The FBI would conduct an impartial investigation, not an inquisition as would the white, male GOP Senate. The evidence of both parties would be pursued and considered, and a report would be prepared. The Senators would then have findings on which to base their questions.
Right now all they have is the Republicans’ partisan animosity. Not enough. B-F shouldn’t testify unless she has confidence, reasonably based, that the process will be fair.
This is not about dueling letters of support; it’s about evidence. For that you need an investigation, exactly what the GOP refused to allow. So who do we believe, the person calling for a fair, balanced, impartial investigation, or the people flinging smears (“mixed up”) and trying to shut any investigation down?
For me, on that one the evidence is in.
3
I think Dr. Ford should also be investigated. Making these accusations after a 30 yr period at a politically suspect time is very concerning. And again, if this was reported earlier to the invbestigating committee (Sen. Feinstein), why was this not reported earlier. This all smells like rotten fish.
12
Brava! Absolutely an FBI investigation into the alleged incident before appearing in front of 11 white male Republicans with an anti womens' rights agenda is priority number ONE. No more Anita Hill treatment.
3
Such a waste of resources and the American public's time. The FBI should not investigate these claims from 30 years ago. I am so sick of watching this dog and pony show.
9
@Indie Voter, you have no idea what kind of free entertainment we the Americans provide to the world, these days. Eversince Trump was elected, we have become the laugh of the world.
3
@Indie Voter
Truly? And you do not care that a person who possibly did a sexual assault is up for a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the U.S.?
I for one find this a cause for concern a big cause for concern and the truth needs to come out.
Christine Blasey Ford should not have to be in fear over her testifying about her experience.
Republican Senators cannot be trusted to have an open mind and to listen to the evidence.
To Republican Senators women are free range cows- and any man can take their milk whenever they want.
And if the cow is upset? Why should they care what a cow thinks?
If, as he claims Kavanaugh did not attend the party at which the Dr. Blasey Ford was sexually assaulted, then he has nothing to fear. Talk to the FBI, ask the other alleged attacker to cooperate, let the other kids, now adults, who were at the party testify.
But he won't. Instead, he and the white, male GOP senators who support him, and want his nomination confirmed, at all costs, seek the opportunity to denounce Dr. Blasey Ford on national television, with tens of millions of American watching.
We have seen this script unplay once before. Anita Hill, who had also passed a lie detector test, was smeared as "mixed up" -- crazy -- by Sen. Hatch, Sen. Spector and their cohorts. Dr. Blasey Ford is not walking into that trap; she will not become a mere pawn, a player in the script. She is not walking into the Republican's buzz saw.
The GOP will claim that she "refused to testify." Lie; she insisted on due process, meaning a non-partisan investigation in which her witnesses, as well as Kavanaugh's, would be heard.
The GOP answer to the query, "Have you no decency?" is "The only "d" word we respect is "donation."
Dr. Blasey Ford, we believe you; Kavanaugh, you are a disgrace to the bar, the bench and your county; McConnnell, we've had your number for a long time, and you reached the nadir when you abrogated your constitutional responsibility -your solemn oath- by refusing to consider President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland.
Turn them out in November. Vote!
6
The FBI is a great team of investigators. But to ask them, at the last minute, to investigate a potential cold case from 35 years ago before you are willing to testify to the veracity of the truth of the accusation being made is absurd. This isn't television and not CSI. What does she expect the FBI to find, her and Kavanaugh's DNA? At worst that would only prove that they were both in the same space, though not necessarily at the same time. Nor would DNA prove her allegation of how she was treated.
If what happened to Ms. Ford did as she claims, she has been given the opportunity to offer her testimony in private or public, her choice. That should be sufficient, otherwise this move plays well into the Republican argument that this whole thing is being staged to force the vote on Kavanaugh until after the election.
12
Last time I checked, the principles of presumption of innocence and burden of proof were still operative in our great republic. Dr. Ford has made an accusation after thirty years of silence, Judge Cavanaugh has denied it, and the only supposed witness, Mark Judge, has stated that he did not recall the incident or anything like it. Are we to seriously expect that the FBI should spend its valuable and overburdened resources pursuing this matter just because Dr. Ford Wants them to? If this weren't such an important juncture for the country it would be laughable.
7
It won't happen. Trump won't permit it. Although all Trump has to do is pick up the phone and call the FBI to investigate. But he won't if there's even one chance in a million it might result in Kavanaugh not getting enough votes for approval. Kavanaugh absolutely MUST be appointed to the SCOTUS or Trump's a dead man and he knows it.
For all you women out there who will no longer be able to have abortions, or take advantage of the services provided by Planned Parent, sorry but that'll be one of the first things Kavanaugh will help get rammed through.
For those of you with pre existing medical problems sorry, but those will no longer be covered so many of you will die sooner than was necessary because you can't afford the insurance.
And for you Republicans congratulations, you have taken the first step to running the country your way under Trump's authoritarian leadership.
2
What would happen if Kavanaugh comes to realize he suddenly does recall this incident from 36 years ago of which Dr. Blasey accuses him? Prior information about him has set him up as one who understands the precepts of his faith (Catholic), as one who does community service (feeding the hungry) and as one interested in nurturing the athleticism of young women (coaching). Given these earmarks of a possibly well-developed spiritual life as well as the evidence of a carefully nurtured professional life, what might happen if Kavanaugh were to say publicly: "I apologize. I do remember that awful night. At least parts of it. I was so drunk some of it seems a blur, but I do remember attacking Christine Blasey that night at that party. I am sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me."
I may be wrong, but I believe this acknowledgment and apology would set him far above any of teveryone might winhe impressive credentials he has established so far. He knows the rules. He knows Jesus Christ. He knows the Spirit. I think an honest and sincere apology, if he really knows the truth here, would cause a melt-down. A good one. Everyone would win.
1
What bothers me a ton is that the Demo's sat on this allegation for months..... Since July.. Why?? They claim they were being respectful and sensitive to the accuser's desire for anonymity. Suddenly the week of the vote, the accuser, no longer anonymous, willing to testify but bargaining for more delays. It is almost like she, the Demo's accept the fact that whatever she states will have no bearing on the confirmation and this is really all about a game of delay, spinning her story soley for the purpose of influencing public opinion in hopes of forcing the entire process post the November elections with the thought that the Demos will regain control of the Senate. And doing it all at the 11th hour so Trump is unable to nominate another candidate prior to the November elections... In other words a well thought out covert political strategy..
6
Now that we can see the letter from Dr. Blasey's lawyers, I note that it makes no representation that Dr. Blasey would testify at anytime (before or after the FBI investigation).
All the letter promises is cooperation consistent with her health and security, while suggesting that testifying would not be consistent with her health and security.
So, the Republicans may delay the process to have a full FBI investigation (of what since she can't really remember any specifics?) and after it's completed, she may still refuse to testify on the grounds that it would not be good for her mental health to "relive this traumatic and harrowing incident" (words from the NYT article).
6
At the onset, I found the timing of the release and the change of heart on anonymity to be somewhat suspect. Now, with Dr Blasey's latest change of heart on testifying, I am very suspicious that the whole thing, true or false, is primarily intended to force the vote to occur after the mid-term elections, in the hope that the Democrats will capture the Senate.
And before anyone brings it up, I was appalled by the Republican's refusing a hearing and vote on Judge Garland as well. However, as I was taught early in life, two wrongs do not make a right.
5
Justice is blind, impartial, the Supreme Court is polarized, liberals versus conservatives, neither blind nor impartial. The members are political appointees, pledging allegiance to one camp or the other and once confirmed they are there for life no matter how useless.
The Supreme Court is one of the three pillars of governance as envisioned in the constitution, supposedly independent from politics, cloistered, serving with the highest and purest ideals for the benefit of the republic. In truth it is just another political tool controlled by whichever party has more of its appointees sitting on the bench.
The forefathers must have had something else in mind, whatever that something was, it is not this.
What bothers me a ton is that the Demo's sat on this allegation for months..... Since July.. Why?? They claim they were being respectful and sensitive to the accuser's desire for anonymity. Suddenly the week of the vote, the accuser, no longer anonymous, willing to testify but bargaining for more delays.
It is almost like she, the Demo's accept the fact that whatever she states will have no bearing on the confirmation and this is really all about a game of delay, spinning her story soley for the purpose of influencing public opinion in hopes of forcing the entire process post the November elections with the thought that the Demos will regain control of the Senate. And doing it all at the 11th hour so Trump is unable to nominate another candidate prior to the November elections... In other words a well thought out covert political strategy..
5
If this is legit, and she is not trying to use what happened to her to obstruct this appointment then why would she insist on some FBI investigation? This was not reported 30 years ago and the FBI is for federal crime. If this did happen, or not, its not for the FBI to investigate. They should investigate her.
7
For those conservatives who continue to insist that asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants by definition have committed a crime and therefore are criminals, Brett Kavanaugh is a lawbreaker as an under-age drinker which he and Mark Judge admit to in speeches, memoirs and conversations. Added to the charges of perjury from previous confirmation hearings, Kavanaugh like the president who nominated him is unfit for a life-time appointment to the Supreme Court. He has demonstrated that he shares Trump's attitude that he is above the law due to privilege. Like the Republicans who will provide advice and consent, these white men feel entitled to positions of power despite past actions which would disqualify less fortunate candidates who are women or members of minority groups.
Stop the Kavanaugh confirmation.
4
I have doubts.... I doubt that Merrick Garland ever was "blind drunk" in high school or had debts of $60,000 to $200,000 from buying tickets to sporting events (or something else) that suddenly disappeared just before his nomination to the Supreme Court.
How can any Senator give "Advise and Consent" to Mr. Kavanaugh's appointment to the Supreme Court in the Judiciary Committee run by Sen. Grassley when they don't have a full review of his body of legal work in the George W. Bush administration or an FBI report on the behaviors described in Mark Judge's books and Dr. Ford's letter?
4
The entire point of keeping Garland off the court was to pack the court to reign in women's rights that have been won over decades and generations.
I'm an Independent who has voted for Republican Presidents and split tickets for decades. With the election of Trump and the absolute theft of a Supreme court seat by the Republicans I will be voting straight democratic for the rest of my life.
The Party of Lincoln has morphed into the Party of David Duke. Shame on all of them.
5
I have read many comments today from men that purport to advise, or perhaps more correctly, lecture Dr. Blasey on how she should have acted when this incident is alleged to have occurred, and how and when she should testify before the Senate committee reviewing Judge Cavanaugh's nomination. I have also heard comments from Senators Cornyn, Grassley, and Hatch that clearly indicate prejudgment about Dr. Blasey's account. I find these attitudes offensive, but not surprising. They are the same attitudes portrayed by so many men about abortion. No man has any right to impose what they believe to be the proper reaction on any woman who has been subjected to sexual abuse in any manner (in this case, if true, the abuse would be rape), just as they have no right to impose on any woman their views on abortion. These committee members are treading on very dangerous ground. They may win the battle with Cavanaugh, but they are in serious danger of losing the electoral war in a big way in November. American woman are incensed about this, and they will not easily stilled by condescension at the hands of long-tenured, white, male Senators who do not even acknowledge, no less represent, their interests.
4
Here's the real dog that didn't bark: Why isn't Kavanaugh calling on the FBI to investigate this? If he knows he's innocent, wouldn't it be better for him if the vote was delayed and the FBI was given the time needed to clear him of these charges? Surely, an innocent man would prefer to join the court a few months later with his name cleared than to join it now with a sizable portion of the country believing that he assaulted a 15 year old girl (and lied about it under oath), wouldn't he?
2
When in the history of the nation has the FBI investigated drunken teenagers kissing at a party 30 years ago? Even if the incident happened just as she says it did, what does the FBI have to do with it. This was not a federal crime. She was not taken across state lines and trafficked.
39
@Mark She said she was pinned down by Kavanaugh as he tried to undress her and you call this "drunken teenagers kissing at a party."
I call it attempted rape and the Times wouldn't print what I call you.
To answer your question: when they're investigating a nominee.
5
@Mark It's called "rape". Not two teenagers engaged in consensual acts.
3
In the NFL, when there is pass play that might that might involve a questionable catch, the offensive team hurries to the line of scrimmage to run the next play in order to prevent the previous questionable play from being reviewed.
1
@W.A. Spitzer
Only in this case, the "previous questionable play" happened in 1982 during an unknown game at an unknown location....making a "review" virtually impossible.
2
I shudder to think what it be like to testify in front of old white men with a political agenda who have little regard for sexual abuse by members of their own party. Point of fact, they have never sought hearings for women who they're president "allegedly" abused. It 's like a black man getting a fair trial with all white jury. It's a no win for her at this point.
8
@Eileen J
The intent of using the words "old white men" as you do is clearly derisive. If you want to be taken seriously please refrain from broad brush attacks, or making generalizations of expected behavior against any persons based on race, sex or age. It's unacceptable. Yes, even if you are just directing it at "old white men".
4
If he had issues with heavy drinking and partying in his youth, it’s 99.9% sure he had blackouts so of course he wouldn’t remember everything that happened.
Neither would his “drunken?” friend who was also there but a 15 year old girl would have been traumatized.
I still remember and can visualize after all these years.
6
@April Kane The only evidence we have of heavy drinking is the accuser's word.
2
I’m with Dr. Ford. Her accusations are serious and need to be heard. She has virtually nothing to gain and has already been subjected to death threats. It’s next to impossible that she’s lying.
I don’t know that an FBI investigation of an event that occurred over 30 years ago would yield anything new. I’m older than both Dr. Ford and Kavanaugh, but I’d be hard pressed if an FBI agent showed up at my door to ask about what happened at a party I may have attended 30 plus years ago.
From the beginning, Dr. Ford sought anonymity. That’s been ruined. My advice would be for her to appear before the Senate and answer as much as she can, and that Kavanaugh be required to do the same. Because with or without an FBI investigation, I suspect this will come down to he said/she said.
Then let the Senate decide if they want a nominee with a charge like that hanging over his head. I believe Dr. Ford. I didn’t think Kavanaugh was good for the Court before this. It would be better all around if he withdrew.
4
Dr. Ford is correct. This will just be another Anita Hill smear campaign without a nonpartisan investigation. Someone should be interviewing their classmates and the witness in the room. All should have to take a polygraph test and anyone who knew about the incident should be interviewed. The republicans are not just doing a grave injustice to Dr. Ford when they go right for the political hatchet job, they are doing a great disservice to us, justice and our country. We are talking about a life time appointment as a judge in the highest court in our land and it should be taken very seriously. The candidate should be investigated and vetted thoroughly. All of his history and record should be on the table for all to review. We are still a democracy after all and it is OUR courts.
7
A huge political trick by the Democrats this time. A huge political trick by the Republicans in 2015. Shame on all politicians for behaving in their own self interest and not the country's. This is why most if not all politicians are held in such low esteem.
If this event happened over 30 years ago and was so traumatic why was it not reported then??
This is not a boy's will be boy's thing. It is a politician will be a politician thing.
3
A third party witness has been named yet seems to have been overlooked. He does not want to testify. Why? Is he too afraid of being harassed, having to move because of what he might say?
Under oath he would have to answer some maybe very relevant questions.
Was he at a party with Kavanaugh?
At what point in his drinking did he black out? First drink or 4th drink?
What does he remember up to the point of blackout?
Who else was at the party?
Where was it?
You get the point. He could offer information. He could claim blackout of the entire evening. We don't know until the questions are asked.
Just because he doesn't want to doesn't mean that he should not be compelled to come forward. He can be interviewed out of the public eye.
Why does Grassley not want to talk with this witness?
The allegation has been made and won't just poof disappear. Deal with it folks in the best way possible, the fairest way possible for all concerned.
8
There are many reasons to stop Kavanaugh's nomination process. This is a lifetime appointment where full & candid disclosure with investigation into details is the only responsible course.
- according to David Brock, BK has handpicked details to steer outcomes, a disqualifying attribute.
- BK's testimony to lawmakers has been misleading, a disqualifying attribute.
- Mark Judge has written stories notably similar the current sexual assault accusations, including creating 'damsel in distress' scenarios. Yet MJ is not willing to testify under oath.
- In the company he keeps, BK has been friends with misogynistic individuals that advocate violence against women, a disqualifying attribute.
For these reasons, i support an FBI inquiry.
5
Male Republican Senate Judicial Committee members,
please deny an independant investigation from happening.
I doubt women voters will notice or remember in November.
3
I believe Dr. Blasey and I want Kavanaugh's nomination to be blocked, so I'm grateful for any and all delays in this rushed political process. The sexual assault remained a private matter for most of Dr. Blasey's life, more recently she was ambivalent about it becoming public knowledge, and very very recently it became public. Dr. Blasey needs time to seek advice on how to navigate this. She should not put herself in a vulnerable position to be assaulted by self-interested GOP males in the Senate. Entitled GOP male self-interest is where this began, and I hope that's not where it ends.
3
Is this what confirmation hearings come down to now? Where does the line of accountability end? 12 years old? - is that a good cutoff?
How many of you were involved in sketchy parties in high school where things may have been borderline inappropriate?
Just imagine if we gave as much scrutiny to Senators, Congressmen and Presidents.
5
While the FBI certainly can investigate all nominees to the federal judiciary, a better prospect would be the appropriate law enforcement agency in Maryland if it is true that no statute of limitations applies to what Blasey has accused Kavanaugh to have done.
If she doesn’t want to testify in Congress, then she needs to file a criminal complaint in Maryland (presumably where it all happened) with enough specificity to start an investigation. As far as I can see, she hasn’t done it yet.
4
I find Judge K's statements about "what happens at Georgetown, stays at Georgetown" to be chilling. I have been watching the events at St. Paul's School and hearing, from people who know a lot more about prep schools than I do, that this kind of thing goes on all the time. In many instances, the parents are not actively involved in mentoring their children, and the students end up creating their own culture.
If you don't have anything to hide, why insist that word of it be limited to a select few people.
I can completely understand why Dr. Ford does not want to testify before the Senate until the facts have been vetted. We all know how the Anita Hill testimony was received and how painful it must have been for her to provide those details.
8
What are you --in the GOP --so afraid of? Dr. Blasley already took a lie detector test and passed -- how about you, Judge Kavanaugh?
And, Kavanaugh -- you sure knew how to do massive and unnecessary investigations -- repeatedly -- when you had a chance, wasting our tax payer money in the Bush WH. By the way, where are those files that the Democrats requested?
7
"Why would any woman subject her said to a public he said/she said show without any facts?"
But what, exactly, does that mean? That if a woman alleges something, it must be true even if she has no other witnesses or other corroboration whatsoever and the other two persons allegedly present deny that it ever happened? She doesn't even have to show up? Do large gaps and inconsistencies really strengthen her story since, if she were lying, she'd have answers to obvious questions?
Would-be rapists have been "getting away with it" for centuries, and that's not right. Attempted rape is almost always difficult or impossible to prove. But that doesn't mean we should lurch to the other extreme: Simply accept as true whatever someone alleges.
I can understand why Dr. Blaisey would not tell anyone about this, then or later, and we certainly shouldn't "blame the victim." But we can't simply ignore denials by the alleged perpetrator, especially when the denial is confirmed by another person. Special care should be taken to protect the victim as she tells her version, and I gather every effort would have been made to protect Dr. Blaisey here. She could testify in front of TV cameras or behind closed doors -- her choice. The questions to her could be posed by Senators or by independent people -- her choice.
But to say that she doesn't have to present her story at all -- indeed, that she doesn't even have to show up -- that's a bit much.
3
@MyThreeCents - even if she has no other witnesses
But there is a witness - named - who does not want to testify.
2
It may be open to debate whether an individual should be confirmed for a Supreme Court seat if he/she committed a regrettable act when a teenager. It is definitely not an open question about being confirmed for a Supreme Court seat if that individual is lying about it now.
8
This seems to have turned into a Rosarch Test.
Do you believe Ford - no doubts at all ?
Do you think Ford is probably telling something
close to the Truth -
but how do we go about verifying it ?
Do you think it is all a mix up ?
Do you think Kavanaugh is telling the truth ?
Perhaps we should rethink the Lifetime appointment
of anyone to a Federal Judgeship.
Perhaps ten years is long enough to have the final
say on national issues and whether someone is
executed or not.
I am surprised by commentators who think
the issue is settled - when no actual evidence
has been produced and so far only one witness
who does not support Ford.
Can the New York Times please do its own investigation
and find out how many teenagers were at the party,
what sort of party was it, where were the parents ?
how Ford ended up at the same party as Kavanaugh given they did not go to the same school and were two years apart in age - did they live near each other ?
How did Ford get home from the party ? Had she no older sister or mother to confide in, friend in school/college.
Did Kavanaugh do this to anyone else, was he known for
that type of behaviour ?
Get to work New York Times.
6
An Open Letter to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford
We are women and men who grew up in the same world as both you and Brett Kavanaugh - in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Northwest DC. We attended the same elite private schools, country clubs, and churches. And we believe you. Each one of us heard your story and not one of us was surprised. These are the stories of our lives and our friends’ lives. We know the terrible impact of sexual assault, coercive behavior, and harassment that pervaded the culture of our youth and continues today. And we understand why girls and women often do not report their attackers because of the fear of being disbelieved, shamed, and ostracized. Nor will we be surprised by the ugliness that will likely come next as your character and your memories are attacked and belittled. We stand with you. We are humbled by your bravery. We will not allow you to be silenced.
Please share and sign:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDY6YPY6lhadSm7_g-diEiFW9snJBx...
22
@EveofDestruction, why then the Ivy League is seen as so desirable, I have no idea. Sounds more like a den of iniquity.
1
You all need to speak out individually and tell your stories!! If you truly stand with Dr. Christine Blakey Ford then be as brave as you are expecting her to be. Every one of you needs to speak out and speak out now. There is safety in numbers - remember Bill Cosby and his accusers - the avalanche of women telling their stories finally got the story the attention it deserved. Brett Kavanaugh is going to be appointed to a LIFETIME seat on the Supreme Court!! Whether you are a democrat or republican, conservative or liberal you must speak out NOW to prevent a sexual assaulter from being confirmed. Senator Feinstein should send a subpoena to Georgetown Prep for records of sexual assault accusations that were slipped under the rug, no doubt in exchange for large donations to the school! The future of our country literally depends on your actions in this crucial matter.
This is what governing with near-absolute impunity looks like.
10
The GOP will rue the day they forced this nominee on this country without due process and proper investigation. They will find this out soon enough in the midterms, with a harsh reminder two years later. As for McConnell, I will celebrate wildly the day he retires or is removed from office.
20
How can the FBI investigate a non-federal crime? I don't think that's even a thing. We definitely need to hear her testimony, but I don't understand asking the FBI to get involved. It would be local authorities investigating this, no?
6
@Tom, No. This is abouf the character of a Supreme Court nominee. We need an official, unfettered character assessment. It is no longer a local matter.
1
@Tom They cant and won't...it's all political theater. The clock is ticking on the Democrat party...
1
There is no earthly reason, aside from purely political ones, to rush through a confirmation vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination. Dr. Ford's allegations should be vetted by the FBI and a hearing with multiple witnesses should take place before any confirmation vote at all. Anything less is an affront to democracy and to the majority of Americans. A rushed vote will lack any credibility and undermine any legitimacy that Kavanaugh might have should he be confirmed (although to the latter point, his extreme positions already disqualify him in my estimation).
18
It doesn't matter to the result what Dr. Ford does or wants. Senator Grassley will give Brett Kavanaugh a chance to get up and claim that he could never have been an attempted rapist, the Committee will approve him on a party line vote, and the Senate will confirm him on a party line vote.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ford (whom I find to be more credible than not) will be stalked, threatened, menaced, and harassed by Trump supporters who believe that it's alright to threaten and menace people who say things that they don't like.
26
"Republicans extended a hand in good faith." Really, Bob Corker? These are Republican senators who declared she was "mixed up" and "confused" before even meeting her or hearing her. These are the same people who would be grilling her. By making statements dismissing her ahead of the hearing, they are sending bullying threats to her and stating very clearly that they will not listen at all, let alone with an open mind. The "hearing" would be a sham.
Republicans know that an FBI investigation would uncover unsavory things, as would the release of all the documents they have kept hidden.
22
@Ellen, Your point is well taken. Republicans are not looking for the truth.
They have an agenda to fulfill.
2
I'm guessing there's a strong correlation between people's opinions as to whether the process should be delayed, and their political views. And I'm guessing that those opinions would be almost exactly reversed, if the political parties involved were switched. But almost nobody will admit (even to themselves) that they are motivated by political bias. The whole spectacle has become disheartening and sickening to watch. Wake me up when it's over.
11
@Dave No for two reasons
As a Democrat I would never support an alleged sex offender regardless of party
Democrats have repeatedly done the right things and stepped away when things even with a whiff f this arise. Like Al Franken for example. A staged photo was enough for him to resign to remove even the APPEARANCE of impropriety. Meanwhile pedo-protector Gym Jordan still chairs committees and obstructs justice for the crime syndicate GOP.
3
When did accusations first made 30 years after the fact become prima facie evidence of crimes? This is nothing more than an ill-conceived effort to delay or derail a nomination made by an unpopular President.
13
A second person identified by Dr. Ford as being present at the party has come forward in a letter to Senator Grassley denying the alleged events ever took place or that Judge Kavanaugh was even there. Dr. Ford's narrative begins to look pretty sketchy.
10
@Martin Gray
The witness to the event, Mark Judge, was not under oath when he wrote his books about Georgetown Prep or when he wrote the letter.
Would you be happy to have the witness to your assault excuse himself from testifying in a letter, or would you want an investigation, depositions (under oath), and penalties for bearing false witness?
6
A second kid who was wildly drunk and also participated in assault? Yep, that seals it, no way she could be telling the truth.
3
@Martin Gray Only the deliberately distorted fox new version you repeat looks "sketchy." Which of course make you look sketchy for repeating it
5
Having Dr. Blasey and Mr. Kavanaugh testify without a prior investigation by the F.B.I. is a pointless exercise designed to set up a "he-said-she-said" situation that can be dismissed by the Republican majority as inconclusive. If Congress wants to act responsibly in their duty to determine if a nominee is fit for a lifetime appointment to the highest court of our nation (and I am more than dubious about this desire on the part of either political party), any debate over the necessity for such an investigation is absurd.
8
If this happened it, would be a state issue not federal. She now she says she won't testify unless the FBI does an investigation and that is just a maybe. She doesn't say she will. She will just consider it. How could Kavanagh disprove this accusation. According to her, it was in a closed room and loud music. He can't. Feinstein had the letter weeks before she brought it up. One report was that she knew about it in May. She talked with Kavanaugh as he was doing rounds of meetings with senators but didn't bring it up before the confirmation was ready to take place. She waits until the hearings were finished and late in September. Years of work as a judge on the federal bench and multiple investigate him before he was appointed, turned up nothing. They ought to hold the hearing and if she doesn’t show up, so be it. Feinstein could have brought this up to the committee in a private session. She didn’t. Do we even need to ask why?
8
For Senator Hatch to comment, "I think she’s mistaken something" or is "mixed up" is indicative of how out of touch he is with regards to victims of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a traumatic event. Unless the victim is in an altered state due to drugs or alcohol, this kind of event remains etched in ones' brain for a very, very long time. The memories would be inclusive of the people, places, sights, sounds, and smells associated with the abuse. Should there be an investigation? Yes. Christine Blasey Ford is accusing Kavanaugh of a crime. The fact that this occurred 30 years ago is irrelevant. There are pedophile priests who have had charges brought against them long after their criminal acts have taken place. For those who wish to push the vote for Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh, they need to wait. Their desire to fill a seat on the court is secondary to a criminal investigation into this matter, and Christine Blasey Ford is entitled to this criminal investigation just as the victims of pedophile priests have had their investigations.
35
I agree... the FBI should investigate this ASAP... not necessarily because it involves a federal crime (apparently it does not)... but rather because the FBI is supposed to conduct background checks.
Rushing ahead without the FBI investigation sets up this "he said/ she said" scenario whereby republican senators could too easily just throw up their hands and say "well we did our due diligence... impossible to know what really happened" and then quickly vote to confirm the judge.
The fact that allegations like this are "just coming out now" is evidence of a rushed and non-transparent vetting process... not a smear campaign. This is not how the Supreme Court Justice confirmation is supposed to work. (But then neither was it supposed to be that senators could simply refuse a sitting president even a hearing on their nomination.)
26
In addition to Colin Kaepernick, Nike should now add Christine Blasey Ford to its marketing strategy. Both are sacrificing everything for what they believe in which is JUSTICE.
17
Absolutely correct request. She should not let the GOP boys bully her into testifying before a full investigation to establish the facts.
23
I can't say conclusively who I think should be believed. A decades-old alleged assault, impaired witnesses, etc. But what I do believe is that the Republicans are in a hurry to have Mr. Kavanaugh confirmed. The same Republicans who refused to even meet with Mr. Garland. For me, that motivation alone is enough reason to delay not only the vote but also to thoroughly investigate.
25
The Republicans have made up their minds to vote to confirm Kavanaugh whether there is an investigation or a hearing or not. Many appreciate the irony that he just may be guilty of sexual assault and that he may soon cast a deciding vote to determine whether or not a woman can control her own body or if the state controls it. It seems more important than ever that states that have not yet done so stand up for all women and ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Then Congress has to approve it so it becomes part of the Constitution. And they will. Because it’s time to change the culture. It’s time to make equality for women a Constitutional right.
17
Dr. Blasey wanted her communication to Senator Feinstein to remain confidential but it was leaked. Is not the leak in and of itself a violation of Dr. Blasey? Who leaked it to The Intercept? Everyone saying that no one has the right to tell a victim when to come forward needs to take issue with this leaker. Because Dr. Blasey did not choose this time, the leaker and The Intercept did.
9
There is much at stake here and it seems that the Republicans are willing to forego a careful review for an ideologically driven outcome. This is a disservice to us all.
16
This matter is already squarely within the purview of the FBI. It has apparently conducted several background investigations concerning BK (i.e., appointments to the Solicitor General's Office, three federal clerkships, Starr's staff in the Clinton investigation, WH counsel's office, staff secretary to W, DC Circuit, maybe others). Did the FBI enquire about or uncover this sort of allegation? Was BK forthcoming about his personal history? Its report about the quality and completeness of its own background checks would be helpful to the Committee, and would validate or refute the BK/WH defense that he had multiple FBI background checks, and his record is flawless.
10
The Judiciary Committee needs to subpoena Mr. Judge. I imagine that both sides are afraid of what he might have to say.
18
His history as an alcoholic makes his testimony problematic.
1
Someone needs to explain to me again why Sen. Franken had to step down.
25
Allegations and accusations ,anybody can say anything. It could have been a bad dream ,has she, ever had too much to drink? This is Feinsteins' party ,and it's a whopper of false substantiations ,a charade of the unwilling to cooperate,an overwhelming disaster for the Democrats platform ,whatever that may be.
10
@Alan Einstoss Really? Going with that? So her lie detector test, telling friends, colleagues, and mental health professionals years ago about this were all a "dream?"
Why do you want to rush to put a liar, a man whose record is not even partially public, and who is probably a sex offender on the highest court in the United States. Why wouldn't you want to know the fact first?
2
@Alan Einstoss
Typical male response. She was 15 years old at the time.
Whether she later in life “ever had too much to drink” is immaterial and has no bearing on this instance.
4
I believe the reason this entire nomination has been rushed - very reminiscent of W's hasty run up to the Iraq war - is that Kavanaugh warned them this might come up.
How else could it be there was an essentially instant production of a list of 65 women who vouch for his character? That too was preplanned and waiting to go.
Whenever the Republicans don't want something to be looked at too closely they rush it through, full of false urgency.
23
I think that his yearbook needs to be scrutinized harder. FFFF - google that and check out what it meant back then.
7
How long will it be until people recognize that the real problem here is in Article III of the Constitution, specifically the provision that the federal judges get lifetime tenure?
Lifetime tenure presupposes that federal judges will ignore politics and focus only on calling “balls and strikes.” Whether that was ever a justifiable presupposition is doubtful. What is clear today is that the federal judiciary had become politicized, in an attempt to govern from the legal bench.
W
The only solution seems to be to amend the Constitution to impose term limits on federal judges (and on Congressional Representatives and Senators as well: Why should Hatch, Grassley, and Feinstein still be in office?).
Why should we be saddled with federal judges who can decide cases for decades with no real accountability to the people?
Unfortunately, it is next to impossible to amend the Constitution to any substantial degree. We could then do away with the Electoral College as well.
11
@Myron Jaworsky
The words "lifetime tenure" do not appear in the constitution.
What actually does appear is the fact that Congress has the authority to regulate congress. They could easily add justices when any justice hits, say, 75. That is part of what FDR had the congress propose in what went down in history as his "court packing" plan.
Congress has power over the court - as one would expect in a government based on balance of powers. Yet they steadfastly refuse to get involved.
Look into Article III, Sec. 2 of the constitution for the answer.
"In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make.”
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
"Dr. Blasey has been uncertain about some details of the episode.."
Did she comment on whether she had been drinking?
4
@LMJr, as I recall, one beer.
What's the rush?
For political reasons, McConnell and Republicans were fine waiting 11 months of Obama's administration plus several months into Trump's administration before filling Scalia's seat.
Now, again for political reasons, McConnell and Republicans are unwilling to take a few weeks to make sure the Court is not saddled with another Thomas for the next 40 years.
Respectfully, give me a break.
30
I do agree with thorough vetting of this is despite its highly politicized nature. Both parties engage in shameful strategies to stop/slow/prevent forward movement. The Republicans failure to advance Obama’s nominee was unseemly politics. Now this by the Democrats it appears.
The fact that the information provided indicates A Dem Senator had this letter, met with the nominee in person, attended multiple days of hearings and was silent on this allegation attaches an unseemly nature to the whole thing. It is political it appears.
2 people’s lives are in public display now forever regardless of the outcome. How sad
Having the F.B.I. aka Forever Blind and Ignorant according to President Trump investigate this Kavanaugh affair is doomed to bias and incompetence.
Why not have an independent outside agency conduct the inquiry that Trump trusts and respects?
Like Russian military intelligence aka GRU or Russian domestic intelligence aka FSB or Russian foreign intelligence aka SVR.
MAGA!
5
Dr. Blasey has requested an F.B.I. investigation of her claim. Judge Kavanaugh has not requested an investigation. This has become another reason to doubt his credibility.
A judicial process without discovery is a sham. If Kavanaugh is elevated to the court without a credible judgement rendered by the Senate Committee, then our faith in the fairness and honor of the Supreme Court will be diminished. Our democracy should not be forced to endure two Republican appointees to this court who are placed on the Court under a cloud of doubt regarding their personal behavior.
17
The Democrats have no sense of decency left. No one can think in good faith this is anything but a smear job. There is nothing to "investigate." There is no physical evidence and the accuser can't remember anyone else who was at the party. An investigation will yield nothing new, and Ford knows it, along with the rest of the lying corrupt Democrats.
11
@Jon W.
Because you think there is nothing to investigate, the Federal Bureau of INVESTIGATION should fail to do its duty?
Because you think it's all about "physical evidence," the Federal Bureau of INVESTIGATION should not talk to people who were not drunk, not terrified, and who remember details the victim cannot supply?
Should Mark Judge be questioned? Christine Blasey said he alternated between urging Brett to carry on with the attack and telling him to stop.
7
We have a third witness in Judge, who the GOP has no interest in interviewing. Wonder why...
1
Like Dr. Ford said, many Senate Republicans (and many of the people commenting here) have already made up their minds. They say she's "mixed up" and "confused." They say she's been "coached." They've made clear that they won't be convinced by her testimony -- before she's even had her say.
With this in mind, how can you people blame her for wanting an FBI investigation to be carried out before she testifies?
Just remember this: It's people who know the truth is on their side that want the FBI involved, NOT people who are lying.
21
What a scourge laid out bare to the public. Both political parties are to blame here.
The Republicans trying to rush through a necessary process to control the country with a faulty judge, and the Democrats a la Senator Feinstein having this uncorraberated information for over a month waiting for their gotcha moment to derail a confirmation that they don't have the votes to stop.
The only true victems here are the American people who are forced to watch this garbage.
3
While I am not in favor of how quickly the Senate is pushing through Judge Kavanaugh nor am I pleased over how they are withholding thousands of pages of documents from the Democrats, I am not in favor of stopping the proceedings just so the FBI can conduct an investigation. Dr. Ford may testify on Monday with her attorney at her side. One allegation by one person should not be allowed to stop this process.
9
You, the reader of this post. 35 years ago you assaulted me. The world must know this. The FBI must investigate. They will interview anyone you had contact with in High School. They will ask questions about your life as they knew it back then. They will go over all of your financial records. They will interview your teachers, your neighbors. I will not appear to state my case. I will not appear to provide "probable cause." I will not provide any information - I will just accuse, and after the FBI investigation then you may ask me questions.
Ridiculous
12
Very reasonable request. Why would any woman subject her said to a public he said/she said show without any facts? This is part of FBI's job in completing background checks on candidates. To ignore it to try to expedite is reckless and dangerous. We'll be dealing with this appointment for a LIFETIME. What is a few more weeks to get it right?
13
@Alk
You're right. Strange how many people think the Federal Bureau of INVESTIGATION should not look at the background of this guy who wants to be on the Supreme Court.
Would they take the witness chair in a trial or appear before the Senate without an investigation, without depositions (under oath), without preparation?
Would they agree to play a role in a charade where the witness to the assault will not be called to testify?
11
Of course, what else did you expect? This woman is a ploy set up by the Democrats to destroy Kavanaugh's chance on the Court. The liberal media, of course, still play this story straight, but it is to be expected. Christine has huge Democratic support, probably significant financial backing, from liberal groups. What supposedly happened 35 years ago is chapter in political fiction.
10
Yes, this event did start many years ago. Nonetheless, the point is the character of the individual -- will he lie about it today? And if he lies about it today, will he lie about other things? CAN HE BE TRUSTED?
I watched the Clarence Thomas hearings, and the one question I wanted to be asked of him under oath was "You are under oath -- are you lying?"
Many people have regrets about things they have done, things that reflect poor judgment or even criminal actions. Later in life, they ignore/overlook/dismiss that and possibly would even lie to family or friends about it. A child asks "Did you ever break the law?" and it's convenient to overlook teenage drinking or minor vandalism. While the true answer should be "Yes, I did.", the response may be "I don't remember", or even "No, I didn't."
We are not judging the character of the person in the past -- WE ARE JUDGING THE CHARACTER OF THE PERSON TODAY! Will he or she tell the truth now. Judge Kavanaugh seems to have that problem. He doesn't want to own his own truth.
13
Haul, Mark Judge, that GenX drunk, before the Judiciary Committee to help ensure that what happened at Georgetown Prep does not stay at Georgetown Prep, a desperate wish of Kavanaugh. Time for a revelatory reckoning of the sins and crimes of these pampered elitist misogynists.
16
How can the FBI investigate somebody’s dreams? No place? No date? Give me a break! I am in total support of the #MeToo, but this sounds a bit like teenager’s fantasies to me -perfectly fine. We all have them. But don’t go destroying peoples’ lives with your phantasies and your therapist’s notes.
BTW, Ms. Ford’s therapist broke an ethical code of conduct by releasing those note. What’s next notes from Ms. Ford’s confessor?
13
@Rosa Maria
You are clearly not in support of #MeToo.
Of course, Ford's accusations should be investigated by the FBI, not by a partisan Judiciary Committee. If her allegations are true, they undermine Kavanaugh's moral fitness for serving on our nation's highest court.
The FBI's investigative skills are needed to find out the truth, so that the senators can make a full, fair, and impartial determination of Kavanaugh's fitness to sit on the Supreme Court Bench.
There is no justice without truth. This is fundamental to our system of jurisprudence.
Judge Brett Kavanaugh knows this. If he is the fine, upstanding judge he is made out to be, he would welcome an FBI investigation unless, of course, he has something to hide.
Maurice F. Baggiano, J.D., author, Member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court
21
“What happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep,” he said to laughter. “That’s been a good thing for all of us, I think.”
Think about how that reflects on justice. We have acknowledged and condemned the "snitch" as somehow a disloyal member of a community from gang violence in the inner city to the high towers of white privilege. But honestly, isn't that exactly what we want to overcome in our legal system? Does Judge Kavanaugh really think that it's a "good thing" that truth does not come forward? This is no man for the highest bench and not even for the benches he has sat on up till now. Bad judgement.
13
It is horrible to have a decision of such importance (or any decision for that matter) boil down to a choice between "he said, she said." I don't believe that anyone will ever know the answer here, even if there were an FBI investigation.
Some food for thought, then: It is possible that Kavanaugh, in fact, assaulted this woman under the influence of alcohol and does not remember doing so. If that is the case, and he has since (in his adult life) avoided such behavior, does this past incident define his current character and therefore make him unsuitable to serve as a SC justice (political views aside)?
4
@Kate, For most people under similar circumstances, but not for an appointment to the highest court of the land for a lifetime.
We would be remiss to permit Kavanaugh or any other nominee to slide by so easily.
4
@Kate
Judges are held to a higher standard, and for good reason.
To have the appearance of impropriety so thoroughly wrapped around Judge Kavanaugh, as it is at this point would necessitate his stepping back from the nomination (were he to follow the Judicial Cannon of Ethics).
The Code of Conduct for United States Judges requires that federal judges avoid both actual impropriety and its appearance.
Former Justice Frankfurter notes “justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.”
judge unwittingly presiding over a case in which he or s
4
@Paul P.
(to finish my last sentence, which was cut off)
For a judge to unwittingly preside over a case which he / she has some financial, familial or *other interest* cuts against the ethical doctrine.
Why does it not matter than Kavanaugh has LIED to Congress, LIED to prior hearings committees to get onto other benches, engaged in unethical, if not criminal, partisan political trickery in the past, held one standard for presidential behavior for Pres. Clinton and then conveniently changed his mind and decided that presidents should NOT be investigated or indicted, and called Hillary Clinton a misogynistic, disgusting name? How can anyone say this man is fit to be a US Supreme Court Justice? Obama reached out to Republicans with his Garland nomination, and that was not good enough for them. Instead, they go radical with yet another completely unfit lying misogynist to put into a position of power in a country in which females make up more than half the population. We have got to vote that party out of power.
7
None of that matters to the Republican controlled Congress as long as they get a Supreme Court Justice who will overturn Roe v Wade, Griswold v. Connecticut, invalidate the social safety net, and protect the head of the Trump Crime Family.
2
@Virginia
It doesn't matter because only the most extreme partisans are claiming that he lied. Everyone else has read and heard the overwhelming evidence that he is an honest, qualified and intelligent SCOTUS candidate.
These allegations of lies are simply specious. You just don't like his answers or him. Admit it and move on.
Mark Judge remembered enough about his high school days at Georgetown Prep to author two books about his experiences and describes a "Bart" Kavanaugh who drank so much he vomited in someone's car. He also describes wild parties and wrote about "damseling" and striking women "like a gong." https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/17/politics/mark-judge-brett-kavanaugh-high-...
Seventeen is below the legal age to buy alcohol and requires an adult to distribute alcohol to anyone below that age anywhere in the United States. Drinking alcohol to excess is called "intoxication" and being "blind drunk" does not excuse poor driving or assault.
Given the descriptions of Mark Judge about "what I got away with" in high school it is unlikely that the putative behavior of his buddy Kavanaugh occurred only once. If was only once, the event would have stood out in his memory just as it has endured in Dr.Ford's memory.
And did the excessive drinking and wild behavior stop at high school graduation? How about law school?
Kavanaugh has grown up in a world of prep school white privilege and has proclaimed himself as a champion of "liberty." Does his concept of "liberty" include taking advantage of the less privileged and less powerful?
An investigation is in order. Appointment to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court is not.
19
Has anyone asked if their were other teenage girls at this "party"? So far it sounds like only three people were there.
Ms Ford. Mr. Kavanaugh and this other guy. If there were other under age drinkers there, especially other girls, now is your time to speak out!
8
I was expecting a kangaroo court led by a pack of McConnell's White Republican wannabes on Monday. Now another monkey wrench has been thrown into Mitch McConnell's attempt to pack the Supreme Court before Republicans lose their Senate majority. How can they object to an FBI investigation? Why the rush to confirm when there is a cloud over the Kavanaugh appointment. There must be a limit to how much these guys think they could get away with. Shame on the Republican leadership in the Senate. Justice is slow but just maybe Anita Hill will finally be heard.
10
I did not live in Maryland and did not know Dr. Ford, Mr. Judge or Mr. judge. However, in a different party of the country, I hosted pool get togethers when I was fifteen, as well as Saturday night parties, and that was along time ago. I have been thinking what information I could, if for some reason questions came up about my parties all those decades ago. I could name friends who were there. I could tell you whether people had to be invited, or could just show up. I could tell you.which friends had drinking problems. I could tell you whether adults were present. I could tell you what property was damaged. I could.tell you whether or not alcohol was served, and if anyone showed up aLready drunk. I could you tell you how many bedrooms were in my house and how likely it would have been for a violent incident to have occurred in one of them undetected.(in fact, my parents were always home, no alchohol was served but a few times some kids showed up already drunk. )
I could estimate about how many parties I hosted. I can remember a few very specific moments from theses parties.
So there is a lot of background information even a single witness can provide. If the party host can not remember even that much, that would indicate the pool get together was more chaotic, and likely more drunken than mine were. In my mind, that would make a drunken attack more likely.
So there is a lot of information, even a single interview could turn up
5
Wow...
I agree with the top commenter: Ms Blasey Ford should bypass this embarrassingly farcical Republican committee (a committee that permitted 94 percent of Kavanaugh's sordid history in the Bush Administration to be concealed by a Kavanaugh colleague)...
She should go straight to 60 minutes... She has no motive to lie about something like this... And the vast majority of the American People will believe her... If the Republicans continue on to shove their amoral drunken liar down America's throat to further pollute our highest court for a generation...
Well, we'll see you in November.
15
Kavanaugh is a republican operative, a purely political person. But so have been many other justices. He got drunk at parties when he was 16. I imagine more than a few others did likewise. I actually did. Not an ideal pick, but...who really is ideal. He is certainly more qualified than our president and half the cabinet for his appointed position. No matter what Dr. Blasey has said to date.
4
@Mel
Way to advocate for a low standard. No thanks. We must do better.
2
Interesting that Mark Judge has so far stated he does not want to testify under oath that would support his high school friend’s (Kavanaugh’s) claim. Presumably Mark Judge was a witness to the event, and the Republicans have said they will not even request Mark Judge to testify. Could Dr. Blasey be angling for a “I’ll testify if Mark Judge testifies as well”?
4
@Sparky Mark Judge sent the Senate a letter saying all that he has to say. He has no memory of the event. There's not a line of questioning that would produce more than that.
The biggest problem I see in this "he said - she said' moment is that there will be no way to verify what actually occurred. No one knows when/where this party occurred (heck, the public doesn't even know whether the two knew each other), its already been made known that no one probably will due to the fact the first mention of this is to a therapist 30 years after the fact.
Which brings is to therapy. Therapists are confronted with the problem that when they talk to a single individual, they have no idea if the stories are real or not. What is important is that the person speaking believes it is real. Hence any accusations about others are not fully taken as being fact.
There are multiple actors in this drama: the accuser and the accused, a polarized Senate, a less then admired President, activist groups, etc. Each has a different motive to seek a desired end result. We need to separate "political truth" from truth, a 'political truth' being something which may not be true, but can be acted upon as true to get to a desired result.
As they say, in times of war, truth is the first casualty.
9
"“Nothing the F.B.I. or any other investigator does would have any bearing on what Dr. Ford tells the committee, so there is no reason for any further delay.”"
Not true Mr Grassley. Mark Judge is alleged to be an eyewitness to this incident. So far, all he has done is send a letter to the committee saying he doesn't recall and has never seen Kavanaugh do any such thing.
A federal investigation would require him to give truthful information to the investigators or risk jail.
Mark Judge is the key to whether Dr Ford's allegation should be given enough credence to reject Kavanaugh for a position on the Supreme Court.
131
@Joan No, it wouldn't. He has absolutely no obligation to speak to any investigator. He could be subpoenaed, but that would require a judge to actually make a decision as to whether there's even any cause.
4
@Jon W.
Even if subpoenaed, all any person has to do is appear. Not talk. We have a very good system in the Bill of Rights - and that includes the right to remain silent.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
@Joan
One is not under oath when being questioned by investigators so there is no risk of jail time for lying. Also, he is quite aware that anything he says right now is going to made public.
At a court or congressional hearing that changes; you can go to jail for lying. So I can see subpoenaing him to a Congressional hearing and let him say the same thing he has been saying under threat of perjury.
1
I feel bad for this woman, who I think is basically honest and telling the truth as she remembers it (which may be quite different from actual events). But she cannot reasonably expect to make an accusation with no evidence, not even testify, and have it considered conclusive enough to ruin someone's career. This is not justice, it is hysteria.
6
@Mike Livingston
That's why an FBI investigation is in order. To find evidence. To talk to people who remember, who were not drunk, not traumatized.
5
As usual the point is missed and the conversation swings right and left. I think people forget we used to live in a world without social media and it was not the “norm” to share every aspect of your life with “everyone”. There were no hashtag movements, no cell phone cameras and no texting. I for one still have no desire to participate in social media tell alls or hash tag movements.
What is the rush? This is a lifetime appointment to be a judge on the highest court in the land....not say president of USA, totally different right? She will probably be vilified and he will end up on the court judging women again...on their right to choose or whatever new comes up.
Patriarchy.
4
This trial in the court of public opinion reminds me of the trial in Idiocracy.
‘your honor, he’s guilty, because, well, just look at him’
There is no evidence, no trial, the accuser refusing to show up to testify. By her own admission she does not recall when it happened or whose house it was, but she recalls vivid details of the moment. The other guy supposedly in the room, the one witness says it never happened. And this is all there is to go on.
Yet he is guilty as sin, and should be burned at the stake?
Personally I do not recall the names and faces of most of the ladies I made out with in the 80’s, we were all drunk and the details are fuzzy. The one I ran into later in life laughed at my recalled moment and told me that no we had never made out.
I even knew this guy who kept insisting he had had an affair with this lady top executive friend of mine. He recalled detailed, moments and shared words of passion. Only problem, they lived in different continents at the time.
The mind does play tricks on you. And an accusation should not be taken as fact. Justice is still ‘innocent until proven guilty’ right? Or has that changed too?
7
Re the FBI investigating Ford's allegations - If Ford had accused Kavanaugh of some kind of financial wrong-doing the FBI would be investigating - interviewing Ford and others including Mark Judge. So let's use the same standard for this piece of information to test its veracity.
Also, the "I" in FBI is for investigation. Its what the FBI does.
My opinion about Kavanaugh is that he'd be the lawyer you wanted to get you off on a DUI, but not the kind of lawyer for the supreme court.
9
Call Mark Judge in to testify under oath. It’s not ideal but he’s the closest thing to an impartial witness.
3
@Ken
Agree, and he's proven in his books that he knows what went on at Georgetown Prep.
4
and now we find that not one woman from the senate judiciary committee has been selected to question ms. ford. not one member of the minority party, not dianne feinstein, not kamala harris, not amy klobacher. and orrin hatch has already aired his opinion, that ms. ford is "mixed up", so there's his alleged impartiality right there. this is truly the definition of trump's famous claims of a "witch hunt." how blatantly deceptive can the republicans get?
7
Ford is calling their bluff. If the two men in the room lie to the FBI, there are serious repercussions.
4
I don't understand how this can be defended as "she said, he said"--this is clearly a less equalized "she said, very drunk he said" comparison of memories.
This blatant rush to vote after obstructing Merrick Garland for months on end will create an even greater backlash to Republicans in the November voter turnout. I hope they're enjoying their last drinks at this raucous party, coupled with next year's rapid inflation/interest rate increases fueled by this year's tariffs and tax cut.
10
I don’t think Mrs. Ford realizes the FBI is going to question her first. If she doesn’t have details the investigation will end after 30 minutes.
6
@Shamrock
You don't know the order in which the FBI will question witnesses, victims, etc. And to pretend to know how long it will take the investigators to end the search for truth is . . . fatuous.
There appear to be two things that the Committee is extremely afraid of:
1) Dr. Basely's statements to her doctor 12 years ago on the same subject. That is extremely relevant and would be highly credible. Thus, the Republicans will not allow her doctor to appear in front of the committee under any circumstance.
2) Judge Kavanaugh may have tried to reach Mark Judge, directly or indirectly, to ask for his silence or for his cooperation in telling a common story. That is something that FBI can quickly determine and that is the reason that again the Republicans do not want FBI's involvement.
14
Kudo's to Doctor Ford. She simply wants an unbiased examination rather than grandstanding and harassment by the committee.
9
I would like to know more about K's relationship with his friend at the time and who was reported to be the third person in the room. From his writings it seems clear that these schoolboys were using a lot of alcohol so it K. does not remember anything that may be the reason. One can just imagine the questions any investigator may ask to Mark Judge about what happened. I think I have seen somewhere that his response has been I cannot recall but it would be another situation under oath. We already know the stories by K and Dr F, and that will continue she said and he said. It would be different if Judge had to tell his story under oath.
Par
1
If Trump and Grassley refuse to order an FBI investigation of Dr. Blasey's accusation, might it be helpful to subpoena Mark Judge? At least this one witness has been identified -- the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee would then have an opportunity to examine his credibility. I don't think he's credible as I don't think Kavanaugh is credible on this situation.
I wonder if Kavanaugh is willing to testify to try to prove to his wife and daughters that he never attempted to rape or sexually assault any woman. Why wouldn't he want an FBI investigation in the hope of supporting his claim of innocence? I suspect he values his wife and kids much more than Trump ever has. Wishful thinking given how the Republicans are trying to ram through a vote on his nomination? Very likely, I'm afraid.
2
Of course, the F.B.I. should investigate Dr. Blasey's claims. Not to do so, not only sends the message that she is not being taken seriously, but also smacks of a coverup. This is not about something that happened decades ago that can be waved off with the old male excuse, "Boys will be boys." With Judge Kavanaugh's firm denial it gets into an equally serious question about his honesty which has already been challenged concerning his truthfulness on Roe v. Wade; his involvement with stolen Democratic position papers on judicial nominations he was involved with; and the harsh interrogation (aka torture) program. It's time for the old white male Republicans on the Senate Judiciary to cease and desist from their demeaning comments about Dr. Blasey and finally show some respect for women. She deserves a serious hearing where all the facts concerning her allegation have been carefully investigated. It's time for the boys in the room to grow up and act like men.
7
If Republicans rush this through without a full investigation by the FBI they are consigning their party to irrelevance in all future elections and leaving Kavanaugh with a permanent unresolved cloud over his head. Trump's claim that the FBI "doesn't want to inevestigate" is bogus. It's the Federal Bureau of Investigation, not the Federal Bureau of If We Feel Like It, and capable of an impartial followup to any background check already made. Orrin Hatch and Grassley have already made their bias known, but hopefully other Republicans will be more circumspect about dismissing Dr. Ford's allegations without a more complete investigation and interviews with all witnesses involved.
116
@Christy Everyone is clamoring for the FBI to investigate. Realistically the FBI is very unlikely to investigate an incident involving underage kids occurring 30 years ago that is not covered by Federal statutes. If they did this, they will have to do it across the board and is very unrealistic.
@Christy And who or how many would these wiitnesses be? The accuser has already stated, 2, then 4, no other women and now there was another woman.
@Christy
Oh, like that cloud over Gorsuch head? Those clouds over Trump's head? Clouds don't matter if you control the government. Clouds are better than nothing.
The position that Mr. Kavanaugh is being appointed is one of the most important positions a reasoning being can attain. Any person who is being elevated to such a position, a position which has the real potential of affecting not only generations living but generations to come, requires vetting that will determine the true nature of the individual. This is a process not to be rushed by any means.
Since this damaging allegation, which was brought in the begining of the hearings, has finally come to light, it deserves diligence of not only the commities and testimony, it deserves the attention of an outside agency to determine the legitimacy of the situation.
Give the FBI a timeline to gather infomation and present findings along with the tesimony of the parties. If the incident never happened or was incorrectly perceived, Mr. Kavanaugh and those ready to decide affirmatively to his appointment have nothing to worry, if not, and he is person of a damaged moral constitution, he will elevated to sit on the highest court interpreting the law of our land. The supreme court deserves a morally straight judge but more importantly we the people deserve a justice without moral question.
9
So they have a private interview and she say he did it and he says he didn't. Stalemate. Without a investigation, what is the pupose? However, its amazing that Trump listens to the FBI's preferences ( if that is even true as Trump makes things up as he goes along) when it supports him and tears them down when it doesn't
6
Although Dr. Blasey’s allegations are inevitably evoking comparisons to those of Anita Hill, they are not at all equivalent. What Clarence Thomas was accused of was offensive, but tame compared to Brett Kavanaugh's alleged behavior of mounting, groping, and nearly choking a 15 year old girl in a locked room. That is an attempted assault and rape of a minor and I truly believe that if he were poor, a person of color or an immigrant, rather than a member of the upper echelons of society, people would not be defending him by saying that high school boys do dumb things when they get drunk and should not be held accountable as an adult.
5
My guess as to Mark Judge's involvement? He saw his pal making what could turn out to be a grave, life-changing, drunken mistake, and jumped on the grappling pair in order to give Blasey the chance to get out. I think Judge knew how to handle his liquor better than Kavanaugh, while the latter was drunk - possibly for the first (and maybe even last) time in his life - and bent on doing something he was subconsciously capable of but was usually sober enough to avoid.
The thing is, there is evidence that Kavanaugh holds deep seated attitudes that makes him capable of mistreating women. Criminally, if he lost control under the influence of alcohol as a teen, but at least generally supportive of sexist mores that linger today, much less 35 years ago.
His legal brilliance, then, is insidious, because he evidently can devise ways to evince his outdated attitudes couched in judgments that can end up legally binding. The thing that disturbs me as much as anything I know about Kavanaugh is the case of the immigrant girl who wanted an abortion, and Kavanaugh tried every quasi-legal trick he could think of to delay it until she would no longer be able to obtain one legally. That tells me that he is someone who, at 17, might well have had a momentary lapse of self control with a 15 year old girl - one he didn't know, and therefore had no emotional stake in being respectful strong enough to resist a drunken id.
He might not even remember the incident. But if he does...
5
I agree with Ms. Ford completely. She needs objective evidence that verifies her experiences with Kavanaugh before she appears before a Republican group of Senators who care little for truth and integrity, opting instead to preserve, protect, and defend a president who doesn't deserve the time of day.
This Republican group has decided that Party loyalty is more important than the sanctity of our institutions that are designed to protect us from frauds and tyrants like Trump who is apparently willing to sacrifice our national identity as a freedom loving country that has always placed truth and justice above all else.
In my opinion, Trump is guilty of no less than treason. His ignorance of history, and who we are as a people, is blatantly obvious. And the fact that Russia played an important role in placing him in the people's White House should continue to send shivers up everyone's spine.
I truly hope and pray that an unprecedented blue tidal wave of people, who recognize the serious danger and threat that Trump poses, will show up at the polls in November to deliver a resounding Democratic majority in both the House and Senate as a check on this audacious fraud who seems to be more concerned about Russia's reaction to his policies and plans than he is to American citizens everywhere!
13
I'm glad to see my party finally start to give as good as they get.
The Dems know that this is the Hail Mary of Hail Mary's in terms of actually derailing the nomination, this is more of an opportunity to weaken the GOP for the upcoming election.
This is a moment that the GOP cannot win, and they know that. It's simply a matter of how bad it's going to get for them.
However, the Dem demand for an FBI investigation before her testimony is ridiculous, they might be overplaying their hand on that one.
They need to back off of that and get her in that Senate chamber, unless they don't think that she would be an effective witness.
3
Of course she wants the FBI to investigate. My guess is she wants a recount of the 2016 election also.
16
A fundamental of our Western system of justice is that any person accused has the right to face and cross-examine their accuser; especially so if the only evidence presented is the accuser’s allegations.
13
@Chris Bell, True. Let that process begin with an investigation by the FBI. Then we may proceed using their findings.
4
I believed her until the FBI investigation request. Clearly, this is all a stall tactic to push the vote beyond the mid-term elections. Will the democrats lower themselves any further?
14
When men ask such questions as “why did she wait so long?” you have to wonder if they really are that clueless or if it is the height of cynicism.
15
@Oliver
The height of cynicism is Democrats using an allegation about events from decades ago that cannot be proven or disproven at the 11th hour to destroy a decent man.
3
@Oliver
The way that Doctor Ford's character is being assailed now explains a lot about why women don't speak up in real time.
7
Many people seem to think that a polygraph test is the end-all and be-all of determining veracity.
It is more nuanced than that.
There are good reasons for "lie detectors" not being used in courts. In this case, dealing with a recovered memory, all the machine's operator can infer from a polygraph is whether or not the accuser is telling the truth about having a memory - not if the memory itself is accurate.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
8
@Rev. E. M. Camarena, PhD
Agreed but it would eliminate a person who knowingly is telling a lie. This would prove or disprove that its a political stunt.
2
@Rev. E. M. Camarena, PhD
True; but neither does passing a lie detector test prove one IS lying.
The lie detector isn't the issues; it's very peripheral to the issue.
2
There are many who are saying that if this did happen as alleged it should be viewed as boys will be boys or youthful indiscretion.
So does that mean all the juveniles incarcerated, some in adult prisons, for the same or lesser offenses should be freed, have their records expunged. And teenagers branded as sex offender's for life for having consensual sex with their partners under the age of consent, some by less than a day (look it up), should be pardoned and have their records expunged? Etc.
Trying to figure out if this is: a sea change in attitude towards juvenile crime and detention; a step back to a darker time when it was overtly acceptable, even considered manly – a rite of passage, to abuse females; or a one off pass and pardon for a person that supporters are counting on to shape law, and thus society and culture, to fit their beliefs and world vision if confirmed as a Supreme Court justice.
2
She took a lie detector test and passed it. Why can't he take a lie detector test?
2
@Daphne
At best "lie detectors" are about 75% accurate. That alone is a big risk.Many people seem to think that a polygraph test is the end-all and be-all of determining veracity.
It is more nuanced than that.
There are good reasons for "lie detectors" not being used in courts. In this case, dealing with a recovered memory, all the machine's operator can infer from a polygraph is whether or not the accuser is telling the truth about having a memory - not if the memory itself is accurate.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
@Daphne
Lie detectors are not foolproof that is why they are inadmissible in court. They are not always reliable and people can fool the machines.
3
Some argue that there’s no point to an FBI investigation. Wrong. This is all about credibility— whom to believe. Kavanaugh says he was never at any such party. The FBI can interview former students and determine if he’s lying. If he is, he’s disqualified. Not complicated. What’s the argument AGAINST an FBI investigation, when what hangs in the balance is a life-time appointment that can change the country’s cultural direction for the next thirty years?
3
@Michael Rosenzweig For the millionth time -- NO PARTY HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED! Not even the YEAR of the party, nor the place, nor who was there. There is literally *nothing* the FBI can investigate. Kavanaugh never said he was never at a party! He said he never did any such thing to any woman at any time in any place.
3
@JerseyGirl Spot on. There is no way for the FBI to investigate this. It's he said, she said. Period.
If there's an investigation, Mr. Judge, would have to speak to an FBI agent. Lying in that circumstance is a crime, oath or not. So, even though the GOP-run Senate Judiciary Committee is protecting him from testifying under oath, he will still be forced "testify" truthfully about this event to a federal agent. Ups for Prof. Ford's legal team.
2
is she going to tell her story under oath? Seems like she is back tracking
6
@LL
"Mr. Judge, would have to speak to an FBI agent"
Have t? Anyone has the right to remain silent, which is the advice almost all lawyers give when it comes to speaking to the FBI. They will always find inconsistency in testimony - memories change. And that alone opens up a person to a charge of lying to the FBI.
Silence is best.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
If Senate Republicans forge ahead on the Kavanaugh nomination without the testimony of Ford, his tenure on the Supreme Court is likely to be forever tainted. However, that may be moot in light of a larger issue. Both Gorsuch and Kavanaugh will be carrying the stench of Trump for the rest of their lives. When Trump departs dishonorably, probably sooner rather than later, both associate judges will find themselves under a microscope. The pressure to resign will be unbearable, and both will almost surely cave to maintain their respective integrity.
4
@Stop and Think
His tenure is already tainted. The angry left despises him for his conservative views. It will consider every single decision after his appointment to be "illegitimate".
It's not like we haven't been paying attention to their behavior.
@Stop and Think
I think resignations are a bit of a stretch, but they and the American public will always know that they are electoral college justices appointed by a minority-elected President. Gorsuch also knows that he ended up in a seat that was stolen from someone else. Real honorable guy that one. Unfortunately, their power is very real. That's all Republicans care about.
4
So many people are clamoring for the FBI to investigate. But realistically what would prompt them to investigate an alleged crime committed by underage kids 30 yrs ago that is not even covered by Federal statutes? There has to be more for the investigation to happen.
7
If I had to decide whether to believe Judge Kavanaugh or Dr. Ford, the fact that one side is actively resisting an investigation into the sexual assault would have a strong influence on my decision.
8
There was a witness in the room, he needs to be questioned under oath. The judge made a statement that he didn't even attend the party. How hard is it to interview other people who were there?
4
I don't know about anyone else, but I don't blame Mrs. Ford for not being in a hurry to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee, these guys are only after one thing, that's to discredit her, so they can to the vote on Kavanaugh. I see a older men who as young men were raised by strict father's who had told them early on how to view woman's place in the world. Orin Hatch has already said he doesn't believe Ford, she is confused. If they choose to move forward without a proper investigation, so everyone can have a better view of what may or may not happened back then, then they should know there is 50 percent chance they put a sexual predator on the highest court in the United States of America, for LIFE. I wonder how each committee member would see this if it involved a family member or long time friend who was the accuser. I will go out on a limb and say they might be inclined to want the FBI to investigate. I am with her.
3
I don't see why she needs to testify. She's said what she remembers. And Cornyn, Graham and Hatch are not looking to shed any light on the matter. They're looking to exculpate Kavanaugh.
It would be catastrophic if the Republicans proceed with Monday hearings and she doesn't appear. She can still push for FBI investigation.
1
Senate Republicans obviously want to paint this as an open-and-shut case where no additional evidence could possible be uncovered and create a scenario where they and only they get to determine whether or not she's telling the truth. This is the opposite of justice.
1
With respect, why the FBI? Isn’t this a police inquiry local to where the alleged incident took place?
6
I hope she hasn't overplayed her hand. I think she could have succeeded in blocking Kavanaugh's confirmation with the hearing on Monday. Of course if the Democrats don't take the Senate in November it is all for naught since they will end up with a worse candidate on the Court.
4
Who would want an investigation by the FBI if the accused is guilty? I will never vote for a Republican again, it is their choice to circumvent a legitimate inquiry.
9
Ms. Ford has been offered a public or a private hearing. She has said she wants to tell her story. It seems that the entire senate is willing to accommodate her and hear her story.
But that's not good enough. Now she wants to have yet another FBI investigation conducted, on top of the 6 that have already been conducted on Kavanaugh.
This appears to be an orchestrated move my the Democrats to further delay a vote on Kavanaugh.
Since when does an accuser get to set the pre-conditions upon which they will testify?
This stinks. Testify Monday, or not, her choice. Vote Tuesday.
9
Blasey needs a delay?
After 35 years! What for?
Let's hear the unvarnished lawyer-free truth.
I don't know about you, but I am not going to believe a word Blasey says if she plays games with us.
7
An anonymous woman claims she was sexually assaulted by Bret Kavanaugh. Wow, if she comes forward this could stop his confirmation. MeToo” finally enables women to share their experiences. So why make an epic claim having historic consequences, yet hide in the shadows? Then Ms. Ford revealed herself and we were told that she’ll give testimony. Then we learned that her story was quashed since July but in order to inflict maximum damage and delay confirmation until after the mid-terms. Doubt started to creep into my mind. Was the entire scandal orchestrated? Finally, we’re told that she won’t testify until after an FBI investigation. Why would that be necessary if she’s telling the truth? From this, it is evident that it was simply a feeble ploy cooked up to delay the confirmation vote. The only witness cited by Professor Ford has no recollection of any incident, so what is left to investigate. She can’t remember when or where it happened! How real or how serious was this traumatic event. If you can’t remember that, how can you remember anything? Even if there an investigation, I predict that she will come forward soon after the mid-terms to retract her story. If it can be proven that this was orchestrated, everyone involved should be put away for a very long time. I no longer believe one word coming out of her mouth. No chance to stop the confirmation now.
10
I can't say it any better than this:
Caitlin Flanagan
“Teenagers make mistakes, some of them serious. One measure of a kid’s character is what he or she does afterward.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/09/me-too/570520/
Mark Joseph Stern
“An adult who expresses remorse and requests forgiveness for his youthful crime, who apologizes to his victims and tries to better himself, deserves our empathy. One who refuses to acknowledge that he committed a crime may not.”
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/09/brett-kavanaugh-sexual-assau...
William Saletan
“…the committee needs to look at two questions. One is whether Kavanaugh’s history with alcohol casts doubt on his assurances that he couldn’t have done what Ford alleges. The second question is whether his refusal to entertain such doubts reveals a lack of humility, candor, or openness to evidence.”
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/09/kavanaugh-accusation-fbi-sen...
1
Why do the republicans never want a full investigation, unless the subject of the matter is a Democrat? Isn't it the truth that we are after?
6
If what she believes to be true is indeed true, then I fear Dr Blasey-Ford may have found herself victimized twice in her life. Once as a young woman at a party and the second time as a Democratic Party pawn. This whole thing reeks of manipulation. Would someone please give me my Democratic Party back?
7
Wow, Senator Grassley! You haven't just pulled back the curtain on our government but shredded it! Blocking the FBI from doing a more complete background check on Judge Kavanaugh'snomination clearly helps the citizenry see that its leaders don't care about truth or facts (unless they support their agenda). Your decision to go ahead with Monday's hearing (where absolutely no one is listening) to provide the illusion that we're still living in a democracy, clearly represents another significant moment in the crumbling of our Republic.
6
"Christine Blasey Ford Wants F.B.I. to Investigate Kavanaugh Before She Testifies"
Prof. Blasey's request is not only reasonable but logical. In the absence of a thorough FBI investigation, it does not take a genius to predict what would happen in the scheduled Senate hearing on Monday. It will quickly turn into a "she said, he said" case and, at the end, the decision on who is credible will be made by the Committee members. And we know who has the majority on that committee. Indeed, that is exactly why Trump and the Republicans are open to the new hearing, as long as there is no FBI involvement.
And after that traumatic experience, what will be waiting for Prof. Blasey outside the Committee's door? She has appeared on the national TV in front of millions of viewers and, for all practical purposes, she has been called a liar. Knowing how vicious some Republican operatives can be, that would be the least of things she will be called for years, if not decades, to come.
Who wants that? What incentive does she have to allow herself and her family to be subjected to that. Without a FBI investigation, she should not even fly over Washington, let alone attend the hearing.
5
@Eddie B. Poor Mrs. Ford. So easily manipulated into an impossible position. Why doesn’t she just go on tv and tell her story?
Nobody is more fine with Judge Kavanaugh's change of fortune than I, but even I view this FBI gambit with scepticism. What is the FBI supposed to do? Go look up people from thirty years ago, attempt to reconstruct the local preppy keg party culture from the time? Please. The Republicans ought to stand by the offer to this lady to present at the hearing or else move on.
9
I find it ironic but not surprising that the same party who nominated and supported Roy Moore for a senate seat would now be upset that an investigation is being called for in the case of the recent SCOTUS nominee. Like Thomas, I think most repubs know their is something up with Kavanaugh and now that his one true champion from high school has been shown to be a neurotic liar and blackout drinker in high school and who is quoted as saying that "women should be beaten everyday like Gongs" will never make it as a witness to anything, this is their last shot before the mid terms to pack the court with neanderthal thinkers. Coming from the law and order crowd of hypocrites that the repub party has become, is anyone surprised? Trump's remark about shooting someone on fifth avenue at least as far as his sycophant followers is concerned is sadly true.
4
Those that have weaponized #MeToo need to be cautious. Weapons have been known to unexpectedly backfire.
7
This is rich. She wants an FBI investigation so that when they find nothing, she won't have to perjure herself in a congressional hearing. Kavanaugh is the victim. Ford is trying to scuttle a Supreme Court nomination that doesn't reflect her campus-radical political views.
9
how do you know they will find nothing? she will also have to testify to FBI, which lying to, is a criminal offense. better to get the facts, then judge.
4
This would be laughable if not such an obvious attempt by Democrats to delay Kavanaugh's vote to the Supreme Court until after the November elections. The F.B.I. has no purview in a sexual misconduct allegation at a high school party. Blasey-Ford is a long time left wing advocate and opponent of all things Republican and conservative. Her agenda is now clear: delay, obfuscate and do whatever is necessary to derail the Kavanaugh appointment, aided by the likes of Senators Feinstein and Schumer. These people have no shame, and no scruples.
9
Funny how Kavanaugh is not insisting on more time for the FBI to investigate and to rally his own defense. Could it be because he knows that the panel conducting the hearing will be totally biased in his favor, and will proceed to vote him onto the Supreme Court no matter what they hear from Dr. Blasey?
They’ve given her only two choices: not testify and see Kavanaugh confirmed, or sit in front of a hostile bunch of old white men and in front of the nation to reveal the most painful, embarrassing episode of her life and then see Kavanaugh confirmed. No wonder she doesn’t want to testify. The panel has already read her letter, already knows her account of the events. Without an opportunity to add substantiating evidence that the FBI might be able to obtain, the hearing is nothing but a kangaroo court that allows the Republicans to claim they’ve administered “justice” and move on to a vote.
A morally corrupt Republican Congress is out to deny justice to a citizen, in order to install a justice who will protect a morally corrupt President.
We should all be out in the streets!
6
@Jenny
According to the story, they gave the professor a 3rd choice, to testify in private in front of special counsel.
The professor and her legal team refused.
Prior to Judge Kavanaugh’s denial of the alleged incident there was no reason why Senator Feinstein should have brought it to the attention of the FBI since (i) Professor Christine Blasey Ford requested anonymity, and (ii) the alleged incident took place in Maryland where, the incident not being a felony sexual offense or misdemeanor punished by imprisonment in a penitentiary, the statute of limitations is 1 year (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. §§ 5-106, 117). If Judge Kavanaugh had accepted responsibility for the actions he is accused of there would be no need for an investigation, as the assault allegedly occurred when he was an adolescent more than thirty years ago. After Judge Kavanaugh’s denial, though, his credibility is at stake. Pressure for early confirmation is borne from the fear of Republicans to an upset at the polls in November. There should be no rush to confirm Judge Kavanaugh as there may be valuable testimonies, for or against him, that may surface if properly investigated. Thus a thorough and unbiased investigation is essential to preserve the reputation of the Supreme Court.
4
It makes total sense for the FBI to be involved and vetting this. It makes no sense for Ford to appear before the totally bias republican senators with only she said, he said. Grassley and the GOP are Rotten and Corrupt to the Core!
1
@antiquelt. So that’s why she and Feinstein sat on information?
6
They can rail all they want about her believability, timing, politics, etc., but the fact that she is requesting an FBI investigation seems to demonstrate that she believes she is telling the truth - unless you believe she desires to be found a liar by the FBI.
15
The democrat handlers knew that the FBI can not legally conduct the investigation they demand. This was a fake demand intended to gin up the hysteria and to generate the delay they so desperately seek.
3
@Brewster Millions - fake demand
You mean like all the demands from Trump and the Republicans for the FBI to its investigative bidding?
@Brewster Millions
There is precedent, the FBI's investigation of Anita Hill's sexual-harassment allegation against Clarence Thomas in 1991.
Under Republican President George H.W. Bush, the White House asked the FBI.
Antics like this hurt all women who have been the victims of sexual assault.
The circumstances surrounding the accusation are pure theater. She sends a letter to her Congresswoman. Nothing gets done. The letter makes it way to her Senator, who sits on the letter (for months) until the week before the vote on Kavanaugh.
The accuser cannot remember any details about the exact time or place of the alleged assault. The accuser has not mentioned the assault to anyone for 30 years. The accuser wipes her social media history clean in the days before her name is revealed. The accuser has a history of political activism. That activism is decidedly partisan against the current majority party. And now the accuser, who has no evidence whatsoever is demanding an investigation by the FBI before she will speak in front of the judiciary committee?
The accuser deserves to be heard, but that does not give her the right to demand a delay in filling a position on the Supreme Court. She has been offered the opportunity to speak, and she is refusing.
I don't believe in coincidence. I don't believe in character assassination and that is what is happening to the nominee. The opportunity exists for the accuser to testify. She must do so. Otherwise, she looks like a democrat party apparatchik and she will severely damage all legitimate sexual abuse charges made by women forever. It is deplorable that the democrats would offer up women as a sacrifice for short term political gains.
101
@Rob The timing is indeed suspicious. It looks as if the Democrats have sat on this, waiting for the right moment to wreak maximum damage. But that does not mean Ford is lying or that Kavanagh is innocent. The FBI request just might backfire, since there seems to be insufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal case (not surprising after 30 years). If the FBI washes its hands, the Republicans might have an out. Of course it too will be purchased at political cost. Even if the Republicans win this political battle (for the nomination) they might pay for their victory at the ballot box (which is perhaps what the Democrats are really working for). How sad that questions of justice get lost in all the politics.
4
@John. Yes John I agree. It's all politics. And the real losers, women who are the victims of sexual assault/violence, pay the price. Neither belligerent ever wins a he said/she said fight. And I might add that just because an allegation is made, it doesn't mean that the accuser is telling the truth. Our laws are based on the premise of innocent until proven guilty. She is being the given the chance to speak and confront her alleged attacker. She needs to take the opportunity, now, to avoid the appearance of all of this being a politically motivated stunt.
@Rob: False. She discussed it with the couple's therapist and her husband. Your resorting to the term "antics" shows your prejudice here. You have no standing to judge the reaction and behavior of someone who has been through what she described. Do you really think someone would sacrifice their privacy and reputation to come forward now? really?
"The accuser has not mentioned the assault to anyone for 30 years."
If there's no criminal charges, what is there for the FBI to investigate? I am not sure the FBI even has the jurisdiction to investigate a libelous accusation that 35 years ago(when beyond the local statutes of limitations), a underage boy physically assualted an underage girl....both involved in underage drinking. If we turned the FBI loose on this, they would have no time left over for REAL crime.........all the agents would be hanging out at Frat Parties.
4
It seems from Kavanaugh's Yale speech that he opines that old saw "Boys will be boys". This does not engender a position worthy of a Supreme Court Justice. Times have changed and parents are well advised to educate their children to the dangers of behaviors that can follow them throughout their lives.
2
I wasn't going to weigh in on this event, mostly because I feel that anything I write would automatically be discounted as "liberal female nuttiness", "mixed up", and "baseless", but this country needs to hear the voices of it's constituents.
Dr Ford's request is fair and reasonable, and these allegations should automatically trigger an investigation. I would think, if Mr Kavanaugh were innocent, he would want his name cleared before this his nomination goes to a vote. Otherwise, there will be a neon asterisk beside his name should he be named to the supreme court. And beyond that, without having the all the information available to them, how could any senator with a conscious vote "yes" and not abstain?
Another thought–I'm not a lawyer, but if, as Trump and others claim, that it's not the FBI's jurisdiction (which, I believe, the vetting of supreme court justices falls under), why doesn't the state's local law enforcement investigate? I heard Elizabeth Holtzman, a former DA, say that there has been many advancements in the investigations of sexual assault claims in local law enforcement. If on the federal level won't investigate, maybe the local level will.
4
Kavanaugh would not have been my choice for the Supreme Court. But this is a disgusting display by Democrats who from the outset have pledged to do everything to stop his nomination.
This woman, having waited more than 30 years to make the charge, now is "demanding" an FBI investigation? Into what, exactly? Had she reported what she now claims to have occurred in a timely fashion, this would have been investigated at the state level, as it does not involve a potential federal crime. But she didn't report it, perhaps because it didn't happen at all, perhaps because something happened but not the way she described, or perhaps for other reasons.
The #metoo hysteria is no excuse for abandoning principles of fundamental fairness and due process. We want and should encourage women (and men) who are victimized to speak out. But they have an obligation to do so in a timely fashion so those they accuse have a reasonable opportunity to defend themselves.
I believe women when they are credible. A woman who clearly is a political opponent of this nomination and waited more than three decades to drop her bombshell has zero credibility in my book.
If this is going to be the standard of judging human beings, allowing people to step forward after decades to smear them, then nobody is safe. Democrats better remember that. They one day will have another Supreme Court nominee. Let's hope he or she never attended kindergarten, elementary school, or high school with a future Republican.
8
It is interesting that Bret Kavanaugh wants to avoid this investigation into his past while Professor Ford welcomes it. This SCOTUS candidate is vying to seek the highest judicial post in this country. His reticence to use evidence one way or the other does not speak well for someone in line for a seat on the Supreme Court. Those Senators who have the responsibility to make sure someone is fit to be such a judge shows little regard for American Democracy and its people if they allow a rush to judgment.
4
There is also the prurient set of questions he prepared for Ken Starr to ask Monica Lewinsky. The guy is not really what people should want on the Supreme Court.
5
So the FBI decides there is not enough info to investigate, but she now wants a full investigation?
5
If professor Ford's allegations are bogus, an FBI investigation is the last thing she would want. If her allegations are not bogus, an FBI investigation is the last thing the Republicans want.
In the absence of more information,I think professor Ford's position is more persuasive.
8
@PSP What she wants, what the dems want is a delay. Period. Whether or not the event happened, she knows that nothing that can be produced from an FBI investigation can prove or disprove what she is saying. It's the delay. Period.
1
@Ralphie how would she know that nothing can be produced? Perhaps someone heard or saw something during or a short time following the alleged incident.
If we play out your position and an investigation, and the resulting 2-week delay (give or take) returns evidence that Prof. Ford fabricated the whole thing (or--for example--that she was in a different part of town that night), the dems would be profoundly discredited, and the R's would rightly get their judge in a heartbeat. The resulting fallout could help the R's in the midterms.
When someone under scrutiny invites rigorous examination it reinforces their credibility. Honestly, the Rs appear to be in a real hurry here, and that raises the possibility that there might be something for them to worry about...
What I really want to know is what is Trump doing under the radar while our attention is diverted over to Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford?
1
@Wally Wolf
Apparently taking bolder steps to Interfere with the Russian investigation among other things.
https://www.vox.com/2018/9/17/17871876/trump-russia-mueller-declassifica...
If the Republicans on the committee were not so obvious in their fear of exposing all the files pertaining to Kavanaugh, plus their rush to judgement, I might be able to see their point. It just makes you wonder what else is being hidden?
Like the Anita Hill hearings that deeply impacted me and memories of past abuse, the Kavanaugh accusation brings up memories, many of which can be read in the comments of women who experienced traumatic incidents that were left unreported. Back then we had no choice. Now with the #metoo movement, women are speaking up, being heard, and in many cases believed. What is so disturbing is what Baker, Stolberg and Fandos have identified in this article: the new method of silencing the accuser, "she must be mistaken, mixed up." Grassley has found the political tool that allows the Republican's to seem as if they believe "this woman," save face, push their man, Kavanaugh, through, and salvage the upcoming election. When you have been violently assaulted, were face to face with your attacker, you are not mistaken.
I hope that Dr. Blasey's request that the FBI investigate before any hearing is honored. Somehow I doubt it.
4
What does this say about the competence of FBI? Especially when it comes to vetting judges for the Supreme Court.
6 tries and you missed it?
May be an assessment of FBI’s capabilities is in order here. The organization is so opaque and it is hard to evaluate but in such public ways what they produce misses the mark by so much. So many times.
Clinton’s emails, Trump’s shenanigans, Comey, and now this.
Now, one can argue that FBI cannot know about all things under the sun etc. but regardless, FBI seems to be slipping here in its duty to the nation.
This thing is a mess. What role could FBI have played better?
2
@Vsh Saxena But on the 7th try they're going to find it? Or -- and this would seem to be the far simpler explanation -- it doesn't exist?
Sen. Grassley should be ashamed of himself for denying an FBI investigation before any testimony from Dr. Blasey or Judge Kavanaugh. Of course, Kavanaugh and Grassley know that once an investigation is conducted and testimony is given, if even only involving the two parties in this case and not the alleged third person in the room, Mr. Judge, the outcome is highly uncertain. The only certainty here is that voters will judge for themselves what is right and what is wrong. If Grassley railroads the nomination, as has been blindingly clear to date, many voters will compare his conduct to that he displayed in the Anita Hill testimony. He will again be on the wrong side of history if he does not permit discovery on a reasonable time frame and respectful questioning during testimony.
2
The last thing that the Trump Administration and the Republicans in the Senate want is a non-partisan credible agency like the FBI looking into this sexual assault allegation. The GOP knows that these are credible allegations, otherwise, why would they have had their letter with 65 signatures ready to go? They knew that this was out there and that there may be other accusers who will step forward if this investigation is handled credibly and fairly. In any other administration this nomination would have already been withdrawn. Kavanaugh is not fit. He should never have been nominated. Bring on the FBI. Bring on subpoenas. Let's get at the truth.
6
Theres a real world out there that many folks are not dwelling in right now. If Ford had reported this when it happened, or a year after, or 2 years after, or 5, would the FBI get involved? No, of course not. The local police handle this. This is not what the FBI does. The statute of limitations ran out long ago, and this is not a federal crime.
Second, a little common sense here. Ford can not remember the time or place this happened. How on earth would any authority investigate this a 35 year old crime? Track down every one of their classmates and ask if they ever went to a party 36 years ago where Kavanaugh and Ford were both present? If your over 40, could you remember every one of the parties you attended when you were 17? Canvass every house in the neighborhood and ask them if they ever held a party 36 years ago where both were in attendance? Even if they did, she admitted she hasnt told anyone, so how would anyone else know what happened in that room.? Back to reality, no authority would ever expend that type of resource. Its over folks. Democrats though a hail mary out of desperation.
5
If Kavanagh assaulted Ford when he was a teenager then he is almost certainly also lying about it this week. That lie cannot be put down to alcohol and youthful indiscretion.
It's as if George Washington swore blind that he had nothing to do with the felled cherry tree and his father said oh well, I don't really care whether you did it or not, trees get chopped down sometimes and lies don't matter. If Kavanagh had admitted the incident then it might be appropriate to consider whether it was still relevant to his conduct today, but he hasn't. No absolution without confession, no plea bargain without a guilty plea and no excuses for him while he accepts no responsibility.
1
I'm so disheartened (again) by the behavior of Republicans, esp. those on the judiciary committee, on this issue. They make it clear that, like religion, abortion, sexual malfeasance, moral and Christian and family values, and character, that, for Republicans, those things are mere political weapons meant to be used against Democrats but in and of themselves are not actually serious issues. I honestly think it takes a woman being murdered for these men to take a crime against a woman seriously,a nd even then, it's the murder, not the preceding rape, that they care about. This is the "Handmaid's Tale" at the pinnacle of power in our country: dismissing a claim of attempted rape as "mixed up", using power to prevent an investigation, dismissing common-sense issues, like why would she put a friend of her attacker's in the room, in order to put a known liar and partisan political hack with a history of unethical behavior into the SC to further control women by overturning Roe V. Wade. The Taliban is alive and well and sits in Congress, the Oval Office, and soon the US Supreme Court, thanks to the Republican Party and an unenlightened, ignorant electorate. Perhaps we should invest in burqas? Will Trump promise that they will be made in the USA?
2
If the Senate doesn't have doubts about Kavanaugh, there is something wrong with it. That much is obvious, to say the least.
3
Kavanaugh denies the incident? It's pretty likely that if it were true, he wouldn't remember the incident. And now we know (he admitted in some newly uncovered speeches) that heavy drinking was a part of his social life when he was younger. (See the other NYT article).
2
In today’s society, it’s been proven that most sexual predators come from the privileged class. As youngsters, they drink alcohol; get involved in sexual violence because they can afford to be “bad boys.” Years ago, female students felt so ashamed; they wouldn’t dare report sexual violations to their families or friends. Unreported sexual assaults as well as the lack of therapy can have a lifetime lasting impact upon the victims.
Christine B. Ford has requested an FBI investigation with regards to the “encounter” she had with Brett Kavanaugh during a high school party in which the now Judge Brett Kavanaugh got on top, and tried to remove her cloth to sexually assault her. As always, President Trump; in an attempt to save the Judge he nominated; lied by saying the FBI doesn’t get involved in such cases.
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee has cancelled the ‘YES’ voting for the alleged rapist, Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
@Cira -
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14616660110067357
This study says no. As have others I researched.
Mr. Judge needs to be questioned under oath. That the Republicans in the judiciary committee are satisfied with his written denial of any knowledge of an assault proves their insincerity. The whole “hearing” is a sham.
4
Just reading some of the comments is enough for me to realize that she doesn’t stand a chance with the Senate. Please tell me America, what’s the big rush? If you really want justice, wouldn’t you like to know what the FBI could come up with, instead of a court of “Angry White Men” who have already made up their minds to stick with the denial of a fellow “Good ole Boy?”
This doesn’t mean that Kavanaugh is guilty anymore than Dr. Ford is lying or confused about what she said happened. What it does mean is that as of right now, someone like Kavanaugh will likely be a Supreme Court Justice for the rest of many of our lives. What’s the rush Republicans? You and your party have already taken out Garland without even a hearing. Shame on all of you!!!
4
Ms. Ford does not dictate to the U.S. Senate the timetable for confirmation hearings.
This is nothing but a naked ploy by Ford, in collusion with senate democrats, to stop a nomination to the Supreme Court.
And while Kamala Harris claims that Ford has nothing to gain, that is not exactly true. For a day of hazing she will have a lifetime of riches stemming from her inevitable book and subsequent tour, tv show appearances, the lecture circuit, in addition to her name in the history books. After all, Anita Hill went from mid-level political appointee to an international rock star.
5
Nearly 30 yrs ago, I told a HS counselor about the sex abuse I had suffered at home, my fear that one individual responsible was about to rejoin our household. A school administrator encouraged me to think about who I would be accusing, a respected man in the community, did I really want to do that? School officials instead brokered a deal wherein he was allowed to live close by, but not in my actual home. This man went on to live his life, start a new family, enjoy economic freedom and success. It changed the course of my entire life, ruined any chance I'd ever have at trusting institutions and other people who I should inherently be able to trust. I stand with Ms. Blasey because I know the fear she must have felt then and now, to have to relive the moments when your very soul was crushed, knowing it won't likely matter to those it should matter most. You're grasping for the control you lost. But victims know, we routinely dismiss or marginalize violence against women. Even have a category for it "domestic" "intimate". When will our lawmakers make us a zero tolerance country? Remove the discretion, secret agreements, and immunity that fosters a culture of abuse. Stop differentiating stranger from intimate partner violence. We know our institutions are broken and only coddle and propel abusers. Take that ability away once and for all. Not only will it protect accusers, but the accused, and the proofs. If Ms. Blasey speaks, she carries many broken souls on her back.
5
Politics at its worst. This is not even a thinly veiled attempt to ruin this man. So much for the Me To movement.
8
An investigation might reveal other episodes in Kavanaugh's past that would also shed light on what kind of person he was and is. What's the need for the hurry, except that the Republicans just want to ram this nomination through. I ask the Republican Senators the same question I would ask Donald Trump, "What are you afraid of?"
3
The FBI is not employed to conduct fishing expeditions for wrongdoing at the whim of reluctant witnesses at the end of a confirmation process. The have conducted six intensive background checks previously. Regular order has already been followed per the FBI.
5
This is a ridiculous ploy to waste time, Whatever credibility she has had has gone out the window, The ploy is clear political attempt to kick the nomination into some very long grass in order to postpone the vote till the new year when expect that Congress will have changed hands. It was wrong when the Republicans did a similar delaying game on Obama's nomination for the Court and is wrong now. McConnell's delays there were a disgrace and a disservice to the nation. Pure cynical politics on the part of both parties.
If this woman has something to add to the proceeding she should stand up and bring her case forward now! This strategy being rolled out is not about some incident that allegedly happened decades ago, which the woman in question kept to herself for decades apparently, but a decided act of political sabotage.
Whether Kavanaugh is approved or not is a matter for the Senators and should be based on solid evidence and principles. The tittle tattle of tabloid journalism should not play a role. Leave that to the President and his friends at the National Enquirer!
If there is credibility to what she says and there is likelihood of a crime existing then by all means have an investigation by the proper investigative agency. This is the sort of cheap politics that have made Washington a detested word in the country and both the Republicans and Democrats share the blame.
7
This is a response to Ed, who thinks Mark Judge's book entitled 'Wasted: Tales of a Genx Drunk' should be entered into the record.
I posted my thoughts before: Dr. Blasey remembered this assault in therapy in 2012. This is after the book--which she certainly would have read--was published. She was a fifteen year old at party for older boys. I think the difference between 17 and 15 is very big at that age--she probably didn't know the older boys well.
After she read the book, she remembered that the person involved was in fact the author of the book. Now, she remembers the other person is Judge Kavanaugh.
After people attacked my last letter, saying that false memories of traumatic events are impossible--I looked up false memories--they are very common--and often inspired by outside information.
For example, the police show the victim a photo of the wrong man--and then the victim becomes convinced that is the abuser. And will insist on it even if DNA evidence proves it was someone else--because a false memory has formed.
I read about child abuse cases in the 80's where the very questions the police asked installed false memories, that became very real to the victim.
5
You are really reaching - why not request the FBI investigate instead?
2
She has every right, and it’s normal procedure, for an FBI investigation before she testifies. They would look into the veracity of her allegations and make a recommendation. Instead of getting up there and having a he said she said.
5
Trump "feels so badly" for Kavanaugh. That puts Kavanaugh squarely with the other men who abuse women but whom Trump touts as "good men" - Rob Porter, Dr. Ronny Jackson, Steve Bannon and on and on, all who mirror Trump's own treatment of women. And then there are the liars Trump loves, Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, etc. And what has Kavanaugh discussed and who with during two plus full days at the White House? In my book Trump's support for Kavanaugh is almost an admission that Kavanaugh is not qualified for appointment to the Supreme Court.
3
When I was in HS and college, in a fraternity, every guy I ever knew with perhaps 1 or 2 exceptions got significantly drunk (on multiple occasions) and did crazy things. They grew up to be doctors, lawyers, businessmen, academics. None that I know of have had drinking issues. Teenage drinking is a right of passage for most, not a sign of some personality disorder. Nor does it predispose someone to commit crimes.
6
@Ralphie
Did those crazy things include assault?
5
@Rita NO. In fact, if anyone got out of line with the girls, the other guys were quick to put a stop to it.
Given that she, or at least her lawyer, should know that this matter is not within the FBI's jurisdiction, this demand confirms that this is solely intended to derail Kavanaugh's nomination. Political chicanery.
6
This matter is indeed within the FBI’s purview. It would seem you are taking Trump’s word to the contrary - which the FBI themselves have disputed. However the president would have to request they investigate. Multiple sources have reported this - contradicting Trump.
4
It's only a lifetime appointment to one of the most powerful positions in our country, impacting the lives of every American. Sure, let's rush it. No need to release all the files available on the candidate or investigate a legitimate attempted rape claim. Let's just rush this through!
If this happens, I hope the Republicans realize the Blue wave will probably become a tsunami of anger. Not because of this particular nominee, but because of the way they are totally and blatantly reneging on all responsibility as legislators.
2
Kavanaugh is tainted and the GOP could easily choose another candidate and get him or her through. Why would you want his stain on you- the victim is surely telling the truth based on the evidence already out there and the books written by Kavanaugh friends about their extreme drinking. Why don’t they dump him and find another candidate? What do they have to win by pushing through this guy? There are only so many voters who will tolerate this insanity.
4
@English
I suspect that McConnell will agree with you. He may be as slimy as they come, but he isn't stupid. Kavanaugh isn't worth all of this when they could nominate a candidate with the same ideology and a clean background.
1
@English Hold on English old bud. This is he said she said. There is no evidence out there that proves this happened. And if the Republicans bring forth another candidate what do you think will happen. The dems will come up with some new accusation that is unverifiable.
2
Folks, this is lawyer speak to the n-th degree... Kavanaugh says “I did not do this back in high school or at any time” The follow-up, "So did you do something similar to, but not exactly "this", to Dr. Ford? For example, maybe you weren't laughing?"
Mark Judge says that he "...never saw Brett act in the manner Dr. Ford describes." The follow-up needs to be something like "So, did you see him acting in a way that a reasonable person might consider similar to this towards Dr. Ford?" Perhaps he put his hand over her mouth before trying to rip off her clothes, rather than after?
1
The Republicans have a choice: defend Kavanaugh and lose the senate or have a fair hearing and hope to hold on to it. If they think they have a problem with women voters now, wait until they push this one through and try to say she was confused.
I suggest that some of the men who were fondled or raped by priest come forward to say that they were not "confused" about who their attacked was. Incidents of trauma are burned into your brain. You may not remember the date, but you will never forget the face over you.
2
In today’s society, it’s been proven that most sexual predators come from the privileged class. As youngsters, they drink alcohol; get involved in sexual violence because they can afford to be “bad boys.” Years ago, female students felt so ashamed; they wouldn’t dare report sexual violations to their families or friends. Unreported sexual assaults as well as the lack of therapy can have a lifetime lasting impact upon the victims.
Christine B. Ford has requested an FBI investigation with regards to the “encounter” she had with Brett Kavanaugh during a high school party in which the now Judge Brett Kavanaugh got on top, and tried to remove her cloth to sexually assault her. As always, President Trump; in an attempt to save the Judge he nominated; lied by saying the FBI doesn’t get involved in such cases.
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee has cancelled the ‘YES’ voting for the alleged rapist, Jude Brett Kavanaugh.
1
@Cira - I think your methodology is messed up. Please direct us to those studies that say such things. One glance at most local news outlets begs to differ.
1
@Cira If Judge Kavanaugh really were a sexual predictor as you suggest, wouldn't there be at least one women who could come forward.
Can one really judge that he intended to rape Dr. Blasey and yet never attempted to rape another woman during the next 35 years?
1
I recognize that groping a girl while drunk and holding a girl down to prevent her screaming while you assault her are in separate categories. Neither is a sign of good judgment. When I think of the consequences of either of these I am prepared to recognize the difference. Being a drunk teenager is embarrassing and stupid. Being a person who is capable of assault m, even if it was 30 years ago, indicates a different character altogether. I would suggest the latter does not show the proper credentials for several job descriptions. That would include being in a position to judge, especially a Supreme Court Justice, and I would think he can find employment in another role that does not put the laws of the land within his preview.
11
Dr. Ford is a very smart woman. She is trying to avoid another Anita Hill type situation. Surely if Kavanaugh is innocent, McConnell and his ilk won't object to an FBI investigation and Mr. Judge's testimony, right?
10
The Committee investigates. The FBI conducts a background check for national security and federal crimes. Obtaining testimony is how the Committee investigates.
1
Because of the alleged event happened so long ago, the FBI’s report concerning what happened will be inconclusive. My bet is that Dr. Blasey and her lawyers know this, and one of two things will happen: 1) The hearings will proceed as scheduled, and Dr. Blasey won’t testify; or 2) The hearings will be postponed, the FBI will investigate, the findings will be inconclusive, Dr. Blasey will therefore decide not to testify. In either case, Dr. Blasey will avoid the ordeal of testifying. Smart lady.
39
@JamesEric
A professional investigation may not provide evidence sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the truth of the allegation.
But it should provide sufficient evidence about the likelihood that the allegation is true or not.
2
@JamesEric They did allow the option of a closed meeting, and I bet nobody would be anything other than polite. There is nothing to "investigate" we have the three people who are known and we know what they said. Now she would have been smart to get over whatever actually happened to her a long time ago and stayed out of politics.
1
@JamesEric
Interviewing people alleged to be at the party could either undermine her claim... or show that her version of events is at least possible.
Seems worth taking a look to ME....
1
It appears to me that the time to investigate this alleged incident was when Judge Kavanaugh was nominated for the SCOTUS. The FBI would have included it in their background investigation of the judge. However, this allegation came up after the hearings were completed and the committee was ready to vote. Something does not small right.
6
Blasey Ford should testify. She stirred up a hornet's nest and must face that reality. If she is uncomfortable testifying before an all-male panel (and I don't blame her on that), she can demand that the testimony be before the entire Senate, or that women Senators be added to the hearing. She can provide a statement without questioning.
I support women identifying harassing and possibly criminal behavior. But we do live in a society where an accusation can not be thought of as an automatic conviction.
Blasey Ford probably told someone else at the time. She should provide names. Or provide names of all that were gathered with Kavanaugh during the incident, so they can be subpoenaed. But in any event, one can not impugn another person's reputation lightly with what amounts to a charge of attempted assault or rape without providing testimony.
I am a feminist and a humanist. I do not think Kavanaugh should be a justice. Yet as an African American woman, I know all too well the unfairness of conviction by accusation. I shudder to live in a country where this can occur. That has already cost the lives of far too many minorities in this country. I don't want to see it repeated on anyone.
162
@Sierra This is a "recovered memory", today she does not know any of those things that would be required to "investigate". And of course there is a vast amount of evidence of how he is today and in the somewhat recent past. There is also evidence of how he was in High school that does not support this sort of conduct. Great that you are insisting on fairness, now lets vote on his confirmation based on the evidence, not on something from High School that might not be true.
@Sierra Great thoughts thank you. Also note that there are four female senators on the panel Ford would testify in front of.
@Sierra
This not a court of law. It is a hearing for the confirmation to do a job. Blasey has exposed Kavanaugh's tendencies toward authoritarian, by-any-means-necessary temperament. No need to testify further. It is not about her.
The whole thing smells fishy. By making such serious allegations against a SC justice, she obviously knew she'd have to testify. Now, she's dodging it. Sounds like she is a liberal California professor that is lying and just wants to delay the whole process until after mid-terms, and then decline to testify and avoid perjuring herself.
Have the FBI investigate? What a joke. What are they going to do? Interview witnesses who attended that party? I can't remember what happened at my drunken party last weekend, let alone a year ago, or in this case 36 years ago. He's going to have a bunch of friends/family who will say thing. She's going to have a bunch friends/family who will say the opposite. It'll be a complete farce.
The only thing that matters is the testimony from him and her. He's willing to testify. She's dodging.
15
@Jay Lincoln
Why would she want the FBI involved if she was lying?
If she was lying then she would want it to be a "he said, she said." Because she knows the truth is on her side, she wants an FBI investigation.
3
@Jay Lincoln
Sounds like you don’t understand,
1. Kavanaugh is not yet, and hopefully is never a SC judge.
2. The FBI investigates ALL judicial nominees. When new info comes to light, it should be investigated. With this new information the FBI can ask more specific probing questions of those Kavanaugh went to school with and socialized with back then. To date his background check is either incomplete or information is being suppressed — very likely with this president.
3. There is no statute of limitations on felony sexual assault in Maryland.
4. She’s not dodging. Dr. Ford is insisting the FBI and the Senate do their jobs and fully vet this nominee. To date they have done neither.
1
@Joe Because that would stall the confirmation until after the mid-term elections, which is what Democrats have been trying desperately to do? Because there is zero chance the FBI is going to uncover any evidence one way or the other since she's given them zero information to work with, therefore she doesn't have to worry about the outcome of the investigation, but she avoids testifying under oath? I can think of a lot more.
Professor Blasey Ford needs to be fairly heard, but I fear there will be no fair hearing. We should have learned by now about how fearsome harassment and abuse are, and make sure instances are properly aired. An investigation then is surely in order to prepare the way.
9
The rush to a public hearing sends up a red flag. In this administration the hurry up style is like controversial football plays in which the quarterback hurries the team to avoid further scrutiny of the play. No review! It is time to take a thoughtful look at the best way to proceed, respectful of both people. That is what is possible as we have no instant review.
14
Did she keep a diary at the time?
2
@Ralphie Very important. It requires great fortitude, but a woman who is attacked and who records as much as she can, as soon as she can, creates a weapon.
Judge Kavanaugh, please support FBI investigation. FBI are professionals who will find out you are telling the truth. Then you will be confirmed without any doubts or questions.
7
Kavanaugh has already been investigated by the FBI - several times. Maybe the FBI should investigate Christine Blasey Ford too.
10
@Maureen Good thinking! If the FBI investigates Dr. Blasey Ford, they might find out when and where she was attacked, and who was there.
1
Good for you Dr. Blasey for not jumping into that shark tank.
8
More dirty tricks from the left. This woman needs to testify. But an investigation before she says anything on the record? A delaying tactic, a stall. And why did the good senator hold on to the letter all those weeks? To pull a rabbit out of her hat and stall the vote; a real disservice to the woman and all women who complain about being abused or assaulted. I can see Hillary disrespecting abused women, but Senator Feinstein? I suppose she has the capability of putting politics over the rights of a wronged woman (if the woman was actually wronged. Just Washington as usual!
9
You cannot have it both ways. She put the accusation out there now wants others to defend and validate it? It’s a decades old accusation that will be virtually impossible to confirm or deny with absolute certainty. She is now in the unenviable position of having to testify to it. You cannot play the #METoo card and then decline to afford the accused the opportunity to challenge and defend against it.
Let’s set aside the fact that they were both minors and drinking was involved, has anyone stepped forward to validate her claim? Did she tell anyone about the incident? Other than a classmate attesting to their friendship, nothing is forthcoming. Who was the other youth that helped hold her down? He’s not being identified? All in, she tarred and feathered the judge and now wants to be afforded the protection of a victim. It’s way past that point. Sadly,her testimony will be forced. This is no pubic hair on a can of soda type comment, this is a borderline rape accusation.
8
I don't trust Mitch McConnell or any of these other old white men with whom I am completely disgusted. The FBI should investigate. She should be allowed to speak and shouldn't be rushed to do so. Women's rights are at stake. Two words - Merrick Garland - we wouldn't have had these issues...but grumpy old obstructionist Mitch McConnell.
24
My last comment came before reading the article. This therapy meeting happened in 2012 I believe. If her partner was a female at that time I apologize for the mistake but other wise it doesn't change anything else in my comment.
2
@richard - I believe it is bad form to comment on an article before reading it, and I hope you will not do so again.
3
Now old speeches where someone 'confessed' they had parties in high school are trotted out as evidence of a rapist's disposition. This is what a real witch hunt looks like.
If Kavanaugh is a sexual predator, there are other victims. Now would be the time for them to come forward. Until other credible victims emerge, it is safe to assume that Blasey is lying. Probably she thinks she is making a noble sacrifice to save the nation from an evil judge.
14
@GS: "Other victims" should come forward, you say - to be subjected to online virulence, death threats, public disgrace (a professor whose name is similar to Christine Blasey Ford's has been maligned in the media - called mentally unstable, a crackpot, and similar names). So "it's safe to assume that Blasey is lying" (despite having passed a lie detector test) unless you aren't satisfied otherwise. You are prosecutor, judge and jury - the public face of why victims of sexual violence stay in the shadows.
2
Just who does this person think she is demanding FBI investigation? Professor, you have a lot of proving to do that your not simply mistaken of whom you were with. Your inability to remember information makes me suspect that you have a questionable memory. Your history of being a strong Democrat leaves me with the feeling that you might have a tainted view of anyone Republican. You have the invitation to tell your story. Use it or step aside!
8
If Christine Blasey Ford refuses to testify at the Senate hearing on Monday then she should be prosecuted for slander. This is not democracy, it is justice run amock.
9
@Mike Murray MD If she is prosecuted, an investigation might turn up corroboration of her claims. Be careful what you wish for.
2
On the one hand, it's good that Dr. Blasey wants to have this allegation investigated by the FBI. On the other hand, "covfefe" can just executive-order such an investigation into oblivion, or outright sabotage it with more declassifications, or leaks either to the media or straight to putin cf. Helsinki.
The GOP would lose moral high ground, but they avalanched that away long ago, and not just by their leader's twitcolic.
Though alex jones is mortally wounded in the marketing department, ins'annity and Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson[1] can still whip up covfefean rage against an FBI check thanks to their Fox News-Entertainment soapbox, and happily would. Then Fatwa and Friends can amplify their opposition, package it as a dotard fatwa, and make him quash it.
And the new Second Thief Justice will cement their crazy for aeons. They'd never mind that.
[1] Not quite Princess Angelina Contessa Felicia Francesca Banana-Fana Bobesca the Third, but still maniacal and animated enough for a Saturday morning.
1
I was attacked while asleep by my roommate's boyfriend's drunken buddy in 1963. I held the guy off with a #2 yellow pencil for what felt like hours until he gave up. I told my friends but it never occurred to me to go to the police. I later learned he had become a cop. I still have vivid memories of the incident but sure don't remember extraneous details.
24
Thank you Dr. Ford for having the courage to face the inevitable and ignorant onslaught from Republicans and those full of hatred towards women.
Let's also step up to the plate with Dr. Ford and do what is in our power to help correct this ship.
1) Call the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary committee and demand an FBI background investigation of these allegations 202-224-3121 Capitol Switchboard.
2) Then VOTE in November for Democrats.
Vote like your country depends on it....because it does.
11
Dr. Blasey - I hope you testify and I hope you get the FBI to do an investigation first. I can only begin to imagine what you and your family are going through right now, and only because you are doing the right thing for yourself and your country. Just know that when you sit there in front of whatever interrogator the Republicans come up with, you have the unwavering support of millions and millions of women AND men. We will be with you in spirit, holding you in steady energy and light. We are there. Take deep breaths and take up your deserved space and time. You need to be heard. You need to be validated. We are with you!
20
How corrupted have we become? What a disgusting farce we have created? We the people now have to take the power from those in power and take back this country . The midterms elections are critical to any future this country has.
20
The smearing of Dr. Ford is precisely why so many victims of assault don’t come forward. If you want to know exactly what’s wrong with our country head on over to Fox News dot com and see articles casually omitting the “Dr.” in Ford’s name, throwing around the words “sociopath” in the context of people that pass lie detector tests and so on...it’s truly disgraceful.
20
Ever hear of: PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE
Christine Blasey Ford claims an unconfirmed attack over 30 years ago that she is not sure when it happened, where it happened, who else was present and it was never reported.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: 'Women Are Going to Die' If Kavanaugh Is Confirmed.
INSANE!
8
This is outrageous! How can this Democrat, coming forward in the 11th hr. of Kananaugh's nomination, have such power to effect a delay? This is raw politics. All want to know what an innocent flower girl she was. Sober. Innocent. Against her will going to the bedroom. Clinical and calculating in assessing the "assault" taking place.
But not at expense of derailing the nomination. Remember, they were teenagers. Some 35 years ago. Is this Taliban puritanism?
6
@charlie corcoran ugh no. Age and maturity is not an excuse for rape or rape behavior. Rape isn’t like sneaking out and taking your parents car for a spin. It’s not “normal” teen behavior. And if he was never caught, there’s no way he didn’t do it again. Which is why she wants an investigation. She knows that and is hoping someone else will come forward.
Also, if you think the GOP was not aware of this but just had a list of 65 women who knew him in high school and could vouch for his character within 24 hours, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. I can’t find 65 men I went to high school with and that was only 20 years ago. Men’s last names don’t change and I didn’t go to an all girls school and this still wouldn’t be easy to do is less than 24 hours. They knew this would come out and were prepared.
Frankly I knew something was up when he brought out the girls b-ball team and one Rep used his entire time for questioning to ask the girls their names. Overcompensate much? Then the stuff about his views on women’s rights and this assault come up and him having 20 young women at his hearing makes so much sense now
4
@charlie corcoran: You missed a detail: What was she wearing? Isn't that always one more reason it was the victim's fault?
2
This hurts the me too movement and women overall... Memories fade and change over time and Dr. Ford doesn't remember critical details, including where and when the party happened, who was there, never named kavenaugh until decades later. With such a lack of details what is there left for the FBI to investigate? I'm not saying this didn't happen... I wasn't there... Heck I wasn't even born yet. But making claims without proof hurts all women who actually are victims of violent sexual assault.
16
@Rosie: What proof would satisfy you? A video? Eyewitness accounts (from people who weren't drunk or now terrified to come forward for fear of inviting death threats, as have been levied against Dr. Blasey Ford)? Let me ask you: how many "critical details" do you remember from parties you attended in 1982? (Oh, sorry - you said you weren't even born then.) You say: "Making claims without proof hurts all women who actually are victims of violent sexual assault" - which means you've decided that Dr. Blasey Ford is lying, based entirely on what you've come across in the media. Does it occur to you that this is why she wants an FBI investigation - so she isn't subject to the uninformed judgment of the not-fully-informed public?
2
Thinking back about Merrick Garland, the Senate Republicans will just blow through this thing in some unfair and unsatisfactory manner and confirm Kavanaugh post haste.
2
The FBI should investigate before Ford and Kavanaugh testify. But, of course, the Republicans won't let the FBI probe this matter because they now know that Ford is telling the truth. On their fake-news media, Republicans will say that Ford refused to testify without mentioning that they kept the FBI on a short leash.
19
Such a disgusting look for democrats using this fragile women’s issues for political reasons. After Republicans rightly delayed the vote to hear from her, and offered her any format she wants for the interview including over the phone, she now wants to delay (obvious political stunt once her bluff was called) and wants an FBI investigation? Are they going to pull the AOL instant messages chat from the 1980s? Her attorney seemed to have no qualms about an issue like this when the man is a Democrat (Banks- a political activist-spoke out on behalf of Bill Clinton and accused one of his many accusers of lying about sexual harassment).
11
Do the due diligence and investigate! This is the time for diligence. The process is a farce if the evidence is cooked and the decision and is already made. Get bloody real.
11
Apparently Brett Kavanaugh is known to have said what happens in Georgetown prep stays in Georgetown prep. That's what the Catholic church did, to thousands and thousands of their victims, worldwide. If only one victim had spoken out decades ago, so many thousands would have been spared the trauma. Let this be a lesson for all prep schools like Georgetown, to all privileged white males, that no longer will girls and women stand aside and let you raid women's bodies as though we were born just to please you (and the Catholic priests).
16
Good for her.
God knows the republicans, in their zeal to foist this unqualified person onto the High Court will use every dirty malicious trick to impugn her.
If she has the FBI report that in any way corroborates her story, they won't be so smug.
19
@Paul P. This is definately a win-win for Trump. Pure Genius. I'll speak up for all the true-blue old school Reagan Repubs(people like Lizzie Warren and John Kasich and Gary Johnson)...........Kavanaugh is little more than a Bush Minion(just carrying out orders from higher up the chain of Bush-Clinton-DNC_Rino Beltway Insiders)..............Trump pushed this guy forward just so something like this would happen.......Now, even you, Paul, can see how the swamp operates. I assume you'll rationalize it and re-elect everyone and continue to be manipulated into support destroying the President.....sad.
1
This woman and the Democrats are playing for tome. If she wanted to get her story out, Monday’s special hearing was her chance, but she’s in no position to demand an FBI investigation for her thirty-five year old case. It’s not a matter of not being believed but simply poor timing. She could have come out before perhaps when her therapist produced those “notes,” but she waits until the hearings are over supposedly because the story was “leaked.” Oh? Maybe she shouldn’t have called the WP tip-line.
9
This whole thing is sounding more and more like a Hail Mary attempt to delay this hearing until after the elections in the very long shot hope that the democrats take control of the Senate. I guess it’s worth a shot, especially after what the republicans did to Gorsuch.
6
I am reminded of the days of the witch trials. The accused was tied up, and then thrown into a deep pond. If they floated, it meant they were using witchcraft to save themselves. If they drowned, they were not a witch. Too bad, but they could ascend to Heaven.
Everybody was happy with the process except the accused witch.
12
@RM
1 What differs, is that sexual assault is a reality, while witchcraft exists only in the imagination.
2 If you now concentrate on what is actually based in reality in your examples, you will see that what remains is violence of men against women.
3 Surprise, surprise!
1
@Elisabeth
The #MeToo movement started as a wonderful reform to expose piggish men in power who abused that power for their own carnal lust.
It has now evolved into a guerrilla warfare political tactic to "blow up the pond". Maybe instead of witch trials, it reminds me more of suicide bombers who misuse religion as a reason to create chaos.
Republican Senators want a high tech lynching of Dr. Ford. They want to turn this into a “He said, she said” spectacle.
Accusations of sexual assault are not determined this way in business settings or in criminal courts. In fact, the Senators would investigate such accusations if made against a Congressional staffer.
Why should they proceed differently in such an important matter as a Supreme Court appointment?
The American people want a deserve a professional investigation into the background of Kavanaugh.
13
@Rita
1) The FBI did do an investigation of Kavanaugh. The episode that she alleges was not discovered. That is not surprising since she never came forward to complain for decades.
2) Now, in view of her allegations, the American people deserve that the FBI investigation be re-opened and expanded. The investigation would now be into both Kavanaugh and Ford. If Ford described the episode accurately, then then Kavanaugh committed a crime. If Ford did not, then she has committed a crime, false accusation of a felony. 18 U.S. Code § 287
1
There is no good faith when Senators on the right say Dr. Ford is "mixed up" and "inconsistent"> especially if they are the exact same Senators who badgered and humiliated Professor Hill in the last known hearing of this kind. One would think they'd want to correct (make amends) for their last egregious performance. Alas, like the man they worship, they appear to have no morality, no decency...after all. At long last, they reveal themselves. We need no FBI investigation to have proof of their (lack of) character.
11
Every day another tell all book, scandal or indictment. This business is the upheaval of the day. Cavanaugh is an entitled man with enough background and clout to be allowed to serve the Kochs, Adelsons, DeVos’ et al. His job is to arrange the cloak of legality around greed, selfishness and mean spiritedness. I’ll bet he did exactly what the lady said he did. I’ll bet he has lots of interesting events in his life but the rules are not for him or his masters. He’ll be confirmed. The fix is in. The fun is in seeing him twist in the wind for a bit.
11
Aside from which former high schooler is telling the truth, the unfortunate political result will be that any chance of Dems have of taking over the Senate is considerably less and the hoped-for blue wave in the House won’t be nearly has dramatic as it could be. The call for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to look into an alleged heinous act during high school involving minors— and the offense was to have occurred over 30 years ago — is a call that one has a hard time imagining is going to endear swing state voters to Democrats.
7
@Jeff
The Senate was a long shot anyway. I think you may be mistaken about the House though. This won't play well among college-educated suburban women.
This is not provable anymore. Not after all that time and without independent witnesses or other evidence.
Let's face it, this is now a political tactic to delay the confirmation until after the midterms. Ugly DC politics, which in all fairness the Dems have learned from the GOP.
17
@Kara Ben Nemsi
do you want an alcohol abuser sitting in a life time position on the Supreme Court
there is ample proof out of his own mouth to that much at least; read today's paper on the information about "what happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep" and similarly (even) for Yale Law School
This woman has already suffered way more than Kavanaugh ever will. She is credible. He is not.
He already lied about several other matters. His acceptance of the nomination included a lie-- that this was the most thorough search a President has ever undertaken for a S.C. nominee. Obsequious liar.
So that makes two strikes--even without this charge-- alcohol abuser and liar.
I'm sure the Federalist Society can come up 20 others who would destroy social justice in this country but not have Kavanaugh's baggage.
@Kara Ben Nemsi
“Let’s face it.” If she had told back then Brett’s judge mother would have had colleagues publicly eviscerate a 15 year old girl for accusing her golden boy son.
Girls and women don’t tell out of fear of being blamed and shamed. That knowledge comes from personal experience.
If the criminal justice system's approach to the crime of rape followed the example that Senate Democrats are using here, then there would be no need for trials for the crime of rape. There would be an accuser, and the accused would automatically be considered guilty, without the need for evidence or cross-examination. The Democrats are willing to ruin Brett Kavanaugh's life over something that is said to have happened 36 years ago, without a trial, without the ability to face his accuser in a public hearing. If the rights of the accused mean so little to them, then I don't know why so many of them donate to the ACLU.
6
It happens all the time. People are accused, jailed and then brought to court to determine guilt or innocence.
What a mess. Seems like some GOPers took the courses in "Advanced Prevaricating" seriously. And you just know that anyone who suggests that because “Republicans extended a hand in good faith,” the matter is ended has zero grasp of the situation. Goldilocks doesn't feel "so badly" for anyone beyond himself. His concern that the plan to extend executive privilege making him king might be threatened. Make no mistake, his outward allegiance to reversing Rowe is just that. He is looking to assume dictatorial powers. Soon.
6
How can the FBI investigate without her testimony being heard first? So is she saying she will testify only to the FBI, with her privacy intact and if that 'flies' she will then go before the public?
I am quite sure she didn't come up with this deke herself - this is beyond manipulative. Who doesn't have memories of college years with questionable behavior? Not many.
6
@me
This supposedly happened when they were in high school.
Try remembering that.
1
I now demand to know more about all those who hold positions of responsibility in DC. They control who goes to war, who gets insurance, how much we get taxed, etc. It is now time that everyone elected to Congress, appointed to the SC, and elected into the executive, have their high school records and all their high school year social interactions investigated. I want to know who smoked what, alcohol use, girlfriends/boyfriends, driving records, etc. If there are sealed juvenile records, for the sake of the country, unseal them. Every mistake gets vetted, and nothing that would have resulted in arrest in adult jurisdiction gets forgiven and disqualifies the office holder. All adolescent behavior will be used as a measure of current character. Prediction: Only Mike Pence would be left in Washington. Is that what we want?
5
Ms. Ford lost my sympathy with her last request for a full FBI probe. She has made an accusation of an event that may have happened over 35 years ago when she was, according to her, attending an illegal drinking party when she was less than 18 years old. She does not remember dates, times, places, and people that were in attendance. At the time or within a decade afterward she never pursued an investigation or pressed charges. Now, 35 years later she wants someone else to investigate her accusation? Where is the crime scene?, Who do the investigators talk to? This is ridiculous. At this point, I go back to our basic principles that one is innocent until proven guilty. The statute for criminal and civil prosecution has passed. You are out of luck on this one Christine. Now, lets talk about defamation of character charges....
12
Of course there needs to be an investigation before the hearing.
The FBI is the best agency to conduct this investigation. Given that we are looking at this nominee as a potential Supreme Court Justice, no stone should be left unturned.
His entire academic record, including reports from counselors and any disciplinary files, whether from Georgetown or Yale, that could lend insight into his patterns of behavior, truthfulness, commitment to honesty at every turn, must be looked at closely given the gravity of the allegations.
He chose to put himself in this process. Dr. Ford did not.
Kavanaugh seeks one of the most powerful positions in America, ergo in the world. Dr. Ford does not. She has, indeed, bravely shouldered her civic duty to inform the public of what she knows about a man who will have the ability to either uphold the Constitution -- or undo it.
That she has received death threats is a shocking turn of events that itself needs to be investigated.
Her electronics have been hacked. If any of the cybercrimes originate in Russia, that is also a salient fact.
The Senators are not experts in death threats or cybercrimes. They need to know if any of the hostile acts targeting Dr. Ford or her family trace back to Kavanaugh, or Trump, or anyone else in their entourage. That obviously demands time.
Are you going to take death threats against a woman as lightly as you take her attempted rape, Republicans?
12
@Maria Ashot
The FBI has no jurisdiction over this matter. Feinstein sat on this and now Ford doesn't want to testify. Now is her chance either testify Monday or be done with it. I loath and detest Kavannagh but he is going to be approved. It was she who wanted to be heard and now she's stalling? Get on with it.
1
Republicans have made it clear how they feel about victims of sexual assault. The election is 48 days from today. Citizens, please get out and vote,
7
Good. Dr. Ford is playing hardball. That's the right approach to take with this Senate.
7
Don't forget how badly we Dems were able to predict the outcome of the presidential election. We urban liberals live in a bubble. I really fear we are reading this one wrong too, and the more passionate we get, the more unhinged we appear. It won't end well for us. Again.
13
If she doesn’t appear on Monday, the Republicans will call for a vote, and Kavanaugh will be confirmed. End of story.
11
To those who say that Dr. Ford is mixed up or this is a case of mistaken identity, they are wrong. I believe one never forgets the incident or who assaulted them, ever.
I’m 64 years old and was a victim of an attempted sexual assault 47 years ago at a summer camp, Camp Kokosing, and clearly remember the incident and who the person was like it was yesterday. Yes, I know I never told anyone, mainly due to fear and shame like it was my fault.
To confirm a nominee without doing due diligence, including an FBI investigation, is blatantly irresponsible.
35
@Henry Zelman
"I believe one never forgets the incident or who assaulted them, ever."
This is a recovered memory that sprang up in 2012.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
1
@Henry Zelman
You remember vividly. Think about if you were to make the claim, how on earth would authorities be able to investigate from so long ago, even considering you know the exact place and time. Now think about if you couldnt remember the time or place? She cant tell us when or where this happened.
How would they get witnesses?
See what Im getting at here?
And besides, if you did, would the FBI get involved? No. This isnt what they do.
1
If Professor Blasey refuses to testify at the hearing scheduled for next Monday then she should be prosecuted for slander.
7
@Mike Murray MD
Slander is a civil matter, not criminal.
However, false accusation of a felony is a criminal offense.
1
Sounds like he is guilty and is just taking Trump's advise to lie and deny. Probably not the only time he tried this on a girl.....the old school boy game of getting to first base and then a home run. Boys will be boys. The irony of him trying to rape someone and then being anti-abortion will not be lost on a majority of women.
3
Peter, Sheryl and Nicholas, it'll be wise on Trump's part to withdraw the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh.
Why I say this ?
Because as per Ms. Ford's request, F.B.I. will take eight months to complete their investigation to prove that a 17 year old drunken Brett Kavanaugh did indeed pin down a 15 year old Ms.Christine Blasey Ford and attempted to rape her but failed because of another male friend trying to join the penetration of a minor girl.
So by the time F.B.I. finishes their long and very difficult investigation,most probably the Democrats will control both the chambers of congress.
And in no circumstances the Dem members in the Capitol will appoint Trump's appointee in the Supreme Court.
They know very well that Mr. Kavanaugh helped in the impeachment of their president Bill Clinton in the House.
Mr. Kavanaugh also perjured himself in the Senate testimony to Dem Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris by lying "Roe v. Wade is a done deal".
Most of the Americans heard about a statement which Senate Republicans and Trump was hiding. In it Mr. Kavanaugh wrote in a finished court document that "Roe V. Wade is not a done deal."
So the question that comes before the American people is whether they want a Justice in the S.C.O.T.U.S. who like a chameleon was changing his color as the situation demanded.
Moreover the recent allegation which just surfaced demands a thorough investigation by the F.B.I. which Ms. Ford demanded before she testifies. We all support her view.
6
My question is whether the accuser would bring this up if Brett Kavanaugh was a Democrat and Obama's choice for the court. Something tells me she wouldn't.
10
The women who accused Sen. Al Franken were Democrats. So you may assume with confidence that Professor Ford would still have come forward if Kavanaugh were a Democrat nominated by Obama. This is because unlike Republicans, Democrats tend to put country ahead of party.
1
@rpe123
I doubt that the Democrats would've allowed anyone this poorly vetted to get this far. They sure wouldn't let a group like the Federalist Society pick their candidates for them.
@rpe123 First: if Brett Kavanaugh were a Democrat, 2nd: President Obama would quickly withdraw a nominee with such an accusation. Der Blasey was attacked when she was 15, it was traumatic for her to suggest that she is making this up for political reasons is offensive.
Clearly, this is not the only incident in Kavanaugh’s youth. Look at the speed at which the GOP produced 65 supporting women signatures.
4
Now I see how Obama's DOJ got weaponized, along with all the other federal agencies it seems. Sen. Feinstein and her supporters are demanding the FBI investigate a case they have no jurisdiction.
6
The GOP's handling of Ms. Ford and the matter as a whole reminds one of the way the Catholic church has handled the matter of abusive priests.
12
@Randy
actually the handling by democrats, the lack of urgency demonstrated by sitting on the woman's complaint (shades of pre #metoo), reminds one, even this pre-faux-dem dem, of the church's handling of abusive priests, and the subsequent exploitation of the woman for political ends matches the worst of dirty tricks of either party.
1
Sworn testimony in front of Congress? What’s the penalty for perjury?
Of course she will not testify. And when does a private citizen bargain with the FBI to act?
It’s a debacle. The entire motive is to not allow those three Red State Dems to vote yah nor nay. It’s not about this woman.
9
How can the Times pick anyone's views who have made up their mind on these allegations? No one has any evidence other than letters written by the accusers lawyers and representations that even Senator Feinstein is reluctant to stand behind. Why should the FBI investigate this matter when a Federal crime has not been committed? Outside of interviewing the accuser, Judge Kavanaugh and his friend named Judge who the accuser alleged saved her, what is to be gained? She has put a permanent scar of Judge Kavanaugh's record for a crime that under Maryland law he did not commit.
4
Wow talk about deplorable huh? Democrats disgust me. If you want to smear a man - any man - then have the guts to stand up and be questioned. Anita Hill did. When will the Democrats demand the FBI look into Bill's past? The FBI has no jurisdiction in a local case. Do you want the FBI to spend the next six months trying to chase down the shady facts she has given? The one other person she said was there says it never happened. Where are her friends to say it did? Its hard to believe anyone would do this to such a good man - but then we are talking about Democracts.
10
This is a pretty bizarre Rorschark test. One is given a story with two sides, that is impossible to prove. Whatever your politics are, you will tend to lend doubt or credibility to the story. Her gender does not make her truthful any more than his makes him so. The attorney's letter reads like a political version of 'better call Saul!' If Ford is a no show on Monday, by Thursday Kavanaugh will be the next SCOTUS judge- and to those not on the far left- Ford will look like a scheming buffoon.
7
There is no such thing as "a hand extended in good faith" when it is set up to only allow a he-said, she-said format, with the deck stacked for character assassination of the female accuser. She should stand her ground for at least an impartial investigation before she is nationally raped by the Republican Judiciary Committee. My mistake, if she agrees to the Republican format, then it's consensual.
2
@UltimateConsumer Think it through ultimate. What would the FBI find that would make this anything other than he said-she said? There are no police reports, no witnesses have come forward (it's not like this is being kept hush hush). No other accusers from any other time frame have come forward to say that Kavanaugh attacked them at some point So what could the FBI find? What are they supposed to investigate? The only thing they can really dig into is her background, they've already done that for Kavanaugh multiple times.
2
Did anyone ask Dr. Blasey if she was available and willing to testify on Monday? Or did Mitch McConnell just announce a hearing to the press, and she's just expected to jump when they say jump? Disingenuous and a total set up.
8
This whole Blasey Ford accusation has turned in to an unseemly spectacle - initiated and enabled by the Democrats to at least stall if not stop Kavanaugh's confirmation.
This investigation and hearing - in what ever order they may (or may not) happen - will be a media carnival of grotesquery that will make the Anita Hill debacle look like a church picnic.
My predictions:
1. The Republicans will ram Kavanaugh through, over the partisan bleating of the Democrats and the liberal MSM. They will sacrifice their grip on the Senate in order to obtain Kavanaugh's lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court. Elections happen every two years - Supreme Court vacancies, not as much (though Trump will get to replace RBG - yes!)
2. Our national government will fall even further into partisan rancor over the next two years, worse than it was under Obama's misrule. Yet, with a clear Supreme Court majority, Trump will begin the dismantling of the administrative (aka 'deep' or 'dark') state.
3. Then, come 2020, Trump will run on an even more divisive platform. If Republicans are lucky, he'll be running against the even more odious Andrew Cuomo, who will lose a la Hillary because a self-made thug is better than a party hack thug. The Democrats are just too stupid to put up someone like a Michael Bloomberg who could effectively run the country.
Welcome to the decline and fall of the American Empire.
5
Wait until the last minute and then spring this college professor on the process?? Really?? The professor then dictates her terms to testify to the committee. Thinks are out of wack. Either testify on Monday or the committee should proceed with their vote.
13
The setting here -- a captive teen girl pinned by Kavanaugh in a room with his buddies -- suggests, by appearance, an imminent gang rape. But nothing approaching rape occurred. Talk of Kavanaugh's use of force to sexually harm Ms. Ford has to be viewed in context of her statement that Kavanaugh could not get her clothes off.
When a group of guys or just one guy intends sexual harm, if the girl is overpowered, clothes are removed in no time at all. Here, whatever Ms. Ford was wearing, and presumably due to whatever struggle she put up, she apparently remained fully clothed. That tells me that Kavanaugh was either unable or unwilling to carry out the depraved conduct that may have been in his mind.
When buttons can't be unbuttoned and zippers can't be unzipped, and there is no suggestion of intimate contact, branding the attack sexual is based on an assumption of what was in Kavanaugh's mind. What actually took place was an aggravated assault with no intimate contact.
Absent even a moment of intimate sexual body contact and absent a suggestion that Kavanaugh was ever aroused, the sexuality of this offense, if any, falls far shy of intended rape or even intended unlawful sexual assault. This is particularly true because of the alcohol he had consumed.
Would Kavanaugh have touched Ms. Ford in an intimate manner if buttons and zippers could have been undone? Your guess is as good as mine.
2
Sexual assault is the act of unwanted touching in a sexual way...that she fought back...or anyone does to save their lives, does not then have the act disappear because he didn't get the buttons undone and move toward penetration. This is the line of thinking that has us stuck and blaming the victim. Because she fought back you present she is not a victim. Faulty thinking she has been violated and she is a victim.
1
This is just the kind of thinking that has gotten us where we are today.
The Democrats sat on this for six weeks, and now they want a delay.
8
This latest delay tactic by Ford and the Democratic Party will allow Kavanaugh's nomination to proceed and for him to be confirmed. Anyone with half a brain can see what the end game is with these folks... delay and don't allow a vote, even if their methods are blatantly unethical and dishonest. Whether you agree with Kavanaugh's rulings or not, the way he and his family have been treated by the left is pathetic.
What's happened to the Democratic Party? I used to have a fair amount of respect for both political parties... but these hearings have reduced the Democratic Party to a new low. Good riddance to them.
5
Society has become a scary place, where the accused are immediately assumed to be guilty, the accuser is turned into a hero, and the media tries its best to hang the accused; all with zero evidence.
8
Grassley and Hatch that did the "Anita Hill Takedown" are hoping to do the same thing to Dr. Ford so they can rush thru another ant-democracy justice.
5
Her insistence upon the FBI investigating before her testimony is stupid since it is her allegations that would be the subject of their investigation. She has to first make the allegations, then they should be investigated.
Her insistence upon the FBI investigating before her testimony reveals that her real purpose is political and, combined with her decades of delay, casts doubt upon her credibility. She is insisting upon FBI investigation first in order to delay the confirmation process while the investigation takes place.
It is also outrageously presumptuous. It would be like Trump demanding to dictate the course and timing of Mueller's investigation.
13
It's possible she is telling the truth, that in their teenage years what she says happened happened. If it did that is horrible and I empathise.
Over 30 years later it is hard to prove, though, and I think the nominee's conduct since the date she mentions should be a major factor in judging him.
3
She never shared this with police or her parents at the time. A man's reputation and career are at stake as well as the process to appoint a Justice to the Supreme Court. The whole thing sounds like political tricks from the Democrats to delay the appointment in case they take over the Senate in November.
80
@Alan Klein - She sent a letter to her Senator and told her therapist after the fact.
@Alan Klein Sounds like you have absolutely no awareness or understanding of what it might have been like for any 15 year old girl who was sexually assaulted in 1982 or at any time for that matter.
2
@Alan Klein"The whole thing sounds like political tricks from the Democrats to delay the appointment in case they take over the Senate in November."
And where did they learn this trick? Mitch McConnell take a bow.
It is Brett Kavanaugh's behavior now is what disqualifies him.
We expect integrity and honesty from a Supreme Court Justice. So the moment you argue that "even if it did happen," you have a problem. Because it it did, then his response should have been along these lines:
"I was shocked by this accusation. It was unfathomable to me that I ever behaved in that way. However, on further reflection, I recognized that there were times when I was terribly drunk, in High School. That has given me pause. Because if there is any chance that Dr. Blasey's recollections are correct, then the last thing I would wish wish to do is cause her more harm. If her memory is correct, and mine is not, then I must take responsibility, and apologize to her as sincerely as I can.
While this may not have been the timing I'd have chosen, to hear her story, I think about how hard it must have been then, how hard it must be now, and I am grateful to her, for coming forward. At first I could only think about my life's dream coming to an end...but then I realized that if there is any chance this happened, then I would not have wanted to live the rest of my life without having this opportunity to apologize to her. And I would ask everyone to leave her, and her family, alone. She has done nothing wrong."
179
@Kayle Simon Why do you presume that it did happen? Where's your conclusive evidence? He shouldn't have to apologize for something that he said that he never did. This is like forcing the accused to admit "they are not a witch, but could possibly have been a witch at some point, and are therefore sorry"
2
@Kayle Simon If he has no recollection of it, then he has no recollection of it. He says it never happened. She says it did. There appears no corroborating evidence. Why would he put out such a statement other than to assuage the opposition? Why are so many determined to have him give up his rights for something he says he never did? Why would you want that?
2
@Kayle Simon Since it according to him did not happen, and her recollection is suspect all that you say is irrelevant. Yes she should be left alone.
2
Professor Ford took a lie detector test.
Where is Kavanaugh's willingness to take a lie detector test "in a heartbeat" (reference to Pence)?
4
@Marge W
Sure, he’s an entitled rich boy, just as much as she appears to be an entitled rich girl; they richly deserve each other.
As I have written several times, I don’t support Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. But he did become a judge on what is probably the most important circuit court of appeals because the Democrats cut a deal with Republicans.
Resorting now to last minute allegations of attempted rape of a 15 year-old girl, who doesn’t seem to remember much else, by a 17 year-old drunken boy 36 years ago seems dubious.
6
@Myron Jaworsky
Who's to say she wasn't drunk herself? Hence the memory loss as to exact time and place.
"He denied it."
—This phrase has the Presidential Seal of Approval (Just look at what he said about Arpaio, Putin and himself).
3
Obviously the FBI should also investigate Ms. Blasey Ford. What happened there when she was only 15 and she went upstairs alone in a private home loaded with 17 year old kids; why did she wait more than 30 years to tell the world about this; what was her lifestyle from then on. Many questions need to be answered.
6
@rudolf
She waited, the claim is, because it was a repressed memory that reappeared only in 2012 under psychiatric treatment. So even the memory is suspect.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
This woman is STRONG!
10
@Eric Awesome how strong she is. isn't it? Let's keep this person of steel from getting crushed in the jaws of the Senate Judicial Committee or burned at the stake by mainstream conservative media.
Dr. Ford has stated that Judge Kavanaugh committed felony sexual assault. This isn't a boys will be boys moment or what happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep story.
The judge is accused of a felony committed in a state with no statue of limitations. Why are the hearings continuing at all?
1
Merrick Garland...
4
If anything, the FBI should at least interview Mark Judge and Patrick Smyth(who says Ford identified him as being at the party, but he denies it). Or they should both be subpoenaed to testify under oath.
Would their stories change if they're required to testify under oath or be interviewed by the FBI? They may or may not, but I think it's important that they are a least questioned.
I also wonder if Kavanaugh has any contact with them after the allegations became public. I think that's an important factor to consider and find out.
9
@oreo
I agree entirely on all points, and I suspect nearly all Americans do. But ...
I'm all but certain I know the answers to your questions: Nobody's story will change, and none of the three individuals has been in touch with any of the others since this became public. Those answers aren't 100% certain, but 99.9% is a fair prediction.
In other words, we're going to end up right where we are now: with a "he said/she said" case. Very rarely does an attempted-rape investigation end up anywhere else -- at least where, as here, there's no physical evidence, the alleged victim told no one about the incident for several decades, and ultimately gave an explanation that has gaps and inconsistencies. I understand why Dr. Blaisey would not tell anyone, and why the passage of several decades might result in gaps and inconsistencies. The fact remains that we'll almost certainly start and end with a "he said/she said" case.
Nevertheless, I don't see what else we can do. Going through the motions is better than not going through the motions.
1
@oreo OK, so the three people Ford says were there all deny it. So the FBI should go on a fishing expedition because of this? I think not.
1
Read today’s NYT piece with his quotes about high school and college drinking. NYT. today - “Accusations Draw New Attention to Kavanaugh’s Remarks About Drinking”. He’s said a lot perhaps revealing guilt but also clearly a pattern and culture in prep school and at Yale of “what happens here stays here”. This is the worst of “good ol boys” philosophy. An analytic legal mind can also be sick and morally corrupt. Let’s here from others who knew him. FBI get on this. Too much at stake.
14
Why wouldn't we let the FBI investigate the allegation by Dr Ford? What's the rush?
15
Misuse of FBI
What Is Ford hiding? Why won't she meet the person she ACCUSED & her witness who said it never HAPPENED?,?
@thetruthfirst
2
She was 15 he was 17.
A case for the Juvenile Court, not the FBI
10
@Gerhard: Tell that to the Central Park Five who were tried and convicted like adults while they were innocent. But they weren’t rich entitled East Coast Elite frat boys....
7
@Gerhard
Thinking today is that the brains of those under 18 are not fully formed, and, thus, they cannot exercise the level of maturity and personal responsibility necessary to be held responsible as adults for their alleged crimes.
This is the positions progressive advocate for when it's not a republican. They shouldn't become hypocrites now.
1
I believed Anita Hill, and I believe Dr. Blasey.
The least the republicans can do is listen to the lady.
But they would rather rush through (again) an unqualified, perhaps unethical person to the highest court of the land.
This is on you McConnell, Corney and Grasley.
Roll over the Constitution and put party over country.
That's treason in my book.
20
Majority don't believe Hill
And less believe Ford who's own witness said "it never HAPPENED"
FACTS MATTER
@Wilder
1
@Wilder
Democrats in the Senate should have taken a vow to vote no on each and every Supreme Court candidate put forth by Trump and McConnell. Why? Merrick Garland. I wish my Democratic party would play hardball. If they did, this brouhaha would be in the Republicans' court, for them to deal with.
1
Good. Let him be confirmed. Overturn Roe. Then see what happens to our nation
4
It's disgusting to me that this woman would be dragged through that snake pit to be attacked by politicians rather than allow law enforcement to investigate.
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault shouldn't get dragged through a last minute dog and pony show. My thoughts are with you ma'am.
22
From past remarks, there is a very good chance Kavanaugh had a drinking problem. Was he so drunk that he sexually assaulted Dr. Blasey and didn't remember doing it ? Very possible. Any way you slice it, Kavanaugh is sketchy. This guy wants a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land, and in turn he has likely indicated to Trump that he would rule on the Trump-Russia scandal in his favor. This nomination has trump scandal stink all over it.
23
All the evidence from Kavanaugh's teen days says he did NOT
So now teens having a beer is a CRIME?
@S B
1
In addition to investigating allegations of Kavanaugh's attempted rape, the FBI should also investigate the source of his debt and his excessive drinking which also are related to his character.
17
Clearly Christine Blasey Ford is taking the advice of Anita Hill seriously. And who can blame her?
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/18/opinion/anita-hill-brett-kavanaugh-cl...
8
So many comments asking what this woman gains from lying? Are people seriously that naive and intellectually dishonest? What does she have to gain? Has nobody been paying attention? This is an absolute obvious last card and sickening maneuver by the Democratic Party. Disgusting.
15
And it’s all paid for by George Soros behind the scenes.
1
@Jeff Seriously? You think that she is asking for the FBI to investigate something that is false? How many members of the trump crime syndicate pleaded their far more serious felony charges down to the felony of lying to the FBI, and then went to jail? 6 at this point? You think this professor is willingly setting herself up for federal prison as a "ploy?"
Shame on you. Not a shred of decency or even basic sense left in anyone defending this administration or the Republican party
1
@Jeff: Does the name Merrick Garland ring any bells? The Kavanaugh confirmation is rammed through so it behooves both Republicans and Democrats to proceed carefully in making sure that the next appointee to the SC is of the highest integrity and credentials. Thus far, I have serious doubts about Kavanaugh, as has the great majority of Americans. If you want the SC to become irrelevant and its decisions ignored, by all means, ram through Kavanaugh.
Makes total sense. Protects Kavanaugh too from potentially purguring himself.
1
I hope the FBI is also investigating Christine Blasey Ford?
9
@Jay M Lieberman
That is the way serious investigations are done.
1
@Jay M Lieberman She passed a lie detector test administered by a former FBI official.
2
@Jay M Lieberman: Yes, that’s the idea. Both Dr. Blasey and Mr. Kavanaugh.
2
The cavalier comments here are disheartening but not unexpected. The woman is receiving death threats. Every 98 seconds a woman is sexually assaulted in the USA. https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence
19
@Tears For USA. I agree with your assessment the comments here are not unexpected. However, Christine Blasey Ford has the wherewithal (intellect, political connections, etc.) to demand her voice be heard. Everything involved in this debacle will benefit from her ‘15 minutes of fame’.
The proper focus should be on all those who will never be heard as they lack ‘connections’. They will continue to struggle silently.
Kavanaugh, his wife and two young girls are also beibg threatened
Are you suggesting this is ok??
@Tears For USA
1
Seriously, what did Ford expect by coming forward at this stage in this highly, divided political atmosphere? Healing? Closure?
"...Dr. Blasey’s lawyers said that she has been the target of “vicious harassment and even death threats” since her name was made public on Sunday in an interview published in The Washington Post. Her email has been hacked, she has been impersonated online and she and her family have been forced to relocate out of their home, according to the lawyers, Ms. Banks and her partner, Debra S. Katz...."
8
Bill Clinton runs roughshod over numerous women for years, we’re told it’s not our business. Shakey allegations come out days before Kavenaugh is to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, and the Left expects the entire world to stop until the man can be proven guilty. Am I all caught up?
15
@Midwest Josh: And Trump? Bill Clinton had consensual encounters and the women who accused him of sexual assault lost every shred of credibility when they appeared with Groper and Ogler in Chief in a presidential debate. Broderick for instance, denied three times under oath she was raped by Clinton before Starr helped her “recover” her memory and Kavanaugh was fanatically pursuing the consensual Lewinsky affair. Pot meets kettle and what goes around, comes around, is all I can say...
Add in JFK, LBJ, Teddy and so many more.
2
SO Kavanaugh gave a recent talk to the Yale Law School Federalist Society laughing about being fall-down drunk.
The Federalist Society is the right-wing Republican bunch who put together the list that Trump is using to appoint his money-is-speech judges.
You'd think Kavanaugh might have chosen to impress them with a discussion of the fine points of law, but apparently what is important to this money-is-speech, corporations-are-people crowd is a winking assertion that "hey I'm one of you guys"
34
@Lynn
so liberal college students never get drunk at Yale?
5
This needs investigated now, before the hearing. Investigations always precede the hearing -- unless you are just "going through the motions." But there's a second reason this needs investigated. He's already a federal judge and his initial background check was clearing wanting. It appears he shouldn't be on any federal bench, not simply the SCOTUS.
20
Not enough? Six background checks by the FBI?
1
This makes me ill.
12
I’ve got an opinion as to,whether this alleged incident really happened. But, my partially informed opinion counts for little.
However, there is an agency called the FBI which is pretty professional at conducting investigations. Why is Sen. Grassley so intent on rushing this through? Kavanaugh is being considered for the Supreme Court, not some low level civil service position. What’s the harm in letting the FBI do its job? Yes, it’s a delay, but, so what?
I have an opinion about another thing...if it were proved that this incident happened, I believe that there are some GOP senators who would still vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh.
37
Do you remember hit songs from 1982? They played The Girl is Mine, Hurts So Good, Hard to Say I'm Sorry... I Ran (So Far Away) and You Should Hear How She Talks About You. I
was born close to the same time as Dr. Blasey. I'm just a little younger. I remember those songs. I remember a lot from 1982, actually. I even remember a sexual assault from a lot earlier in my life. Clearly remember it.
If some drunk male assailant and some drunk male witness forgot what they did to a young woman in 1982, well, I guess they drank too much. That doesn't make it go away, just like a song I haven't heard since it was on the radio in 1982.
I'd investigate, if I were in the FBI. Seems like a good call when a guy is asking to rule over women's bodies for approximately the rest of my life.
44
@Thankful
Devil's Advocate here.
She can't pinpoint the home in which this took place or exact time, perhaps she too was inebriated. I remember 1982 quite fondly an can remember things clear as day as if they happened yesterday. She can't.
In her op-ed, Anita Hill said: “[R]efer to Christine Blasey Ford by her name. She was once anonymous, but no longer is. Dr. Blasey is not simply “Judge Kavanaugh’s accuser.” Dr. Blasey is a human being with a life of her own. She deserves the respect of being addressed and treated as a whole person.” The NYT should take her advice and use Ford’s name in headlines rather than “Kavanaugh’s accuser”.
29
Mark Judge's book entitled 'Wasted: Tales of a Genx Drunk' should be entered into the record.
41
If he was drunk, is he a credible witness about how he behaved? Provide a compelling reason she would be lying. On the other hand, explain why if he was drunk and attempting an assault he would admit it.
I am so sick of lying men who treat women with disrespect. Trump of all people should keep his mouth shut on this as he is the worst kind of offender when it comes to harassing and assaulting women. He takes pride in it.
37
Hard,to believe anyone with a drinking PROBLEM PASSED a TS CLEARANCE 6 times
@Joel Stegner
1
Hell hath no fury like tens of millions of American women who feel that Dr. Ford is not being given due process. And that the facts are not being impartially investigated.
Do the GOP men on the House Judiciary Committee really want to risk holding a vote on Tuesday? They will simply come off as bullies.
And that will not end well for them.
They should proceed at their peril.
For so many of us have been assaulted by fine, upstanding men of all ages and are still carrying the trauma. We can't forget.
We are angry,we are loud, and we vote.
They should be very,very, careful!
37
I keep waiting for victim number 2,3 and 4 speak up. I an waiting for witness 2,3 and 4 to come forward and say they were there at the party. I keep waiting for friend 2,3 and 4 to say she told them the next day what happened. That is what brothers me. I am not a fan of him joining the court. But there needs to be some credibility to the story. Probably 50% of 17 year old boys have done some really stupid actions. There lives should not be destroyed over that action. And what happens after.
1
@LJB
How about those millions of women who have sons? Think they are onboard with this kind of behavior? They want their sons accused at the apex of their career by someone who comes out of the woodwork? You sure about that?
1
@LJB
There are millions of women who recognize how dangerous it is to declare a man guilty based on one's own personal experiences.
Many women, like myself, are not looking to punish all men because of the one who groped me decades ago. I'm not angry at men because I feel disadvantaged.
I'm more angry at the kind of misguided emotionalism that leads to accusations of guilt based on "evidence" in one's own life.
2
I think Dr. Ford needs a new attorney. Is Gloria Allred available? Michael Avenatti? Time to go outside The Beltway for some strong representation. Her current attorney seems to be letting her twist in the wind.
6
@vsr what about Anita Hill?
What is the problem in requesting an investigation prior to testifying? This is smart!
She needs to come forward. Also the FBI should investigate.l prior to sitting in front of the senate.
3
Possibly, I've seen too many FBI TV shows but it seems that an investigation could reduce the likelihood of bias in the resolution of this case. Mark Judge doesn't wish to speak but an honest citizen should be willing to speak to an FBI investigator. GOP lawmakers' complaints about time constraints are hypocritical, given the year delay imposed by Senator McConnell, in replacing Judge Scalia.
Similar to the president, the Republican lawmakers have been emboldened by their control of both houses and the presidency. Dr. Blasey Fords allegations have made them impatient and angry.
"If we forget the past, we are doomed to repeat it". This is all to familiar to Clarence Thomas' appointment. Many of us still believe Anita Hill. The Republicans have a second chance, to respect women, will they squander it?
16
@batpa
"Mark Judge doesn't wish to speak"
Likely because he knows very well that denying the incident would be lying under oath.
15
@Lynn
Could be why Ford doesnt want to speak either. Shes been given ample opportunity.
The President of the Federalist Society said that he would be okay with any of their top recommendations. Trump just happened to pick one with baggage. Republican support among college educated women has already fallen off a cliff thanks to Trump. This won't bode well in suburban House districts come November if they continue to push this forward. I'm betting it's a risk they won't want to take. Kavanaugh isn't worth it when they could easily name another candidate with the same agenda and no baggage.
2
"Select a neutral investigative body with experience in sexual misconduct cases that will investigate the incident in question and present its findings to the committee."
-Anita Hill Op-ed
Ms. Ford's request to have the FBI investigate these allegations meets the recommended actions put forth in Ms. Hill's op-ed.
Makes sense, why go before a highly partisan committee that really isn't seeking the truth? These committees are nothing more than Kangaroo Courts.
13
More controversy in this fragmented Administration where saints and liars feature, an introverted presidency focused on our commander-in-chief who keeps some of us on our toes with due diligence to the Press.
Few photos of the President are to be seen on the cover of newspapers or magazines in the rural regions these days, and our town is not in possession of a pub in order to avoid brawls. The President often looks as if he has been in a brawl by the rare look of it, and a fair soul who always has something good to say of our Leader ventured recently that his hair looks fine but that he has aged. He is having a nervous breakdown was one reply, and these come in all shapes and shades.
Some of us do not really understand the role of The Supreme Court. The choice of the new incumbent to sit in justice has been blotched by allegations of sexual misconduct in his youth, but the Republicans will get their way because they are under the illusion that they know what is best for our Country and they have tons of followers who believe this fervently.
We will now have two supreme judges sitting on the bench and serving a life-time sentence. Both under a cloud of suspicion for their handling of women. It would be honorable if Mr. Kavanaugh stepped down, but even if he wanted to withdraw his nomination, it is too late. The Republicans will have their way, and throw our President to the wolves when it suits them.
This gives new meaning to the sentence of 'Going the Whole Hog'.
4
@Miss Ley
"The Republicans will get their way because they are under the illusion that they know what is best for our Country "
no, they know what is best for their corporate polluters and donors, and for the protection of their own power and don't care at all about what is best for the country.
You are absolutely, and unfortunately, right, that their voters (make a serious error and )believe them
5
She is just afraid of testifying under oath. Seems likely that she is lying and afraid of puguring herself. There is nothing the FBI can do because the statute of limitations has run.
15
In Maryland, there is no stature on sex crimes. Go check it out!
2
@Jay Lincoln
Wrong. The FBI investigates the background of all judicial nominees. When new information comes to light they should automatically investigate it. It is extremely important considering the Supreme Court is a lifetime appointment.
Finally, there is no statute of limitations in Maryland for felony sexual offenses. Dr. Ford’s account of events describes the commission of a felony by Kavanaugh.
5
@jwgibbs Since he was a juvenile at the time, there's really nothing to be done and the record would have been expunged had this been pursued at the appropriate time.
1
When even the accuser seems to have limited recollection of the alleged event, what more is there to learn?
15
@Confused
She has a very clear recollection of assault and attempted rape by two very specific guys----she just doesn't remember the address of the house where it took place or the precise date. Kavanaugh and his buddy on the other hand brag about spending their HS years drinking.
What more is there to learn? Who else was at the party. Do they remember her suddenly leaving? The FBI is perfectly capable of doing this
14
@Confused
She passed a polygraph and just cannot remember the house where the crime took place. Read up on trauma. She clearly remembers the witness to the crime, but hey, the Republicans will not allow a proper investigation, so he won't be testifying. Try reading facts.
1
All the Republicans care about is pushing their nominee through. They know in their hearts he is guilty but when your heart is dark, you don't care about the damage you do to others, you care only about your own power and agendas.
5
Dr. Blasey would have been advised not to accuse Mr. Kavanaugh unless she had corroborative witness(s). She is absolutely right to get the FBI involved. If it meets the Bureau's standard, then, and only then, is there a real scandal. If it does not, then life goes on. Same with Trump. If it is determined that he broke the law, then let the facts come. Every time Trump opens his mouth I just want to echo Ronald Reagan's line to Jimmy Carter: "Here he goes again...".
5
@Max & Max
No, shes not absolutely right to get the FBI involved.
First, this is not a federal crime, thats why they are called the "Federal" Bureau of investigation. If she had reported this when it happened, would the FBI have jumped in? Of course not. This is strictly a job for local authorities. Second, the statute of limitations ran out long ago. No authority would get involved. Third, she has zero right to demand who investigates her claim. No citizen does.
Fourth, use your common sense. How could a 36 year old claim be investigated when she cant remember when or where it happened? How on earth would they do that?Track down every one of their classmates and ask if they were ever at a party where both were in attendance? From 35 years ago? Could you yourself answer that question?
3
@Sports Medicine
The point isn't if she has the right but whether by getting a reputable third party involved (and the FBI is peerless in this domain) she will have done a very important thing: acted to assembly a body of evidence that will save the reputation of the SCOTUS. If Kavanaugh is determined to have done what she currently alleges, then he ought not to be on the Court for it damages the credibility of the Court. If there is no evidence, then he is free to accept the appointment or not. Until her story is substantiated, it's "fake news." After the FBI has a look, it becomes official. And yes, they would track down all material witnesses. Experiences that happen during adolescence, especially first ones are important to enough to remember. If she told someone, then, it would matter. One-night-stands and unsatisfactory relationships are far more numerous to perhaps recall accurately, but something like this is very big in a teen's life. Let the facts come. Chances are, as with Trump, he will be rewarded for his bad behavior even if the facts come out. In today's Trump climate, a virile man who misbehaves is superior to the girly-man who obeys the Golden Rule. The former makes his dad proud. The latter causes dad to question his own manhood. Isn't that really what's going on? A lot of men are wondering, do I want my son someone women fear or someone women can respect?
I had a minor assault 60 years ago - yes! in a Catholic school by a teacher. It was quickly hushed up, the teacher remained and I was moved to another class. I remember every detail of the incident as though it were yesterday. I do not recall the day of week, time of day or what the perp was wearing. However, every other detail is clear. One never forgets such an incident. Dr. Ford deserves that this be taken seriously by the GOP and an FBI investigation should be mandatory.
22
Let the FBI or any other agency that wants to thoroughly investigate Kavanaugh's background. Release all of the documents. If Donald Trump claims that transparency is good, let it be.
17
Kavanaugh s confirmation to the Supreme Court should be decided by the new senate after November.
28
This is quite transparently an attempt to delay confirmation past the midterms, as revenge for what happened to Garland. The Republicans will not fall for it, and even Senators like Flake and Corker (who hate Trump) won't destroy their post Senate careers by obstructing a conservative majority on the Supreme Court (a goal that has united Republicans for decades before Trump emerged).
14
Even if this is nothing more than revenge for Merrick Garland (and I don’t believe it is), I’m not so sure that would be a bad thing. Merrick Garland was appointed by a sitting President, and Mitch McConnell was derelict in his Constitutional duty to advise and consent by refusing to hold hearings.
1
@Richard
So allow and official investigation, right? Why would the Republicans block t?
@ERT
This is an easy one. If I were a Democratic Senator on the judiciary committee, I would sit there doing crossword puzzles and vote NO on this nominee or any other nominee. Why? Merrick Garland.
This whole issue is really an issue of power. Republicans over Democrats, Republicans over women, Republicans over the will of the people, Republicans over norms, Republicans over the constitution. What Kavanaugh did in high school to a 15 year old, is not normal behavior. He committed a sexual assault, and it is relevant to whether or not he should sit on the Supreme Court. If he's appointed we will have two Supreme Court Justices who could care less about the abuse that is done to women, making decisions about women's lives. Women is this country are viewed by these two and the majority of Republicans as not worthy of the time it would take to do due process.
26
This needs to stop, now.
Feinstein is now equivocating as she begins to dig into the "facts" and finds little there.
The information was available at the time of the hearings but was withheld. She has no good answer for why she bypassed the official protocol.
There is no allegation of anything beyond groping, and a teen groping another teen may be unruly, but it just isn't news.
The hypocrisy of the politicians involved, who loved Senator Kennedy - you remember him, the one who drowned his adulterous paramour while driving drunk - is just beyond acceptability.
18
There is no allegation beyond groping because she managed to escape. If the allegations are true the true intent, rape, is obvious.
1
@ObjectivistHow is holding your hand over a woman’s mouth so she doesn’t scream groping? How is that normal teen behavior? If a woman, even a teen, feels that a man, even a teen, is violating her body, how is that ok? It’s not merely “unruly,” it’s unlawful.
@ERT If a woman who is drunk is considered legally to be unable to consent to sex, why is a man who is drunk considered to be able to form a culpable intention to commit sexual assault?
As I listened to R commentators on the radio driving to work I realized that reason and logic are not longer part of our political system. They all argued that no investigation is required for the Kavanaugh complaint because the Senate will conduct the investigation by permitting both Kavanaugh and Blasey Ford to testify- on Monday! I have practiced law for more than 45 years. Never have I witnessed any investigation in any area of the law take place over a one-day period by interviewing only the two individuals involved. Testimony from independent witnesses is essential. Are there others who can testify as to whether Kavanaugh was at the party- something he has denied. Are there others who can testify that Kavanaugh knew Blasey Ford, again something he has denied? Did the victim provide contemporaneous reports to others? Does the victim have some motive to lie? Has she made statements to others that evidence a motive to lie? Are there other victims? Is there any contemporaneous written evidence of the incident? And there are numerous other questions that will never be answered if the hearing takes place on Monday.
I don't know who is telling the truth here. I would never be so presumptuous as to make a decision based upon newspaper reports. I also would not make a decision on the basis of a few hours of testimony by the individuals involved. Our system is infected with a partisan cancer that has destroyed the national political brain.
42
@Disillusioned
She cant tell us when or where this supposedly happened.
Where are you going to get witnesses from?
Track down every one of their classmates and ask them if they were ever at a house party where Ford and Kavanaugh were present 36 years ago?
1
@Disillusioned You have a valid point in saying we do not know what the truth is. An investigation is absolutely needed.
Some additional points though:
Only one of these people has the motivation to lie
Only one side of this does not want it investigated, and that is the same side with the motivation to lie
That same side with the motivation to lie and not wanting this investigated is also hiding roughly 90% of the documents requested to investigate other aspects of that one side.
It certainly leads to the inevitable conclusion that Kavanaugh is lying. Republicans know he is lying. And they both know he has done worse and are thus trying to rush this process as much as possible before even more comes out.
All together it means this is someone who should not be in his current court position, let alone on SCOTUS
I disagree. I think she was expecting to be treated somewhat differently as a result. The 15 mins of fame, the footnotes in history books, her own memoirs, maybe career advancement too.
Plus she would be working to damage the current administration against which she had already demonstrated.
For some that is quite enough incentive.
1
I think we now have some reason for the FBI to investigate this matter. Mr. Kavanaugh is on tape joyfully bragging about drunken debauchery. What happens in high school, followed by what happens in the bus stays on the bus in law school are clearly admitting that Kavanaugh overindulged. And not just once, What was he like between hoigh school and the party bus in law school? That should give the FBI a starting point for a further investigation. Do any of the 6 previous background checks include that part of Kavanaugh's story? We may not have all the details about the night in question. But we certainly have details that Kavanaugh was a heavy drinker. Mr. Judge should be able to corroborate that . And there are likely others as well. No one parties in a vacuum. And not just in high school. And if those tapes can be uncovered, there is likely more to his story still out there than has been revealed. It is time to throw Kavanaugh under the bus. Because what gets thrown under the bus, stays under the bus.
29
@Walking Man
Not sure you ever attended college, but many college students drink, and even get drunk.
Many of them.
Probably not a reason for the FBI to get involved.
I wager that the headmaster at Georgetown prep is sweating a bit---even a rookie FBI agent could find a skeleton or two within hours of arriving on campus. Not that I could afford it, but, so glad my kids went to a public school---much safer and academically sounder.
20
You are so right. I shudder to think of all those knifings and shootings that occur at private schools:-)
3
@ACJ---As a former teacher at several private schools, I know you are right about sexual cover-ups among staff and administrators. That said, please do not naively believe that sexual harassing and criminal incidents do not occur in public schools. They happen with just as much frequency. Administrators there also do cover-ups.
1
If Kavanagh says he does not recall the incident or whether he was there that could be true. If in fact this did occur as Dr. Ford alleges and he has no recollection of such event that only serves to bolster the fact that for Kavanagh the event was non-momentous and almost trivial , but obviously it isn’t trivial for the victim . Isn’t that the point of this ? However now Kavanagh is unequivocally saying that it did NOT happen and he wasn’t there . That very well could be just one big lie and that is the point of all of this .
12
Exactly what is the FBI supposed to investigate? This is strictly he said - she said. And the she here can't remember dates and times. If there are any witnesses to this the story is pretty much out there is it not. So if they wanted to come forward they could. The best the FBI could do is track down every person who was in Kavanuagh's class or near his class and see if they can remember ever seeing Kavanaugh at the same party as Ford. And what would that prove? They could track down rumors of bad behavior at the prep school he attended but that doesn't mean he's guilty of anything. They could investigate if Kavanaugh and Ford actually knew each other at any point. But what does that prove?
Moreover, what is the crime here? He didn't try to rape her. It's doubtful this would be considered sexual assault. It's doubtful the police at that time or now would have pursued the issue (teenage drinking at party ) because unless she' got some sort of physical injuries or evidence of penetration or witnesses of actual, it's he said, she said.
What happened, if it happened, are unknowable 36 years after the fact. Bringing in the FBI won't change that. The dems know that. Ford knows that.
11
Monday's meeting with the Judiciary Committee,if it should take place, won't change many opinions. Most people have heard and seen enough of this circus to make up their minds. Dr. Ford has nothing to gain and everything to lose telling the truth of what happened 36 years ago. Judge Kavanaugh has everything to lose and nothing to gain unless he denies the allegation. Most people following this story understand this and nothing happening on Monday will change anyone's opinion
3
Should come as no surprise that yet another Trump nominee may have shady behavior in his past. Also no surprise at the outpouring of sympathy for the impact this turn of events is having on his family while none at all for Ms. Ford, whose family has been the target of death threats, hacked email accounts, and nasty accusations.
21
A 30 year old accusation, she can’t remember the details of, like where and when it happened. Clear political motivations and you, the Democrats, either truly believe her or cynically believe her for your own political ends. This is the end of the Democratic Party as you know it.
16
@Mark V
Try reading. It helps before you a say something like this about trauma recollection. And guess who is blocking her ability to subpeona the only witness? Reading is a smart thing.
@Mark V. It’s easy to think she’s politically motivated when you have absolutely no idea what it means to be sexually assaulted. It’s easy to forget that she and her family are human beings and will be harassed for the rest of their lives by the likes of you. How narrow can you people get? What will you think when he’s on the bench and more accusations come out, and witnesses start to appear, and the talk begins of impeaching him? Oh, it’s just another Democratic plot. All of you people need some lessons in what it means to live a different life from your own.
@Mark V
How much do you know about trauma?
Frequently the person who was the victim will try to put it to bed without dealing with it.
The victim may have the trauma resurface when seeing the person who inflicted the trauma being considered for a position that can have an impact on many folk.
It takes a huge amount of integrity to then stand up and speak a truth.
I can only admire such a person and I have seen what can happen when that person speaks out and that's appalling.
1
Instead of attacking the accuser, perhaps the party of personal responsibility should ask themselves why they picked a nominee that even has an accuser. Their anger at Christina Ford seems a bit misplaced. A better job of vetting could've prevented this. Neil Gorsuch had no such problems, and it's doubtful that the other recommended candidates will either.
4
Which I believe puts the ball in the courts of Sens. Flake, Murkowski and Collins, since the direction the Judiciary Committee takes now is up to them.
7
The letter from the attorney says it all. The ancient Republicans who are trying to ram through this fatally-flawed nomination need to be ousted. Kavanaugh absolutely should not be confirmed.
Dr. Blasey should not have to be publicly humiliated and publicly shamed by the Republicans in a hearing where the facts are not properly vetted and these GOP charlatans all need to be voted out.
An FBI investigation is in order and there is no way Dr. Blasey should be seated at the same table as the accused. They must testify separately.
The Republicans are flat out despicable.
21
The Republicans are once again stacking the odds against the victim. Senator Franken (unfairly) did not have the investigation he was entitled to. If Kavanaugh is innocent, he should welcome the investigation. The senators who say, "well, no one else has come forth)...Hello? Like it would make a difference. Twelve women came forth and accused Trump. His own statements bragged about his sexual abuse. It made no difference. He was elected. Republicans are hypocritical to the max. Impeached Bill Clinton for much less....A travesty.
If Collins and Murkosky vote for this tainted judge, they should be voted out of office.
2
It's astounding that no one has counseled Kavanaugh to remove himself from consideration, until you remember this is the Republicans we are discussing, the party where shame, honor and truth goes to die.
19
Why should he when doing so would be considered an admission of guilt?
If FBI has not investigated we will see Anita Hill again. These men are barbarians when it comes to a woman's word against a man. Men will laugh it off.
Grassley will say if Thomas can why not Kav.
Why take the nation into gloom and doom yet again. I hope they have learned something from 1991 fiasco.
4
Despite being a flaming liberal, I have to admit an FBI investigation of a high school party that happened 35 years ago is pointless. Yes, she was assaulted. The FBI can’t determine who was in that room with any certainty. He said, she said. We’ll never know for sure.
16
@Peter I disagree. There were other people at the party. An investigation could bring a lot of information to light.
3
Don’t you think it would be helpful if Mark Judge were interviewed by the FBI? While he may again deny that this incident happened, he may not, since lying to the FBI has some unpleasant consequences.
@Peter not true. There may be other witnesses. Kavanaugh already lied and is hiding documents...reason to doubt his credibility. His friend wrote a book about what he and his friend "O'Kavanaugh" thought of women, and that there was "drunken debauchery" Dr. Ford's recollection is consistent with this. It isn't "he said she said". She has no reason to lie. He has every reason. What is the downside of an investigation? It gives more witnesses time to come forth. Plus Kavanaugh's friend refuses to testify under oath. He should be made to testify.
2
He doesn't remember this event. She said from the first report that he was fall down DRUNK. No wonder he doesn't remember. She remembers..in great detail. That is the way traumas are recalled. Anyone who has lived through a horrible experience never forgets it...moment by moment. DRUNKS may even have blackouts of memory..total lack of recall of what occurred. DUH!
20
First, Sen. Feinstein and others sat on Dr. Ford's letter because she did not want to come forward. Next, Dr. Ford was outed by leaks from Democrats, which resulted in her getting phone calls from reporters, etc. The author of the Washington Post article that identified Dr. Ford stated on Rachael Maddow's show Monday night that Dr. Ford decided to allow herself to be identified and interviewed last weekend because disclosure of her name was inevitable given the leaks from Democrats.
Dr. Ford did not "come forward," She was outed by Democrats at the last minute who want nothing less than to delay a vote until after the mid-terms. Now, she wants to delay testifying. Sorry Dr. Ford, but you've impugned Judge Kavanaugh's character in the worst possible way. Why do you need an FBI investigation in order to tell your story that you've been recounting for months to opportunistic Democrats. If, after both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh testify next Monday, more time is needed to follow up on facts, more hearings can occur. This is not good enough for Democrats because they know that there are no new "facts," This is truly shameful.
9
@Red
The one critical missing component, aside from objectivity, is the set of facts around this allegation.
Essentially, democrats want the FBI to come up with the facts so they can corroborate their allegations or, more likely, to delay the process enough to disrupt Kavanaugh's selection.
Either way, they are grasping at political straws.
3
Maybe Judge Merrick Garland is available for the position. Do you remember him? Do you remember the awful treatment he received from the Republicans?
26
Closing ranks and denying another woman due process.
6
The Senate GOP should be embarrassed and ashamed for the brainless argument posed for their mad dash to corrupted judgement.
"She doesn't need the FBI in order to testify! It won't change her testimony!"
Really? What would information provided by the FBI mean to your own lines of questioning?
Beyond the FBI, what about evidence? What about the alleged witness to the assault? What about the therapists notes from 2012, and the therapist to go with it? What about her husband's confirmation of her story?
This is a sham. The fact that our politicians would try to game the system at any costs to steal a seat on the Supreme Court is vile.
November cannot get her soon enough! The GOP has been running the table with house money. It's just about time that they pay the heavy price for turning their backs on their oaths of office and the American people.
10
I went to Ivy schools in the 80s. I partied hard. I even went to Amherst and Dartmouth toga parties. I slept with lots of young men. Lots. Boozy, stoned, or clear headed. I regret nothing. Fun times!
However, assuming Dr. Ford's account is true (it fits details of the times), the young Kavanaugh's behavior was out of step even for the 80s, criminally so. Despite all my bed hopping and wild times, nothing remotely matches her experience with Kavanaugh. This should give one pause. Serious pause. And don't give me boys will be boys. I have two sons, not a chance they would behave this way.
In addition, in the 80s, among the fervently upward striving future yuppies, we were constantly aware of not doing things that could come back to haunt us in our futures so bright we needed Tom Cruise's sunglasses. I had to chance to pose for a nudie mag in South America. I was game, but declined because of what a friend said stateside echoing in my head, "Do you want that to come back and haunt you when you run for President or get nominated for the Supreme Court?"
....Investigate the man....
27
It is FBI responsibility to vet people appointed to important positions.
11
@Tullymd
They did. 6 times. How many investigations do you want?
1
@Tullymd Please do your research. This man has been vetted many times in his career and found to be an excellent person and a very qualified judge. Most of these Senators that are now voting against him were the same that voted for him - most recently when he was appointed to the Circuit Court. What's the difference now? He is being proposed by a Republican President to be on the Supreme Court. This is purely political, shame of the Democrats!
2
@Tullymd Yes, and they've done so for Kavanaugh, over and over again (this isn't his first confirmation process, after all). That they didn't find anything suggests strongly that there was nothing to find.
This is not Ford talking...it's the lawyers playing control games. Move past them....take a vote...move on. Feinstein said she's not sure Ford is 100% reality. You can't allow both parties to play this last minute game from here on in...bad precedents are not good things.
11
At my upper-middle-class public school in a large Midwestern city in the early 1980s, a very drunk young woman was -- I now know the term for it -- sexually assaulted/date raped at a party by a male classmate. By Monday morning, virtually every kid in school knew what had happened. The girl was victimized twice -- first by the guy, and then by the students' gossip. What strikes me as I look back on that terrible incident is that even though we were teenagers, and even though times were different then, what happened at that party was wrong AND WE ALL KNEW IT. How these Republicans can pretend that they don't is sociopathic.
24
I was abducted and sexually assaulted many years ago. When I resisted he tried to suffocate me. I survived with some acting. I was college age. In America 1 in 3 women have experienced rape. That statistic has remained the same for decades. You never forget these experiences and they are imprinted on you forever. If you read an article which follows this one, it seems cavanaugh likes to reflect on his experiences being intoxicated when addressing graduates which frankly seems bizarre and inappropriate for a Supreme Court justice.
13
I remember the Anita Hill hearing clearly.
Never again would I want to see a repeat with another woman in the midst of angry mob of white powerful men. Not our governments shining moments. And I can never forget Arlen Spector from PA. I bad piece of work, that one.
19
What has become of the Democratic Party of my youth? I no longer recognize it all.
16
@Confused
They don't want an attempted rapist on the Supreme Court? I don't see what's so confusing or strange about that.
1
Yes!
Great!
Why not Investigate this person who wants to rule over other people?
Why should he be on The Supreme Court of the United States for 30, 40 or 50 years?
Think About it.
8
How Republicans handle this will show America exactly what they think of women, and wil be remembered in the voting booth.
17
I’m surprised that President Bone Spur, Kelly Anne, Sarah and Congressional Republicans haven’t tried the old “this is just locker room banter and behavior” and “boys will be boys” since it worked for Donald.
Until now.
9
Vanities aflame.
Frat boy to get comeuppance.
Thirty-six years late.
11
The Democrats and Prof. Blasey Ford have lost all credibility in this case. They both could have asked for an FBI investigation the day after Kavanaugh was nominated, or at least since early July. To wait until September to do so only raises the stench of political manipulation and delay tactics. It is Garland payback. Next time it will be the Republicans' turn to pull another dirty trick. This tit for tat will tear the country apart.
15
@JA
Professor Ford needs to either put up or shut up on Monday; otherwise this is just a delaying tactic. Anybody can make an accusation against anybody for any reason. Do we no longer believe in the rule of law -- innocent until proven guilty, the right to confront an accuser?
5
@JA
Sorry - but Dr. Ford did not want to go public with her story. It was released by a 3rd party - your comments reflecting judgement already passed are the exact reason I don't blame Dr. Ford - a private citizen - for not wanting to go public and become a human kick ball by you & many others. This poor lady's life will never be the same - remember ANita Hill?.... and she is not the one who asked for this or wants to sit on the highest court in the land.
As we've seen that a man who commits sexual assault, rarely do they commit sexual assault just one time.
8
She doesn't want to testify until what? I think that her entire plot just unraveled for what it really was, a fraudulent attempt to prevent Kavanaugh from being confirmed and nothing else. Time to vote on Monday and stop the nonsense.
14
She clearly does not want to appear. Whether she is telling the truth as it actually occurred, the truth as she remembers it (which could be completely different from THE truth, meaningfully so) or lying, the fear of appearing is understandable. However, she does not get to determine the process. If she will not appear very soon then that is the end of this part of the story and they should move to making a decision ASAP.
12
Who has the greater inducements to lie, she or Mr. Kavanaugh? Hint: it might be the guy/party apparatchik reaching for huge job “promotion”. And what does she (and het family) get, for having her name leaked? Lives so disrupted they can never be put back, death threats and all manner of insult and scorn all across social media.
3
Christine Blasey Ford is absolutely justified in wanting this investigated in a non-partisan way and the only way to do that is to take the investigation out of the hands of any politician.
So many of them have proven themselves to be willing to subvert their duty to the country to their party politics, to Trump, or to themselves.
Many people are pointing to Dr. Blasey Ford's stepping forward so many years after the alleged event as suspicious.
I believe that she may have decided to step forward because she cares about her country and the rule of law.
In this she sets an example for the current president.
Many people say that Mr. Kavanaugh was a teenager at the time and because of that should be treated differently.
I believe that if the allegation is true and Mr. Kavanaugh had been dealt with at the time he would have earned the right to be considered for the Supreme Court.
But, if he did commit the assault years ago and it is coming to light now I feel it is a case of justice deferred.
If Ms. Blasey Ford feels inclined to forgive Mr. Kavanaugh, given his age at the time, then justice would be served.
But to put this process in the hands of the republicans when they have acted so irresponsibly and with such disregard for the law and regular order would be another insult to the citizens of this country.
9
Shame, shame, shame on Feinstein. Receiving a letter last July from Ford and Feinstein does nothing. Pitiful. She has been the Dem's bump on the log during the confirmations, basically wanting only to insure her makeup and hair is combed properly. Why is she on the committee if she isn't going to properly vet the nominee? How does one know anything about Kavanaugh's character if questions are not posed about subjects that raise one's eyebrows? Pitiful on Feinstein's part. She better retire soon because her legacy was substantially tarnished by her inaction on the 'Ford Letter.'
9
Dr. Ford has already been told that she may testify privately is she so chooses. Her lawyers have apparently not chosen this option, at least publicly. Her testimony will not take place in front of Judge Kavanaugh. It appears the timing and leak of her accusations are orchestrated to delay Kavanaugh's confirmation.
Also, what could the FBI or other law enforcement possibly uncover that could not be uncovered by the Senate Judiciary Committee? There is no evidence, DNA or otherwise. No dress. Ford had her chance to name her accuser during couples therapy but did not. She had her chance to come forward during Kavanaugh's confirmation proceedings to the appellate court. But she did not.
It seems she has already embellished her story by saying she feared for her life. Really? She didn't tell her parents about this "fear" when it allegedly happened? It's understandable she would aggrandize her story to make it seem more plausible. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence should be able to see right through this, be it FBI investigators, Judiciary Committee members or the general public.
Obviously there's no proof of George Soros' or other's involvement in this charade. But this whole thing just stinks of political shenanigans. And when are we going to witness Ford's appearances on the all the talk shows? That will happen, of course, because she will need to justify her accusations publicly. No back tracking now.
17
@jgboslough
Maybe she is thinking that Mike Judge won't want to lie to the FBI....
6
@jgboslough You write: "Ford had her chance to name her accuser during couples therapy but did not" Name her accuser? I thought she was the accuser. Have I missed something?
1
@jgboslough
I understand your position, but what's the rush? Why does Kavanaugh have to be confirmed this week or next? It's a life time appointment so both the Republicans and Democrats should want to get it right. If you want to talk about holding up a nomination what about what McConnell did to Obama. He held up the nomination of a sitting president for over a year, so the Republicans really don't have much to gripe about.
Has the FBI agreed to investigate?
I will assume the FBI will investigate.
If the Judiciary Committee were to insist on questioning Professor Blasey, either in public or privately, before the investigation is completed then the Committee risks jeopardising the FBI investigation. The Committee may even be interfering in an FBI investigation. This is a very fraught situation.
3
I can't blame Dr. Ford for not wanting to testify. She would have to face Orrin Hatch, the tormentor par excellence of Anita Hill, in a redux of that Senate hearing. The insistence of an FBI investigation throws the question of her veracity into non-partisan territory.
8
Truth is truth. And Hatch is retiring.
I have 4 grandchildren, three of them male, all of them white. I’ve been married twice, both times to white males. One was a “privileged prep school boy”who went on to Yale. My father and both my father-in-laws were white males. Not one of these people has any of the characteristics many of these commenting seen to attribute to white males.
Just when did all white males become “the enemy”and why are they seen as such? Most people of either sex and all races are honorable, honest people who do their best. And that includes the vast majority of our elected members of Congress.
It’s nothing less than tragic that a distinguished legal scholar such as Justice Thomas, was convicted in the “court of public opinion”. Her accusations were not found credible. I don’t think they would have been to most women, either. Of course, that’s presuming they have no agenda.
We have taken women’s rights to a hatred and fear of men. This distrust of men is not rational in any way. But then I forget - it’s only white men who happen to be either Republicans or conservative. A liberal Democrat such as Bill Clinton is given a pass.
When we can no longer disagree without vilifying those with whom we don’t agree, then this country is in very big trouble. Right now, Pogo’s famous quote come to mind: We have met the enemy and he is us.”
20
@India Hill's accusations were found credible by the public, just not the clueless, misogynist all-white male judiciary committee. Some of whom from both parties have at least finally had the decency to own their failures--with the notable exception of the dottering Orrin Hatch who is now attacking this witness as well.
1
The rush to a trumped up hearing between Dr. Blasey Ford and kavanaugh is abominable and dishonest.
She has witnesses and admissible evidence that will take time to assemble that the senate committee of old white republicans will not allow to be heard. We all know this is obstruction of the truth to achieve their endgame -- protect trump and keep the money from donors in their pockets.
But the truth will prevail. There are young investigative reporters in the style of Woodward and Bernstein who will reveal the truth. And the shameful president, kavanaugh and republicans rushing this nomination through (without releasing pertinent documents as should have been done) will eventually walk in disgrace.
And Mr. Mueller's investigations will also reveal the truth of trump, his family, advisers and cabinet and their dishonesty and immorality.
Remember there were 69 indictments from Watergate scandal and 48 indictments or plea deals. Many went to prison.
Start fitting trump and his family and friends for orange jumpsuits. If Kavanaugh was smart he would withdraw his nomination and he might remain a circuit court judge - but he is not fit to be a judge in any court as shown in his past hearing and recent hearing.
BTW - Hillary was so smart and presidential on Rachel Maddow's show tonight. And seeing President Obama speak at U of I was thrilling. Sigh -- wish for sane, honest, moral times again.
VOTE NOV. 6 -- BLUE WAVE !!!
9
They already did investigate him six separate times, I hope this woman has more to bring to these hearings then just a simple accusation. She has no witnesses, no calls the police, didn't even tell her parents, are we supposed to reject the man's confirmation and ruin his reputation based on one person's testimony of an incident that happened 35 years ago?
turn your brains on!
23
It doesn't matter how long ago this occurred. I was 7 when I was picked up by a child molester who exposed himself to me. I was going to 1st grade after lunch. It was 1961. I could tell you every detail, but I won't. I have felt the effects of this assault for 56 years. It never leaves you. Especially when the male police told my parents to ignore it and pretend it didn't happen.
15
@Carol Hill - That's just the thing...she CAN'T remember every detail.
2
@Carol Hill
You can remember the details. The accuser can't. You told the police (who responded poorly). The accuser didn't. I don't doubt your story or the pain you still suffer. You have credibility. I am not so sure about the accuser.
2
To be violated can engender understandable silence. To come forward and speak the wrong nationally takes courage. R and D will spin it. Two things weight in my mind. The Georgetown tape speaks to competence. Mark Judges’ reluctance to speak renders “Me thinks he doth protest too much”. I stand for objective discovery.
3
A claim by any one from however long ago can ruin any one's career, life, reputation and credibility. All it takes is a politically timed claim.
10
What kind of “investigation” does anyone reasonably expect the FBI to conduct???
This allegedly happened 36 years ago at an unknown address in Maryland. If there was any kind of physical evidence,its long gone, if it even existed in the first place.
The age of the alleged suspect at the time of the incident was 17. Had any kind of investigation taken place then, its more than likely the case would have been heard in Family Court where in most states the proceedings are closed to the public and any convictions sealed.
If Kavanaugh had been arrested and tried as an adult in a criminal court its more than likely any conviction would have been sealed due to his age.
In the end this comes down to he said/she said. No other witness that has been identified or not has said that this happened. The alleged victim’s husband wasn’t there when it happened and neither was her therapist.
After waiting 36 years to make an accusation Ms. Ford and Senator Feinstein sat on it for two months instead of asking for an FBI inquiry then. Ms. Ford has an opportunity to tell her side of the story this upcoming Monday. Judge Kavanaugh should have the right to face his accuser and defend himself.
It’s time for Ms. Blasey Ford to put up or shut up.
16
Making a mountain out of a molehill.
The entire text is accusatory in nature (where is your sense of unbiased writing) & has already tailored made its Verdict in advance:Guilty on the Nominee to the US Supreme Court.
Offcourse,FBI should now step in to determine the precise impact of the grope/groping on the Adipose Tissue & it’s impact 36 years thereafter on increased Estrogenic activity that could be triggering cell metabolism to potential future tumour & proable Metastasis.
Please spare the cacophony of holding on to a straw to stall the nomination.
4
I get it: Mark Judge does not remember much about the party hr did not attend.
4
"But echoing Senate Democrats, she said an investigation should be “the first step” before she is put “on national television to relive this traumatic and harrowing incident.”
(never mind that she has been offered a private session.)
and so alas, has the treatment of a woman's complaint, once again, been denatured by those receiving it, first assigning no priority or urgency then using it as a political weapon, and the complainant as a tool, in this case an "echoing" device.
in their rush to serve a political end, the perpetrators have, in effect, diminished the complainant and all women who have been fighting the very same attitudes and forces that have made coming forward so difficult, the very same forces that #metoo was pushing off the seats of power.
the treatment of the woman who accused a party under-boss
us yet another example of the disdain that still operates behind the rhetoric...yet another caution for abused women.
3
The pause or delay to "investigate", contemplate, and let this all sink in a little more is proper and correct.
Pushing and shoving Dr. Blasey into a face to face confrontation with her assailant only shows a willingness to get immediate closure for uneasy Reuplicans: throw her under the bus, belittle and demean her for being a victim and a spoiler, anf just get on with the inevitable.
NOW is the time of course for the Senate Dems to man-up and stand together against a forced testimony Monday. If they do not, they will have lost before game-on and signed on to the chavaunist cause roiling just beneath the surface her.
Moreover they will dishearten and discourage many voters who want to see Trump hamstrung in November.
So our Dem reps better watch out because there is a great deal on the line with this one. They must be chivalrous and strong in Dr. Blassey's defense and force a respectful delay on her behalf. She and they need all the support they can get.
The American public is watching this very carefully and women do not want to see Dr. Blasey discarded as trash and a sorry spoiler grandstanding to ruin a "good" man.
Let no Democrat fail to take part in strong opposition to this rush to judgement; they will pay the price. It's time to fight with all we got.
5
@Discernie - She was offered a private testimony option. Still refused. This has been the Dems game plan alll along. Jump on the MeToo movement, accuse accuse accuse, then delay delay delay
2
This should be investigated by a neutral body prior to the Senate hearing. I don't think FBI is the right group but the Senate could appoint a neutral panel of experts regarding sexual harassment investigations to do the work and report back to the committee. There is much that can be gained simply from corroborating details and interviewing other corroborating witnesses. These can tend to support or discredit the testimony of a particular person. The haste with which the Republicans want to hold the hearing (Monday) suggests that they have already made up their minds.
10
@Tamarine Hautmarche What credentials does "a neutral panel of experts regarding sexual harassment investigations" have to adjudicate the charge of sexual assault? One of the many problems that bedevils cases like this is the persistent tendency (on both sides) to conflate the serious charge of sexual harassment with the even more serious charge of sexual assault. They are not the same and justice is not served by confusing them.
Here’s a list of questions I’d like to see Kavanaugh answer under oath:
1. Have you ever gotten drunk enough not to later recall events from that inebriated state?
2. Do you have events or behavior from your youth that you regret? Specifics?
3. Describe for us in detail three drinking escapades shared with Mark Judge.
4. Did you ever party / get drunk at some friend’s / classmate’s home while you were in high school?
His answers to these would be very telling.
14
@Tim - As were hers don't you think?
@Tim No they wouldn't, and 3) should (hopefully would) be quashed by any competent judge before the accused could answer (it is a leading question that assumes there were "drinking episodes" etc).
@Tim
Do you have events or behavior from your youth that you regret? Come on, man. Just about everyone would have to say "yes" to that. I wasn't crazy about George W Bush as president, but one of the best things he ever said was "when I was young and foolish, I was young and foolish". In response I believe, to a question about allegations of hard partying in his youth. I don't condone sexual assault, and at this point these are allegations, no proof. Let's not get carried away here with examining every mistake a man might have made in his younger years.
1
She should appear before the Senate and make the charge under oath. Anything less including wanting the FBI to investigate first has an appearance of delay for political reasons. She's made a serious charge of attempted rape that has besmirched a person's reputation and career who has no other marks against him. She should make that charge under oath and explain what happened.
10
Dr. Blasey is a research psychologist with a solid reputation, and not given to grandstanding (as well as a mother, wife, person with a stable life). She is not a political operative.
As a researcher, of course she wants the FBI to have the time to fully explore this BECAUSE they will undoubtedly turn up details that can corroborate her memory, or not.
As a psychologist, of course she wants to control the climate in which she recounts these traumatic memories, and having all the possible facts before her and the committee can help create that climate.
She is the perfect witness to describe the kind of person that Kavanaugh was back then, and what he and his black-out drunk of a buddy were capable of when they in high school. They were well past the "age of reason" in Catholic terms, and of legal age in legal terms.
Should she NOT decide to testify under the conditions currently set up by Grassley and the committee, I would still applaud her courage, intelligence, and good sense.
21
Wow, this is weird. I believe her, after reading the Post's article. I wish she would testify, but after reading the comments on Breitbart News, I certainly understand why she has is in hiding. On the other hand, does his behavior all those years ago, disqualify him for the job. I don't think so. But, does his lying about it disqualify him? In my opinion--YES!! If he lies about this, what else is he lying about!! I don't want someone of this questionable character interpreting MY Constitution!,
6
Cavanaugh’s comments cited in another NYT article seem highly inappropriate for a member of the Supreme Court or for any adult for that matter, to publicly reflect in a speech to graduating classes about past excessive drinking. It seems like a gross lack of judgement. Accusations Draw New Attention to Kavanaugh’s Remarks About Drinking https://nyti.ms/2D8dEy3?smid=nytcore-ios-share
9
@Tears For USA I suspect he was quoting a line from the TV show "the OC" (where that line was used in a high school context). He delivered the speech a few years ago when the OC was still big in popular culture, notable for bringing parents and kids together. I used to watch it with my kids (all in high school at the time). The "what happens X in stays in X" tag was widely quoted at the time (by parents and kids) and so was arguably appropriate to the event where Kavanagh delivered it. Of course the case is altered if he really did have a skeleton in his cupboard, but it seems unfair to dig up this line and present it out of context as evidence of his guilt. In the OC the line was used by Marissa (a female high school student).
3
O.M.G.... I just read the “new attention on judge kavanaugh‘s drinking” story. You can’t post comments there, so I’m putting one here. Those speeches sure do shed light on his character AND greatly strengthen Ms. Ford’s allegations. If he drank to the point he can’t really remember and has to check with friends about the details—during law school, where the academics typically scare students straight if they haven’t already outgrown such behavior (and they usually have by then)—then the high school attack and him having no recollection of it sure seems to hold a lot more water. I graduated law school and I never saw this kind of behavior from fellow students. I’m not saying it didn’t happen, but it wasn’t common, nor would a normal guy be bragging about it at age 53! This guy should NOT be on the Supreme Court. He has some serious problems.
11
Brett Kavanaugh is no ordinary jurist. He was groomed in elite Republican circles his entire life to be exactly where he is today.
They will never let an FBI investigation happen.
That would mean compelling the weak Matt Judge to testify. He knows the allegations are true.
Putting a political operator on the court is the culmination of Republican judicial strategy to politicize the court. It’s disgusting.
Stymie the Reps, they deserve every bit of it.
What is amusing is watching the Republican base froth at the mouth.
3
The Democrats probably would rather she doesn't show and lets them pocket a symbolic victory. They overplayed their hand here by trying this bit of sexual McCarthyism that depends on an assault of the foundations of English common law. Innocent until proven guilty. In their world, a simple he said, she said dispute presumes guilt. Also, the natural outcome of this has to be the total destruction of his career with impeachment from the Appeals Court. Even the Congressional Democrats are quite that immoral.
15
@Jack
He said, she said presumes guilt-unless of course, it is a progressive such as Keith Ellison. Emotional and domestic abuse allegations by two women are conveniently dismissed. If the FBI investigates Kavanaugh, they should investigate Ellison.
1
@Jack
Wrong! This Democrat would practically beg her to go before the committee and testify. It would be great for our party to see dinosaurs Hatch, Grassley, and Cornyn condescendingly sneer at her with their questions, trying to pin her down with details. (oops, sorry about the "pin her down" phrase.)
I do understand her going before the committee wouldn't be in her best interests. But why speak up at all then?
Maryland prosecutor may investigate this alleged attempted rape of a young girl with the use of deadly force, because there is no statute of limitations of this kind of horrendous crime in Maryland.
Unlikely the full truth will not come out very soon.
5
@David - What crime was committed?
5
@David An excellent point, but did you really mean to put "not" in your final sentence? The logic of your (otherwise excellent) comment tells against "not" there.
Look at Jeffrey Epstein, Trump's close friend who put hidden cameras in his Palm Beach mansion and had underage girls there. His guests included numerous American politicians and other powerful men, and it is thought he used the pictures for blackmail. He was convicted for child abuse due to his abuse of a 14 year old.
A woman who was 13 at the time said Trump attacked her at one of Epstein's parties. She had a witness. She came out with her accusation during the campaign and had done so years before when a lack of money stopped her from pursuing her suit against Trump. This time around, her lawyer's computer system was hacked, and the woman received death threats like Dr. Ford is receiving. She disappeared again.
Dr. Ford is right to request an FBI investigation. When powerful men in the government and death threats are involved, an individual woman--one earlier traumatized as a minor-- is very vulnerable.
Justice demands we know what happened, and where the threats and intimidation are coming from. Russians? Top Republicans? Donors?
The woman at the Epstein party may well have been photographed being assaulted by Trump. That is potential kompromat on an American president. Michael Cohen has flipped and could confirm actions taken towards that victim.
There are disturbing parallels. Truth must out. Enough lies and cover up and threats.
13
@smb - you need to do your research and know the facts of those accusations.
This makes no sense. There is little correlation in the situations between Epstein (buddy of Bill Clinton, too, by the way) and actual teenage behavior.
2
Who calls their own lawyer and asks to be given a polygraph test? She claims she "passed." Who administered the test? Why can't we know? If you never intended to come forward, why did you ask for a polygraph test?
How about we have the FBI gives you a polygraph test. Brett K too. Then we'll see who's lying.
Because one thing's for sure. Someone is willing to lie to destroy the other person's life and nothing is more evil.
11
Dr. Ford calling for the FBI to investigate tells me she is smart and unafraid of them checking into her accusations against Kavanaugh. She should also have the State of Maryland investigate.
Why are McConnell, Grassley, Trump, and Kavanaugh afraid of an additional FBI investigation?
Afraid the truth is their golden boy did what Dr. Ford claims?
Afraid he lied to the FBI in previous interviews? Isn’t that a felony?
Afraid that an investigation will unearth evidence of a crime STILL subject to prosecution in Maryland? No statute of limitations on felony sexual offenses.
Dr. Ford reports when she was age 15 Kavanaugh — along with his friend Mark Judge — shoved her into a bedroom and locked the door. Kavenaugh then restrained her with the full length of his body by lying atop her, touched her inappropriately, tried to remove her clothing, and covered her mouth with his hand to silence her when she began screaming. These actions could meet the level of a felony first sexual offense in Maryland.
If her accusations are found credible by law enforcement, Kavanaugh is subject to prosecution. For Senate Republicans to continue to push forward on his confirmation is an affront to sexual assault victims and survivors, and the law. I speak from experience as a survivor.
mcasa.org/law-public-policy/maryland-law-regulations/
7
So much for equal justice. Kavanaugh has been bought and paid for by some powerful people. Overturning Roe v Wade is the carrot that they have been dangling to the Christian right. I believe the real goal is much, much bigger then just Roe v Wade. With Kavanaugh on the court Trump and big business will be much more empowered to steam roll the will of the people. He also believes a President cannot be indicted and should not be impeached. Quite convenient at this point in time.
11
Feinstein should have brought this up either during her private meeting with Kavanaugh or during his 30 hours of testimony - To wait and bring this up after the testimony is a vicious political attack - Republicans invited the accuser to testify, she refused because her accusation is a lie being used by the democrats -
15
If Judge Kavanaugh had accepted responsibility for the actions he is accused of there would be no need for an investigation, as the assault had taken place when he was an adolescent more than thirty years ago. But he denied it, and the denial occurred during his nomination. There is a fairly strong possibility that he lied under oath and that warrants an investigation by the FBI.
23
@Jorge In other words, if he confessed to doing something he has no recollection of doing, he would be let off? But if he actually isn't guilty, that itself would be perjury..... Catch 22.
Before anyone makes up his or her mind, don't you think there should be some kind of investigation? Of course, Trump has jumped in without bothering to find out any facts--assuming the guy is innocent before investigation. But then, one sexual predator to a potential other...what do you expect? But at the same time, innocent before shown to be guilty is supposed to be our way of doing things. Let professionals look into it and then let's hear Blasey's account. If she has evidence, judge it accordingly. If not, he should be presumed innocent. Of course, that's not how it's going to go down, in today's America. We could well end up with another sexual predator on the Supreme Court. Yes, I believed Anita Hill last time; it was too farfetched to think she would go through that humiliation for absolutely nothing.
8
@Kirby It seems that there will be no evidence presented other than testimony, so it will boil down to either who the senators believe or, likely, what the Republican senators can get away with.
@Kirby Even if this happened as she recalls it, given that no one else has ever come forward, the accusation he is a predator is wrong and, in my mind typical of the current hysteria from #MeToo and people "inspired" by it.
3
Just as with Thomas, the misogynists in the Republican Party, some of whom were around to eviscerate his accuser, will push this nomination through. And just as with Thomas U.S. taxpayers will be paying for another misogynistic, partisan Republican player with a mediocre (at best) intellect.
9
"Christine Blasey Ford Wants F.B.I. to Investigate Kavanaugh Before She Testifies"
Fair enough, but why didn't Dianne Feinstein pass the sexual assault allegation to the FBI when she was aware of the alleged crime in July?
10
Because the woman requested anonymity and her wishes were respected. Every women knows, or remembers the treatment Anita shill received and she has and suffered as evidenced by her counseling treatment and other facts which would now be placed in evidence. Assuming everyone wants the truth what would waiting a few.more weeks or months hurt? After all Judge Merit Garland had to wait for 14 months "for the people to decide" . Maybe by that time, Judge Kavanaugh's friend who was in the room might be willing to also come forward to testify under oath.
3
@Tony
How do you know she didn't, sir?
Oh, that's right....sling mud and innuendo first, find out the facts second.
1
Are their occasions of false accusation of sexual abuse ? Of course. But two things strike me with her account. If your going to make up a story why would you specifically identify a witness. Secondly when the alleged witness was confronted he responded with the proverbial "I dont remember". I would think a major incident such as this would be something you clearly remember as happening or not happening. Were talking about an assault not some adolescent hi jink.
9
@gm Alcohol was a factor. It's possible both men were so drunk that they didn't remember the incident the next day, let alone decades later.
1
The hypocritical rage of the right-wingers here is hilarious, if you have the sense of humor to stomach it.
But of course it gets expressed as rage against a woman who says she was a victim of sexual assault, and the "we don't care if he did it, we don't care if he's lying about it" we see in so many of these posts.
That doesn't seem very funny, does it?
The rage of the right-wing here is that maybe this whole thing is a conspiracy on the left; Dr. Ford is a very inept tool to stop Kavanaugh.
Consider that proposition for a moment -- what would be the worst outcome to Trump and the Republicans?
As bad as it could possibly get is that the lame-duck Republicans after the coming mid-term could vote on Kavanaugh, even if the Republicans had lost the senate. At that time the votes of departing Republicans would be completely free -- they could vote their conscience, with no fear of electoral cost whatsoever.
Further, there's plenty of time for the Republicans to take that vote, discover that in fact some Republicans refuse Kavanaugh, and nominate a candidate who will then sail through -- e.g. Judge Joan Larsen or Amy Barrett, previous Trump nominees.
The Democrats cannot possibly do to Trump what the Republicans did to Obama, and their respective constituents.
The sputtering rage of the right here amounts to "we want another sexual abuser, nobody else will do, and you can't take that away from us."
8
Kavanaugh is a liar. He has been evasive about his knowledge of stolen democratic correspondence, and he lied about his knowledge of inappropriate emails from a Judge he had clerked for. Now he is lying about this. Set against the backdrop of his woefully unimpressive non answers to questions about executive power “hypotheticals,” the Republicans should be ashamed of themselves... but they lost the capability of having any shame a long long time ago. Pathetic.
25
It’s amazing that Kavanaugh isn’t insisting on a FBI investigation. It’s obvious that he’s in a hurry to get his confirmation - going “beautifully up the ladder” and achieving his goal. He has been accused of giving untruthful testimony in 2004 and 2006 at his confirmation hearings for the appeals court. His casual relationship with the truth shows that he lacks the moral integrity to be a justice on the country’s highest court.
Should the Democrats win the White House and the Senate in 2020, they could draft articles of impeachment against Clarence Thomas. Apparently there’s clear evidence that he lied under oath throughout his confirmation hearing on issues regarding his past behavior toward female co-workers and subordinates. Kavanaugh himself could face similar jeopardy with regard to possible perjury in his own confirmation processes.
23
He’s had six background checks done by the FBI.
5
If the Republicans succeed in rushing through approval and FBI investigation shows likely misrepresentation by Kavanaugh during his confirmation, he should be impeached.
27
This woman is paying a very high price for making this accusation. Would it have been treated differently if the accusation had it been made earlier in the process? I doubt it. These good old boys want their guy on the court and Collins and Murkowski will vote for him. He’ll be confirmed and the Republican foot can go back on every woman’s neck for decades.
41
@Mary Fabricating an excuse not to testify under oath says it all!!!
3
45 should not even be allowed to nominate a SCOTUS judge while he is under investigation. He paid 25 million to settle a fraud case during his campaign and broke campaign finance laws and urged Russians to hack election. And he won't order the FBI to investigate ... talk about the wolf in charge of the hen house. This is so wrong.
37
Why do I get the feeling that the Republicans are not sending us their best people?
21
@Opinioned!
The real problem is that these are their best people.
3
No, these are their best.
What is the rush to vote?! Possibly the Republicans are so afraid of the November elections that they are willing to sacrifice their moral and constitutional responsibilities?! The attacks on this woman have been base and reflect a deep seated misogyny. She is the one to be protected, NOT Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh. Slow down! Where are our LEADERS!
23
@Kathleen O'Neill
We don't have leaders anymore. We have power brokers.
The era of the statesman is dead.
4
The FBI should not be called in to investigate what may have happened between two high school kids age 17 and 15. Has this country lost all sanity? VOTE!
26
More than the fact that it may have happened is the fact that he has denied it forcefully and if indeed it did happen, this means that he has lied. It’s the cover-up that will get him in trouble.
4
@mjpezzi: The FBI should investigate if it was attempted rape by a Supreme Court nominee who also has other questionable parts in his history. We only want people with impeccable credentials and of high personal integrity to be on the Supreme Court, don't we?
2
In her article, Anita Hill also mentioned that some of the same senators who questioned her in 1991 are still on the same committee. What a travesty!
29
We need term limits!
2
Being frustrated at these accusations surfacing “this late in the process” is a laughable charge, given the naked attempt to rush it to avoid precisely this type of thing.
McConnell, ever the shameless kaleidoscope of hypocrisy, would sooner impose his will on the figleaf of deference to democratic norms than actually nod to the inconvenience of decency of adhering to American values.
19
This is a real mess. Putting Kavanaugh's position aside and just looking at the merits of the case, there are several issues. Why didn't she report it earlier? If she was reluctant to open a charge of attempted rape, why not at least file an affidavit with an attorney so that if she did decide, years later, to go public, she would have that 'fresh in the mind' testimony to point to. That said, I cannot see that this is a case of mistaken identity. Pretty hard to confuse the person involved in such an encounter. Finally, why didn't Feinstein release this information right from the get-go? That just stinks. She should have made it public right away. That delay action looks bad and undermines the serious nature of the allegation.
10
File an affidavit? She was 15 years old.
2
@TR Well, did she tell no-one? Including her parents? I'm just saying it would have strengthened her case tremendously to have some corroboration from that time.
this is nothing more than a stalling move by dems. They've used this woman in order to delay the nomination, pure and simple. Why did Feinstein hold on to her letter when she should have immediately given it to the FBI? Because she knew that it was unlikely that the dems couldn't stop the nomination from being confirmed but could delay it if they had something they could use after the hearings and before it got to a vote. And what is better than an accusation of sexual misconduct regardless of how flimsy. Nothing gets the dem base fired up more than the idea of a successful white male engaged in sexual misconduct, unless of course it's Bill Clinton.
Now this is the flimsiest accusation I've ever seen. There aren't multiple accusers, she can't remember any details like when or where it happened, how she got there, how she got home. There is no corroborating evidence. She didn't mention this to anyone until she was in therapy. It sounds like a "recovered" memory.
She has no right to demand the FBI investigate. If that was going to happen, Feinstein should have turned over the letter to the FBI immediately. Either she shows up Monday or the Repubs must go forward.
29
@Ralphie
Just because someone mentions something to a therapist doesn't make it a "recovered memory". Instead of attacking her and accusing her of flimsy accusations, maybe the Republicans should ask themselves why they didn't pick a nominee without any accusers?
4
Is the account of Christine Blasey Ford an example of "recovered memory?"
Just wondering.
15
@jbartelloni: No, by all accounts the event stayed with her and traumatized her all her life after it happened. Something that is not repressed doesn't need to be recovered.
4
@jbartelloni: No, by all accounts the event stayed with her and traumatized her all her life after it happened. Something that is not repressed doesn't need to be recovered.
No American hopes to quash the confirmation of Kavanaugh more than I. My reasons, however, differ from those being discussed today. More than any other nominee that I can recall, failed to answer the most basic questions put to him. Most troubling was his unwillingness to deny having spoken to anyone at a law firm representing Trump - how is it possible to not be able to answer such a basic question? Additionally, the nominee is outrageously radical in his (mis) interpretation of the Constitution, and quoting the Bible as he did as a way towards making judicial decisions appalls me. As to these new allegations, I'm sorry folks but I cannot agree that ALLEGED accusations of misconduct which took place during his college days is fair game in the confirmation process. No charges were leveled at that time and it would seem impossible today to verify whether or not the misconduct occurred. Notwithstanding loathing this nominee, I believe in the precept of "innocent until proven guilty", and therefore I cannot condone using these charges as reason to deny the confirmation. But make no mistake: I see MANY MANY serious flaws in this nominee, any of which MUST doom him. I shudder at the thought of his elevation BUT I believe we should stick to his views of the law and not at his alleged conduct while a student in college. Thomas was a grown man when Anita Hill alleged assault, and the distinction is a big one in my view. His LEGAL views disqualify so let's stick to those.
7
@ManhattanWilliam They were in high school, not college. But I think your analysis is fair minded.
1
So he was possibly immature and insensitive in high school. Are there any other women who have also had this experience when he was over eighteen or older. It is move on time and I am not a supporter of Trump.
21
@Ralph Petrillo
Assume — strictly for the sake of this argument — that Brett Kavanaugh did attempt to rape Christine Blasey:
“Immature and insensitive”?
Holding down another human being, covering her mouth to increase the likelihood that you’ll succeed in sexually assaulting her, and sexually assaulting her is not what the law would call “immature and insensitive.”
“Criminal” is.
3
There are only two paths left now: delay the vote, and have the due process pan out, OR, let go of the nominee.
In all that has happened, no one can say with 100% conviction that a crime was not committed.
And we cannot have a judge make his way to the SCOTUS with a taint of potential crime.
Now, even the chance that this accuser is a late-in-life-vigilante-wannabe cannot be ruled out. Who knows if she hasn’t taken it upon herself to do what the process couldn’t do for her sisters, and for all generations to come?
Shame on Feinstein for going under the rug. There is no excuse for knowing about this, but putting this forward as a probe for the judge only later. But her move has been brilliant.
The judge now is damaged goods, and till he is made whole, he cannot move forward to the Supreme Court.
Next move please in The Game of Thrones
6
It’s time to vote!
3
1)Any investigation would have to be done by local law enforcement. Investigating three decades old charges of sexual battery is not an FBI mandate.
2)A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
16
No reason to rush.
EXCEPT that the Dems might have a majority in the Senate after the elections.
Better to take time required to learn as much as we can about what happened.
8
Solidarity with Dr. Blasey who is being very brave.
Having come this far and already enduring horrible backlash without a personal public voice, I'd say go for it and testify, televised, to the Senate, Dr. Blasey. Because, even though, like Anita Hill, you will likely see your attacker confirmed to the Supreme Court, your clear testimony, like Anita Hill's will reverberate in history.
The injustice of a woman being questioned, with the aim of discrediting her story, of course, by the all-male Republican members of the hearing committee, on television, will have a power that lives on. I know that's a lot to ask, but one day, in a better future, your testimony and Anita Hill's testimony will be part of an important historical record of a barbaric past. Thank you.
17
The GOP do not want the truth. If they did, they would not have any problem with the FBI investigating the incident. Remember that Ford has already taken a lie detector test, and she has discussed the assault with her husband and therapist several years ago. While these are inconvenient facts for the committee, they must be verified by the FBI in order for a hearing to take place, period. If not we'll know that the fix is in.
16
A complete, non-partisan investigation of these serious allegations serves the interests of truth. It is the only way to ensure that our senators are able to make an informed decision about Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation. The push by Judge Kavanaugh's supporters to move this through to a vote so very fast indicates that the Republican leadership is worried about what a thorough investigation might uncover.
17
@Rachel Kreier No, it indicates that they see through the Democrats' transparent efforts to delay the date of the confirmation vote past Election Day.
The law has protections in place for people under the age of 18 for a reason, recognizing that kids brains are still developing and they need help with this process from parents, schools, communities and the law. This very unfortunate event, if dealt with 36 years ago would not have ruined either parties lives, allowed them to recognize unacceptable behavior, and would not have followed them into adulthood.
36 years ago neither party understood or recognized this egregious behavior.
5
@Sara Warren Actually, one of them did recognize the behavior and in that time and place it was too horrific to speak of. Yes, they were young, but I have raised two sons, and there is NO age at which this kind of behavior is acceptable.
3
Kavanaugh can withdraw his candidacy. The GOP can find an untainted candidate. There are plenty of qualified judges to choose from. Is that so hard? Only if they want this done before the midterms, when the GOP will face its reckoning for backing Trump.
16
No one, no Republican, no Democrat, is untainted. If teenage indiscretions are fair game, then no one is clean.
6
When I was 15 a young orthodonist in training tried to "feel me up" various times when I was in the dental chair. That was over 50 years ago. I remember everything. I told my then-boyfriend about it and he encouraged I speak up. When I saw the ortho again, I did just that("stop this now") and it stopped.
I do not believe for one minute that a woman can have this happen without remembering far more details. No sane woman would forget where she was or with whom she was. And mine event was a far lesser one that what Dr. Blasey claims.
24
@Sandra I do believe, for more than one minute, that a young person who had one beer, and was pushed into a room and thrown on a bed, a young woman who tried to scream and get away from these two inebriated boys move away from her leave, and then having a person placing his hand on her mouth to silence her as he pushes himself onto her is in itself terrifying. I am a grown adult and I know that I would have shut down after such an event, remembering the assault and the fear, but little else.
1
One thing I have not seen mentioned is how bad our brains are at reconstructing memories from 30 years ago.
Alas we'll never know what or who was actually involved or if this incident was actually real. Our brains reconstructive abilities make it impossible to actually know.
7
@S. Koziol
This sounds right when attending a youthful party like any other thirty years ago and three-sheets to the wind. There is one person at the above event who was in possession of a mental camera and her brain to this day maintains in mind a most unfortunate incident. This is why some of us maintain diaries, or become essayists of past events, authors of excellent short stories, concise and detailed.
Rarely do I agree with Republicans. But, this is ridiculous and has zero to do with the rule of law. Turning everything we do into a political circus act is not the way to express your point of view. The Senate has the need to come to a vote, even if I would not support Kavanaugh. The real mistake here belongs to Sen Feinstein. She should have disclosed what she knew when she received the letter from Mrs. Ford in July.
28
Reasonable request. A hearing with just her and Kavanaugh is a sham. She's credible. But claims notwithstanding, rarely can anyone discern who is telling the truth based on demeanor alone. All a him vs her hearing will produce is an opportunity for Republicans to pay lip service to process before installing an unvetted extremist on the Supreme Court.
12
Even someone making a school Title IX complaint is entitled to an investigation. A he said / she said hearing without more is a forgone conclusion, because women historically are dragged over the coals and not believed. FBI can interview Mark Judge and see if he is willing to lie to the FBI. His memory seems to be fading hour by hour.
And Kavanaugh says he wasn’t even AT the party. Well, there were others at that party. What do they say?
We are talking about a lifetime appointment. How can women ever have confidence in his objectivity if he feels lying about sexual assault is OK to get on the highest court? He is also dissembling about other things. First, we need an FBI investigation. Simultaneously, the hidden documents need to be release and reviewed. review all his Only then should the Committee get Kavanaugh back under oath and look into all the questions. My guess is that he is not only not Supreme Court material in terms of character, but that there will be ample grounds for him to be impeached as an appeals court judge.
18
Welcome to a new era of morality.
New in that we now sit on information for years and decades that we have on someone and decide to report their sins only when they are in the public eye.
The offensiveness of an act depends on the station and time of the accused's life.
We rally around the accuser even though the accuser, by another standard of behavior we've set aside, had the opportunity to come forward much earlier.
Coming forward much earlier, especially right after an occurrence, can stop this type of predatory and abusive behavior from happening again.
Yes, I anticipate many other readers will cite the trauma and difficulty that a victim experiences in the aftermath.
All very true.
But the heinous act that happened is heinous, no matter when it happened and who did that act.
Has not this nominee already been in a position to make decisions?
Why are we waiting to report such behavior when the perpetrator is allowed to go on and adversely affect others?
What level of fame ( or infamy) does the accused need to be at before their actions have to be reported?
I would not trust any person nominated by this oligarch.
But we cannot cry foul in the future when such late reporting is used against any nominees of a future Democrat president.
7
@Kevin O'Reilly
"But we cannot cry foul in the future when such late reporting is used against any nominees of a future Democrat president."
Why not? This is, as you said, a "new era of morality"--after all what good did it do to cry foul when Republicans hypocritically nominated Kavanaugh during an election year?
@Bret You replied to the political aspect.
What about the importance of preventing continued predatory behavior of ANY perpetrator, no matter whether they be a future judge, doctor, teacher, etc.?
I find the comments below amazing--people "know" what happened, "know" Blasy's motivation. They apparently know all there is to be known about how a victim of the abuse she says she received would and should behave.
Is her story plausible? Those who have heard her out believe it is. More tellingly, a large group of women who attended the same high school say it is plausible as well, some adding they experienced similar abuse.
Do I know? No, but I believe what is known so far is hardly out of the realm of possibility. It also seems plausible that someone receiving such abuse might remain silent for years and not at all "mixed up" as Senator Hatch says about who her attacker was.
29
If Kavanaugh were accused of any other crime -- say robbery -- would having him and the person who claims she was robbed tell their stories before congress be the best way to proceed -- without an investigation? Hardly. Ford's request is beyond reasonable; otherwise, it becomes a spectacle of he said, she said, without any independent effort to get at the facts.
This process needs to slowed down so that we can all have an opportunity to understand, to whatever degree possible, what really happened, before we appoint someone who has been credibly accused of sexual assault to the Supreme Court for life.
28
Excessive drinking through high school and law school (and presumably college). An inability manage his personal finances and pay his debts in a timely manner as an adult. That’s ok for everyday citizens. We should expect much better from a Supreme Court Justice.
35
I see the need for an FBI investigation. Enough agents can be deployed to locate and interview anyone with any knowledge of the events. Lying to an FBI agent is a crime, and that would likely have a sobering effect on the person Dr. Blasey says witnessed the event, and others.
20
@Tom Garlock
No one has to answer questions posed by an FBI agent, and given the history of the FBI using the perjury trap, I doubt anyone would.
She doesn't get to call the shots. There is an invitation to testify. She can accept or decline. Any potential investigation will have zero effect on what she has to say.
This is starting to smell.
20
@Concernicus "She doesn't get to call the shots." Indeed. Isn't what all of this is really about?
2
Mr. Kavanaugh will win the lifetime privilege of serving on our countries highest court, The Supreme Court of Our United States. The final court of appeal and final expositor of our Constitution of the United States.
This vetting process is a joke because his appointment is and, always was a shoo- in.
6
Ms. Ford should testify before the senate committee without waiting on an FBI investigation. A FBI investigation would take a considerable amount of time (months - years) as the hearing to determine nomination of the Supreme court nominee is occurring now. Why has Ms. Ford come forward only now and with this pre-conditions to testify - I understand her accusations is a valid issue and should be heard, but the suspicion is she's being manipulated to stall the nomination proceedings. Senate committees should tighten their rules to avoid these delays. The Supreme Court vacancy position must be filled.
13
@Realist I guess you were very upset then when the Republicans intentionally left a Supreme Court vacancy open for over a year.
2
@Realist, were you asleep when Mitch McConnell stalled Mr Obama's nominee for the supreme court?
3
Brett Kavanaugh, whether he did this or not, is the best candidate to serve a lifetime on the highest ruling law position of our land? No.
The candidate nominated for Supreme Court should not have one single question about their moral character. Not even a question.
We are a better country than that. Start over with the process.
31
@MIMA
How many of us flawed humans would pass your test under this level of scrutiny? My guess would be none.
5
Can't see this ending well for Dr. Blasey Ford, there is no chance of trump allowing the FBI to investigate this case ( I would have thought that it was a Police matter anyway but trump would not dare take the risk as he has too much to lose.)
I think it would be better for her to go through with it -easy for me to say, I know- she will almost certainly face a very hard time from the Judges who have highly partisan motivations towards getting trumps desired candidate to the Supreme Court, they have given no indication that their attitudes towards women have progressed much since the 70's but they don't care anyway, they have already denigrated her character without knowing the first thing about her and are probably still privately rueing the day that women were given the vote.
If Dr. Blasey Ford does not get the investigation she asks for and decides not to go ahead I believe that she will be crucified in the media so she is in one almighty tough spot, he hearing may go ahead on Monday but at this stage I do not believe that she has anything to lose so it would be better to at least put her story on record and look her (alleged) attacker in the eye.
I wish her well.
18
I don't want Brett Kavanaugh to become a member of the Supreme Court, although he'll be replaced by someone who's as right wing as he is or worse. But this is an objectionable use of what may or may not have happened thirty-odd years ago, when Kavanaugh was under age.
I believe Dr Blasey is sincere when she describes what happened, but anyone has memories of events from decades ago that don't coincide with the recollection of others who were there at the time. However, my main objection to the current furore is that Dr Blasey's silence for decades, and particularly at the time the alleged incident took place, is justified on the grounds of how hard it was for women in the the 1980s to be heard and believed. But Kavanaugh's alleged behaviour - which, regrettably as it is, was not routine but neither was outside what was considered 'boys' behaviour' then, is judged by the standards of MeToo2018. Either we look at what may have happened with consistent rules, or we wreck fairness and justice in the process.
Brett Kavanaugh has been a prominent figure in the law for years. MeToo flooded the front pages a year ago, but Dr Blasey chose to remain silent. Only when Kavanaugh became front page news himself did she come forward. Is she after vindication, revenge, or political assassination? If the former, her timing seems strange.
30
@GG2018
Of course much of this is politics--but why pretend to be superior moral? Politics is the ONLY reason Kavanaugh is there in the first place. The ONLY way to keep him from being there is through politics, however dirty.
1
@GG2018 The victim comes forward in June, Democrats i.e. Feinstein knew soon thereafter. No one said a word until the 11th hour almost 3 months later. Now she gets her day at the hearing. Then on advice from her Democrat-operative attorney says the FBI must investigate first. If she truly were attacked, her attorney has done her a disservice as it now smells of political gamesmanship only. #MeToo should not be about such things.
5
@GG2018 you don’t seem to trouble by the fact that the nominee may have attempted to rape someone when he was a teenager, but what about the fact that he may be lying about it?
Before committing millions in investigative cost and months of time, wouldn't it be more reasonable to hear the claims first?
The whole situation, developing at the 11th hour as it has, is a pretty obvious Hail Mary tactic to throw a monkey wrench into the confirmation process. #MeToo has dissolved into a political guerrilla warfare tactic. What a shame.
42
Yes, to anyone with any sense of reason or logic that is. But to a pure partisan in full panic mode that they are not getting their way, her claims seem..."reasonable."
9
@RM, remember the Catholic Church denied denied hid hid, now comes the exposure. Perhaps it’s time someone starts talking about prep schools drinking and assaulting among teens.
3
It is entirely and unequivocally her choice to speak up or not not. It is an incredible act of bravery to speak out and put your life, your career, and your family on the line.
I know that so many women have been silenced, and that it would be very sad if we see another woman silenced by men in power. However, that was how the last, “year of the woman”, concluded.
If we would like to see this one end any differently we need to be the ones who change it.
35
@Covert
"It is entirely and unequivocally her choice to speak up or not."
Correct.
She has been given an opportunity to testify Monday, Sept. 24, 2018
The choice, as you suggest, is hers.
We are waiting to see if she exercises it.
10
@Covert
She is not being silenced. She is being asked to speak, and is being given the choice of speaking in a public hearing or a private hearing. Critically, however, she is being asked to speak under oath. Most reasonable people are now interested in hearing her out. She needs now to do what she said she wanted to do -- testify -- or we need to move on.
8
@Covert. So what about Keith Ellison?
4
Republicans are pushing Kavanaugh because they can. They are not concerned with what is best for the country, only what is best for their election ads. Dr. Blasey is not to be believed because she is a democrat and she is hurting their re-election campaigns.
I think a panel should be chosen to interview the three people involved, separately. All parties should be treated equally and let a panel outside of the Senate help find the truth. Mr. Judge seems to have something to hide by saying he does not wish to speak publicly. Why? Kavanaugh definitely has reason to lie. But what does Dr. Blasey gain? So far her family had to move and she has received death threats. Hardly reasons to put oneself through this.
29
@MLE53
Mr Judge said he doesn't want to testify, period. Does he not want to clear his friend's name? A terrible accusation has been made against his friend, and he was the only named witness. Mr. Judge's position is very strange. I can't help it - but I must conclude Mr. Judge is lying. He should be subpoenaed to testify. Let him lie under oath.
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And exactly what information is the FBI supposed to use in this investigation?
Location of alleged incident: unknown
Date of alleged incident: unknown
Names of other attendees at party: unknown
Persons confided in after alleged incident:
Years 1-5: no one
Years 6-10: no one
Years 11-15: no one
Years 16-20: no one
Years 21-25: no one
Years 26-29: no one
Year 30: couples therapist
Quite a bit to go on. Good luck FBI!
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@JB, you will be surprised to know how much they can unearth. Do you think the phenomena like Georgetown prep is a one time incident? There are many many women who have been through this for years and years, of batches and batches of prep schools like Georgetown. Here in MA, this is so rampant in our private schools that parents and school officials, are used to hushing up, boys will be boys incidents, all the time.
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@JB On the contrary, the FBI would have enough information to put together a complete picture by seriously investigating all parties concerned. This is not a simple case of "he said/she said."
We know there was a third person present in this scene: Mark Judge. (A fiction writer couldn't get away with naming such a fateful character!)
According to Christine Blasey Ford, Kavanaugh's sexual assault rendered her helplessly pinned down and prevented even from crying out for help. At last the struggle was interrupted when Kavanaugh's friend Mark Judge jumped on top of the couple, not once but twice we are told, resulting in all three of them toppling to the floor. Thus Dr. Blasey was able to hurriedly escape.
Whether Judge's intention was to get in on the action himself or rather to prevent a rape from taking place, only that man can tell us now.
But the latest word is that Mark Judge is refusing to testify under oath before the committee. Why would that be?
If further information is not to be uncovered via an FBI investigation, an extraordinary Senate hearing should be scheduled, Mr. Judge should be subpoenaed and called to give his account under oath.
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@JB
You concocted some points aimed at pulling a wool over my eyes and block my ability to reason. Your points are nonsense. FBI needs to interview/interrogate three persons - Kavanaugh, Judge and the accuser. Subject each to a polygraph test.
It is not about who was drunk and groped whom, when and where. It is about whether the incident happened or not. It is about whether Kavanaugh and Judge are desperate liars; also about whether this lady made it up.
Almost no one in this nation of 316 million people can be sure about whether this incident happened or not. And, that's why we need the FBI to do an investigation that interrogates these three individuals.
If I were advising Trump, etc., I would advise he simply withdraw the nomination and go to their person B. The republicans would have at least 3 and a half months to get that one through.
But, boy Trump isn't capable of any kind of retreat, of losing a battle in order to win this war.
One more thought. Ideologies aside, Kavanaugh is a frat boy, Gorsuch on the other hand had class. That is one reason Dr. Ford's allegation is resonating even though most Americans would be willing to excuse high school hijinks (but not lying to Congress).
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"High school hijinks", Mike? Really?
This was a sexual assault.
Quite a difference.......
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@Mike G
I think there is a real possibility that is what McConnell will decide as well. It won't be what Trump would want, but McConnell knows this isn't worth it.
It is not Ms. Ford's call. She cannot tell the committee how to do its investigation. This tells me she has an explicitly political agenda.
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@wnhoke The committee serves the United States taxpayer, which includes her and the rest of us. The idea of having a 'He Said, She Said' face off, with no other witnesses, is preposterous! Anita Hill's hearing was thrown together in a week's time and there were 22 witnesses.
10
@wnhoke - It's her life being turned upside down. The woman is receiving death threats and she's being treated horribly on top of all the trauma that the original incident inflicted on her. She should be allowed some measure of dignity and control in all of this.
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@Susan I have long held that a public hearing is wrong. She should immediately go to Washington and give private testimony. A public hearing will be a media circus, entertaining but not informative. Evidently, she has refused a private hearing.
Still, it the committee's job to conduct its investigation as it sees fit. Refusing to appear until an FBI investigation is completed is nakedly political and should be rejected.
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I wonder if Kavanaugh realizes the incredible advantages he had being in a protected environment while in elite an elite high school, college and law school
Students in such institutions are protected from facing the criminal justice system as youths.
Less fortunate kids who make the same mistakes wind up in entirely different institutions.
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@Blue
Well, if the “victim” didn’t raise the issue at the time I doubt it would have made much difference.
@Blue, right now the incredible advantage is clearly being White Male Christian.
Just look at the senate judiciary committee panel, they are all products of this patriarchy.
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@Blue Unlike the other 8 Ivy League elite on the Supreme Court...
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This person never wanted to do this, but was essentially forced to by people desperate to stop Kavanaugh. Now they are willing to destroy her life and his in order to achieve a political goal. This is the most disgusting thing I've seen in forty years of politics.
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@Mike Livingston
I'd agree with you except WAPO, basically a tabloid, has stated that Ford called their tip line. So I'm having a difficult time with her professing her urge to remain anonymous. And, a person has a right to confront their accuser, so she had no real expectation of keeping her name out of it regardless.
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@SGTRena
But only after her story was leaked and she already started getting calls from journalists, she decided that if the story was going to be told it was on her terms.
I believe you touch on exactly the conundrum Feinstein has been in: having potential dynamite but no real way to out it while keeping her anonymity. Eventual leaks, whether intentional or not, forced subsequent events.
@Mike Livingston Then I guess you've never read Jane Mayer's "Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas." Now that was disgusting.
Has there ever been a SCOTUS nominee with this much baggage? Accused as an attempted rapist, documented lies under oath (that's two felonies already), gambling problem (which calls his judgment into question), unresolved questions of how he quickly paid off credit card debt equal to nearly a year's salary, viscious partisanship during the Starr investigation, total flip-flop on questions of Presidential immunity...where does it end??
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Apparently this is payback for his involvement in the Clinton impeachment proceedings, pure political venom. Check out new book "Contempt".
1
The Republicans blocked Obama's very qualified nominee for the Court.It was not about the man it was about politics.Now The Democrats have the opportunity to do the same, or at least to delay it.Forget the pretext. Its not personal. Its politics.
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@T.R.Devlin
I agree entirely. Regardless of what happens with Kavanaugh, we have to get away from all this stuff being bloodsport, for the good of the country. Just as the Kavanaugh treatment is payback for the Garland treatment, we all know that that the next time the Rs have a chance to return the favor, they will do so. How do we get good people to go into public service if this is what happens?
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@T.R.Devlin
"Forget the pretext. Its not personal. Its politics."
Exactly.
1
@T.R.Devlin No one accused Garland of anything. It never purported to be anything other than politics. If every democrat had said I won't vote for a Republican nominee, I would understand, but character assassination is not what happened to Garland and you should not put these two together.
1
Is it possible that there is one card carrying Democrat supporter who would fabricate a story which can not be proven either way in order to derail the appointment of a right leaning judge especially one who may vote reverse Roe v. Wade? A defense attorney would at the very least want to know is she was drinking (memory, not character) and whether she was overreacting when she "feared for her life". Fair or unfair these are a few of the tough questions would be asked to determine who is the victim even if it is politically incorrect to ask.
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@ehickey
Not to mention, was their any noticeable change to her academic record? She went to Pepperdine, so I doubt it. Were there any behavioral or personality changes as a result of her trauma? Surely someone would have noticed. Didn't tell her best friend or anyone else? I truly doubt it. Teen girls are pretty needy and chatty. I was one once.
6
@ehickey So a renowned professor, who now has to deal with death threats from some crazed ideological supporters of Kavanaugh's, would think it's worth it to upend her entire life and submit herself to your"tough" - or, as I put it, emotionally harrowing questioning, just to stick it to Republicans, who are very likely going to vote for Kavanaugh's confirmation anyway. Oh boy, the #metoo movement has a long way to go with this "Democrat" derangement syndrome.
The FBI doesn't investigate local crimes, local law enforcement does. And then local law enforcement would have to know year, month, day, attendees, and home this party was at that Christine Blasey Ford claimed she attended.
What is more troubling is why did it take her (a psychologist) 30+ years to recall this? Remember Judge Kavanaugh was confirmed to the appellate court which also required Senate Judicial approval, yet she never spoke up?
From now on whenever a man/woman is nominated to a Federal Court and someone knows something that could/should prevent them from being confirmed should be REQUIRED to speak up and have their name known since an accused person has a right to face their accuser!
Lord knows how an innocent man gets his good name back after this!
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@Beth Grant DeRoos
"Remember Judge Kavanaugh was confirmed to the appellate court which also required Senate Judicial approval, yet she never spoke up?"
To me this seems an obvious one: Because being a psychology professor in California, she couldn't care less who was appointed as judge in DC. Probably didn't keep close track of nominations there either.
2
Innocent? We don’t know that.
1
@Beth Grant DeRoos I wonder how all those innocent priests will get their good names back after being sullied by decades-old allegations?
See how silly thet sounds? Victims come forward when and IF they decide to!
1
It's sad how we treat women in America. Here's a simple solution, believe the woman and give the man the same rights as anyone accused of a crime; innocent until proven guilty. How do you resolve it? An investigation!
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@Chris
That's right -- investigate Ms. Ford and Ms. Feinstein.
Thanks!
2
She comes out of nowhere at the last minute and then, when given an opportunity to testify, demands an FBI investigation before she will do so. If she gets her way, she’ll then make some other demand, e.g. being questioned by white men, not being “believed,” still suffering the effects of PTSD, not liking the seating arrangement, etc. in the meantime Kavanaugh’s nomination will be held up which is the true purpose of this charade. This is not how our system works.
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@Ed
It is also not how the confirmation process usually works.
Witnesses do not demand a federal investigation before they testify.
This situation gets weirder every day.
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@Ed
That's right. First this. Then that. Never satisfied. Just like how "community organizers" never get day jobs. Ridiculous.
Call the question, this is over.
3
Merrick Garland.
2
Let me get this straight
Kavanaugh is confirmed to the D.C. Circuit in 2006
and for the last 12 year Blasey stays silence. (35+ years total)
If she "cared" as she now claims that Judges need to held to a higher standard due to their powerful positions to decide law, then why the silence, as Kavanaugh decides case after case, after case.
Further, the Democrats (Blasey Included) demand an investigation. OK, what can be investigated?
She can not remember the time or place.
The 2 other people in the room deny the allegation.
What can possibly come of an investigation?
Oh, of course. A delay, which will sabotage the appointment.
Dirty politics is my conclusion
32
This is no longer about the veracity of the allegations. This is a proxy war between the political old guard and the emerging new guard. The old guard is exemplified by these geriatric white reactionary males, both in the Senate and the White House, who represent a minority of Americans yet truculently wield oppressive power. The new guard is exemplified by an emerging generation of diverse and progressive leaders who represent the majority of Americans, not just a selfish and self-righteous minority of chauvinists, xenophobes and Christian fundamentalists. It's a very big deal.
20
@Eyeballs I agree with you. Mr. Kavanaugh is not suited to serve on the Supreme Court. He is the wrong choice. Find a more suitable candidate. I would feel differently, if he had come forward and admitted that when he was younger, his actions and behavior towards women were deplorable. He didn't. Attempted rape is NOT the fumbling, bumbling behavior of early sexual adventures. Rape is an act of aggressive violence. There are many qualified men and women who do not have this cloud in their past. Withdraw the nomination and proceed to find a stronger candidate. If the Republicans push Kavanaugh's appointment through, they will pay dearly in the coming elections.
2
@EyeballsYES.this is the issue as seen from the crazed left.If this is the Professor's perspective too, then how can we believe anything she says?
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@Eyeballs
The "new guard" seems to have its share of selfishness and self-righteousness
2
It most likely is at least partially, if not totally true. However, being a contemporary of Justice Kavanaugh, as I am sure many of you reader are, this type of behavior in high school was, at that time more the rule than the exception amongst teenage boys (and girls) with more sexual energy than they know what to do with.
Looking back, I can remember that my behavior towards girls at booze ladened parties on a Saturday night was sometimes much less than respectful—- to say the least.
Having said that, if he as a minor, violated any laws, then it was the victims duty to report these alleged violations then. Coming out over 30 years afterwards, when the alleged
perpetrator is now being vetted for a seat on the Supreme Court is purely a desperate political move orchestrated by the inept dems who see no other way to stop this nomination.
This is something Republicans are capable of for sure. That the dems are stooping so low proves that they have not gotten over the Merrick Garland debacle.
Let it go. Hillary beat Hillary and Trump is president. And although I don’t like or trust Kavanaugh, he is qualified. If the dems were clever, which under Pelosi is not possible, they would focus all their energy on this upcoming midterm. That is where the potential power to stop Trump and the Repugnant party resides.
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@Joey Green NO, "This type of behavior in high school was, at that time more the rule than the exception amongst teenage boys"...not in most people's worlds. It certainly wasn't in mine, nor in my children's. Boys of character are taught not to use their power over girls/women. This incident Dr. Ford recalls has so many details it should be easy, with an investigation, to discern the house and other attendees. Further, it is not unusual for a victim to not have come forward before. Please educate yourself on sexual assault/violence toward women. You will help all of us if you do.
6
1. Dr. Ford will not testify and Judge Kavanaugh will be confirmed.
2. Dr. Ford will regret her decision for the rest of her life.
3. Judge Kavanaugh will not regret his.
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@slime2, we the American public will remember it all our lives, remember our kids are watching and learning. Let them decide for themselves what character means.
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@Petey Tonei
The only reason I will remember it is because it is becoming increasingly obvious this is much ado about nothing.
@TW Smith, yeah that what’s they said about the first catholic priest who was exposed by his victim.
1
Let's say you falsely accused someone of a crime. Would you really want the FBI to investigate your lie so as to possibly disprove it? Let's say you are someone who committed and then denied a crime. Would you seek or object to a similar investigation? People who discourage a full investigation into an incident are not interested in the truth coming out, and that, my friends, is exactly what Trump and the republicans are afraid of.
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Obviously Republican supporters believe the intent of the opposition is simply to delay the proceedings, independent of their chances to derail the nomination. For that, waiting for an FBI investigation would be sufficient. The correct answer to this, of course, is that the Republicans set the standard for timely approval with Merrick Garland. And in this case waiting a few weeks for an FBI investigation is actually perfectly reasonable. As a reasonable and neutral observer who wants the best outcome for the country, we needn't speculate on the likely outcome except to say that the accuser appears believable and sincere. That should be sufficient reason to take the time to investigate further.
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@James Mazzarella
Supposedly this investigation is not for criminal intent. It would be to validate Ms. Ford's statement, which is nearly impossible to substantiate at this point.
6
@Boltarus
What is the FBI going to investigate?
An ages old assault the accuser doesn't even remember when or where it happened?
"more than 30 years ago when they were teenagers at a boozy high school party" has a negative tone, but we also say "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree."
4
The Constitution is the basis of the concept of "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt." The Constitution fundamentally grants us the right to confront our accusers. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of the application of the Constitution.
It would be hypocrisy beyond belief if an accusation against a Supreme Court nominee coming in such a late phase the confirmation process would not require the accuser to come forward and be confronted during the confirmation hearings.
To state as her lawyers have stated: “While Dr. Ford’s life was being turned upside down, you and your staff scheduled a public hearing for her to testify at the same table as Judge Kavanaugh in front of two dozen U.S. Senators on national television to relive this traumatic and harrowing incident,” as an excuse not to testify is contemptuous.
Dr. Ford and her Democratic handlers have no business delaying her testimony for even an instant. If she's not willing to face the consequences of - and to accept the realities of - such an accusation, she should have never come forward. As it is the fundamental right of the accused to face their accuser. If that makes it hard on the accuser... Tough.
What I see in this process - as well as in Title IV actions of the Obama era - is the Democrats actually stripping away fundamental constitutional rights in order to entitle accusers to make their accusations without care. This is where the fascism lies.
26
Law enforcement conducts thorough investigations before trials. That ya what’s being requested. Fast tracking and step skipping will leave a stain on Kavanaugh forever. Just like it has on Thomas.
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@Arthur Taylor
Does she have the right to prepare her case?
Does she have a right to her own counsel?
What is the rush that all the Republicans are concerned with in their arguments-the midterms.
So an arbitrary deadline established by white men is more important than whether a woman has been raped.
@Gary Her accusations have been known for months. She has never claimed rape. Why is it it so important to denote "white men" when the discussion regards justice and the constitutional right to confront your accuser? A right that is granted to ALL Americans.
LYSISTRATA
6
Lysistrata? You mean Aristophanes' sitcom based on the entirely laughable premise that women are capable of engaging in serious political matters? That Lysistrata?
The Kavanaugh defense team’s “mistaken identity” gambit is also known as gaslighting.
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