Blasey Ford is 100% sure Kavanaugh tried to rape her.
Kavanaugh is 100% sure he did and did not drink in high school, had a spotless and troubled past, is proud and ashamed of his stellar and not-so-steller behavior, was a sex maniac and shy virgin, and wants to get to the truth by rejecting an investigation, blocking thousands of pages of documents relating to his career and barring corroborating witnesses—including his alcoholic buddy Mark Judge, from testifying.
Gee--this is a tough one to figure out. Maybe flip a coin?
5
Mr. Kavanaugh could have shown some respect for legal process and demonstrated belief in the veracity of his denial by taking Senator Durbin's suggestion and asking the committee to conduct an FBI investigation. He had nothing to lose if he is telling the truth.
Moreover, he demonstrates respect for the rule of law and the Democratic process he is being called upon to interpret and uphold. Perhaps this is the reason the American Bar Association is revisiting their rating and calling for an FBI investigation into the accusations against him.
Ironically, the Judiciary committee and the President's legal counsel could still have withheld the FBI investigation. At least Mr. Kavanaugh would have preserved some notion that he is innocent.
As it stands, the Republicans proceed further down the road of redefining family values to overlook sexual assault and sex with minors with Mr. Kavanaugh as presiding judge. Sad.
3
As some one who was molested at age seven, I buried those horrendous memories. It took years for me let my parents know. The only other person on this planet who I could share was my husband. And I am 56 years old.
Dr. Ford's testimony brought my nightmares back. I broke down this AM, sobbing, too weak to report to work.
It's a sin to be born as woman.
4
Tears of righteous outrage or tears on a man used to getting his way?
From my perspective, save the choreographed outrage. His life is not being ruined, we are simply trying to prevent him from ruining ours. (It's amazing how often these conservatives resort to pity as a tool to advance their agenda. Consider Sarah Sanders and her smokey eyes.)
5
Sen Harris asked Kavanaugh if he had watched Dr Ford's testimony. He had not. Why did they not read to him her words of the attack. I believe it would have revealed the kind of person Kavanaugh appeared to me to be. I don't think he would have been able to handle the information.
4
Despite the chaotic high drama, one thing becomes clear from yesterday's testimonies. Mr. Kavanaugh's almost manic partisan vitriole and his unbridled emotionalism indicate his extremely poor fit as a Supreme Court Justice.
14
None and I mean NONE of you people know how hard it is to testify or press charges against police and our vile rotten politicians. No matter the crime in my instance it was accusing an important person for tax payer fraud, fraud, assault and battery, gross misconduct, malfeasance, and extortion. ALL of these crimes would have been and still are incredibly easy to prove however the worst of humanity aka our prosecutors simply won't proceed against one of their own however they WILL lie and do anything to discredit me or anyone who tries to bring them to so called justice. These are the supposed good guys and they are worse than the vast majority of criminals doing hard time.
4
There are too many inconsistencies in Ms Ford's testimony to ignore.
She told the committee that she could not come when originally scheduled because she was scared to fly due to her "trauma". This was a lie as was revealed when she was questioned and confirmed she had been flying all over the world for fun and profit. She simply lied.
The very people SHE named as witnesses all denied they knew anything about the claim. That alone should impeach her and is ignored by the left.
She testifies that after the assault she ran from the house without a word to anyone and then did not tell anyone about the assault so she is admitting that she abandoned her 15 year old female friend to the "tender mercies" of 3 young men at night in a house no one knew and with her believing 2 of the young men were rapists and potential murderers! What kind of person would do this? She didn't go next door to get help, she didn't tell her parents, she didn't tell anyone she just abandoned her friend to her fate. On top of that she tells us that after disappearing into the night with her friend left alone with these "dangerous" boys they never spoke about this at all. Her friend, apparently, never asked what the heck happened to her!
Not credible to any but the most blinded.
3
As someone who was molested as young as seven, I buried those horrendous memories. It took years for me let my parents know. The only other person on this planet who I could share was my husband. I am 56 years old.
Dr. Ford's testimony brought my nightmares back. I broke down this AM, sobbing, too weak to report to work.
It's a sin to be born as woman.
2
Let's hope that there is at least one republican who saw the unhinged reactive nature of Kavanaugh's performance and has the wisdom to reject such a person as unfit for SCOTUS.
And no Lindsey, your own performance did not make him look normal, in case that's what you were going for.
8
Dr Ford Told her TRUTH. Judge Kavanaugh clearly continued to perjure himself: evasive, meandering responses, angry outbursts, denials to VERIFIABLE questions, nervous twitching, bouncing up and down in his seat, "talking around his sex abuse and drinking issues", lapses of memory. All of these behaviors point to alcoholism ... AND OTHER ADDICTIONS.. He SHOULD NOT BE APPOINTED TO THE HIGH COURT....and probably be removed from this present position.
10
Now the American Bar Association is asking for an FBI investigation; will anyone in the Republican party stand up and do the right thing already?
16
If you watched the hearings and I did, one of the most telling moments was Kavanaugh's treatment of Senator Klobuchar. If you watched him speak to her and refuse to answer her reasonable question (under the circumstances) you have him in a nutshell. He does not have the temperament to be on the Supreme Court.
15
What is most disgusting about this process and this hearing is the attitude of the Republicans on the committee. Grassley sits there and talks about making sure everyone is heard. Was Merrick Garland ever heard?
7
Amount of lying & evasion by him is shocking to me. He is a sitting federal judge! What else does he lie about?
8
My experience of men: the guiltier they are, the angrier they get when cornered. It's intimidation.
Meanwhile we women have to remain ever composed lest we are called "emotional".
Egh I'm so done with this garbage.
8
It seems the Republican case is that it doesn't matter if he's an attempted rapist, if it didn't come to the committee in time he gets a lifetime appointment?
4
Near the end of the hearing when asked if he knew Ramirez, Kavanaugh's head was nodding yes while saying no! A typical gesture of somebody not telling the truth.
I believe Dr. Ford!
7
So the Republicans are simply saying they see no evidence and will take no action and Kav isn’t even taking the Dem Senators’ questions seriously.
It looks like this hearing was just a show and Kav’s shielded and he’ll be voted in tomorrow. I hope the US is watching.
Funny how Kav can’t remember details from last week but remembers everything from that summer...
4
Dr. Ford was entirely credible, but the Republicans on the committee DON’T CARE. Their party is led by a self-proclaimed sexual predator. Why not enable another one? I am literally nauseated by their hypocrisy. Midterms cannot come soon enough!!
5
Senator John Cornyn of Texas, the chamber’s No. 2 Republican, said senators were in much the same place they started the day. “You need more than an accusation for evidence,” he said. “You need corroboration and that’s what’s missing here.”
If only we had a calendar with a suspicious entry on July 1! If only someone else was there when Prof. Ford was attacked! If only we knew their name! If only we knew where they were right now! If only they had written a tell-all book that would help us figure this out! If only we had some kind of power to get them here! If only there was a government group that could investigate this! But... our hands are tied... It's such a shame.
How these people can look at themselves in a mirror I will never know.
7
Pattern developing in character assassinations before crucial decisions for important matters. Time and time again, the same story. No wonder the mass media has lost trust, but its our fault? I haven't been exposed to this for over a year, been reading books, to be an individual, free from hearded thoughts of opinion. Hoping to see a change and not the same agenda to steer my thoughts from fact, burden of proof, and records. I challenge you to investigate Public Record of News Articles for the past ten years on key moments similar to this. I remember, because its the same story. Women are abusing the #Metoo for true victims who actually endure real trauma for a tactic for there own agenda. I'm done, I see you.
2
Kavanaugh is scared to death of FBI questioning Mark Judge.
7
@B Windriph
The reason Judge was not subpoenaed is that he doesn't matter. There is no dispute that during the time at issue, he had a very serious problem with alcohol. That being the case, regardless of whether his testimony would support Ford, or Kavanaugh, the other side would be able to discredit his testimony completely.
1
2018 [[Senator Lindsey Graham exploded across the dais in an outburst unusual even for a highly partisan body. “What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020,” he said.]]
Yes...well.
2016 [[Graham heaps praise on Garland, won't budge on hearings
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) heaped praise for Merrick Garland after meeting privately with the Supreme Court nominee on Wednesday, but said he won’t change his mind on not moving his nomination this year.
Graham, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said he told Garland that despite his credentials, the Senate won’t act on replacing deceased Justice Antonin Scalia until a new president is elected in November.
Graham is the latest of several Republican senators who've held courtesy meetings with the Supreme Court nominee, only to reiterate the party line that no one will be confirmed during this election year.]]
https://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/indsey-graham-merrick-garland-222229
3
Senator Grassley could barely read his prepared statement. What are these fossils still doing on the Judiciary Committee? They should have been asked to leave after the Anita Hill debacle, and certainly after Thomas proved himself to be a nonentity seatwarmer on the SC bench.
9
1. Lindsey Graham: remember Merrick Garland! No more hypocritical temper tantrums, please.
2. FBI: the I stands for Investigation. Kavanaugh seems unable to answer the question asked of him many times today, "Why not ask Trump to initiate an FBI investigation." What's he afraid of?
3. Kavanaugh didn't watch Dr. Christine Blasey Ford this morning ????
4. Kavanaugh followed the Trump playbook ( Deny, deny, deny, accuse!) His base is drooling, but how do FLAKE, CORKER, COLLINS, and MIRKOWSKI feel about Kavanaugh's angry performance?
6
Whenever I see her again on tv I want to start crying. I’ve never been a fan of Republicans, but never have they made me so sick to my stomach that I’ve wanted to puke all over the ground they walk on. Shame.
5
So Collins and Murkoski and Flake, have you seen enough? This incompetent person should not be on the Supreme Court. It is pretty obvious now isn't it?
2
Both Kavanaugh and Trump have an absurd attitude of powerful male entitlement, the “droit du seigneur” (the right of the lord)--- from past rule of aristocracy---to do anything they want to women---and to our country’s rule of law.
Their courtiers in the party that dominates our 3 govt branches will try their best to protect them from challenge.
1
Brett's fear of an FBI investigation and Lindsey's political rant tell me all I need to know. I'd vote against him.
5
How did a women who Judge Kavanaugh claims he never met know two of his close friends on his 1982 calendar? Mark Judge and a guy named PJ?
4
To maintain decorum, the senators keep referring to their “colleagues across the aisle.“ Pass the binoculars. That aisle’s wide as the Nile.
4
Are the allegations of sexual assault made by Dr Blasey Ford true? It is impossible to know as this far after the fact it will always be a case of he-said/she-said, however much that might appear to trivialise a traumatic event. The only ones who can know the truth are Dr Blasey Ford herself, Mr Kavanaugh and his friend Mr Judge.
What we have a lot of evidence for is that Mr Kavanaugh was a heavy drinker at high school and in college, and yet he denies it. Why? He could say, 'yes I drank a lot when I was younger, and maybe I was the guy my friend wrote about throwing up in the back of a car, and yes, maybe I bragged about having sex, but I have never sexually assaulted someone and that young man is not who sits before you today.' Instead by denying what really has a lot of corroborating evidence (and would not be disqualifying) he severely damages his own credibility.
Regardless of whether the sexual assault allegations are true, his denial of his own past and attempts to make his young self seem like some sort of saintly monk should be disqualifying. You should not get to be a supreme court judge on the back of this sort of lying and disembling.
3
in this country you are assumed innocent until proven guilty. where is the evidence? no one has backed up her statements. she waited 36 years? gimme a break.
3
Ross Douthat, deeply conservative, just added his articulate voice to the Democrats' full throated call for a complete FBI investigation. He and they are right. This is clearly not he said/she said. There are all kinds of avenues to travel in pursuit of the truth of that evening in 1982.
Douthat does not mention two crucial pieces of evidence, (1) that, like himself, Blasey Ford has repeatedly requested just such an investigation, and (2) that unlike himself Judge K has repeatedly averred that no such investigation is necessary and no fruitful avenues of inquiry exist.
If I am accused of arson and insist that the fire marshal not sift through the ashes, well then, someone might just challenge my credibility, even if tear stained streaks line my cheeks. Could be from all the smoke.
3
Right there and there on this opening statement this man has declared himself openly Republican anti-liberal. Single handedly this discourse disqualifies him for the one position in this country that requires serving justice above party. This man basically says "I hate liberals". I can't recall a Supreme Court candidate ever coming this low.
3
For some reason the NYT published and then un-published my comment of yesterday, so here it is again.
Two things stand out for me watching the live testimony and which, I believe, will ultimately prove most powerful in shaping how this incredible event will be remembered:
1. Ms. Ford makes clear that she struggled to bring the information she had about the sexual assault to the attention of the authorities BEFORE Kavanaugh was selected from the list of candidates that was being bandied about. That is, she did not intend or want to publicly shame him, even though that is what ultimately happened, but rather have him removed from the list of contenders for the vacant Supreme Court seat.
2. The silence of the Republican geriatric males, which stands in sharp contrast to the willingness of their male Democratic counterparts on the committee to speak to Ms. Ford. Their behavior underscores their fear that they are unable to speak in public about Kavanaugh's sexual assault without committing some sort of politically damaging faux pas. They will go down in the annals of Congressional history as yellow-bellied cowards of the (lowest / highest) order.
4
Oh, and that iceberg?
You can kiss it goodbye if you get there before it melts and dissolves into the arctic waters...
But you and I are going to have to live for the rest of our lives with our memories of how the GOP treated Dr. Blasey during yesterday's hearing...
1
I believe that Mr. Kavanaugh's essential persona was revealed when he attacked Senator Klobuchar with the question "do you have a drinking problem" during her five minutes of questioning. This is the bully, the dry drunk, that hides underneath the robes and the years of elevation of women that likely was the result of his sexual assault(s) as a teenager.
3
He is a bully. That was clear.
4
My favorite quote from this entire imbroglio is from Mr. Trump.
"When you are guilty until proven innocent, it’s just not supposed to be that way. " (https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/26/politics/trump-message-to-young-men/index...
I think it speaks volumes that Mr. Kavanaugh has aligned himself so closely with our "president."
1
Here's the challenge for American Voters. Sexual Predators are devious. They will NEVER admit they have committed a crime because they don't believe they have committed a crime. I am not saying that Brett Kavanaugh committed a crime BUT ask yourself this: WHY would Ms. Blasey - Ford lie? WHY? She had nothing to gain and she had told key people in her life about this incident years ago. I am sick... sick.... sick...
7
I don't have an opinion one way or another who is guilty or innocent. I would like to know Why if swetnick was older than kavanaugh and his friends by a few years was she attending high school parties in which she knew there was alleged rapes and drugs going around ?! if she knew of illegal activity does that make her complicit or just ignorant ?
3
#IBelieveHer
If he possesses a scintilla of decency, Kavanaugh, the boor, must stand down. Far, far too many of us will never trust him. If America was more important than his own massive (and massively distorted) ego, he’d know this in his soul. Go away, Mr. Kavanaugh.
3
What a sham!
Shame on Dems for throwing Dr. Ford under the bus for their own political purposes just to try to garner a few more votes to hold on to the Senate!
5
Any fair minded person has to give the judge the benefit of the doubt. Ms. Ford was convincing but a naked unsubstantiated allegation can never be used alone to destroy a mans reputation and career. The Democrats are a national disgrace.
6
Agreed but it was far more than that. The yearbook is what sealed the deal for me. Or maybe the drinking. Or his fascination with beer. Or the fact he was unhinged.
4
He was TOTALLY unhinged.
3
@JJ
He has every reason to be angry because they are attacking him and his family. Wouldn't you be angry too if they smear against you and your family. Think about the timing. She could have done this years ago. Heck she could have done this when he was nominated. Her story does not have any corroboration. He is upset and has every reason to be. I believe the democrat is stalling the whole thing until the election for the seat. It doesn't matter who Trump wants to nominate they will always go after them no matter what.
Lyndsey Graham: If “this is enough, God help anybody else who gets nominated,” he added. “Based on what I heard today, you could not get a search warrant or an arrest warrant.”
So the only disqualification for the Supreme Court is that one has done something that could lead to a warrant?
Shameless, shameless, shameless hypocrite.
9
Right! Talk about being tone deaf!
The point that Lindsey Graham missed is this: In the era of #metoo, and with reproductive rights on the balance, Americans do not want a misogynist permanently in the Supreme Court. We’re barely hanging on until we can get rid of Trump.
...,and in the era of Donald Trump, Americans don’t want a person of low character. The kind of person who lied last night about his yearbook and drinking, for example.
The point has never been about his qualifications for prison time but rather his qualifications for the position he seeks. Based on his unhinged and overly dramatic display yesterday, he lacks the right temperament. Based on his demonstrable lack of personal character, he’s unfit for the job.
4
Funny coming from Graham, who in concert with the Starr inquisitor Kavanaugh, led the effort to destroy Bill Clinton.
6
I have two words for Lindsey Graham and his phony outrage: Merrick Garland.
6
Orrin Hatch made a reference to the spectacle of Robert Bork’s nomination in 1987. Please! Anyone who was in that room for the Bork hearing should step aside and let a new generation in.
5
What does the key witness, Matt Judge, say about this in a sworn statement under penalty of perjury? “I don’t remember.” Okay see. It never happened. Why do we need an FBI investigation when the person placed at the scene says in a sworn statement under oath under penalty of perjury that he doesn’t recall. Why even compell him to testify, when after all he doesn’t remember according to his sworn statement?
4
@Patrick it's a letter from his lawyer, bud. Not a sworm statement. A letter from his lawyer. that s all.
5
“I don’t recall” is what you say when you do recall and don’t want to say. Wake up.
1
@JJ
I don't recall - he may not remember what happened 35 yrs ago. Do you remember everything happened 35 yrs ago?
1
Why doesn't Kavanaugh take a lie detector test?
6
I feel the need to make several points:
*I believe Dr. Ford, she had nothing to gain by coming forward
* I believe Judge Kavanaugh thinks he is innocent because he blacked out and does not recall the incident. There is much evidence that he drank heavily from other sources.
* I believe this was a travesty of a process for both of them that is the fault of the Senate and Trump. The latter did not fully vet BK prior to nominating him, we know that because he failed to vet many of his other nominees for other positions. The Senate failed in 27 years to adopt a process for handling these kind of allegations properly and privately so that the facts could be found out prior to the mud slinging. If a process had been in place then DF could have used that process.
* the Repubes are complaining about the process rather than addressing the allegations because they know Dr Ford was entirely credible.
* We have missed an opportunity to have a national discussion about Restorative Justice in the #metoo movement. If BK had acknowledged that he might have assaulted CBF while drunk, he could have apologized and begged forgiveness and then all of the letters of support and good things on his resume of the past 15-20 years would then matter. We could have a national conversation as to how and when someone who perpetrated sexual violence or harassment is to be forgiven and what is forgivable and what is not.
5
It seems that Judge Kavanaugh may be a bit of a dog. But what sort of dog? When he was a pup, based on recent comments, he sounds like he was a Hound Dog pup. As he matured and worked for Ken Starr he pushed an already aggressive Mr. Starr to pursue President Clinton without limit. Apparently the hound dog had morphed into a Pit Bull. Now years later there is another change. After receiving a Presidential nomination for a position as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court it turns out that he believes that POTUS cannot even be questioned by a lawyer let alone subpoenaed. The Pitt Bull is now a lap dog, at least for Republican politicians. What new incarnation awaits? Will it be as a circus dog obeying commands from a ring master?
8
Kavanaugh corroborated one thing from some of the stories that have surfaced from people who knew him in college: yes he is aggressive and belligerent. His disrespect for the committee today was astonishing. His sarcasm was blatantly arrogant. His partisanship should disqualify him from ever being considered as even jerked or neutral.
9
@Aubrey
It was actually worse than that. Many people wouldn’t recognize it, but Kavanaugh was clearly intoxicated during that hearing. It could be seen in his facial contortions, his wavering voice pitch in speaking with the Senators especially the female Senators, his very unprofessional voicing of conspiracy
theories even bring up the Clintons, his overwrought whimpering, his constant sipping of water...the way he sat toward the end of the hearing looking completely spaced out. I listened to some of his earlier testimony and his demeanor was completely different which is to say sober. (Someone told him to apologize during the break by the way. He didn’t do that on his own.)
5
Lindsey Graham should replay his performance in Today’s hearing.
3
Hey Brett Kavanaugh--
This allegation has "destroyed your family"? Quick question: did you get to sleep in your own house last night? Because Dr. Blasey Ford did not. She's had to move twice because of death threats aimed at her for telling her story.
Let's say you don't get confirmed to the Supreme Court. Will you still have a job on the D.C. circuit bench? Yes? Hmmm... so you'll still get a paycheck, and you'll still be able to send your daughters to school. Dr. Blasey had to put a second front door on her house because of her panic about needing a way out, a panic she attributes to your assault.
Can you explain more what you mean by "destroyed" please?
4
Late day dispute between Committee Senators about “leaking” of the Ford letter resulted in the view that the leak (which brought the press to Dr. Ford’s door) came from a friend of Dr. Ford, whom Dr. Ford had confided in.
PBS News Hour interview today of a close friend of Dr. Ford, Samantha Guerry , included the following important news about another close friend, Leland Keyser: “...Leland had submitted her testimony to the Senate, but then she called Chrissy to apologize for it. And Leland — Chrissy is very close to Leland. And, as Chrissy said, Leland has had some health issues that she's struggling with. And we just kind of left it at that. But I think Leland has had to struggle with this a bit herself.”
Why would Leland apologize for reporting to the Senate? One WOULD apologize for alerting the press about what Leland felt should get more attention.
Dr. Ford says in her statement to the Committee that she had been drinking at the relevant party, and didn’t want her parents to know. She didn’t see who pushed her into the bedroom. If you look at a photo of Mr. Judge and Mr. Kavanaugh in high school, they look alike. Judge WAS a drunk!
Dr. Ford’s earlier victimization in assault was part of multiple therapy sessions. She named Brett Kavanaugh, but Mr. Judge might have been the assaulter.
When she first thought of contacting the Senate Committee, she wasn’t sure of her memory. She might have become “100% sure” for the sake of her dear friend Leland’s integrity.
3
Where was Lindsey Graham ‘s outrage when President Obama nominated Merrick Garland, who waited a year and never received a hearing?
5
November will be interesting. I have this image I can't shake. The last episode of the last season of the show American Horror where the female lead blows the misogynist "trump" clone 's head off. Yeah November is going to be like that.
1
His frothing, self-righteous anger is enough to make me question his fitness for the Supreme Court, even leaving aside the question of his veracity. And personally, I've had it with rich white frat boys running this country. I'm over it.
6
Kavanaugh is alcoholic, just listen to his testimony. His friend Mark Judge was probably the drug dealer in high school.
Get real, the assault on Ms. Ford happened.
7
Senator Graham, "... — the most unethical sham since ..." perhaps President Obama's nominee didn't even get a hearing?
7
Kavanaugh is unhinged. He blames the opposition to his nomination on a "leftwing Clinton conspiracy." Our reason for opposing him that pertains to the present hearing is that there is a non-zero likelihood, based on credible accusations, that he sexually assaulted one or more women.
3
Look at the photo at the head of this article.
Do think Mr. Kavanhaugh's wife understands exactly what is really going on?
2
Kavanaugh may not drunk any beer before his testimony today, nonetheless his appearance was that of a belligerent, entitled bully.
5
I don't know who wrote that line about his daughter's prayers for Kavanaugh, but they sure earned their money. You should give them thirty-ONE pieces of silver, Brett.
2
Clearly Lindsey Graham was auditioning for Attorney General today.
3
If he had just replied to Dick Durban and agree that the FBI should investigate this part of his and Ms. Ford's background one could possibly believe in him. Never mind his horrendous questions to ask Bill Clinton about Ms. Lewinsky or his other falsehood about his time the Bush White House.
But he did not ask for an FBI probe from the President nor did he want his best friend Mark Judge to be sworn in to testify? Why not? an innocent man would want to clear his name but he does not want any of this. He bobbed ans weaved like an experienced boxer. Apparently we have to believe his "impassioned defense" or really his misdirection diatribe and crocodile tears to back him up.
Other than his base which is an audience of 52, Mr. Trump and the committed GOP congress no one else should believe him.
Eventually we are all to blame for electing Mr. Trump and all these unaccountable politicians. Any of these 51 GOP senators who vote to confirm him or if it came down to the VP to vote, all of them should be shown the door.
4
all this can ended right now, how much was christine paid by the dnc?
2
There is a certain kind of naivete in Kavanaugh's approach to portraying himself as a determined and hard-working student, athlete, do-gooder, then a straight as an arrow kind of adult. It might have worked if only..........hundreds of Catholic clergy weren't being accused of molesting children for decades, one case after another of sexual misconduct amongst students and teachers at the cream of the crop private boarding schools in the North East, Boy Scout leaders being convicted of molestation, a domino of super rich, famous and powerful entertainment and news industry titans falling to their history of sexual assault and harassment. All these perpetrators have plenty of people who say what good guys they are (except perhaps Harvey Weinstein), model citizens, good bosses, etc.
I don't know what's true here. But Kavanaugh's list of 65 women who think he's swell means nothing to me. And his four "witnesses" are not true witnesses. They haven't been interviewed face to face by an investigator; they've merely submitted letters through their attorneys. Do a proper investigation. Talk to people. Determine their credibility. Stop trying to rush this through, quit with the deflection about how the Democrats delayed bringing this out. It's just the latest version of Whataboutery. Slow down and take the time to investigate this particular allegation and perhaps the other two before making a decision. It's too important not to get it right.
5
i understand the human element of wanting to quantify and understand something of this magnitude, however, everyone needs to step back and realize this is not a courtroom and there is no evidence to support her claim. I'm not presuming anyone guilty or innocent, I believe you look at fact patterns and here it doesn't support what she or anyone else alleged against him. A quick message to the people who do presume she is right and he is wrong without proof------This ordeal has a Salem witch trials familiarity about it, someone alleges something with no evidence to back it up, the mob can't reason to themselves that there is no proof, just blind vitriol and want their pound of flesh and the accused is then forced to defend their innocence. this is NOT how the Republic is supposed to conduct themselves ///%
1
He only drank beer, he wants to know if senators like beer, it was only beer, doesn't everybody like beer? I found that very odd that a man born and raised in privileged circumstances never had access to whisky and vodka, or at least wine.
I was also fascinated that the same Republicans who complained this was a witch hunt used the 'God proof' in the end: Do you believe in God? That's a typical witch hunting technique I would have thought.
3
Maybe what goes around comes around. He was part of the Clinton smear campaign through digging up Clinton dirt, and now dirt is dug up on him.
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/i-knew-brett-kavanaugh-during-his-...
He sounds victimized and loud, his demeanor alone doesn't look like a SCOTUS. Look at Niel Gorsuch and his nomination, there is no craziness stirred up around a genuine man. Yes, can't GOP do better?
3
1998: Brett Kavanaugh worked to help Ken Starr lure Bill Clinton into a perjury trap, based ostensibly on his sexual behavior.
2018: Senate Democrats lured Brett Kavanaugh into a perjury trap, based ostensibly on his sexual behavior.
Shakespeare could not have written a more fitting ending.
People in glass houses . . .
3
Also love the tactics in questioning to only ask about gang rape as opposed to any form of sexual assault. men protecting each other much?
"Senator Lindsey Graham:
“To my Republican colleagues, if you vote no, you’re legitimizing the most despicable thing I have seen in my time in politics.”"
Senator Graham, you did not find the Senate holding up a Supreme Court nomination for 400 days despicable? Your, and Mr. Kavanugh's, sound and fury shenanigans just highlight how morally destitute you both are.
3
What will reign after all is said and done is the power of truth. After all, Dr Ford had nothing to gain from this staged confrontation. Why would she lie? But Mr Kavanaugh had nearly everything to lose and so, in the guise of histrionics, he has lied.
4
I just want to give her a hug.
1
Thank God for Dick Durbin. Durbin was not to be dismissed and put off or talked over to whittle away his time....He exposed Kavanaughs hollow and shallow protestations as to why HE won't ask for a fair, right and impartial FBI investigation....In that moment Graham saw all was lost, and put on Broadway worthy theatrics to try and cover for Kavanaugh.
6
Judge O' Kavanaugh thinks the testimony of Dr Blasey is a "national disgrace" or maybe he thinks the disgrace is that we were ready to listen to what a woman has to say about his alleged actions.
I think he has a sense of entitlement so over-developed that it borders on ridiculous. That's disgraceful, too.
3
If not confirmed, Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh will still be one of 179 judges of the U.S. Courts of Appeal which is still a prestigious position. He doesn't have much to lose. He and his family will reconcile with the fact that many past candidates were not confirmed.
However, if he is confirmed to the Supreme Court, the one hundred U.S. Senators, particularly 23 female U.S. Senators will be telling us and the world, it is OK if a teenage boy attempts to rape a girl, and as long as there is no proof or corroborative evidence, a female victim's words can just be ignored, and if the victim suffers from lasting mental trauma, she can go and see a therapist.
13
Folks, we are watching the implosion of the Republican Party in real time.
- Kavanaugh's opening statement (attacking Democrats and spouting right-wing conspiracy theories) was blatantly partisan -- something unheard of in testimony from a Supreme Court nominee.
- Lindsey Graham's meltdown clarified that party loyalty matters more than statesmanship.
- Grassley was more subtle, but showed the same partisan desperation as Graham.
The Republicans know their ship is sinking rapidly. They will commit their final act of political suicide by leaving us with the parting gift of a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, cemented by a deeply flawed nominee. A gift that will keep giving for decades to come. It's the only card they have left.
GOP = Party over Country.
VOTE!
7
Today we saw who Dr Ford is, exactly who Kavanaugh is, and how utterly unfit he is for SCOTUS. It was all there, in bold, ugly, belligerent, lying relief. Lying yet again to Congress, only this time over never getting drunk, why he threw up at a beach party, that "Renate Alumnus" was a label given in his HS yearbook out of respect rather than the patently obvious cruel derision we all know it to be.
And we also saw exactly how little the GOP cares about the integrity of SCOTUS or who they seat on its bench. What matters is their power agenda, first, last, and always. (But that is hardly news; it just more naked and raw self-exposure today from Graham and Grassley.)
No less than the American Bar Assn is calling for delay in further consideration of Kavanaugh until the FBI properly investigates of the allegations against him (now being reported in The Washington Post)
3
She was riveting. He was dissembling.
2
If their social circles did not intersect, how did Ford know that Kavanaugh had a friend named PJ?
3
Kavanaugh has shown what a partisan hack he is today. He simply doesn't have the temperament of a judge, of any kind. I wouldn't even vote him to be my county court clerk.
2
Really just another case of she said / he screamed and wept.
Could this guy BE more obviously guilty?
4
If the Republicans rush Kavanaugh through without an thorough investigation, it would be like a sexual violation on the public at large. We won't get to see all the available evidence only what the politicians want us to see.
If this happens, and it looks like it will, Kavanaugh will be tainted as a justice and millstone around the neck of the Republican party for decades. Everytime he votes on a women's issue that undermines women, women will blame the republican party, especially Trump.
When he becomes the deciding vote that overturns "Roe vs. Wade" women will feel the outrage: "our right to choose is gone and you (the republicans) placed a sexual predator in the Supreme Court to do it."
You republicans have the power to override good judgement and fairness but, if you do you do so at your own peril.
2
The ABA just issued a request to Grassley and Feinstein requesting a delay in the vote until there is an investigation by the FBI.
Today Lindsey Graham called the ABA recommendation the “Gold Standard.”
We shall see if the Republicans listen.
1
The righteous indignation doesn’t fly true. Both Kavanaugh, who knew this was coming and Graham who played like he was in a Shakespearean tragedy didn’t answer anything about actual event. All political grandstanding. Talk about embarrassing, shameful. We’ll save our hellos for Judge Merrick (should be a Supreme Court Judge) Garland.
1
Let American public be the jury and vote. They would be the impartial ones.
1
His entitlement, aggression and self-centeredness were completely on display today, further convincing me Dr. Ford is telling the truth.
2
Republicans can’t afford to back down now, that’s why they’re fighting so hard (and coaching Kavanaugh to do the same).
Any other place/time, the nomination would have been withdrawn. So many questions, so little time spent really getting to the bottom of it all... because the Republicans are not interested in the truth, they just want the chance to grab that gold ring of a lifetime SCOTUS appointment and they’re willing to gamble away holding the House and/or Senate to do it.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/sep/26/brett-kavanaugh-tr...
It sounded more like a political tirade than an attempt to answer the allegations about his heavy drinking, his yearbook posts, the more recent revelations etc.
Judge Kavanaugh's angry moments today were revealing. Exposed was a tremendous amount of anger directed towards the Democratic party - anger that goes as far back as Bill Clinton.
More concerning is the stance that he will not be defeated in his quest. A judge steeped in the self righteousness of a crusader pillaging and plundering toward the holy grail of overturning Roe v Wade.
1
If he is so pro woman, why not allow a woman to chose? Are we only capable of working for him, but not deciding our own fate?
As a German, I owe you people decades of peace, and growing up in a liberal democracy, among others. Your 45th president tweeted right, that it was plain to see, why he nominated Judge Kavanaugh. His was a display of authoritarian thought. This neither was nor is about filling a vacant seat in an essential institution of your democracy. It was and is about pushing your society towards authoritarianism.
19
He may or may not be innocent, but today, by making allegations of conspiracy theories and Clinton revenge, he has show he is fiercely partisan and does not have the temperament to become a Supreme Court Justice.
2
Did anyone else notice Kavanaugh's attempt to spin a story about how the party had to have taken place on a weekend, and because his calendar showed he was away most weekends, he couldn't have been the culprit?
The "party had to be on a weekend" assertion struck me as a false supposition. Why would Dr. Ford be wearing her bathing suit under clothes to attend an organized weekend party?
Seems more likely this was a mid-week ad-hoc get together post-practice, post-country club. There were only a handful of kids in the house, so it clearly wasn't a big organized weekend party.
You can’t say he gives a direct answer. All judges know when they’re being played. So they know how to use it to their own advantage. Dr. Ford doesn’t know that game, so her answers were straight and true.
1
The fact of this moment is that Brett Kavanaugh and the Republican Party want you to believe a few things that are beyond acceptable.
First, the idea that a boy who admittedly drinks to excess can without question or doubt remember everything he has ever done. He proudly notes this behavior and yet wants us to believe his memory over another.
Secondly, that his behavior at the committee was that of a Supreme Court Justice. It was shameful and absurd that his righteous indignation are the actions of an innocent man. As a judge shouldn't he understand the dynamics of being questioned and that being highly combative, evasive, and extolling conspiracy theories are not helpful in a search for truth? It was disturbing to watch and hard to believe that this man could be deciding the fate of anyone.
Third, that this is not a he-said-she-said situation as there was an eyewitness that could be questioned. It was a ploy not to interview the other person involved in this event.
Fourth, that this questioning was not an investigation that Judge Kavanaugh repeatedly alluded to it being. An investigation is not being asked questions for 5 minutes where much of that time is spent extolling your virtues.
17
I find the depravity of the of the actions of the left quite appalling.
In addition Dr. Ford's credibility was torn to shreds by the Prosecutor who successfully managed to poke serious holes in Dr. Ford's recollection of her memories, in particular with dates, places and the lack of corroborating evidence.
In conclusion therefore the WEAPONIZATION of sexual assault cases by the left, will have far reaching negative impact on legitimate cases of complaints and charges brought about by victims, something that true victims of sexual assault have the left of the political spectrum to thank for.
1
Senator Lindsey Graham just accused the Democrats of doing what the Republicans actually did, and proudly claimed credit for, to Merrick Garland. This is a bad day for America.
2
i watched it all. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This should be investigated by the FBI. Not allowing an investigation, only makes it seem that the Committee is afraid of the truth. Dr Ford was emotional during her testimony, but Bret seemed to be too protesting way too much. He didn't answer any questions without filibustering. Dr, Ford welcomed an investigation, while he didn't come out and say he would agree to one. Why would any woman jeopardize her family and friends, if it was a lie? As for the letter by Mark, without being able to question a witness, the letter is useless. I personally did not believe Mr. Kavanaugh.
1
The science does not support Dr. Ford and the media's often repeated assertion that traumatic memories are 100% accurate.
If the news media actually, responsibly followed up on such an important detail, they would find many scientific articles documenting that traumatic memory can be distorted and inaccurate!
I was very impressed by the way Kamala Harris comported herself. I hope to see her in a position of power soon. VP, at the least. President, at the most.
1
Where was the "judicial temperament"? How in the world can somebody who rails publicly and furiously against one party be expected to be an impartial arbiter? Regardless of the truth of the matter, Mr. kavanaugh's demeanor alone should disqualify him from any judgeship.
4
These accusations don't fit the profile of judge Kavanaugh's character. If he were guilty of these acts as Ford described them, there would be other instances, if not a pattern of this type of behavior, through his high schools years. Yet, there is no credible person making any reference to such behavior by Kavanaugh. I'm surprised no one has made that point.
1
Senator Harris asked about a judge's temperament. Kavenaugh said it was important. Based on the belligerence he showed during questioning, and the rudeness in interrupting questioners, he didn't show a temperament appropriate for a Supreme Court Justice.
in his evasive and repetitive answers to the question about his willingness for a brief hiatus to have the FBI investigate, he seemed very unwilling to search for corroborative or exculpatory evidence to go beyond 'he said she said' result of today's hearing.
And for someone chomping at the bit to testify in person, he seemed to refuse the clarity to be gained by putting other witnesses under oath, in person, for the committee's assessment of credibility. Mark Judge testifying, in particular, seemed to be a sensitive topic, and something he wanted to avoid.
2
The point here is not who to believe or who gave the most compelling testimony, the point is that our system of democracy bestows upon the Senate the power to declare what is the truth. This is no different than a jury trial in which the actual truth is subordinated to the finding of the jury; they are the ones who declares what is the truth under the eyes of the law. So while we all have opinions, they really don't matter. All that matters is what 100 Senators decide when they vote. We might not like what they decide, and it is almost guaranteed that half the country won't, but that is the system we have all signed up for as citizens of the United States.
What is the point of Brett Kavanaugh screaming, interrupting and sobbing ?
7
@B.Sharp < If you and your family went through what he has, you wouldn't be extremely emotional?
We know why Kavanaugh would lie. Why would Ford?
11
@HapinOregon Because she's a liberal activist who hates Trump and probably conservatives as well.
1
Brett clearly has a drinking problem. How many bottles of water does it take to wash evasion, equivocation and mendacity out of his throat?
11
@Steve M
I had similar thoughts, that and the sniffing his tongue moving around his bottom teeth and his cheeks.
I also have no idea how I would react in a similar situation.
His evasions to some direct questions left me wondering as to why evade a direct answer even when the question was repeated. I found the self righteousness and indignation a huge problem almost an attack on Dr Ford and the implication that there is a major conspiracy against him.
Also his opening statement sounded like a mixture of Judge Clarence Thomas and Mr Trump I found myself not believing his statement and fury.
There's more I tried to keep an open mind but the more he spoke the more I remembered how those "golden children" behaved in middle high and college to those who disagreed with them. That total take no prisoners attitude.
1
@Steve M < So everyone who likes beer has a drinking problem? I like beer. I got drunk a few times, yet I don't have a drinking problem and only drink on occasion.
1
graham: where was the outpouring of justice when mcconnell tabled Garland.
hypocrite.
7
@brian < Garland was in line with the Biden Rule - "No nominations during an election year." It could also be in response to Harry Reid eliminating the 60% majority for fed judge confirmations. As Lindsey Graham said, what goes around, comes around.
Why does Kavanaugh keep sniffing? Kavanaugh comes across as an elitist Trumpette - how dare you question me! The eyes of the world are on the USA at the moment. The UN delegates laughed at Trump - as someone from across the pond that loves the USA please don't let the Republicans reduce your country to the laughing stock that Trump seems to want you to become.
4
@Frankie < That's what normally happens when a person is fighting back tears. Or maybe you missed that?
I am sitting here watching Mr. Kavanaugh saying over and over that “he is there to answer questions” - but so far he has danced around almost every single question put to him. He hems and haws, and then tries to turn the question around onto the questioner. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. Muhammad Ali would be proud of this guy. He simply can or will not give a Yes or No answer. This is looking worse and worse for Kavanaugh, I’m afraid. He’s digging his own grave with his mouth! Anyone who would vote to put this liar on the Supreme Court has to be out of their minds. Or a Republican.
11
@A Bird In The Hand < He understands the politics of the moment. Dems wanted him to say "No, I do not want an FBI investigation" so they could plaster that statement all over the national news. He didn't give into their demands.
I think we should call this Republican led travesty by the simple and to-the-point moniker, Investi-gate.
3
Well now we know what pointers BK was receiving during his training at the WH over the past few days.
To summarize: be like trump, attack mode, perpetual rage and victim-hood, blame dems, blame anybody but yourself, deny, deflect, lie, make up stuff, ...
Although BK is a privileged old white misogynist like his sponsor, he does a really bad impersonation of trump. The GOP hacks (grassley, lindsey, et al) would have gotten better optics if they placed a Kavanaugh mask on Alec Baldwin and sent him to circus ring.
5
If Brett Kavanaugh wants a fair hearing:
1) Allow a normal FBI background check to help the Senators.
2)Release all documents requested for the Senators.
3) Allow any evidence and witnesses to speak prior to the Senators voting.
Until that day, please ask Brett to stop whining like Carl roves taught him.
7
Watching Kavanaugh speak today, I wondered if we want (another) unhinged person on the Supreme Court?
4
That is one righteously indignant false boy scout. He's veered from false naivety, old-school duplicity, revisionist historian to loudmouth demander of his entitlements. How many more costumes does this guy have?
9
This ‘man’ is a disgrace. My legal profession just sank to an all time low with this cad in it. Good thing I’m retired from it or I’d have to.
7
To paraphrase Hamlet's mother, Mr. Kavanaugh doth protest way too much. Many of the comments from him and his lawyers put serious doubt on his credibility. Particularly disgusting is the "Renate Alumnus" item in Mr. Kavanaugh's yearbook page. His lawyer: "The language from Judge Kavanaugh’s high school yearbook refers to the fact that he and Ms. [Renate] Dolphin attended that one high school event together and nothing else.” That sounds ludicrous, given that "The word “Renate” appears at least 14 times in the 1983 yearbook, on individuals’ pages and in a group photo of nine football players, who were described as the 'Renate Alumni.' " Its no wonder people are questioning Mr. Kavanaugh's credibility.
9
@Steve Kennedy
There were other terms but that Alumni was disgusting.
1
Kavenaugh has become a clone of Donald Trump; we should expect him to be the same on the bench. Vote yes if you want a mini Trump on the bench. Ray Sipe
3
Just watched the video of an "outraged" Kavanaugh refuse Durbin's request to ask outright for an FBI investigation of all the allegations against him. Why not ask for an investigation to "clear your name" and "restore your honor"? #JustsayYesJudge
4
Lots of selective memory going on. For young, privileged, spoiled Kavanaugh, so many cute girls to grope or get on top of; how could you possibly remember all their names and faces? And so much beer to chug as his friends placed drugs in booze and handed it to unsuspecting females.
But for the victim, the attacker’s face is burned into her memory. I’m saddened to see that this is just a charade for the GOP. And Kavanaugh did himself a big disservice by condemning Democrats. Yes, Brett, regardless of party, many of us believe Dr. Ford, not you, rich boy.
5
What Lindsay Graham just said about Kavanaugh could also have been said about Bill Cosby-before the truth came out-as it is now coming out with Kavanaugh
8
If you are capable of believing Donald Trump, you're no doubt capable of believing Brett Kavanaugh, despite the fact that both are inveterate liars. It's hard to believe anyone can listen to Kavanaugh and conclude he's telling the truth. Shame of the Republicans. They will pay a steep political price for their immoral, corrupt behavior.
3
He sounds unhinged and hysterical. Hardly the comportment of a person seeking the highest office.
5
Oh boy, Grassley needs to quiet down and Kavanaugh needs to ask for an FBI investigation.
5
when is enough is enough?
when are victims taken seriously?
Women can not be secondary citizens in world's first nation!
Disgraceful, Shameful and Outrageous.
3
Graham had a lot of gall whining about partisan politics. If Obama’s nominee had been confirmed Kavanaugh would not even be up for consideration.
28
On Tuesday the President made a laughingstock of himself before all the world. Today the Senate made a laughingstock of itself before all the world, and dragged the Supreme Court along. Truly depressing.
29
Here's where I'm at...
I liked Judge Kavanaugh because he is pro 2nd Amendment with him on the Court the Left Wing Fringe has a much harder barrier to cross to subvert the Constitution.
On the other hand most other civil rights get a knife in the back from him and that's concerning.
I'm generally skeptical of accusations from 10,20,30 years ago that are of the "he said -she said" variety"
I just question the ability of anyone to get to the truth.
That being said...
I watched Dr. Blasey Ford today and I watched Judge Kavanaugh
She impressed me with what I can only describe as testimony from her heart.
He didn't impress me -in fact just the opposite.
He threw a tantrum and then he evaded even the most simple questions.
I believe her version of events to be accurate.
If I was on a jury I'd vote to acquit Kavanaugh if he'd been charged 30+ years later. I'm not voting to send someone to prison on the 35 year old memories of one person - even if I believe her.
If I'm on the committee however, that vote is much easier
I'm not putting someone whom I believe to have attempted to rape a 15 year old girl on the Supreme Court.
It's just that simple!
32
@Java Junkie
But the republicans don't care. They just want a conservative on the court.
For the life of me, I could not understand why Democrats allowed Kavanaugh to say repeatedly that four witnesses said he had not done what he was accused of. There were not four witnesses. There was one, and he absconded. That four people who had not been assaulted or committed assault could not remember an informal gathering that happened 35 years ago is not exculpatory. Not remembering or not thinking Kavanaugh would do such a thing does not mean he didn't do it. His "evidence" of innocence was so much baloney. I realize that the burden-of-proof is on the accuser, but he shouldn't have been able to claim that he'd been exonerated. The committee allowed him to mislead the public there. I'm sure he knew exactly what he was doing.
23
Judge Kavanaugh struck me as someone who cannot face his own darkness and therefore has to defend his false self-image in any way possible - by calling Dr. Ford a liar, or by creating a list of outward enemies headed by "Democrats." The Judge's real enemy is the darkness in himself that he doesn't have the strength to face. Perhaps Judge Kavanaugh thinks a seat on the Supreme Court is worth the lie, but contrary to what our culture teaches us, personal integrity is more precious than any social success. Look at Clarence Thomas - a shell of a Judge not worth the name. Come on down to earth, Judge, get real, face the ugly truth and then go about the tough work of redeeming yourself.
If your family loves you you can all survive the fiasco and the tearing down of your fabricated masks. Because somewhere in there is the good person you so desperately want us to think you are.
16
Two questions that I would have asked Mr. Kavanaugh, had I been a member of the Judiciary Committee with apologies if they were asked; I listened only to parts of the hearing):
1. If you had done the things that Dr. Ford has told this committee you did when you both were in high school, would you admit it?
2. If a nominee had done the things that Dr. Ford has told this committee you did when you both were in high school, and he later admitted doing those things and apologized, would this person still be a suitable candidate to sit on the Supreme Court?
7
@Blue State Commenter
Here's a valid third question: If a Democratic nominee had done the things that Dr. Ford has told this committee were done when both were in high school, would the person still be a suitable candidate to sit on the Supreme Court?
1
Trump thought Kavanaugh looked "weak" during the Fox interview. A quick learner, Brett was channeling Trump today: never admit guilt and if they hit you, hit them back harder. The president applauded his testimony.
20
@MPMP
Also a page from Clarence Thomas indignation and past political issues that are over.
My heart is heavy for both Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford. For the judge, a man who has dedicated his life to public service, this puts a terrible stain on his work and family that reverses the good work he has done. For Dr. Ford, I can only imagine the pain of revisiting such a terrible and traumatic incident in her life and I applaud her bravery and determination. Regardless of the outcome of this event, both of them will be marked for life.
I don't not the truth-- nor will we ever, it seems-- but I am so sad that this is what politics has come of: senators screaming across the aisle, deriding the character each other and their constituents, refusing to allow even basic processes proceed. I am even more disturbed by the comments on articles, livestreams, etc., declaring that the person we don't believe should die or be jailed. Don't we all just want what is best for America? Where is the humanity?
5
I just watched Judge Kavanaugh's testimony.
He sought to blame everyone and everything for the accusations against him. He raged against the Clinton's and supposed outside left-wing opposition groups, blaming those who dislike President Trump. He Yada, Yada'd on and on. It was a remarkable display of self-righteous indignation "It's a circus" he snarled. He's right! A circus of his own making. It would be no surprise to anyone that a drunk teenager wouldn't remember his actions, not to mention, that his "friends" wouldn't break the "code/ethos" among high-school boys and teammates "Thou shalt not, rat on a friend!"
He didn't strike me as a man of integrity defending his honor, rather, like a Bully who was barely able to contain his rage at the impudence of those who dared to speak out against him.
He said he feared for the future. Talk about a God Complex! Do I have this right? If Kavanaugh's not elected to the Supreme Court then we have to fear for our future? I think it's just the opposite.
It seems the Good Ol' Boy network is in full-Swing! and it's absolutely sickening! Dr. Blasey passed the Lie Detector test with flying colors reflecting; No intent to Deceive!
Judge Kavanaugh; Thou Doth Protest too much!
48
And to think nearly half the country voted for a guy who cheers for a judge who behaves like this under scrutiny. It's another sad day in America.
27
He votes for who has as much in common with him. Just like his cabinet.
1
Brett Kavanaugh might escape a jury verdict but his testimony shows him to be unsuitable for a job on the Supreme Court, or,, frankly, any other court. Maybe his fake outrage would play better as a side kick for Ambassador Bolton.
18
If I said my brother met a "president's son" at that staging house in the early 1980s, would you be more likely to post it? For good's sake, he's not still living, so we only have the other guests to question about their knowledge of what was going on in the back rooms. I bet a LOT of kids might recall the night they met him there. That doesn't make him a rapist, but rapes were occurring at the same time.
@Abby
To be clear the others that were there say they have no memory of the gathering. I know I attended gatherings but do not remember every one of them. But then things could have happened that I didn't witness, someone who is traumatized would remember who was there just as they would remember the traumatic incident.
The Republicans will ultimately get a Conservative justice. It may not be Judge Kavanaugh but not be because of a left-wing conspiracy. He categorically denies the allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. He may not be lying: one can imagine that the attack that Dr Blasey Ford described took place while he was in a drunken stupor and he truly has no memory of it.
Dr Kavanaugh was passionate in his own defense, but what was he like when he was intoxicated as a teenager?
9
It should be a fairly simple matter for the FBI to determine from a review of Judge Kavanaugh's medical records whether he has ever had a drinking problem.
10
A few weeks ago I watched and listened closely to the testimony of Kavanaugh. Even though I strongly disagreed with his political views and major court rulings, I respected him as a person, Additionally, one of his characteristics that stood out, beside his intellect and recall of law cases, was his laugh. In the two days before the committee, he sometimes demonstrated a sense of humor and a very contagious laugh with most Republicans and some Democrats. At the time his outbursts of laughter I viewed as positive, almost teen like.
Then a chill went through me today as I listened to Dr, Ford describe the alleged sexual assault by Kavanaugh. She described one of the most painful moments of this horrific experience was the mocking laughter coming from Brett Kavanaugh (as he lay on top of her) and his companion Mark Judge.
I am confident now as to who told the truth today,
38
A screaming and belligerent applicant interrupting, and giving snide, disjointed and adolescent responses to those asking legitimate questions would sink most job applicants. His interchange and attitude towards Senator Kobuchar and the extreme partisan blaming of the.....Clinton’s are deeply troubling. How could this person ever be thought to be honest or able to decide legal issues in a non partisan manner? This man is a sitting appeals court judge and credibility accused of sexual assault. Judge Ginsburg was out for smoking a joint. Please let there be at least one GOP Senator with the integrity to stop this nominee.
33
What people don't understand about this situation is alot. There is no point trying to rationalise the behaviour you are seeing. Evangelicals have their primary allegiance to - in their language - 'the kingdom of God'. That is how they phrase it. Their primary allegiance is not to the USA. Or any country in which they exist. And not that all these Senators are evangelicals, but a lot of them are being voted for by a substantial number of evangelicals. As Pence said: "I'm a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order." American did not even make his top three. Their allegiance to the integrity of the US Supreme Court is not as important to them as you may want or believe it should be. And they are okay with that - because in the end, they will have, in their words, 'Pleased God'. They do not believe in the separation of church and state. Know what you are dealing with, America.
17
Trump and Graham may think they have won this show, but one thing I have learned is the truth always comes out. Kavanaugh may be a sitting Supreme Court justice by then, but his life will only get a whole lot worse. History will not be kind to his lies under oath, and they are grounds for impeachment.
Graham undermined his party's strategy of staying calm and objective by using an outside prosecutor. I'm sure his over-the-top theatrics turned off many female Republican and Independent voters.
18
Grahams theatrics were a deliberate attempt to obliterate the previous ten minutes when Senator Durbin pressed the point asking Kavanaugh for a good reason why he himself would not ask the FBI to investigate. Brett Kavanaugh, was dissembling, belligerent, dismissive, angy and finally petulant and looked like he was refusing to answer. In my opinion any attempt of him being credible went away and Graham recognized what was lost and went on the defense and tried to go over the top with his 'performance' to nullify BK's words and behavior.
Kavanaugh was so belligerent, it made me wonder if he'd been drinking before his session.
31
Lindsey Graham and the rest of the republicans can save their indignation for Merrick Garland.
Kavanaugh proved that, whatever his credentials, he is eminently unqualified to serve on the Supreme Court. His opening statement revealed him to be what we all knew he was...an entitled member of the old boy's club, who views himself as destined to be a Supreme Court Justice. No one so desirous of a position of power is qualified to serve.
Couple that entitlement with statements effectively admitting that he is hopelessly partisan. He could never be impartial on any issue. He will be always favor the "conservative" talking point, regardless of the law.
His confirmation would only further undermine the integrity of our most important branch of government. The branch that, when the system works properly, acts as a referee and parent to the other two.
70
What I saw today was Lindsey Graham doing a great job of auditioning
for the soon-to-be-vacant position of Attorney General.
16
Oh he sooo disliked Trump until he learned to play the game. Be pals when you can, but when Trump says something totally unforgivable he puts his acting hat on. Like most republicans. Gotta cover their backs.
1
Why doesn’t “vetting” include early life? All the information on Kavanaugh’s high school and college years was out there, including who his best friend was. Not really good material for the Supreme Court, but he seems to be very proud of those years, which also is not a good sign.
Nothing like a second angry guy of the “women will let you do whatever you want” school, headed toward the Supreme Court. Birth control will soon go out the window. He and Clarence can go out for cokes.
7
sorry anyone who has to resort to acting outraged etc clearly has something to hide.
21
Raised with a reverence for the Constitution and as a Republican for decades I have always thought we should want our elected or appointed officials to be the ¨best and the brightest¨. Sometimes we have made poor choices or been disappointed but the notion of excellence has always been there as an ideal. For that reason I confess to being flummoxed by the ¨tie goes to the runner¨perspective both in comments by senators and by some of the people posting here. To date I have not seen a shred of evidence Judge Kavanaugh is a serial killer, stones puppies, or is a Holocaust denier. And no-one has looked for such evidence. We confront two critical issues here. First, the aggressive effort by Republican members of the Judicial Committee to conceal evidence, not only by blocking inquiry into these allegations but previous actions by the nominee. This attempt to conceal information violates the notion of "advise and consent" in a way that leaves Judge Kavanaugh under a permanent cloud of suspicion and vulnerability. Second, above all in a Supreme Court justice we seek "judicial temperament", a capacity to distance oneself from the heat of the moment to think in Constitutional terms. To date I have seen little to convince me Judge Kavanaugh is such a person and I do not want an appointment based on "ties goes to the runner" thinking. I want the best, understandably a high order given where the nomination originates but an expectation nevertheless. Grassley and Graham do us wrong.
37
You're being overly picky when waiting for a "judicial temperament" from a man who is being accused of sexual misconduct worldwide. Even the brightest mind or the most solid human being would lose his "judicial temperament" in the face of this scenario, especially if he indeed did not commit such acts.
1
And now, Senators, if you'll kindly tell all the women and girls of this country whether they'll be met with empathy or persecution when they come forward after being sexually assaulted and abused.
14
The Democrats lost at least one swing voter in TN today.
3
Kavanaugh is most definitely a political pawn. His statements today support his inability to be an impartial judge on the highest court in our nation.
The overflowing sympathy he received from the Republican judiciary committee was absurd. Graham’s cry of Dems “destroying this man’s life”, seems incredible. What of Merrick Garland’s hopes and dreams? They didn’t even have the respect for Obama to give his nominee the time of day! Remember, this polarized “circus” was birthed by obstructionist Republicans!!!
16
Today, I absolutely believed Dr Ford. But I sense that Kavanaugh's outraged response was compelling enough to grant Repubs the room to vote for him.
I admit, Dems fixation on FBI investigation not a convincing strategy as Feinstein had this evidence two months ago and nothing happened. Feinstein comes off as the person who dropped the ball here.
5
"the ice age is coming; the sun's zoomin' in
engines stop running; the wheat is growing thin
a nuclear error, but i have no fear
cause America is drowning and I
I live by the river."
3
Was Kavanaugh interviewing for a job at the GOP?
5
Without any proper investigation this has distilled to a 2 person, he said, she said and as usual that tie always goes to the man. Having said that I felt that Kavanaugh's rant against the Democrats alone was enough to disqualify himself from the bench. A judge needs to be impartial and hear statements of fact and statements of opinion and not react or rule in any partisan way. And clearly Kavanaugh is a far right Republican operative and Trumpist. We do not need far right fascists on SCOTUS, therefor he should be disqualified.
14
Where is the anger for what was done to Merick Garland? This man was terribly mistreated by Grassly and the republicans!
15
Kavanaugh likes to throw accusations. I'd like the names of the left-wing conspirators who contributed millions. Certainly right-wing forces did. I have never seen commercials for a Supreme Court justice in my sixty-six years. Saw those ads every day for weeks with their sincere "just a teacher" "female assistant."
Why did these "left-wing millions" not also produce commercials? Is Kavanaugh insinuating these women were paid?
Can he please name these groups? Or can you, Times?
And submit to an FBI investigation?
And can we hear from Mark Judge whose book WASTED chronicles the drinking and debauchery at Georgetown prep?
11
I saw Dr. Blasey standing up for alcohol and sexual abuse of young people and all of us. I saw Kavanaugh standing up for himself and his cohorts. I'd sooner vote for Blasey than O'Kavanaugh for SCOTUS. She appears far more reasoned.
13
Dear Lindsey:
Re your: “What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020.”
I assume by this statement you are arguing that "we" put information about Kavanaugh's drinking habits and sexual escapades into his yearbook. That "we" were the ones who assaulted women, and treated them with the utmost contempt when drunk (and possibly sober--assuming the year-book entries were done or edited when sober and abusive judicial opinions were, too). Are you accusing Democrats of time-travel?
Given the easy confirmation of Neil Gorsuch, (with a very similar pedigree, including the same high school), what is your justification for the "hold the seat" charge? No women came forward to accuse Neil Gorsuch of sexual assault--most likely because there was no sexual assault to report. There is a list of judges with pre-vetted credentials available you could put forward tomorrow, and confirm within this congress, if you wanted to do so. Or do you believe that Democrats are as foul and filthy as your Republicans have been?
Or is the real issue the lawless assertion by Kavanaugh that no (Republican) president could ever, ever commit a crime or be questioned about a crime or be subpoenaed, and no report could be generated on his offenses and submitted to Congress? (This despite Kavanaugh's generation of questions probing for detailed physical information under subpoena from President Clinton.)
Well Lindsey, what is it?
9
Dear Brett,
Prepare to watch your hair fall out!
2
hmm, refusing a hearing for Garland for a year so the GOP could fill the seat after the election. Sound more unethical than investigating credible charges of sexual abuse Lindsey? I'd say so.
For what it's worth the hearing of Blasey Ford is as much about Kavanaugh lying as it is his reprehensible actions in HS and at Yale.
What happened to you Lindsey? You used to have a modicum of honor; drinking the Trump cool-aid will do that to you.
9
Kavanaugh could not bring himself to say YES to want an FBI investigation when asked!
What else he has hidden in his closet and is so afraid it will come out?!!
And Lindsay Graham's performance-shows true colors of bipartisanship, his disregard for women and it is national disgrace.
8
@Marianne
Not only that -- but what else is hidden in those THOUSANDS of pages of Kavanaugh's decisions that the White House first held onto?
5
If the FBI doesn't reach conclusions or make recommendations, that they are just fact-finders how is it that former director James Comey announced on or about July 5, 2016 that the FBI con lauded that the investigation into Hillary would be dropped?
Who decided that, the FBI, it's boss, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, or her boss?
3
Kavanaugh by shouting and being aggressive towards the Democrat
Senators is revealing how he would act when he is drunk.
This is not a man who is fit for the Supreme Court.
15
@PropagandandTreason
Trump phoned Kavanaugh during the committee hearing to tell him to be aggressive - what will Kavanaugh do when he is in the Supreme Court, and Trump tells him to protect him from the rule of law against the Russian hacking of 2016,
and the Special Counsel's criminal investigation.
1
There is one way in which it is positive no one could or would corroborate Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony: Most sexual abuse is not witnessed or corroborated, especially when it happens to minors as Dr. Blasey Ford was when her assault happened. Most sex abuse survivors have to stand alone shaking to their career with the truth every counting what happened to them. I am so incredibly grateful to Dr. Blazey Ford, I barely have words.
Too bad none of the questioners today asked Kavanaugh what he believed actually happened to her and why she was 100% certain he, Kavanaugh, had assaulted her. One day, when he gets to AA or actually comes before God at the end of his life he will surely have one huge amends to make. How about an amends to all sex abuse survivors who are watching.
Lying to himself is perhaps the most despicable and revolting thing I witnessed all day. How can one who is so dishonest with himself understand - let alone rule upon - the highest laws in our country? Such as forcing rape and incest survivors to bear children born in hate, violence, and utter disregard of women - including minors barely in puberty?
This SCOTUS nomination hearing has overturned a rock under which sex abuse perpetrators can no longer crawl.
- A Survivor
16
Just call him "Brett the bully." His belligerence is outrageous. He interrupts, shouts, sulks and outright refuses to answer questions, repeatedly. His attitude: How dare you question me? He should be immediately disqualified.
20
And now we know why the Republicans selected Kavanaugh as their nominee for SCOTUS. He’s the perfect poster child for all things Trump. His “defense” is angry, self-righteous indignation because in what he considers to be a “he said, she said” dispute the “he said” side has not been accorded the historical male favoritism he expects he is entitled to.
He is lying like a lawyer, consistently and loudly denying everything, having placed himself in a position where it is the only thing he can do to save his reputation, his status, his job, and perhaps even his marriage.
His history is that of a spoiled, entitled, spineless, other-directed brat, a sycophant smirking dutifully while his alpha buddy rapes a young woman. His lack of any form of empathetic regard and his numb incomprehension of even the most gross nuances of flawed character are perfectly suited to the pro-Trump American. Even now, after this debacle, if you pleadingly ask a Trump Republican if they get it now, their reply will be, “Get what?”
I am so disgusted and angry with the Republicans right now.
14
We are witnessing the Good old Boys of the Senate indulge in real-time sexual harassment by proxy via a totally brazen attempt to psychologically “rape” their two wavering female senators.
Can they possibly hold out in the wake of this unspeakable demonstration of male hubris?
5
Particularly laughable was Kavanaugh's assertion that the party must have happened on the weekend, because of course - of course - he and his friends never went drinking on a weekday!
Then because we're supposed to accept that, he'll tell us where he was every weekend and that's supposed to settle it.
_headdesk_
13
How many people with Kavanaguah's allegations are hired by GOP senators to watch children in their charge?
2
Republicans refused to give Merrick Garland even a hearing and now they are crying sham and disgrace on Kavanaugh's behalf.
Hilarious.
Graham is a particular crybaby. Kavanaugh won't agree to an FBI investigation. And so on.
How refreshing to watch Republicans gnash their teeth as they bring it on themselves to drink buckets of their own medicine.
9
Sen. Grassley lets Kavanaugh interrupt the democrats and tell long stories about nothing, and then their time is up. It is ridiculous. Also Kavanaugh asked Sen. Klobuchar about her drinking. Judge, you seem not to be able to comprehend the process here-you ANSWER the questions, you don't insist that the senators answer YOUR questions. Kavanaugh is a BULLY-just like Trump.
25
As a foreigner, it astounds me that appointments to your Supreme Court are so patently, transparently partisan. I don't understand how anyone, Republican or Democrat, cannot see this in itself as a national disgrace.
27
The women in this hearing have, once again, been treated terribly. At least Dr. Ford will come out of this, justifiably, as a hero to many people for speaking up. I can’t help but feel sorry for Rachel Mitchell. She was used as a shield by the Republican committee members to hide behind, waiting out Dr. Ford’s sincere testimony to then later in the day go on the attack on another woman, Senator Feinstein. #Angryoldwhiteguyswinagain.
7
She I’m sure got her pieces of silver. Lawyers I have trouble feeling bad for. Of all of us they should know what’s coming down the road. And yet she showed up well prepared trying to make another woman look like a liar.
“What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020” sounds eerily familiar: change ‘this guy’s life’ to ‘this guy’s presidency’ and 2020 to 2016 and you have a perfect description of the swindle hypocritical Republicans pulled on President Obama. Except now Graham finds it outrageous. Spare me, please!
29
As despicable as it was what was done to Judge Kavanaugh and his family, Democrats united rejoice. That says it all, I’m afraid. There are always two victims of every assault, only one may not realize what’s happened to them to bring it on. Any integrity that once should have made the basis of their platform stand on its own now has its legs cut out from underneath it. Know they likewise will be forced to survive by hook or crook. RIP Bobby, Martin and John.
Perhaps Kavanaugh was so tearful this afternoon because his supporters told him it's over for him.
Good riddance.
31
This was a travesty and just means nothing has improved for women since 1991. That was a travesty and extremely embarrassing.
The republicans are no longer my monkeys. Unfortunately, I am still at the circus.
5
If you're looking for a National Disgrace, Kavanaugh, get Trump, McConnell, Clarence Thomas, and yourself together and then look in the mirror. Now that's a National Disgrace. Of course none of you would see the other for looking only at yourself...
8
How interesting that Lindsey Graham exploded using intimidation and aggression when his buddy got turned down. He couldn't have provided a better example of what these guys are like when they're out of control.
15
If he's innocent why didn't he demand an FBI investigation to clear his name?
23
So so so tired of the Republican tactic of the outrageous acting outraged and the rest of the country not really buying it but letting it slide nonetheless. That piece of crap’s defense was basically the Kavanaugh version of “fake news!” Oh hey then investigate it!
23
The Republicans will vote to confirm Kavanaugh. His petulance, bias, immaturity and temperament show he's not Supreme Court material. Hopefully the Democrats will try to impeach him if they win in November. Since there is no statute of limitations in Maryland a criminal case should be opened against Kavanaugh. Republicans are once again showing their mendacity and now are the party of Trump. As for Graham's histrionic meltdown, it was a pathetic display of obsequious behavior. Suddenly he's a Trumpster. He needs to put back on his big boy pants.
15
Yes, of courses he is angry now that he has been exposed as a lying sexual predator. This is the republican playbook also the used for Clarence Thomas’ confirmation. It worked then and they are trying it out again. The question is whether the Collins and Murkowski have the courage to stand up to the lies and Kavanaugh’s obvious guilt. I have been a Democrat all my life. I have never met anyone who would sacrifice their reputation and life for the party. To claim his accusers are part of some democratic plot is ridiculous and desperate attempt to confirm a morally unqualified judge.
‘
22
I don’t want to see that angry man on our supreme court. He struck me as a liar and a bad actor. That said, Trump’s next nominee will not be Merrick Garland....
15
“What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020,” he said.
Sounds like a Republican strategy! How *dare* those Dems use a Republican strategy!
Remember Merrick Garland!
11
So far Dr. Ford came out with a home run. Kavanaugh didn't agree to the FBI investigation when Dick Durbin and Klobuchar asked him about putting this to rest by letting everyone be questioned under oath and investigated. If Kavanaugh is innocent he would have shouted - YES! But he didn't so GUILTY!!!!
10
Look at face of his wife in top photo. She does NOT believe him and is dying inside, knowing he just broke their family.
18
@Albert Donnay
Funny. I independently arrived at the same conclusion.
Albert Donnay wrote:
"Look at face of his wife in top photo. She does NOT believe him and is dying inside, knowing he just broke their family."
All that matters is the Emperor's thumbs up or thumbs down, on Twitter, later this evening.
3
Repeating his talking points, he sounds like a drowning man. And he sounds unfit for the job.
7
Republicans same old, same old.
Graham, the new lapdoggie for the Liar, is a disgrace.
The situation: Kavanaugh has been lying since the beginning and if the thruth comes out he will be impeached and prosecuted for sexual assault. He knows it and that is why he keeps on lying. He cannot get out because it will mean he is a liar. So he goes on and fighting for his life. He can elude, refuse to answer. The FBI is his worse fear and that is why he never agreed to a fact finding mision by the law enforcement. He is a liar and not credible. Dr. Ford is telling the thruth and is very credible.
9
Judge K used his calendar to show that he was busy with working out and other innocuous activities. Oh yeah and one party with a few people and brewskis.
I am disappointed that no one asked him if that was the only party he attended and the only time he drank beer? If not why are those other episodes of drinking not on the calendar?
7
Well, the hearing certainly gave Miss Lindsey the vapors.
20
Kavanaugh channeling Trump's entitled, boorish, paranoid, volatile personality might go down well with Republicans, but it showed an incredible lack of decency, temperament and maturity. Especially in shifting the blame to the democrat's (it's a hit-job), that showed an incredible lack of respect toward Dr. Ford, and no understanding or maturity regarding the gravity of this hearing, a Supreme Court position, nor the gravity of sexual abuse allegations.
7
For those of you who don't know, when Kavennah told the hearing, by way of a question: ...Do you know what the game if Quarters is? It's a game with quarters... It told me right then and there he was a liar.
My friends and I played the game also during the early eighties...yes, it uses 'quarters' but it's a DRINKING game - the loser is the drunkest. It goes like this: Players take turns attempting to bounce a quarter into a glass of alcohol, if you succeed you get to choose who has to drink it.
Kavannah's biligerant behavior today said a lot about who he really is..his defensiveness manner speaks loudly of someone who is desperately trying to hide something.
25
Of course he’s denying the accusations, he wants to be the victim now. i would some respect for him if he said “I truly apologize to professor Ford and I withdraw.” His comment, “this a national disgrace” is reminiscent of “I am not a crook” I did not have sex with that woman” and let’s not forget Clarence thomas’s “This is a lynching!” Nothing has changed. Pathetic.
10
Angry at Democrats? Doesn’t sound too impartial to me. I wouldn’t put him on jury forget putting him in a robe.
17
How do so many people supposedly know that the accusations against Kavanaugh are false? It's not "nonsense." Are all women's accusations of sexual assault "nonsense"? How dare a a flighty female question the integrity of court nominee? Look at the anger in Kavanaugh's face on the picture shown on this page. It's chilling. This is not a man denying accusations, but a man saying, how dare you question me, and what does it matter anyway if I fooled around a little in my youth and drank a lot of beer? And the anger by Republicans is sickening. Instead of trying to get to the truth, they're venting.
8
Shouldn't Ted Cruz want to be doing something about his likability problem?
9
Kavanaugh is a true partisan hack. He has no business on the Supreme Court.
21
My brother called me after Kavanaugh's first round and had to throw down this information. He got his masters at American University in the early 1980s.
My brother told me the reason NO ONE in Washington wants the FBI to look into this is because it will expose the common practice of college boys going to country clubs to collect teenage girls to attend their private their parties where the college boys could then inebriate and gang rape them. He found the whole idea disgusting, and kept far removed from those goons, however, he did met JFK Jr, there. He recalled John was going to Gstaad for the holidays, and was so thrilled he could say he'd been three times. Now he wishes he'd never met the man, considering the circumstances.
People were using cocaine and drinking heavily. He said that this house was a well known staging spot for college kids to gather to meet and then attend other parties in the area. It was never unusual to see high school kids trying to fit in at these, either.
It is likely that a LOT of people's kids have been in that staging house which is a short walk from Bro's old school. He said there were some pretty aggressive college women at those parties, too. But they were hunting game like JFK, so of course it was an aggressive space. Some women are capable of what Kavanaugh is accused of having done to get what they want with or without consent. Conquests.
6
This is absurd. Kavenaugh already went through an FBI background investigation. All candidates for high government office do. This would be an additional investigation
1
It was nice of Brett to make a no vote simple as apple pie. A hateful, partisan, angry, entitled white man on full display. A smart version of Donald.
Roberts is hoping against all hope Brett never sits on the court with him, he'll be a disgrace and black eye on the court for generations.
13
What motive does Judge Kavanaugh have to lie?
Doesn't the DearLeader have someone like Gorsuch who has a clean background?
Guess not.
There's no crying in Congress.
Let's join the little girl and pray for the man to end his lying.
4
The one trait shared by all sociopaths is that they feel they are the victim. It’s at the root of their failure to take responsibility, at the root of how they gaslight their victims, and at the root of their feeling entitled to a “pass.”
Do we really want a heartless, entitled, misogynistic, sociopath casting votes on judicial decisions in the highest court in the land?
18
If ever there were an example of the adage, “a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client” this was it. Wow - did Kavanaugh need the services of an attorney who would have guided him away from that angry, nasty, self serving diatribe.
Perhaps it’s best for our country, tho, that he showed his stuff. He seems to be arrogant and absolutely insensitive to the consequences of his drinking and partying behavior.
33
The judge clearly studied the Clarence Thomas playbook. The repubs will undoubtedly squeeze him through.
2
Dr Ford's testimony was so contrived that it should not be believed. 36 years later and she presented herself as a charmingly meek teenager rather than a 51 year old professional with years of extensive, professional experience in the field of human behavior. Out of respect, the Republicans treated her with kid gloves. They should have been more aggressive; after all, she accused Judge Kavanaugh of a serious felony.
This was an accusation with NO corroboration from the 3 people she said were at the party. Given the fact that she didn't drive, it's hard to believe she couldn't remember how she got to this party from the country club which was many miles away or how she got home which was also many miles away. As for Judge Kavanaugh's testimony, most people would be just as indignant and vehemently outraged as he was if falsely accused of such a serious felony.
The Democrats could have presented Dr. Ford's allegations to the FBI for investigation after Feinstein had the letter. They didn't. They could have held a closed hearing during that timeframe which would have avoided the humiliation to both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh. They didn't. This whole matter is, in fact, a farce, a disgraceful attempt by the Democrats to delay and obstruct the confirmation of a great jurist.
8
@MCH, please revisit the workings of confirmation hearings, and this one in particular and get back to us.
@MCH Brett Kavanaugh has proven himself to be unstable and hot-headed. These are not judicial qualities. If he really sought the truth he would demand an FBI investigation, but he hasn’t. That should tell you all you need to know. I’ve not seen such a guilty man before- he doth protest too much. Find another Justice.
whether Kavanaugh is or is not guilty and I suspect he will be confirmed, this cloud will hang over him for all the time he serves. Every time something comes up that puts him in the spotlight, it will be dredged up and replayed.
Two men accused of inappropriate behavior towards a woman is definitely going to have an affect on the SC and the public at large.
1
Brett Kavanaugh knew these these incidents were in his past. He should have been forthcoming to his sponsors. He has complained about what the information has done to the image he carefully crafted. As he has said what goes around comes around. He never thought he could get caught up in the truth. He should prove that ultimately all men can "grow up" and withdraw his name from further consideration.
2
My view
During Dr. Fords testimony she made measured statements and gave measured answers and she kept them reasonably brief and to the point she did not seem to be trying to use up the entire allotted time with a rambling answer.
During Judge Kavanaugh's reading of his initial statement he did well and stayed on point. When he had to respond to questions he began to lose focus and as the questioning from Democrats continued he became irritated and then outraged and his responses became far less coherent. As things continued his outrage seemed to consume him and it became a rant using up most of the time when the minority senators were trying to ask even questions that could be well answered with a couple of words. He was especially evasive about a further FBI background check his response seeming to rely upon outrage more than logic.
My conclusion is that there is rage and entitlement just below K's surface which can emerge and overwhelm him. It seems likely that alcohol could easily be a trigger that releases his rage. His frequent references to beer." I like beer. Do you like beer senator?" These references to alcohol seem unnecessary and even self damaging. Is he expressing his wish to remind the senator that he is a real beer drinking guy just like you senator?
I was not able to watch the entire hearing but it would be interesting to have the time to go over it in detail.
4
The sticking point in all the denials by Kavanaugh is the stories about heavy drinking that people who knew him in high school and college seem to agree that he overindulged frequently and that he had personality changes when that happened. I don't know how he can be so absolutely certain that he remembers everything that happened when he was drunk.
Many of us have had experiences where we wake up in the morning with a bad hangover and unsure of what happened the previous night. I confess that it used to happen to me when I was in college. Not as frequently as seems to have been the case with the Kavanaugh crowd, but enough times so I could not categorically deny that I had done something.
It doesn't help that his good friend wrote a memoir about the drinking. It doesn't help that his freshman roommate seems to think that a drunken Kavanaugh might have exposed himself to a woman.
It may not seem fair to Kavanaugh that people, including Ford, insist on bringing up that old dirt. I don't think he's dealing with it well by describing it, among other things, as part of the revenge of the Clintons.
Of course the Democrats hope that the confirmation can be stopped and that they will win control of the Senate. We saw how that worked with Merrick Garland.
The Supreme Court should not be so fiercely partisan. The best way to get that is to bring back the filibuster.
2
Kavanaugh seems to feel as if he is above this whole process. Disappointing that a judge would be unwilling to submit himself to the judicial process.
3
Why does Kavanaugh refuse the opportunity to clear his name by way of an independent investigation? If he is confirmed without a full and fair investigation, this nominee and those who have enabled him will carry an indelible stain of doubt as to his credibility as well as his qualifications for the position of extraordinary power he is seeking. It is not too much to expect a nominee to the highest court in the land to undergo the highest level of scrutiny. Today Judge Kavanaugh, presumably sober, launched into a partisan tantrum, repeatedly refused to answer important questions, and was outright rude at times, showing flashes of the belligerence his former classmates have recounted. What might he be capable of after too many beers? In light of what we all witnessed today, Dr. Ford's account is stronger and more credible than ever. I admit, he came across as a nice guy at the beginning of his confirmation hearings. But now it seems he is unmasked, and has demonstrated some very inappropriate behavior for a prospective Supreme Court Justice. I support an investigation, but in my opinion based on his behavior today, he has shown himself to be unfit to serve.
3
When a man is revealed he either weeps or rails. Brett Kavanaugh managed to do both for effect.
4
I witnessed a portion of today's spectacle on television and came away not knowing who to believe. But I do know one thing, seeing the theatrics performed by our elected officials for the whole world to see made me embarrassed to be an American.
3
Lindsey Graham was once a better man. Now that McCain isn't there to temper him he is behaving as the partisan hack he must always have been. Bowing down to Trump maybe in the hope that he can snare the Attorney General spot once Trump gathers courage enough to fire Sessions. This entire soap opera could have been avoided if they had investigated the assertions of five women and called some witnesses (in one case a presumed eyewitness) to testify, but no, they needed to ram this through immediately. Why are they so frightened of time constraints if this guy is truly the best qualified? The ship of fools has sailed...
10
The Democrats on the Judiciary Committee could have acted on the confidential letter earlier. That they did not and that the letter was leaked, is shameful. None of the people alleged to be at the scene of the crime say they were there. So what does that leave you with? An uncorroborated accusation, that's what.
1
Senator Harris asked Brett Kavanaugh three times if he would ask the president to order a FBI investigation.
Kavanaugh sidestepped the question three times. This nominee for this country's highest court responded that statements provided by private attorney for potential witnesses sufficed as corroborating evidence of his innocence.
Really?
This is the answer from a supposed legal whiz declaring he is the victim of a smear campaign?
After Kavanaugh refused to respond with a yes/no response, Senator Harris said, "I'll take that as a 'no.'"
That pretty much says it all.
13
How he handled himself convinced me this human is not the person for the job. I like a person who answers questions directly. I like a person who doesn't blame what is going on about him as a "conspiracy" when the position he is up for is supposed to be neutral to the politics of it all. As a dancer, his body language did not communicate honesty to me, somehow, but that he was hedging and avoiding questions because he was not honest. I especially don't like that this individual would not ask for an FBI investigation to be conducted, if he had nothing to hide, why should it be such a big deal? I think it showed lack of courage on his part, not watching her testimony. I especially didn't like that he did not respond with crystal clear clarity that he has NEVER blacked out, or not remembered all of an evening when drunk. With that said, we all tend to filter things based on life experience, and having been raped (multiple times) and sex-trafficked, frankly, his character seems like just the type. Just my honest and yes, angry take.
3
We would not be here if not for the despicable treatment of Merrick Garland in the Repubs' power grab theft of a Supreme Court seat. On that basis alone Lindsey Graham has no grounds to protest. In addition, there are credible and serious allegations against Kavanaugh that deserve consideration.
13
Interesting that Kavanaugh tore up his original opening statement and rewrote it in the voice of Donald Trump.
Trump must have threatened to cut him loose unless he agreed to go on the attack. Attack the Democrats, the Clintons, and deny, deny, deny.
It was painful to watch.
13
If today proves nothing else, it proves that Mr. Kavanaugh lacks the equanimity, empathy, calm, distance, and reasonableness to judge anything or anyone. Rather than acknowledging the tragedy and disorder of this moment for himself, Ms. Ford, and the nation, he fought for his own interests like a cornered political animal. He should have spoken his denials, and then demurred, while those in a position to judge formed their decisions. No matter which way the decision goes, he contributed to the communal loss of respect and trust in our public institutions that we all must now endure. A sad day for the human community, and one those who seek to abuse it will relish.
4
Brett Kavanaugh did get one thing right — the confirmation hearing is a circus. He demonstrated today clearly with his opening remarks that he is a political operative not suited to the objective candor befitting a justice of the Supreme Court. In this vein he resembled not Justice Thomas but rather Robert Bork.
Adding to the circus was the dissembling Lindsey Graham, who called out Democrats for wanting to do precisely what Chairman Grassley and Majority leader McConnell did — hold a seat on the Supreme Court open until the next election.
What goes around comes around — the republican majority altered the Senate rules for the first time in our nations history to allow a Supreme Court Justice to be appointed by a simple partisan majority — they are now reaping their rewards but sadly our great nation is paying the price.
9
Brett Kavanaugh is a National disgrace and a political player. Unfortunately, all political hacks are playing a part, a role. IMHO, they are transparently bad actors. It is a shame for our Nation that so many people in political power know a life that is focused solely on “who is on first” and “who the winner will be”. Think McConnell. We could feel sorry for the lack of any real meaning in their lives if their impact on millions of lives was trivial. Probably, the most dysfunctional and ugly social behavior in modern society is that of the political class and their allies in corporate America. Power and money grabbers one and all. This behavior is destroying what little decency remains in our Nation. I fear that the worst is yet to come in terms of our moral decay.
2
Republicans denied Merrick Garland even a chance at getting onto the court and now they cry foul when Democrats play the same game. Go cry to someone who cares Senator Graham.
7
It's disappointing that your headline currently is "Angry Kavanaugh Accuses Democrats of 'Frenzy'..." instead of being focused on the most powerful testimony of the day, the heartfelt, courageous words of Dr. Ford. I'll take her courage over his anger any day.
6
Being the old and conservative white men that they are, republican committee members have only high praise for the angrier and more belligerent Kavanaugh. Donald Trump was reportedly pleased with him as well, after becoming worried by Doctor Ford’s highly credible morning of testimony. It is this very tone-deafness that will eventually bury them all under an avalanche of female voters. Confirming him will only amplify the energy level of all those women (and many men) who’s thinking isn’t so easily altered by testosterone.
9
None of us watching can judge who is telling the truth and who is not or even if Ms Ford is simply mistaken and truly believes it was Judge Kavanaugh when it was not. People are both good liars as well as subject to great memory loss after 36 years. None of us should be convinced of our own perspicacity in ferreting out the truth.
What we are left with is that 4 people who Ms Ford is sure were at the party all deny it , some most vehemently. We have an accuser who seems credible and and an accused who is emphatic in his denial and whose whole life has, by all accounts been a very honorable one. The Judge is backed by the very witnesses Ms Ford claims know what happened. An honest and unbiased observer could only conclude that Judge Kavanaugh is not guilty of the charge. There is no certainty in all this and likely never will be but 4 to 1 and a life honorably lived should be credited with more weight than a single accuser no matter how sympathetic. The judge should be confirmed.
3
Where is Mark Judge testifying before the FBI? or the Senate Judiciary Committee?
Why are the republicans hiding his testimony in public forum?
7
I am horrified that the Republicans and Kavanaugh presented sexual abuse allegations as a Democratic hit-job on them. Nothing has changed, same old demeaning attitude to females: if a girl/women alleges sexual abuse she is doing so to ruin a man's life and future, don't take it seriously or give it any respect or dignity. The Republicans and Kavanaugh sure doubled-down on that message. Shocking.
7
On the one hand, perhaps it is a good thing that Senator John McCain is no longer around to witness the shocking and abusive vitriol spewing from his supposed friends' mouths today.
On the other hand, perhaps he could have helped to set things right and called his colleagues out for their loathsome performance.
Either way, his absence is sorely felt.
13
Senator Graham' outburst was disgraceful as were his comments after the fact. It reduced the whole set (2) of hearings to partisan politics, and it showed what really was going on, despite lip-service given to fairness. John McCain would be astounded! This was not She said/He said; it was the FBI said nothing, and committee members said what benefited their agenda.
5
What we have learned for sure is that the nominee is VERY defensive about his drinking behavior and doesn't want anyone poking into that aspect of his youth.
If he is in denial about past or present substance use disorder that is quite concerning.
Substance use disorder is not in itself disqualifying but denial and rationalization about substance use, as in "everyone does it " speaks to the man's character.
If he binge drank as a youth and was and remains i
in denial about it he could well misbebaved and not remembered what he did while inebriated.
That's a problem. Someone impartial should pon him down on his drinking pattern.
4
So, if Mr. Kavanaugh is confirmed, and he is now on record as believing the Democrats to have caused a disgrace, and an unethical charade against him, will he recuse himself from judging matters involving the Democratic Party?
4
Kavanaugh proved beyond any doubt, with his unhinged belligerence and evasiveness, that he's unfit for any judicial role, much less this one, the one he thinks he's entitled to.
He clearly took the advice of Donald Trump and he humiliated himself in the process. I can't imagine how damaged of a person one would have to be to witness the spectacle he put on, and believe he acquitted himself. Although, declaring victory no matter what, even in the face of a colossal debacle, is the Trump way, because it works on the rubes and halfwits who support him.
But his installment is probably a foregone conclusion, because he's a partisan hack. America made a catastrophic mistake handing the wheel to these people.
15
Mr. Trump has, once again, removed a scab of American society. I’m quite sure that Judge Kavanaugh is one of the “many fine people”. His ostensible resumé is mundane and a perfect fit for the reality TV president’s legacy.
2
I felt the biggest loser in the room was Dianne Feinstein. A better senator might have suggested to Dr. Ford that due to the seriousness of her accusations, and the fact that SCOTUS appointments are life appointments, she would have serious challenges with confidentiality on this particular matter.
Additionally, waiting until the day of the hearing (!) to turn around and ask her own staff if they had leaked this, suggests that Feinstein has earned the right to a respectful retirement party. And soon, very soon.
5
When I was in high school, I drank, primarily beer, and smoked pot occasionally. In college, I drank, again primarily beer (shots on my birthday), and yes, did drugs. I joked that I was a bit of a lab rat for trying different drugs (pot, hash, mushrooms, coke), do I regret it? Honestly, no, because I had the experience and as I grew older, I moved on. I admitted this in early job interviews, still got the job
Back then, even totally drunk or stoned, we (my classmates & I) new the boundaries of behavior with female classmates, and stepped in when we saw problematic behavior, that is one’s internal nature.
For a guy who was shy, alcohol brought on some “liquid courage” to approach a woman and ask for a dance or date. But alcohol is also a truth serum of one’s true inner self and one’s “right or entitlement”.
In school I knew students who had the similar behavior Judge Kavanaugh is accused of, and were part of fraternities and “clubs” that were like the T&C club he was a part of.
What disturbs me today, is I remember when some of these “jerks” got in trouble or confronted on similar behavior, they would essentially shut down and become defiant and belligerent, which is what disturbs me about today’s actions of Judge Kavanaugh.
This hearing is beyond looking at past actions and sins of one’s past, but this is a lifetime position, we need to be scrutinizing the character and temperament of the individual.
The future of our democracy is at stake, but that seems lost here.
10
Has anyone asked him to explain what he meant by "What happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep". The proof is in the pudding.
6
Kavanaugh's unwillingness to ask DJT to call for an FBI investigation says it all. That and his real fear on display. I was most fascinated with Graham's lost-all-respect-for-him outburst...made me wonder if he counted votes and knew they were short. Or auditioned for the Attorney General's job.
4
Given their testimonies, it was rather obvious one was speaking the truth and the other wasn’t. It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out that Kavanaugh is lying.
But his lies may not change the outcome and he may still get elected.
And that’s the real shame - There is no respite for sexual assault victims and our government is not interested in the truth!
6
Looks like we will have to get the Democrats back in power and impeach both Trump and Kavanaugh. Get ready for more chaos and damage to the Justice system . Kavanaugh has no integrity,honest,temperament,credibility
to be in the court system.
5
Even if Kavanaugh is innocent, he does not have the proper demeanor or temperament to serve on the Supreme Court. He had a tantrum today and was out of control.
7
This, from Kavanaugh's opening statement:
" This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups."
This is a lawyerly position--play offense, because there's weak defense. It's Trump's position.
But it's also about the most extreme position possible. Not only is Kavanaugh not guilty. But his accusers' statements; the committee investigation; any thought of search for truth--are dismissed completely. By Kavanaugh's reckoning, the entire process is a sham: a Democratic conspiracy, fueled by anger, fear, and revenge for the Clintons.
This extreme thinking (and paranoia, and self-righteousness) have no place on the Supreme Court. Whatever happened to process? To letting the facts determine the outcome?
According to Kavanaugh, those don't even exist.
5
Kavanaugh's anger was BARELY controlled - very close to something really ugly. I think he showed his true colors, especially when he taunted senators by turning their questions on them. During one of the breaks, he was obviously counseled to tone it down - demanding "Do you like beer? Huh, huh? Do YOU like beer?" was extremely unseemly, and he actually apologized.
I understand he had decided that coming out swinging was going to be in his best interests. But he did not control it. It was too raw. One could easily see him becoming violent with women.
11
The male Republican senators sounded like toddlers having tantrums when thwarted. They know their time in power is drawing down and are flailing badly. They showed no grace under pressure.
Judge Kavanaugh is understandably outraged - as a privileged white male groomed for years to sail through this confirmation he never thought he'd have to defend his drunken debauchery. No doubt he feels everyone "fooled around." They were rich, they were jocks, girls understood this if they wanted to be invited to parties.
At this point it's almost less about what happened years ago as it is about watching these buffoons pretend they know what's best for the country when they really only want what's best for themselves.
20
I just got home from work and had not kept up with today's news. Scanning through coverage from various sources, I happened to see the judge's "answer(s)" to Sen. Klobushar's question.
He was rude, flippant and arrogant. Not once but twice!
He lacks judicial temperament.
But his response reveals much more - - that he cannot tolerate being questioned by a lowly woman (even if she is a US senator).
7
As a moderate I listened to the hearing, refusing to make any judgement before hearing from both. Post-hearing, there are are some things that cannot be ignored:
I don't believe Ford is lying. So she is either 100% credible or 100% mistaken about an event that obviously affected her deeply and that someone else perpetrated. That seems to be the conclusion of many in the GOP as well -- that something occurred with her. So let's assume for a moment Kavanaugh 100% believes what he is saying as well.
The issue is he admits to getting very, very drunk.... So between the two of them telling their absolute truths -- he is the one who has admitted his behavior has been affected by mind-altering substances in the past.
And in case anyone missed it, we saw a side of Kavanaugh today that had remained hidden: angry, intemperate and mocking... In fact only last week, and with the Fox interview, one might not have believed he even had this side to his personality....
11
Honestly
after watching Brett Kavanaugh on two separate occasions ,this man is not suitable on intellectual or emotional reasons .
a hard worker ... a great party man ..in more ways then one
but a proverbial king Solomon in terms of the highest court in the land .???
I really do not think so ...
The Judiciary is supposed to be independent of Political persuasions or influence .it is expected to view the law in such a manner .
Take a hard look America (please )
the so called rotten smell in the kingdom of Denmark is positively rose like compared to the putrid shenanigans that is being continuously played out in the most important matters affecting the wellbeing of the ordinary people of the US .
5
Kavanaugh swung between blustery and blubbery today. There's nothing like FEAR OF TRUMP to make these guys find their screechy voice and give a performance worthy of his approval. Same for Lindsay Graham whose only real principle is the Principle of Ever-Shifting Principles. His Amigo image is now buried forever with his friend John McCain. Anyway, Kavanaugh in my opinion is really doomed if he gets confirmed. The stink engulfing his nomination will cling to his black robe, his tenure and his family who will not be left in peace to enjoy his supreme achievement. This smelly business is NOT going away and Kavanaugh will be hounded forever. Unlike Clarence Thomas who has been content to keep his head down, Kavanaugh wants to be a real player out there like Scalia. Unfortunately, whenever he raises his head, he'll be a target of ridicule and derision by large swathes of the population. Journalists will continue to investigate and report their findings. He will receive regular pouncing. The halls of the SC can seem a haven from the real world. The problem is, the justices work there, but they must live in the world. Kavanaugh won't have a nice day.
3
As we discuss all this, let's bear in mind that his alleged sex crimes are just one of at least 5 or 6 major red flags concerning Kavanaugh. Even if Dr. Ford were lying (which I believe she is not), any of the other concerns would be enough to disqualify him from such a position of enormous power and permanence.
6
I thought Judge Kavanaugh's demeanor belied his claims that he was being falsely accused of sexual assault. A well educated 53 year old that is serving as a United States Court of Appeals Judge should not be so flummoxed and angry about entirely false accusations, unless he has something to hide. His reaction is somewhat the same as Trump's to sexual assault allegations. Trump denies and calls his numerous accusers liars. While Kavanaugh denies but does not call Mrs Ford a liar. Why not? He accuses Democrats of conspiring to smear him, but won't say they are conspiring with Mrs Ford. Why not?
3
This hearing had nothing to do with either Dr. Ford or Kavanaugh and everything to do with the irreparably broken state of our body politic.
If it was about the truth, then we would be in the middle of a criminal investigation, as opposed to the hysterics and brutal machinations of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sexual Assault is a serious crime and needed to be treated as such.
Instead it became fodder for partisan bickering, grandstanding, accusations and cross accusations!
It was embarrassing for me and should be embarrassing for ALL!
This is where we are; a deeply divided country that became even more divided because we will view this hearing through a political and ideological prism, as opposed to a criminal one.
Ms. Ford's testimony was compelling and heartbreaking and had zero place in the Senate!
As for Kavanaugh, while I do not envy what is family is going through and while I can understand the anger motivating his testimony, his subsequent histrionics, bullying and evasiveness revealed a person with a short temper that would likely get worse under the influence of alcohol.
And screaming that you are innocent does not mean that you are innocent!
It is why we have criminal investigations!
I hope Dr. Ford files a compliant in Montgomery County, because she deserves a REAL investigation!
As for Kavanaugh, he represents a sickness that has no real cure.
As for the country, it is clear that we are on life support with little hope of recovery!
6
Any remaining doubt I had that Kavanaugh was not fit to serve as a justice went out the window when I heard this statement.
Fords testimony was “revenge on behalf of the Clintons”. Seriously? That’s a statement I would expect from Alex Jones. Not from someone eligible to be a judge on the highest court of the land.
71
@Jake
Good catch. I heard NPR's Nina Totenberg call into question his ability to serve as an impartial, non-partisan justice when he so clearly put himself in the GOP camp with his statements today.
aggressive and belligerent, and not a word of compassion
16
@true patriot, compassion for the person who just crucified him? You think those types just grow on trees? It’s only SCOTUS, regardless of what we want to see them as. We certainly overestimate our role in the scope of things.
Kavanaugh never even listened to Dr. Ford's testimony - he already knew it was false. That epitomizes the very core inequity in America since its founding -- white entitled males who think the rest of us do not matter whether it be women, blacks or any other perennially disadvantaged group. He is no different than Trump, Graham, Grassley Hatch and McConnel -- all of whom get incensed when their privileged place is even questioned. I am afraid he will get confirmed by such men. The only recourse the rest of us have to correct this entrenched inequity is to speak our voices through voting and have the Senate and the House represent all the people of this country, not just the ones with white make country club memberships.
6
My Takeaways...
Kavanaughs demeanor is not befitting of a Supreme Court Justice.
The GOP is doomed in November if Kavanaugh is confirmed.
America is deeply divided.
The GOP and to a lesser extent the Dems displayed their craven corruption.
12
After the impassioned arguments, fireworks, righteous indignation, bursts of humanity, we're basically still at square one - Kavanaugh's word against Blasey Ford's because there was no independently sourced information available to the Judiciary Committee to make a conclusive determination. Maybe Republicans will get Kavanaugh seated, if so it will always be a tainted and likely ultimately Pyrrhic victory -- doing absolutely nothing to bring the country together.
3
The tears you saw from Judge Kavanaugh this afternoon were tears of contrition.
5
I can’t help but think about where has the common decency gone in this minority led conservative government. Victims are now considered the problem: from women to minorities, the poor to the elderly. The character and decency and ethical standards not to mention the hypocrisy are just astounding.
10
Keyser stated that she didn’t know Kavanaugh, and she has no recollection of ever being at a party or gathering where he was present, with or without Dr. Ford. She never said he wasn’t there. How could she say she knows he wasn’t there if she didn’t even know who he was? Remember what he said: he hung out with the Catholic girls from the local all-girl schools, Not Holton Arms.
As for THAT party, she was asked about being at a party — somewhere, sometime, some day in 1982. Gee, I went to a lot of parties back then too, but I certainly couldn’t tell you the dates, addresses, or which of my friends may or may not have been there. Especially if nothing memorable happened to ME.
But most importantly, Keyser wasn’t the one who was attacked, nor was she in the room where the attack took place. And Ford never told anyone at the time, certainly not Keyser, and then she ran out the door. And per Dr. Ford’s testimony today, it seems Keyser is having some medical issues, so maybe her recall is not that great these days. But she does support Dr. Ford’s story.
So it’s no surprise she didn’t remember much about an unmemorable party.
That certainly can’t be used as an alibi
in defense for Kavanaugh.
The fact that he said today that he didn’t watch Dr. Ford’s testimony earlier this morning is kinda fishy. Thought that was the point of her going first — So that he could respond to her testimony. But if he had watched, he might have realized his big alibi was falling apart.
6
What Judge Kavanaugh has proven beyond doubt is that he does not have the temperament or empathy to sit on our highest court. He will forever carry a grudge—that is abundantly clear—and our children and grandchildren will pay the price if he is confirmed.
13
No country for old men? Think again!
What we are witnessing is just how much our country is run by arrogant, self-serving old Republican white men--Grassley, Hatch, Trump, McConnell....
And, lest any women out there think that she and her gender are in any way equal to men or deserve to have any power or respect, especially if you challenge or cross us, think again. We can be condescending though, don't you think?
Pay attention, kids, because this is how it is done--it is about exercising raw power, humiliation, and winning by any means necessary, and it is nothing about wimpy ethics, human decency, responsibility, and caring. That is for weaklings and sissies.
And kids, if you don't like what you are seeing and don't want it to continue, then register and vote on Nov. 6. And when your turn comes--if we ever retire--then it will be up to you to change it. Right, boys!
11
No, it’s about a lack of a respect for process, fairness and the rule of law. We are not about dragging people through the media with allegations that should have been brought up in the proper way. Shame.
Why does he keep saying that the 4 witnesses deny it ever happened? All they said was that cannot recall...
He is LYING
12
Well, that was certainly entertaining. Certainly glad I live where I do and a guy like Kavanaugh won't be making any decisions that affect me.
9
I watched all of the testimony today. My conclusion: Today Judge Kavanaugh this time next week Justice Kavanaugh. Dr. Ford has obviously suffered some trauma but the lack of supporting evidence means he will be confirmed.
4
I wonder if Rachel Mitchel has ever been fired before the day was over before?
4
Kavanaugh's personality and character are on full display as he speaks in this hearing---arrogant, aggressive, angry---like how dare anyone question him?
He shows the obvious mentality---domineering, imperious and privileged ---that presumes the right to use power for sexual assault.
And the GOP shares those same traits to dominate our 3 branches, and assault the rights of the citizen majority.
No wonder Trump picked him. As Robert Reich's blog says--- " Kavanaugh will vote to protect Trump from civil and criminal prosecution.....he thinks presidents are above the law. They're cut from the same cloth in attitude and as sexual predators."
They share the traits of egotism, arrogance and belligerence.
13
Mr. Graham said it in a nutshell from where he sits because this is exactly what Mitch M. did: "Senator Lindsey Graham exploded across the dais in an outburst unusual even for a highly partisan body. “What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020,” he said."
Garland was in fact, acceptable to Republicans, the GOP liked Garland, they applauded him, but they didn't want to have hearings because the GOP could not bring themselves to tell Garland to his face, No, after applauding him. Instead of saying No to a good man, they stonewalled by abusing their power and held the seat open for a year.
And now the GOP is surprised? It is the GOP who is harming Kavanaugh, not the Democrats.
Kavanaugh's character is an angry man that likes to get his way; look at his opinions. He likes to rule over women; look at his opinions. And now, he wants to rule over America.
America, you better look at his opinions.
9
Setting aside the accusations made against him, Kavanaugh was emotional, belligerent, aggressive, partisan, and frequently used inflammatory and vindictive language just like his sponsor in the White House. He has no business being a judge on any bench. Between him and Senator Graham and others who dance like marionettes to Trump's tune, I am very concerned about the balance of power between the 3 branches of government.
6
Then there’s Lindsey Graham - laughing while on break with Senators Cornyn/Cruz and shortly before his outburst Within a few minutes he's then acting horribly indignant while supposedly quizzing Judge Kavanaugh. Talk about political theater and putting personal ambitions ahead of the nation! I understand he was auditioning for the AG job.
9
Kavenaugh should save his anger for the Repubs. They are the ones that corrupted the process and are trying to ram his nomination thru with the most minimal vetting ever seen for a nominee. Pure politics. If he gets confirmed the SC will have lost all credibility with having two known sex abusers on the court.
11
Dr.Ford testified because she thought it was her civic duty.She was attentive and respectful and polite.Judge Kavanaugh showed up and declared that he was a victim and blamed the Democrats.When Amy Klobuchar questioned him in a very sensitive way, he shot back a very snarky comment to her.That shows how he treats women and illustrates that he has a nasty temper.The Republicans may admire this behavior, but hopefully most of the country does not.
11
I’m looking forward to Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Not because I support him or the Republican Party. I don’t. But because the faction formerly known as the Democratic Party has behaved so abominably, that their failure to overthrow Kavanaugh’s nomination would be justice indeed.
4
@Shenoa I remind you that it is the Senates job to determine whether someone is qualified to be a justice. Asking questions of someone’s background and behavior is completely legitimate. Judge Kavanaugh never was aptly able to describe away an obvious drinking problem, a gambling problem nor bad behavior towards women both as a young man or an adult. These character issues go to the very character of Judge Kavanaugh. His quote to Senator Kennedy was not that it didn’t happen but rather that it was not accurate to his recollection. Those are not the same thing. Maybe as a country we have grown accepting of less than qualified leaders. That in itself says more about us than the people we select
2
Kavanaugh's testimony and questioning was a degrading representation of the power which the white man still has today.
Dr. Ford's brave and heartbreaking words, told not for personal graditude but for civic duty, were matched with the comments of a white man who, upon being challenged, reacted not with the decency, respect, and openness of an innoncent man, but with anger, filibustering, and political point scoring which he knew would receive support from the Republicans and ultimately score his undeserved Supreme Court appointment.
Today's hearings have shown the country that a woman's voice can be silenced by a man's rage, and that is a terrifying message to send to the women of America.
13
What seems to have the Republicans, particularly Lindsay Graham, most infuriated is that the Democrats may block an appointment before an election that tilts the balance of power the other way. Remember Neil Gorsuch? Or that the opposition, the majority claims, has engaged in character assassination for political purposes. Remember Whitewater, Benghazi and 'Lock Her Up.' Meanwhile, the GOP leader knows no limitation when attacking the integrity, intelligence or honesty of anyone he perceives as an adversary. It is into this stew, the recipe of which is pure red, that Judge Kavanaugh's behavior is exposed. The cries of unfair, even if unfair, just don't carry any weight with me. As for the allegations, women with nothing to gain and everything to lose -- professional, educated women with careers and credibility -- do not just out someone on a national scale in this fashion without justification. I have no doubt that Kavanaugh behaved as they allege, in large part because these women have absolutely nothing to gain by going public and in part because I heard the testimony of Dr. Ford. These are not strippers or porn stars. I believe Dr. Ford because she passed a polygraph and she is not the sort of practiced individual that could fool the examination. I also believe that Judge Kavanaugh at the time of this behavior had no true sense of the wrongful nature of his acts. He lived in a privileged world where such conduct is passed off as adolescent pranks. No longer.
5
Kavanaugh was asked several times if he would ask the White House for a further FBI investigation. He never answered the question, leaving that up to the senate committee.
Now ask yourself, if you were innocent of a charge, and all the statements you had made regarding that charge were true, wouldn’t you not only welcome, but INSIST on such an investigation?
For me at least, that was the most telling of all Kavanaugh’s statements. It’s clear he doesn’t want any one or any agency looking into what I thought were very credible statements by Dr. Ford.
Sorrry Judge, that doesn’t smell right, especially coming from a jurist who would always want more evidence.
So after all the high drama today, Kavanaugh is ok leaving it as “she said/he said”. That’s not consistent with all his denials. I believe Dr. Ford.
16
@Hey Joe I am no Republican (to put it mildly) but the question, which was posed repeatedly, was either dumb or unfair, or both. None of the Senators or the President needs Brett Kavanaugh’s permission to make any request of the FBI. We all saw the question for what is was, which was to delay the confirmation vote in the hope that it won’t happen before the midterms. Dr Ford and Judge Kavanaugh or no more than pawns being used in a chess game played by unprincipled career politicians who only wish that Senators were appointed for life too.
@Hey Joe I'm betting the Republicans told him on no account agree to an FBI investigation maybe even said his nomination would be withdrawn if he did. Who knows. But it was very odd that he refused to answer yes or no and palmed it off to others. It's certainly not the level of integrity, courage of convictions and independence of thought one expects from a Supreme Court justice. Telling?
2
After Republicans elect Kavanaugh to the SCOTUS, the nation as a whole will suffer the same indelible laughter from the Republican men just as Dr Blasey Ford suffered the laughter at the cruelty of Kavanaugh and Judge.
Kavanaugh was channeling Hanity (left wing conspiracies) and even trump (top law school) during his monologue and politically infused diatribe. I'm sure he will be impartial and level headed - NOT - on the bench as he evens the score with Democrats.
Now we'll have an illegitimate SCOTUS too - thanks trump.
2
Watching the news, one pundit said Lindsey Graham was auditioning for Jeff Sessions job of AG once the elections are over and Jeff Sessions is fired.
Yes both Kavanaugh and Graham came out swinging and that's exactly what Mr Trump wants.
4
While I can understand his emotional reaction to the impact on his family of the way the allegations have been handled politically and in the news media, Kavanaugh's Republican bias is on full display in his conspiracy-minded condemnation of Democrats' for bringing these allegations forward.
He's shown himself to be ill-equipped to measure justice.
Oh, and what's with the Republicans suddenly taking the high road, as though they didn't hold up a nomination for forever?
21
The most glaring and significant thing to emerge from the testimony is that Brett Kavanaugh could not answer the questions asked. His answers were not logical responses to the questions. This alone is reason enough to vote no. At the least, one expects a nominee to have the ability to understand what is asked and give a reasoned and appropriate response. I hope we hear from the Senators and the media about this aspect of his performance, which has nothing to do with "evidence" but everything to do with his fitness for the job.
7
I have never seen such disrespect and vindictiveness, from any nominee, judicial or otherwise, as that shown by Kavanaugh at today's Senate hearing towards the Democrats.
His manifested lack of judicial temperament, connotes that he would be seeking revenge, and not maintain the judicial neutrality, necessary to reach a fair decision in any case he might hear, in its judgment, in the Supreme Court.
Further, he does not deserve confirmation, let alone returning to the DC Circuit Court for his disrespect and bitterness.
Regardless of whatever he says, he has shown he now lacks from this point forward, sufficient judicial temperament to independently determine the outcome of any cases in any court.
24
The scorched earth warfare in this case still makes little sense to me. Form K's record, one would never infer that he would attempt to "overturn" (whatever that means) Rowe. He would be sympathetic to States' attempts to regulate abortion in line with Rowe. Medical technology will almost certainly have more impact on abortion law than K or any Justice ever will because it will change our notions of viability. I do think that Roe is THE issue on the cultural left, but I don't understand how the limited changes that would occur justify destroying the process or the person nominated.
On the conservative side, I think the issue is less Roe v Wade and more a number of different issues, with Roe among them. A more major one would be religious liberty, at least for a majority of conservatives. Rightly or wrongly, this is something that seriously concerns many ordinary Americans.
All these issues will be resolved in law along lines of gradations in specific cases over long stretches of time. Where we need work is on our democracy itself, on strengthening our ability to listen, to understand one another, to debate, to negotiate,
1
@Nathan
I don't think anyone else would agree that conservatives in this country are worried about religious freedom unless you mean the freedom for Christians to oppress others.
I believe both Dr. Hill and Judge Kavanaugh are telling the truth.
What happened to Dr. Hill was so world shattering it is an experience she will carry to the grave. It is quite likely the reason for her life's course until now.
But, Brett Kavanaugh is undoubtedly equally certain that he cannot be guilty. Through high school and college, his life has been largely dedicated to academic, sports and service excellence, which means he simply couldn't have done the things Dr. Hill asserts. I think he believes this because over time a counterfactual explanation has replaced any possible guilt in his mind.
They are both telling the truth. It's just that one party has a very good reason to believe one truth, while the other will never be able to forget another.
1
Another example of how Republicans react when caught in a lie: double-down, lie louder. Even Kavanaugh's skillful mendacity, however, was powerless against a courtroom novice with a sterling reputation, nothing to gain, and no agenda, telling it like it is.
To paraphrase Truman: either Kavanaugh and Republicans went through hell today, or they were told the truth and though it was hell.
10
Kavanaugh's unhinged rage and combative performance which at one point showed tremendous lack of respect for the female Minnesota Senator by throwing her question back at her whether she had ever blacked out while drinking, should give anyone reasonable doubt whether this behavior is appropriate for any Supreme Court Justice. That Kavanaugh might have been a beligerent drunk in his youth now seems even more credible
Thirty or more years of Kavanaugh sitting on the Supreme Court is
a depressing scenario.
Republican senators disrespected Dr. Ford by refusing to question her directly, falling all over themselves conveying how they sympathize with her while they directly addressed Kavanaugh and voiced unequivocal support for him before the hearing was even over.
18
Judge Kavanaugh has now betrayed his friend Renate Schroeder twice. First, his participation in an obnoxious smear campaign in his high school yearbook falsely implying that she provided sex on demand to multiple players on the football team. Second, his false statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee today denying his intent and suggesting that her feelings of anger and embarrassment about his behavior many years ago are not justified. Kavanaugh stated today that the "Renate Alumni" tag was a way of honoring their friend. If so, why didn't they tell her they were including her this way? Why did Kavanaugh's long-time friend only learn of it 36 years after the fact? As Judge Kavanaugh urged in his opening remarks today, let's use our common sense. Kavanaugh, and we, know what that phrase implied. Now he is embarrassed about it, as he should be, but his description of it today was not credible.
9
I've listened to a lot, but not all of this debacle. Have any Democrats pointed out the absurdity of the "calendar" defense that Kavanaugh is throwing around?
Are we to believe that the lack of a "Tried (and failed) to rape Christine" entry on his high school diary is somehow proof of his innocence?
9
Dr. Ford is highly credible and her experience, reactions and the emotional consequences she described are similar to my rape and its aftermath when I was 17. I saw the exact same reactions in rape and near rape experiences as a court appointed Victims Advocate.
Kavanaugh is outright lying and his temper is not suitable for any judgeship, especially a Supreme Court Justice. The FBI must investigate the allegations and if it still comes to a vote, Democrats and Republicans must vote a resounding No.
11
Kavenaugh has gone mini Trump. GOP will vote him in. Prof Ford ; Mrs Ramirez and Mrs Swetnick should immediately file charges in Maryland. No statute of limitations and Trump can not pardon state charges. Ray Sipe
17
Ok, a lot to unpack here. So let's boil this down to the essential elements. Ford has nothing to gain by lying. Kavanaugh has everything to gain by lying. Also, his wingman is AWOL. You just have to believe Ford.
9
His virulent treatment of the women questioning him speak volumes.
13
What is on the yellow sheet of paper that got handed to Kavanaugh right before somebody whispered in Grassley's ear and then a break was called? Kavanaugh kept shoving it under a notepad and then folded it in half. Sure looked worried about whatever got handed to him.
3
From a Huffington Post piece about the Kavanaugh email that Judiciary Comm. didn't want you to see--just search for kavanaugh email for further details:
After the trip, there’s lots of virtual high-fiving all around, including an email from Kavanaugh in which he talks about gambling, getting aggressive and keeping secrets. That email was dated Sept. 10, 2001.
"Apologies to all for.....and for growing aggressive after blowing still another game of dice (don't recall). Reminders to everyone to be very vigilant w/r/t confidentiality on all issues and all fronts, including with spouses."
Back to Huffington Post: Senate
It’s not clear why these emails were marked “committee confidential,” and Grassley’s office didn’t return a request for comment.
7
More and more we're becoming "the land of the sleaze and the knave."
9
Kavanaugh's aggressively hostile challenges to some questioning erases any doubts as to a propensity to being an aggressive drunk.
15
Lindsey Graham, I have two words for you, Merrick Garland.
15
Frankly, I don't think it matters anymore. We have a president who admitted sexual attraction to his daughter, had (and probably still has) an appetite for porn stars, and clearly does not respect women because he feels men have a right to paw women as they please as evidenced by his actions. Thus, it really does not matter what the morality is of anyone who serves public office. I do get a good chuckle though here in Kansas as the local Republicans clearly have not gotten the message that morals don't matter - they are running TV ads scolding Paul Davis for going to a strip club of all things. Please, that is child's play compared to where we are now.
7
His divert, defect and finally complete “no answer” to Dick Durban’s multiple questions about FBI involvement was stunning. No way he wants the FBI to reopen their background investigation. Mark Judge’s testimony would crucify him and he knows it.
Then he balked at Amy Klobushar’s probing of his drinking habits. I like beer too, I like beer too, three, four, five... Then he tries to throw it back on her by asking her, do you? Give me a break!
At least he came back after the break and apologized to her about that.
But that’s clearly a sensitive topic for him. And the anger that comes out of him sounds like a dry drunk’s response.
Clearly his temperament is an issue now.
He’s raised that himself.
12
What makes Kavanaugh so suspect is his refusal to agree that a nonpartisan FBI investigation to obtain the facts that would clear his name. Isn’t the core requirement of an impartial judiciary to gather the totality of facts before judgment? Just this alone makes him unsuitable to serve on the SCOTUS. Dr. Ford had much to lose by reluctantly coming forward under a “he said, she said” arena yet she had the courage to do so even with Republicans refusing to entertain requests to include corroborating witnesses, and being too chicken to question her directly. Then republicans transparent partisanship to voraciously complain she hasn’t presented any witnesses to clarify or back up her story. This is a “puppet court” hearing. The transcript of the SJC’s own fact investigations is deplorable. No wonder sexual assault victims don’t come forward given such treatment. Don’t these guys realize someone in their own family has likely be assaulted? And women vote.
10
How did this man ever become a judge?
20
I have a new hero - Christine Blasey Ford.
And new outrage.
Vote wisely.
15
The “grotesque” and the whole game plan reeks of Miller trumps immigration guru. Along with the strategy of not answering questions and run the clock
He uses that word for everything. Limited vocabulary
4
Kavanaugh never answered why he wrote the offensive “Renate Aluminus”. Instead he blamed the senator for offending her. He claims he never once forgot or blacked out after years of heavy drinking, which seems highly unlikely. He stated he couldn’t wait 10 more days for a more thorough investigation but instead thought he should be confirmed quickly. He is clearly not in line with the truth and sees this event as an obstacle to his promotion.
9
That tizzy fit that Lindsay had at the hearings today was a wonder to behold. Sure will please his BFF, the insulter in chief, who made mincemeat out of him during the nominating campaign. Can just imagine the laughing on the golf course when the newly appointed justice, choir boy Bret, pal Lindsay & the comic of the U.N. tee off together. Making America Great together? But for whom? Certainly not for us. Vote BLUE this November.
8
Painfully obvious is that Mr. Kavanaugh does not have the comportment, temperament, poise, nor the intelligence to be seated on the Supreme Court. His hours-long school boy tantrum is a total embarrassment. Incoherent, interruptive, belligerent, angry, biased, unable to clearly answer a direct question. Worse, he's a conspiracy theorist - all this is "revenge for the Clintons." Terrible absolutely terrible nominee.
17
We will never know for sure what transpired that day 36 years ago but Bret Kavanaugh's angry response, coloring the issue raised politically when a supreme court judge should dwell on the merit of issue whether it is raised by a democat or a republican. Bret Kavanaugh has preseneted himself as a republican supreme court nominee. I will not vote for his confirmation.
11
Durbin is one of the most crooked Illinois politicians ever. He should be shining shoes at one of our fine casinos here in Las Vegas if he could pass a background check which he could not do. This is unacceptable behavior on the part of this hack politician.
I believed her. His refusal to answer questions and to go to a memorized and well rehearsed response along with his lack of interest in an impartial FBI investigation said it all.
10
I am sick to death of all this talk of Kavanaugh's life being ruined, his family being ruined.
In just the time today's hearing has gone on, people's children have died of drug overdoses; people have received diagnoses of incurable cancer; cars and guns have killed children and parents. Lives have been really and truly ruined. Kavanaugh and his family, whatever the outcome here, will go on with their privileged and comfortable lives.
I'm sick of it.
16
Brett Kavanaugh is the one who look more like a national disgrace so far.
8
Shame. Shame. Shame. Brett Kavanaugh has just demonstrated that he believes himself entitled to whatever he wants and is angry when he doesn't get it, yelling at those who would dare investigate him or suggest that he could have possibly done anything wrong--a rage, I'm convinced, after listening to both testimonies, elicited by not being able to get away with drunkenly assaulting women. The "disgrace," in his eyes--and shamefully endorsed by Republican senators and the president--is that the country has come to a place where white, privileged men can't get away with whatever they want without being confronted with the people they injure and sometimes destroy.
26
Stop and think. We are such a mess as a nation, after two years of crazy town Trump, that it seems normal to debate whether a man accused of sexual assault, indecent exposure and assault should become a Supreme Court Justice.
9
Senator Lindsey Graham exploded across the dais in an outburst unusual even for a highly partisan body. “What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020,” he said.
Not only didn't the GOP give President Obama's nominee Merrick Garland a hearing for over a year a year Many republicans said that even if Hillary had won,they would not confirm anyone that she nominated. What say you Senator hypocrite?
14
As a white male over sixty who is an alumnus of a similar "elite" all male school, I've seen a lot of Brett Kavanaughs over the years, abusive self-entitled brats who grow into abusive self-entitled adults. I have no doubt, within the context of all accounts, that Dr. Ford is telling the truth. I hope she sinks his nomination.
20
"First we'll have a trial, then we'll hang her."
Kavanaugh was acting as a hurt, victimized, privileged white guy.
You can easily see what he's like as a belligerent drunkard. Bad news.
Too bad his Republican apologists continued to co him in his outrage. Too bad they - and Kavanaugh - didn't appreciate the proposals to take this to a neutral third party investigator, i.e., the FBI.
Judicial temperament? Not a chance.
Rush to judgement? Completely.
12
It was amusing watching Lindsey Graham having a melt down over how unfairly Kavanaugh has been treated by democrats and what a disgrace and shame it is because all "they want is power".
Could someone please ask him if he recalls the name Merrick Garland and how he was treated by republicans?
Now that was a disgrace.
Republicans - taking hipocrisy to a level "the likes of which have never been seen before in the history of this country" quoting trump.
17
Lindsey Graham says he was "ambushed.” Hey Lindsey, it's not about you. The GOP defense to Dr. Ford seems to be that the Democrats were dastardly because her allegations did not become public sooner. That has nothing to do with the veracity of the allegations.
5
That was a sad and ridiculous display of Trump Republican attack-offensive irrespective of facts or consequences. Supreme Court credibility destroyed. Truly, everything Trump touches turns to dust.
10
He’s completely without shame and therefore the perfect Trumpian justice. Who better to be the vote to overturn Roe v. Wade than a man who started subjugating women as a teenager?
7
The bottom line is ... we can do better.
10
Hmmmmm. Ford has no reasons to lie and Kavanaugh has every reason to lie.
Now, who is telling the truth?
16
Kava? Naaah!
4
Kavanaugh plays the victim far better than Clarence Thomas did in 1991. I’m surprised he wasn’t offered a tissue after his opening statement by Senator Grassley.
6
No Republican I, and never could be, certainly not as is currently defined in America, but that said, I say with complete confidence in what I have learned and know from living under the rule of both Republicans and Democrats, 53 years of my 68 years alive, that both parties are entirely despicable, devoid of any definition of decency, and in this particular instance, I believe now that this travesty watched by the entire world, is evidence that the Democrats are simply an abomination.
5
From a neutral perspective, this was a complete aberration of appropriate process. A pox on the Dem and Rep houses.
3
As for @LindseyGrahamSC, I believe part of his outburst was heartfelt -as he supports BK. However, much should be attributed to deflection and theatrics. He was covering for the fact that BK had just chosen to be evasive rather than to answer 2 direct & easy questions: Do you want Mark Judge to testify? and Do you want to request an FBI investigation?
as for the @LindseyGrahamSC/BK role play of did you know what @SenSchumer said... that was laughable. It was no secret, it was public and on CNN+. In fact the Schumer tone came directly from the Boehner/McConnell playbook used by the GOP from 2008-2016. That is what caused today's great partisan divide...
Panicked emotional outbursts were coming from the men in the room, not any of the women.
10
Proof: Graham (and Colleagues) true Colors.
3
Instead of asking Kavanaugh about sexual assault, whatever that means, they should be focusing on whether he ever laid unwanted hands on Dr. Ford.
4
What was most sickening was Kavanaugh and the Republicans' attempts to portray their partisan investigation as just as good as what the FBI would do. They evidently have no interest in getting an independent, professional, non-partisan investigation of the sexual assault claims; they can't even spare a week. All they want is to turn a blind eye to the truth and put Kavanaugh on the bench.
7
Graham is upset because women voters are seeing the anti woman Senate. He fear reprisals in Nov.
12
Kavanaugh is the disgrace. Imagine this intemperate, self-righteous, angry egotist on the court. How can someone like this dispense justice fairly? If he’s innocent, he’d have done better to keep his cool and not be overly defensive. That strident tone never plays well. Smacks of someone going overboard to prove he’s a Boy Scout when the record shows otherwise. He’s not all bad, but he’s not all good, either. But he’s not honest, which is what’s important. He’s suddenly surprised that his callous, drunken attempt to try to force a teenage girl to have sex with him—an experience millions of women have had to endure—isn’t considered innocent horseplay, “boys will be boys” stuff? Now that he has daughters of his own, he wants to forget he was once the kind of guy who he’d beat to a bloody pulp for doing the same thing. What daughter’s father wouldn’t?
12
Bret Kavanbaugh is going to be a great justice. I have seen ZERO evidence of his guilt. ZERO. I have heard a myriad of appeals to emotion that add up to zilch. But hey if you are the kind of burn the witch, lynch mob, pro-partisan, allegation is guilt kind of individual I'm sure you see the appeal of Fords vague statements.
His temperament today showed his partisan true colors, didn't answer questions and certainly demonstrated that he didn't want FBI involvement.
Unfortunately, the GOP will probably nominate this billigerent man.
4
Notice how Ashley Kavanaugh remained poker faced during the entirety of her husband’s testimony- even during his extraordinary opening statement. Like someone who has witnessed that behavior before. I also found his comment about his father and the keeping of the calendars and his dad being a very organized guy a bit off. Today we saw a very carefully constructed veneer start to unravel. No matter how this ends up we saw the real man behind the robes on live TV...and it was somewhat pitiful to watch.
66
@Daisy Mae
I didn't see a poker face on her at all. I think you're projecting.
Which Senate rule is Senator Grassley applying that allows Brett Kavanaugh to interrupt senators, to question senators, and to lecture senators?
The rule that says if they've already announced they're going to vote against you, what is the point of answering their questions.
9
It's easy, find someone else. A person of integrity who is innocent is calm and measured with his dignity in place, and would not have a problem responding directly, in the affirmative, when asked if there should be an FBI investigation. He's all bluster and outrage. I don't buy it.
13
The fact that Judge Kavanaugh did not open with a measured, calm assessment of his memories and thoughts on Dr Ford's accusation speaks volumes. I saw a privileged young child in a alcohol-abused adult's body who had finally gotten called on his bad behavior.
With truth, the tears come. Judge Kavanaugh was almost crying before his Senatorial backers restored some sense of regal and condescending impunity to his composure with reflections of their own feigned and hypocritical outrage.
Also - why did he claim so much love and devotion to his "friends?" Shouldn't he feel that way about the truth instead, if he is to be a Supreme Court justice?
6
This guy wants to be one of our country's top judges charged to investigate cases of great importance and seek the truth but he somehow will not ask the FBI to investigate this controversy?
In poker they call this a tell.
8
I would never assume any innocence or guilt upon either party. Things that make you go hmmm though, such as, if only 3 people had the confidential letter and they were all associated with Ford how or why did it leak ? If Dems wanted truth and answers why did they on numerous occasions deny to ask questions when they had the chance ? I'm not an expert on this, nor do I follow much politics anymore because of how silly it's become the last few years, but from everything I see and hear there is more reason to be suspicious of Dems behavior and fact patterns rather than anything I've heard or seen from Kavanaugh. Any rationale and prudent individual should agree.
2
I think it was suggested that the letter itself did not get leaked, it was brought up that someone ,perhaps a friend of the Professor contacted the press, it was a bit vague on this point.
If this decision was based on character alone, Kavanaugh should not be confirmed as Justice. His performance (the word is used advisedly) reeked of self-pity, entitled arrogance and insincerity, in stark contrast to the testimony of Professor Ford.
Also remarkable was the difference in bearing between the judge and his accuser, the former a man, the other, a woman.
Oh, and Lindsay Graham's fall (admittedly not from a great height) is revolting to witness. Truly.
8
I did not want want my judgment to interfere with my opinion so I simply asked my mother in law about the depositions of Blasey Ford and Kavanaugh. She was very sympathetic to Kavanaugh's deposition but in the end she thought that Blasey Ford's testimony was very credible and overwhelmed Kavanaugh's.
I saw part of the deposition and am not in disagreement.
If we want further conclusive evidence, a FBI investigation is certainly warranted,
4
The all-male Republican majority on the Judiciary Committee inadvertently provided additional evidence of their lack of respect for women. Grassley et al hired an experienced female prosecutor to give them cover in questioning Ford, then discarded her in mid-questioning when the witness was a white male. The fact that their action will doubtlessly cause professional and personal embarrassment to Mitchell was of no moment to them.
3
He is certainly accomplished and competitive—that came through more than anything in his testimony. But there was also a certain self-righteousness, as if he was saying “after I’ve built all this, it shouldn’t be torn down.” That’s what convinced me of his guilt. He used his accomplishments as his alibi, but not his character.
22
Trump will be on the Court. So much for an independent judiciary- not that we have had it for a while now.
2
As much as it pains me to say it, I do agree with Lindsey Graham’s point that congresspeople that Dr. Ford reached out to didn’t seem to have her well being in mind. The shocking bit of information in this process for me was that Dr. Ford had previously reached out to her congresswoman back before there was a nominee.
I am on board with Ford and found her testimony heart breaking and extremely compelling and find Kavanaugh repulsive, however it is notable that no moves were made at the outset of Dr. Ford reaching out. The release date of Dr. Ford’s letter allowed for an unjust outrage from conservatives and fueled the conspiracies that are so popular within many conservative groups. Dr. Ford faced extreme and violent backlash to something that could have been handled quietly.
I’m disappointed at the thought of someone’s trauma being dragged out and commented on so extensively on the national stage and I do worry that there was opportunism involved with the Ms. Feinstein’s lack of action taken earlier.
I hope that my suspicions about the handling of Dr. Ford’s trauma being dredged up for political purposes are wrong. Unfortunately today, it is difficult to trust anyone, even as a liberal, to have best interests of a traumatized individual in mind over any kind of political agenda.
3
Senator Graham is the hero of the hearing. Judge Kavanaugh gets confirmed tomorrow, in time to be sworn in and sitting as a Supreme Court Justice of the United States of America when the Court's term opens on Monday.
America is Great and Getting Greater.
Hear. Hear.
Interesting that Kavanaugh ‘s drinking habits don’t seem to be an issue at all. In addition, isn’t drinking under age X (what was X in the early 1980s? 18?) illegal? That is not a problem either.
4
While we debate the truth of what happened it is more important to reflect for both the senate and the nation that if we end up nominating this man to the highest court in the land would we end up making SCOTUS irrelevant in our life? Would an ordinary citizen, with no riches or means to power, stand a chance to seek justice in this Supreme Court? I suspect it is at a precipice. I hope there are enough senators in congress who can see it and pull us back from a country where the Supreme Court is irrelevant. We might as well give up democracy.
7
If the nominee standing for a lifetime judgeship, in this case the highest in America, condemning a political party for opposing his appointment is hardly the nonpartisan position the candidate is supposed to maintain. It felt like his prime sponsor, Mr. Trump, was metaphorically banging his shoe on the rostrum.
3
Sen. Graham, "Senator Lindsey Graham exploded across the dais in an outburst unusual even for a highly partisan body. “What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020,” he said."
Is that not what he and other Republican senators did to Merrick Garland thus failing to uphold their constitutional duty?
8
It appears to me that Judge Kavanaugh's use of the calendar entries was simply smoke and mirrors, designed to create the appearance that he attended no such party as described by Dr Ford. The Judge knows that he would not have retroactively written a diary entry for a small spontaneous party of the type described by Dr Ford, which was not pre-planned, but arranged on the day of the party. As an intelligent person, he knows that the calendar does not mean such a party never took place, however he knows that it gives a supporting appearance that such a party never took place. The only reason he offered the calendars was to create smoke and mirrors, and to help conceal the truth.
3
Kavanaugh has consistently had strong positions against the politicization of the SCOTUS nomination process. That's why when the Republicans stole the seat he is trying now, desperately, to fill, he came out against his own party to stand up for an impartial process. Oh, wait, he did none of that. So, just two years ago, he fully accepted partisan politics in the process, but now he doesn't. He is not impartial, he is not reasoned, he is not SCOTUS material. His record shows that.
10
Twisting their arms :The Republicans will threaten Lisa and Susan with cutbacks if they don’t vote to confirm. But they should go ahead and dissent, knowing with reasonable certainty that the GOP will lose its majority after the midterms, and they’ll be vindicated, and on the side of the angels.
8
I have one response: Merrick Garland.
19
@GIsrael
Give it a rest. That ship sailed, caught fire, and sank a couple of years ago.
@TW Smith
Yes. And the credibility of the G.O.P. and this nation sank along with it.
1
Cruz and Cornyn are now accusing Feinstein of outing Dr. Blasey. They could have summoned Ryan Grim if they wanted to. It would have been interesting to see if The Intercept has any ethical standards under oath.
5
As for Senator Graham's outburst that Democrats are using Dr. Ford for political reasons, I would only have two words: Merrick Garland. Where is the outrage over a stolen SC seat by the Republican senators? Where is the outrage over the unconstitutional highjacking of the process of "advice and consent?" If the Dems and a handful of Republicans slow down the process by forcing an investigation, or the Senate refuses to confirm Kavanaugh, it is not the fault of the Dems per se, but rather the utter lack of a more thorough vetting of Kavanaugh by the Republican led Judiciary Committee. If the Dems can slow down the process, more power to them, there are too many unanswered questions about the fitness of Kavanaugh. If he's sunk in an attempt by R's to ram through the nomination, but come up short on votes, it will be a good day for the American people who would have been ill served by the judge.
3
OK. I watched the hearings today and I have to say...it was telling.
On the one hand Dr. Blasey Ford tried to explain her experience of a sexual assault. In as much detail as she could remember she made her case that Brett Kavanaugh was the assailant.
Judge Kavanaugh's testimony, on the other, began with an angry conspiracy theory in which he stated that this was a coordinated Democratic attack in part funded by the Clintons. What! I am surprised President Obama wasn't also included in this conspiracy.
The point is this, the hearing was put on as a way for the republicans to show their (fake) empathy for women while at the same time rushing Kavanaugh's nomination with a scheduled vote for tomorrow.
Without an official investigation where witnesses (especially Mark Judge who Dr. Ford said was in the room where the attempted rape happened) are found and questioned can the truth pendulum be moved forward.
This circus-performance is in no way "the rule of law".
10
There must come a time in the very near future when "answering" legitimate questions as Kavanaugh did today... with hyperbole, tantrums, rage, blame and lies, rapidly disqualifies a person from consideration for positions of authority and leadership within our society. We must lose our stomach and patience for such behavior if we are to survive and, maybe, once again thrive as a people and nation. The United States is soaring on the energy of its past, but it was dual engine loss on 11/8/2016.
4
Supreme Court nominations used to require 60 votes to confirm. Republicans blew this up with the Gorsuch nomination, using the “nuclear option.” Now Republicans complain that Supreme Court confirmation process has become so nasty. Who in their right mind wound think that a “nuclear option” could be used without significant fallout?
4
How disheartening. Brett Kavanaugh showed his true colors today.
I was expectant to hear both sides of this issue.
Dr. Ford was controlled, as eloquent as she could be given the circumstances, truthful.
Judge Kavanaugh was angry, priggish and truly unbecoming for someone up to become a Supreme Court Justice.
This is not the type of person we should have in the Supreme Court.
We need someone who is thoughtful, controlled and even tempered and willing to hear and listen.
That person is going to represent our people and society for many years to come, it is not you Judge Kavanaugh
Let’s think again. Thank you.
16
At this point, I'm tired of hearing the senators on the panel allude to their across-the-aisle friendships. Grassley's unethical handling of the whole process, and Graham's fact- and history-denying sham of a monologue (read the transcript to yourself in a mirror, Lindsey), are just two highlights of how republican members of this committee have behaved in ways both immoral and borderline treasonous. Were I a democratic senator on this panel, I don't see how I could consider most of the republican membership to be the least bit admirable. Worthy of some respect, perhaps, but not of friendship.
3
Well I guess Lindsey Graham knows of what he speaks, since that is what Republicans did to Obama's Supreme Court nominee. These guys were so out of touch today I was aghast! If ever there was a case for term limits, Grassley and Hatch proved themselves, over and over.
Come on Nov. 6; we definately need a house cleaning.
14
The Rolling Stones incident last year taught us that accusations with zero proof are sometimes inaccurate. Memories are notoriously fallible. I presume innocence, as we all should. High school memories? Cmon let’s move on.
1
@Joe Yoh: Let's have an FBI investigation. And when we're at it, let's have them find Trump's tax returns too.
4
Per Judge Kavanaugh, all we need is sworn written affidavits from witnesses to prove or disprove a potential crime. If that is the case, we don’t need witness interviews or cross examination or court rooms. It just shows his intellect, objectivity and how he would approach a tough situation as a judge. We know that either Dr. Ford or Judge Kavanaugh have lied under oath today. I hope some republicans show some backbone, gumption to stand up and do the right thing.
It is astounding how Kavanaugh approached this entire hearing. His wild emotions, temperament, belligerent outbursts aren’t expected from a nominee for the highest echelons of our judicial system. Is this the best we have for the Supreme Court ? It is sad day.
2
As a woman and having seen both testimonies, I have to say that Kavanough's performance did not convince me of his respect for women. Even though obviously emotional about the impact all of this had on him and his family, he came across (at least to me) as unempathetic, entitled, and petulant. Especially his behavior towards Senator Feinstein, was aggressive, rude, and condescending. An experience many of us have had with powerful men. Had Dr. Blasey expressed her trauma, outrage, and anger at what has happened to her in this manner, she would have characterized as strident, shrill, and potentially unbalanced. The double-standard still prevails and I sure hope that this man will not be confirmed to shape decisions that will indelibly change women's lives and well-being.
19
I think it would be better to call Kavanaugh emotional instead of angry. Clearly he is not fit to be judge at any level.
8
@Matt J.
Can you not imagine the stress he and his family have been under? I would cut him a break on this.
@TW Smith
"Cut him a break on this"? --- Are you kidding.
You must be if you think he's the only one who's been under stress.
Besides, that's no excuse for being unable to render a fair and unbiased judgement on the Supreme Court bench.
Kavanaugh clearly lacks the proper temperament....Case closed.
He blinked at least 10 times when he was asked square in the eye if he did it.
5
Kavanaugh showed himself to be blatantly, unabashedly partisan and obviously unfit for a position on the Supreme Court. Senator Graham was an absolute disgrace, threatening without shame to weaponize the Supreme Court nomination process. He is to serve as a Senator. I hope to never have to hear from these two men again.
17
All allegations aside, if a person of Mr. Kavanaugh’s temperament and demeanor is the best we can do for one of nine positions on the U.S. Supreme Court, America is in very serious decline.
15
Republicans struck a death blow to this entire process when they blocked Merrick Garland. Now they’re having to defend their own nominee from allegations that may or may not have been borne from the same political calculus. That doesn’t make it right. Democrats have weaponized the horrible act of sexual assault for political gain while Republicans have weaponized a Supreme Court nominee. We’re having an argument neither side can win. Things are not going to get better with these people in office.
@Nick: Disagree. It's the Republicans and their oligarch backers who want to ram this nomination through without proper vetting and consultation because they are afraid of the outcome of the November elections. And Trump wants to ram it through because of Kavanaugh's opinions on the criminal indictability of a sitting POTUS. They are playing politics, not the Democrats.
3
Hey Anna! I do agree with you there. I think they’re very afraid of the political landscape come the morning after the elections which is why I think they’re weaponizing this nominee. The President also has every reason to believe that he is nominating someone who might save him down the line. I believe very little of what Trump does is with the interests of the country in mind, he’s only looking out for himself. But more broadly, I am just disheartened and concerned with this entire process. I don’t feel as if either side’s actions are entirely pure in this.
1
He probably IS a good man who did some bad things when he was a teen. But, his first reflex, when all this started, was to deny not just that the grope happened but that he never blacked out or 'lost time'. I bet he now regrets taking that approach. Because once he set that 'defence' in motion, there was no backing down. That forced him to lie and lie and lie again. All for his first fib.
11
And exactly how appalled was Graham by Kavanaugh’s questioning of President Clinton? And did Graham not find the Republican’s total and complete refusal to even allow Obama a court nomination, holding off for the elections, outrageous partisan behavior? Oh yeah when you do it the behavior is justified, but it is morally rephrensible for the other side to do any thing similar. They are all playing partisan politics.
5
I was stunned with judge Kavanagh's Trumpian strategy. I also think he made way too much an issue of his calendar. It would have been far more compelling for him to simply say in a quiet dignified manner that the claims against him were false. As for most Republicans on the dais their outrage was laughable. At least Kavanaugh got a hearing.
6
Yes Republicans, the truth can be painful, its good you don't spend much time with it. I believed everything Dr. Ford said today.
4
Republicans control the House the Senate and the White House and they want to blame the Democrats because they can't get Donald Trump's get out of jail free card confirmed to the SCOTUS.
Trump could have picked any other conservative judge and they would already be sitting on the court. Or, the Republicans could have refused to be his toadies and made him pull this nomination.
They certainly qualify as deplorables for this debacle.
3
At issue here is a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court. So far it's just a he said / she said. I would have asked Judge Kavanaugh if he would be comfortable making a verdict in his courtroom on nothing more that that; or if he would have insisted on at least reports compiled by professional investigators. The senators are not investigators, or judges. It's reasonable to pause the confirmation proceedings until an investigation is completed.
I'm older that Mr. Kavanaugh and the boys I knew and knew of in high school who were misogynist abusers have never changed their stripes. Many of these jerks are still friends and get up to the same kinds of antics whenever they can, regardless of their accomplishments or responsibilities present day.
If Brett Kavanaugh doesn't have anything to hide, he would welcome an FBI investigation into his past. Instead, he and his enablers, the all male republican senators considering his confirmation, are angry and defensive. That is classic manipulative behavior meant to cover up, distract and maneuver attention away from any evidence of wrongdoing. Who else constantly engages in that kind of behavior? Trump. They all make me sick.
17
I believe all of Brett Kavanaugh's accusers. The reason I am convinced is that he was a member of the frat, Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE). I went to Yale six years after Judge Kavanaugh. Yale is not known for fraternities at all. I am not even aware of another frat at Yale. (The joke at Yale was that we have singing groups, not frats.) But DKE was notorious for members who were absolutely the most obnoxious, aggressive, disgusting and offensive on campus. The type of behavior Kavanaugh's accused of is the kind of behavior one would expect from a member of that frat. You had to really want to be that kind of person and belong to DKE since it was so far removed from the rest of the Yale community. I also know that having gone regularly to my reunions, people really don't change from who they were as students.
14
I have been missing Barnum and Baily circus until today. I got to see the perfect circus show today. I wish the show did not include the humiliation of Dr Ford.
3
Kudos to the Republican senators for standing firm against the smears, character assassination, and poisonous canards hurled by the Democrats against a fine and decent man. This was a hit job orchestrated by Feinstein and her cronies. Confirm Kavanaugh and place him on the Supreme Court.
4
With regard to his behavior both drunk and sober, Brett Kavanaugh has been compared to "Jekyll and Hyde". His meltdown today certainly displays his capacity for rage and self-pity. Mr. Kavanaugh appears a typical, privileged, white man with a great sense of entitlement.
One would imagine that Mr. Kavanaugh has met with very little adversity in his life. He grew up in a well-to-do family. He attended the best schools and belonged to the best clubs. Because this alleged assault occurred 36 years ago, he likely never gave his behavior a thought, or perhaps he believed that he had escaped consequences for his despicable action. Regardless of his guilt, seeing his rage today convinces me that Brett Kavanaugh is not appropriate for the Supreme Court.
12
I heard no verifiable evidence that would remove the presumption of innocence from Kavanaugh.
@batazoid
If Kavanaugh were a garden variety criminal suspect, then the presumption of innocence would be an appropriate standard. But is that the correct standard for a Supreme Court justice? According to batazoid's thinking, anybody who cannot be convicted of a criminal felony would be qualified for the Supreme Court. Shouldn't the standard be just a little higher?
batazoid wrote:
"I heard no verifiable evidence that would remove the presumption of innocence from Kavanaugh."
4
Kavanaugh was defensive, bellicose and, sometimes just weird. Can someone explain his non-response to Senator Klobuchar's pretty clear question, "have you ever drank so much that you didn't remember all or part of what happened?" by speaking over her "Have you?" Have you?" Is this what they mean by judicial temperament?
I wish I had not watched. I am left with the fear that he is not only a high school drunk but a really poor public servant.
Dark times.
36
Hmmm. I don’t believe I’ve read the word “hysterical” used to describe Kavanaugh... or Lindsey Graham for that matter.
If women who were denied career advancement in Corporate America on that ground were asked to raise their hands - we’d be counting till the mid-terms...
14
His performance today was for trump who thought that he acted like a wimp on Fox.
Just looking at his attack on democrats shows us he can't and will not ever be a partial judge; if he was a decent human being he would step away and let someone with integrity who never attacked a young girl and gave her trauma for the last 35 years.
15
I have no doubt that Kavanaugh had major alcohol problems in high school. I have no doubt that he assaulted Ms. Ford while he was drunk. His obsession with beer in high school, and his admission of being stumbling drunk makes his denial questionable at best. He may or may not remember what happened, and may believe it never happened, but that's not going to convince me that he didn't do it. His evasions and objections are obvious whenever anyone goes near his drinking.
6
Kavanaugh spoke very fondly of beer. Then and now.
18
Such a display of amazing judicial temperament.
6
He interrupts a senator and then when the senator attempts to continue says, "Let me finish!" If any of us little people did that we'd be held in contempt. This guy doesn't have the character for dogcatcher let alone SCOTUS.
10
@ondelette
Can’t say I blame him. This was supposed to be an opportunity to ask questions and get answers. Instead we get Senators, both sides, pontificating.
Ouch! Kavanaugh was angry, emotional, long-winded, rambling, repetitive, focused on trivia, and protesting too much. Clearly, he was unprepared for prime time, and doesn't appear to be SCOTUS material. It's uncomfortable to see someone commit career suicide in a public setting.
Undoubtedly, Trump will be calling Kavanaugh over to the White House for a caucus this evening or tomorrow. Trump doesn't like being associated with people, especially men, who are perceived as weak. It's over.
5
How hard it is for some of us to face the truth.
3
Each Senator will cast their vote based on nothing but their own self-interest. They have NO thought for the good of the American people. They really don't care about abortion - women got by before Roe - LGBTQ got by before protection of their rights - Immigrants will just have to go home and refugees will just have to make do in makeshift exile. Senators have to protect their own skins first and foremost. Do they need Trump's love and approval? Do they need to be re-elected? Are they going to be primaried? Will their voters approve of their vote? Because of all of this, in the future, Supreme Court Justices should be chosen in a general election, voted onto the court for 8 year terms. If we want anything done right, we have to do it ourselves.
1
Not ONE major public figure accused of sexual crimes has been found innocent. Not one. Ailes. Cosby. Weinman, et all. All "family" men--- like Brett Kavanaugh.
Kavanaugh drank, heavily, through his years of high school and college. Friends have said he became loud and "aggressive."
His close friend and confirmed alcoholic, Judge, refused to testify in his friend's defense.
Republicans spent their time criticizing Democrats for the timing of Dr. Ford's complaint--- not speaking of the complaint itself, it's troubling allegations. THAT is the news. They spent all afternoon trying to blame Dr. Ford or Sen. Feinstein. THAT is the news.
I hope the NYT doesn't continue to report the not-too-subtle switching tactics of the Republicans.
5
Kavanaugh swears he did not have sexual intercourse until he was in his 20’s. Interesting that none of the accusations have involved actual intercourse, but attempted in 2 situations and assistance in procuring girls in a 3rd. Maybe he is telling his version of the truth, very evasively.
5
@Robin
I think that's partly why he's so bloody angry. It was mostly bluster and pretense anyway - he didn't "score" as often as he boasted to other men. He doesn't see why he should be punished now when half of his disrespectful stories were just that - stories.
For instance, Renate - I'm sure he's telling the truth when he says that in fact, he never had any sexual contact with her. He just pretended to his buddies that he did.
2
One thing is evident, the Dems have too many too old politicians.
Feinstein is way over her head here, but not the only one.
6
Prometheus,
Chuck Grassley, Orin Hatch, John Cornyn and Donald Trump, all Republicans, are no Spring chickens.
Dianne Feinstein is as sharp as a tack and has something they lack: integrity.
4
@L
Granted about the GOP.
I'm a Dem. I want the GOP to be old goats; that's good for Dems.
Dianne Feinstein is not sharp as a tack.
I think she handled this poorly. She certainly could not handle Kavanaugh getting nasty with her.
Upon, receive Ford's letter requesting anonymity. She should have immediately told Ford her accusation is worthless unless she comes forward and return the letter unless such a time.
People cannot accuse other people and remain anonymous. It does not and should not work that way
The issue is not that Kavanaugh was so drunk that he could not remember the next day, but that what he did was so inconsequential to him that the occasion was not remembered 30 years later. He did not lose his virginity. Her tried to have sex and failed. He probably does not remember what he did the previous week or the following week So it is quite likely that he is not lying. But of course, this had an enormous affect on Ford.
4
The guy was completely out of control with rage, tears, and babbling over and over about how much he's always liked beer. I wouldn't trust him to water my plants, let alone sit on the Supreme Court.
13
Kavanaugh reminds me of the George Willis, Jr. character (played by Philip Hoffman) in “Scent of a Woman”.
2
As an active supporter of the GOP's hijacking of the Merrick Garland nomination, Lindsay Graham is certainly an expert on "unethical shams". Spare me the moral outrage.
12
An FBI investigation will not get any more information. All the people at the party can’t recall the party except for Blasey Ford. This will always be a she says he says. What Blasey Ford says that happened to her is wrong if it happened but life changing? She says she was pushed on a bed and was groped, had a hand on her mouth. Then Judge jumped on the bed and it was over. It sounds like less then a minute. She never even had her clothes off. It’s wrong but life changing? I don’t see it.
@Jim: You don't know what an FBI investigation might uncover. Kavanaugh surely doesn't want one. I assume he has something to hide and is afraid of what the FBI might find.
3
I think Brett Kavanaugh came off as pretty pitiful, but used the same Clarence Thomas playbook.
I wonder how much input some of the Trump Whitehouse really had in his statement, left wing conspiracy, blaming Democrats, Clinton's.....seems a little weird to me.
I also found him to come off like a dry drunk, bullying, aggressive and belligerent in not answering questions from the Democrats; I found him evasive and somewhat confrontational in not a good way, someone that could easily flash and angry temper, especially when he is young and drunk.
11
We heard during the first half of the hearing an account of a sexual assault many years ago from a credible woman and then an angry Kavanaugh putting a political spin on the hearing backed up by eleven testosterone stinking republican old white men. Yes, the Democrats have delayed this hearing for political reasons but today the did not play politics, their aim was to test the credibility of the two witnesses. Kavanaugh came across as a spoiled juvenile with an alcohol problem maybe so big that he doesn't remember what he did when he was drunk. However, his attitude today was so political that that alone disqualifies him as a supreme court judge. There is no way that guy can be impartial and he does not belong on the court.
8
The venom from the Republican Senators is incredible and offensive to me. They denied any kind of hearing to Obama's Supreme Court nominee.
8
It is certain that someone lied to congress today. This should be investigated and the guilty party prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law. It is also certain that any Senator on the fence about Judge Kavanugh faces a 50/50 chance of selecting a monster to the Supreme Court.
8
If this was the best the Democrats could do in the face of hysterical attacks from Kavanaugh and the Republicultists ... on national TV - I wish they hadn't bothered. A PR disaster. They looked weak and chastened. Not only will he be confirmed - but this could actually affect the midterms.
Democrats ... the gang that still can't shoot straight.
1
Kavanaugh is a lot like Trump in that he tells obvious lies with no evidence that he even knows he is lying. He claims that his calendar is evidence that he couldn't have assaulted Dr. Ford, and all anyone has to do is look at the calendar to know that it does not in any way whatsoever indicate that "he was too busy working during the week" nor does it prove in any way that he could not have assaulted Dr. Ford. Like so much of what Trump says, the mendacity is obvious, but he either ignores that fact or is oblivious to it. Neither does his righteous indignation fit with his yearbook entry and his inane deflection when asked about Mark Judge is also telling. I don't know whether or not Kavanaugh assaulted Dr. Ford years ago, but I do know that he is a slimy liar right now and is a man not in control of his temper or his judgment. He is absolutely not a fit person to be on the Supreme Court and has demonstrated that for all to see. Unfortunately, the power-hungry, ideologically demented Republicans refuse to admit that.
17
Kavanaugh came out whining and boasting of how wonderful he is. Not exactly the gravitas one expects from a jurist.
17
Cornyn is mislabeling the accusations as anonymous and scurrilous. I bet he has some skeletons that he wouldn't want investigated.
1
After today's performance by Kavanaugh, whatever damage has been done to his reputation is fully deserved.
5
I believe the testimony of Dr. Blasey but I'm puzzled by 2 things. She said Kavanaugh had trouble getting her clothes off, in part, because she was wearing a one piece bathing suit. She said she had been at the country club that day diving -- So, I'm a bit confused. She had been swimming/diving at the club which would have gotten any bathing suit she was wearing wet. To go to the party, wouldn't she have changed into clothes? Why would she put on another bathing suit? Just a weird thing that stands out to me. The other odd thing was that she was willing to talk with Mark Judge AFTER the event. She described a scenario where she were to the grocery store with her mother and she went in one door where Mark was apparently working and said 'hi' -- she said he looked traumatized but she did not describe that SHE felt traumatized to see him. I thought that was odd too as I would have thought that she would try to avoid him -- although maybe she didn't understand the extent of the trauma at that point in time.
1
The one thing we learned today about Judge kavanaugh is that he will be an angry partisan Justice. That he ranted against what he perceived as left wing opposition rather than answering directly the charges against him revealed his true character and the way he would vote on the Supreme Court. In his attacks he mirrored his mentor Donald Trump whose only defense is an attack. And Ms. Ford's heart felt statement of her facts were shredded in a way familiar in this Trump America. Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh will indeed be a pair. Perhaps in their private chambers they might share some fond memories.
22
Judge Kavanaugh calls the current hearings a national disgrace. I think it was a national disgrace when the Senate Republicans refused to hold hearings on President Obama's nominee before the general election in 2016.
10
So, Junior says what a woman says is "zero evidence." Nice.
6
So:
-we must believe what she says
-the accussed should not get upset by such vile accusations.
5
Bob, allow me:
- We should believe what she says if it sounds truthful and credible. Given her testimony and the visible distress she appeared to be in, as well as the two other women who’ve come forward, I would say her testimony is genuine.
- The accused can indeed be upset if he has done nothing wrong; that being said, under no circumstances should he blame the entire thing on political rivals or begin talking over the people who are trying to get his side of the story. Adults don’t behave that way, and the powers that be want to appoint this particular adult to the Supreme Court. Even if Dr. Ford were suddenly revealed to be making everything up and Kavanaugh was totally innocent, his behavior leaves me wondering whether he is fit to serve anyway. He seems to have absolutely no problem blaming Democrats for his ills, and that is not a quality I want in a lifetime appointee to the Supreme Court. It’s petty behavior, and how one behaves in times of crisis and difficulty reveals the nature of one’s character. Instead of saying, “I am devastated by these accusations and will work to prove that they are not true. I did not hurt Dr. Ford. I want the American people to have every confidence in me as a jurist and a human being.” How hard is it to say that if that’s what happened and that’s how you feel? How much more measured and reasonable does that sound instead of the nationally televised screaming temper tantrum we got? She was collected and compelling, he sounded nuts.
4
Allow me to rephrase one of Brett Kavanaugh's statements slightly.
Such grotesque and obvious characters — if allowed to succeed — will *persuade* competent and good people of all political persuasions to serve our country.
You might call me aspirational.
3
If Kavanaugh is this agressive and belligerent when he's sober, I can hardly imagine what his roommate might have been referring to when he described him as "aggressive and belligerent" when drunk.
For those of us who reserved a modicum of hope that he might, in these tough circumstances, rise to the level of character one seeks in a supreme court justice, his performance this afternoon served only to demonstrate with sad conclusiveness that he is utterly unqualified for the job.
11
We learned very little from today's hearing.
Dr. Ford was calm and well spoken. Judge Kavanaugh was angry and well spoken.
Since there was no investigation about Dr. Ford's accusations and no witnesses other than her and Judge Kavanaugh, about the only thing that I learned was how well Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh speak in high pressure public hearings.
In all likelihood, the Republicans will confirm Judge Kavanaugh, and claim that he has been vindicated.
It was political theater.
2
"James Roche, Kavanaugh's roommate in the Fall 1983, also issued a statement saying that Kavanaugh was a "notably heavy drinker, even by the standards of the time."
"(H)e became aggressive and belligerent when he was very drunk," Roche said."
https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/26/politics/yale-kavanaugh/index.html
Kavanaugh's testimony today demonstrated that he also becomes aggressive and belligerent when questioned.
He pushes back by bullying and angry behavior, rather than by explanation
29
The testimony of Dr. Ford is clearly that of a victim. Kavanaugh never answered questions from Democratic Senators, and Republican senators haven’t asked a question. Kavanaugh was trained to go on offense and he did. The real victim is truth and that is what republicans want to burry it. Jeff Flake said at the end there is a doubt. If in doubt, don’t confirm. There are plenty of well qualified candidates.
22
We have to fix this. If and when there comes a time that the Democrats take control of congress they should pass a constitutional amendment to require a 2/3ths majority for both federal and supreme court nominees. It has been said that constitutional amendments are not possible in the current hyper-partisan climate but it would be in the Republicans interest to take the deal rather than face the consequences.
8
@AS Constitutional amendments can not be passed only by Congress. They require the assent of the states.
In which world do those under oath testifying interrupt the senators? Never seen a hearing like this, this man is clearly not able to control his emotions, and the Chair is clearly not enforcing the rules.
42
My father was a Christian missionary to India last century. One of his functions was to run a bookstore that translated Christian literature into various languages and sell them across Southeast Asia. In his final term, he chose his replacement. Days before our departure, a disgruntled employee who was not chosen accused him of embezzling money from the store. The police gave him a choice. He could either leave and never return, or they could do a full investigation, which would completely disrupt the family travel plans and schedule. He chose the latter. He had done nothing wrong and said all the books were open to them and we would wait until the issue was resolved. Several weeks later, his name was cleared. While I don't share his faith, I admire and respect my father's consistent honesty and character.
That Kavanaugh did not reflexively suggest a full investigation by the FBI of the allegations he has been accused and that the GOP has resisted this request by Dr. Ford significantly undermines Kavanaugh's credibility. The GOP can cry smear all they want, but if eleven white males don't have the courage to interrogate Dr. Ford because of the optics and are not willing to wait for a full report, it's clear that they are desperate for a chip in this midterm election.
Thank you, Dr. Ford, for your patriotism and courage.
45
I honed in on one ploy by Judge Kavanaugh repeatedly giving the 3 "witnesses" as rock solid evidence. However Prof Ford explained that the only witnesses were the Judge and Mark Judge. The people referred to were unaware and never told anything according to Dr. Ford's testimony. For Judge Kavanaugh as a legal expert to proclaim this represents valid evidence is disqualifying. His constant repetitive filibustering also was unsettling and was a black mark on his veracity. In summary, leaving accusations aside, his verbosity versus being succinct, and presenting dubious assertion about "evidence" means he should step aside.
26
Professor Ford came out 100% credible, she believes what she says. Kavanaugh came across elusive and less that credible. It’s illuminating that neither he or the republicans pushed to hear from the other witnesses, especially Mark Judge. Is this how Kavanaugh will judge from the Supreme Court?
26
The senators should look at the transcript carefully: at least twice by my count Kavanaugh said: "The people in the room said this never happened." Wait, these people according to the judge did assemble in a room together at some point. But they didn't hear (because music had been turned up so loud) or won't admit to what happened to Dr. Ford. We certainly need an investigation and the testimony under oath (not a letter signed by a lawyer) of the "people in the room."
52
I have written to my Senator to please vote no. This man is not fit for the Supreme Court...his demeanor shows this, and he is clearly not able to be impartial given his comment about them Clintons. I have no idea where that came from and it is not part of the issue under consideration today.
Vote no, Senators, it is the only reasonable thing to do, and let's get on to another nominee please.
35
I believe Dr. Ford - she was credible and was very brave for testifying.
At the same time, I'm appalled by Senate Democrats for their complete lack of empathy during their questioning of Judge Kavanaugh...no expressions of sympathy for what he and his family have gone through. They did themselves no good by having a tin ear.
Their behavior in their line of questioning did nothing to dispel the charges that this last-minute ambush was politically motivated.
There were no winners today. America lost.
3
I thought since Senator Lindsey Graham was the closest thing the GOP judiciary has to a 15 yr old girl, that he would have been more sympathetic to Dr/ Ford's initial reluctance to come forward and Senator Feinstein honoring that request.
He argues about peripheral matters and gets irate when the whole GOP circus act is arbitrary at the least. OH mercy its 45 days from the election!!! Tell that to the 10 months the GOP refused to even call a hearing on Merrick Garland.
17
After watching entire hearing, I’ve concluded that Judge Kavanaugh lacks the temperament desired of a Supreme Court justice. Senators, vote no.
50
@Kathleen Todd I agree. The anger that he showed might have pleased spanky but it is not a quality one would want of a Supreme Court justice.
2
While this issue pertains to the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice in the US - the whole world is watching closely. Personally, I am baffled. I was similarly confounded as Obama’s nominee was stonewalled. It is simply heartbreaking to witness such disregard for civility and fair, democratic proceedings - in the country that’s supposed to defend these values to the highest degree. The cost of broadcasting this travesty to the world is likely higher than appointing a candidate with a clean slate.
The United States is burning through unbelievable amounts of goodwill. You can do better.
41
Supreme Court justices serve for life. It's the Republicans who want to cram him through because it is they who really worry about the November election and their hold on power.
It's not just "she said he said". There are credible leads to follow through. Let the FBI sort them out. We can wait. It would be a few months of investigation versus several decades of the wrong person sitting on the bench.
30
As I watched the proceedings, I was also watching women on Twitter and their anger, especially for Sen. Grassley. His idea of having a prosecutor question Dr. Ford was a colossal mistake. I think was really at the root of Sen. Graham's and the judge's anger. As far as the judge is concerned, I think he doth protest too much. Calm and confident would have been a better look for him. Temper only presents him as more capable of misconduct.
83
It's time to put away the nonsense that "this is a job interview". Dr. Fords accusations, whether true or not, will alter the lives of Kavanaugh and his family. He will be looked at differently by everyone. If he is guilty, then he deserves this. If he actually is innocent, then a whole life of hard work and his reputation will be thrown away. You can't pretend that all this ends for him once the confirmation vote is over.
5
Seems to have worked out pretty well for Clarence Thomas
2
This will be one of the most memorable and dramatic day in American democracy. JUDGE KAVANAUGH SHOULD BE CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE. He has been thoroughly vetted and all allegations have been responded to.
4
Regardless of how one felt two weeks ago about Kavanaugh's nomination, today changed everything. Today we saw persistent, self-justified anger from Kavanaugh that one is left with just one possible conclusion: he cannot serve ALL Americans on the US Supreme Court. True, we could have been concerned two weeks ago, given his highly partisan history. But today we know for sure. He HATES democrats and he is certain that his life has been ruined, already, by the events of the past two weeks. He CANNOT serve all of us.
69
Bret the Bar Kavanaugh failed as he either not answered or deflected questions.
Dr Ford was truthful, she has everything to lose for nothing..
Kavanaugh proved that he is a political appointee by bringing Clintons and democrats into his OS. He can be a judge but not a fair one. He will be an angry judge for sure.. but doesn't belong in any of the US Court.
19
Mr. Kavanaugh seems to think he is entitled to be confirmed. He is not. This man has proven himself to be untrustworthy, both by his own deeds and comments, and by the testimony of those who have known him for a long time.
37
As Senator Flake said there will always be doubt. Is this good enough to confirm Kavanaugh to the august and rarefied seat in the SCOTUS?
21
Sorry, Brett, but Amy judge worth his salt knows that someone saying she or he doesn’t REMEMBER being at a party or having met someone is NOT THE SAME AS saying she/he was not at the party or that she/he never met you.
Not remembering something or someone is different than being sure that you know something did or did not happen or being 100% certain that you knew someone.
If you don’t know that after earning a Yale law degree, passing the Bar examine, practicing law and serving 12 years as a judge on the federal bench; and if you see fit to essentially mislead the American people about that difference by asserting publicly in a Senate hearing broadcast on national television that someone (eg, Ms. Leland Kaiser) stated that she was NOT at a given social gathering when, in fact, her statement said that she DOES NOT REMEMBER being at that particular social gathering — if you think this kind of misleading is ok, by a federal judge no less, then you are not ethically qualified, IMHO to be the judge of anyone else, let alone sit on the Supreme Court.
36
today Brett Kavanaugh showed a personality and demeanor and fervent political persuasion that is unsuitable for a Supreme Court Justice. As an attorney who will never argue before the Court, I am disgusted that a man of his character might actually sit on that bench.
From today’s hearing and Brett Kavanaugh’s performance I think he is an alcoholic in denial and who has a serious drinking problem. To put him on the USSC would make our system of justice hollow.
61
Without the need to investigate the facts or know more about the incident between Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, I fear the judge lacks the temperament needed to be on the supreme court.
90
@Dr. Professor Kavanaugh has anger management problem and addiction issues.
3
I don't believe in 100% certainty about anything. I began the day, based on evidence from various press sources, inclined to believe Ford, suspecting Kavanaugh might believe his own innocence, but that he could not assert it categorical because he likely experienced blackouts during the period in question. The hearing offered little in the way of new information that would alter my judgment, although it was somewhat revelatory about the characters of the two subjects of questions.
Quite apart from the issue of the truthfulness of the allegations, I found Kavanaugh's opening statement and behavior (esp. in his first session) to be totally disqualifying. He appeared unhinged, invoking accusatory language toward the entire democratic membership of the panel, and an absurd notion of a broad liberal conspiracy against him. In light of the partisan rage he expressed, and the irrationality of his assertions, I don't see how any senator with an open mind about his qualifications could consider him suitable to serve as a judge on cases that will involve liberal claimants or defendants. He would have to recuse himself from many cases.
Basically, his opening statement and confrontational temperament provided 100% cover for on-the-fence senators to vote against him without even having to weigh in on the substance or believability of the accusations. I hope they vote against him. His presence on the court would deeply tarnish its reputation.
30
Here we are again: back at the beginning. Ford has the presumption of truth telling without corroboration. . Kavanaugh has a litany of refutations with myriad character references from dozens of women.
Kavanaugh's appointment now comes down to what it was before: the judgment of a handful of Republican Senators.
4
Very interesting to me that in Judge Kavanaugh’s opening statement he said this whole thing was a national disgrace that would last with us for decades to come and he then ticked off a half-dozen reasons why he feels that way. But, he conveniently omitted the truly disgraceful manner in which the Senate Republicans robbed President Obama of his right & duty to fill an open Supreme Court seat during his tenure.
15
The most telling observation to me is Kavanaugh's almost choleric rage at the accusation(s). Not the sort of response I would expect, nor could respect from a Supreme Court Justice.
24
Unfortunately tonight, the less-conservative Senators will be debating the same balance they've held in the past 2 years in regards to the possibility of impeaching the President: Do you want to go with Kavanaugh or the much more conservative Amy Coney Barrett (i.e. Mike Pence)?
2
Judge Barrett is next up for the Court and will be there this time next year.
surely we can do better with another, untainted, nominee. it is impossible to prove anything given the time that has passed but his reputation is damaged and his testimony today didn't help him one bit
27
As so many have so eloquently said, this intemperate, partisan, self-involved and over-long outburst alone should disqualify anyone from a judgeship anywhere, particularly the Supreme Court of the land. Might this even be apparent to Republicans on the committee? (Not really!)
21
There is a large body of research that suggests that liars always feign anger when confronted with an accusation. People who tell the truth are always calm but emphatic in their answers. They also are to the point - they do not 1) give roundabout answers 2) gulp or choke 3) provide unrelated or superfluous information 4) answer questions with a question 5) loudly protest that they have been victimized.
106
I suspect that Senator Feinstein should pay price for this circus and for undermining credibility of US Congress and for placing party line above interests of US public and this nation.
9
I’m in law school and one of my professors let us tune in to this during class. I gotta be honest... putting aside the whole terrible act that he is being accused of having committed or not, it’s scary to imagine that someone as partisan as Kavanaugh becoming part of the SCOTUS. That kind of anger and hatred... really not something we want in a position of power like the SCOTUS. This entire thing sends cold shivers down my spine.
87
Welcome to the real world kid.
3
A surreal day. Two performances with stark contrasts:
Basically, she showed grace under pressure, and came across as authentic.
Meanwhile, a man with a lifetime job opportunity on the line came across as angry and elitist: combative and petulant as heck - with a temper to match. I could entirely see Kavanaugh as an attacker of women, angry when he didn’t get his way.
She became a role model. He looked far worse than Clarence Thomas did. He was in front of the nation and the world - and blew it.
23
Pretty obvious Kavanaugh thinks a Supreme Court seat is his due.
19
Kavanaugh does not have the crediblity or the judicial integrity to sit on the Supreme Court. Vote No.
83
Yeah, let's see how disgraceful he thinks the process is if he gets confirmed. Oh wait, i'm in? Nevermind, not disgraceful.
With lawyers it's all about strategy. A mamby pamby "Sure, I'm happy to answer all your questions, laugh a little, and stay calm the whole time" would have never worked. He is not only playing the victim, but the WORST possible victim who has seen his whole entire career and life destroyed and suffered irreparable damage from this process. He is speaking so differently, one wonders if he isn't going at everyone like a spoiled rich Yale kid because he knows they aren't going to vote him in, or if he really truly is delusional in thinking he can lie his way to the SCOTUS.
I am a man who stands behind Dr. Ford and believe her 100%. A PhD with so many professional accomplishments and quiet demeanor, professionalism, clearly displayed terror at this process but held it together. She has EVERYTHING to lose, and this likely will not be the end of it for her, unfortunately.
VOTE THESE PEOPLE OUT IN NOVEMBER.
52
Remember when Lindsey Graham had a temper tantrum over how poorly the Senate was treating Merrick Garland?
(me neither)
80
52\48. That was fun. Let's hope for another Trump Supreme Court nomination soon. Evidently there is no rock bottom in American politics.
6
Watching the way Kavanaugh constantly interrupted and spoke over democrats whenever he didn't like what they were saying made it very easy to imagine him overpowering a woman who rejected his advances.
23
Strum Und Drang! Lindsey Graham is exhibit A for term limits. Incredible how political ambition can trump moral equity. He’s gone full Trumpain.
Judge Kavanaugh shouldn’t be in any court. His testimony was about obfuscating the facts and painting himself the victim.
72
The Democrats lost this by not having a clear story ,and not picking up on the constant talking points the republicans used and negating them .
Notably repeated over an over was the statement that there were three witnesses that said it did not happen .as if they were in the room ,
Clever eh! The picture is put forward that they were there witnessing the scene and nothing happened ,when in reality they were at the party ,concerned with other things and NOT what was going on in the room upstairs .
Other the Judge ,who wouldn’t lie for a friend ,,,would he?
5
If you have raised children, and worked to make them truthful members of society, you know from lying. Kavanaugh is lying. If he were not, he would not have twisted himself into a pretzel to avoid agreeing to an FBI investigation. I am thoroughly disgusted with him as a person - zero dignity and self control.
And thoroughly nasty. Grassly could have reined him in and insisted that the hearing be conducted with at least a modicum of decorum, but he didn't and was just as bad himself.
I shudder to think of the Supreme Court with him on it. I would hope that all of the Justices are shaking in their shoes at the possibility of him on the court. Although Clarence Thomas is probably secretly cheering for him. I thought the situation in Congress couldn't get any worse - I was wrong.
20
Anyone looking for winners- there are none.
Dr. Ford loses. I found her testimony compelling. Her life is ruined.
Judge Kavanaugh loses. I found his testimony compelling. His life is ruined.
The American people loses. Nobody will ever know the truth because no witness has come forward.
The rule of law loses. This was a political spectacle. Sworn statements are not evidence in a trial. A judge not wanting an investigation in the court? The politics were shameful from all sides of the aisle.
The United States loses. This is not democracy at work. This is not our justice system at work. This is a political indictment of a process broken and for all the world to see.
43
I don’t see how we lose when we get a good close look at what Kavanagh really is, what the GOP really is, and what sort of President we really have.
And as for Dr. Ford, tell the truth and shame the devil. You never really lose that way.
2
@ArtM
The millions of women who have been inspired and empowered by Dr. Ford’s courage; the eloquent Democratic senators who made a powerful point about Republicans’ hypocrisy and malice; the few Republican senators who will be honest enough to vote no based on the appallingly obvious proof that Kavanaugh has no business on the Supreme Court; the nation which will now benefit from the ensuing blue wave—all are winners. This has been a good day.
1
@Robert
We lose. Kavanaugh came across as credible. Dr. Ford came across as credible.
The Democrats used Dr. Ford as a pawn for their own political agenda, delay the hearings until the midterms. It was their agenda no matter what they professed.
The Republicans did the same. Lindsey Graham reminded me of Rick in Casablanca, shocked, SHOCKED this would be a political process. He somehow forgot Obama's last months when the Democrats could not even nominate a Supreme Court candidate.
I do agree with all the Senators who said the process is broken, just not for the same reasons they stated.
If you needed this farce to see everyone for who they are then accept my sympathies.
Judge Kavanaugh is seeking a lifetime appointment in which he'll have life-and-death decision power over many Americans. If he can't stand this heat, in our current political environment, then really, he's not the man for the job. As for Lindsey Graham...he's showboating for Trump. He's become (or always was) a first-rate hypocrite. Poor John McCain. This was his supposedly devoted friend.
87
I think after Doctor Ford's performance, Kavanaugh decided to throw the dice and go full-tantrum mode. It won't matter to the hard core partisans, but I doubt if that went over well with Collins and Murkowski. We shall see...
11
Watching the Republicans feign outrage is laughable. Lindsay Graham put on quite a spectacle. Meanwhile, an obviously alcoholic nominee turns on the water works. How much practice did that take, I wonder? This whole thing could be resolved with an FBI investigation, which Kavanaugh and the terrorists in suits won’t allow. I don’t think sensible people are going to be persuaded by the outraged terrorists or the weepy judge.
30
Leaving aside (with great, great effort) the horrible accusations that weight him down, his opening statement alone disqualifies Kavanaugh for the position. He lost his composure. He managed to sound whiny and threatening at the same time. He was outrageously partisan. His face was disfigured in rage and comtempt. His weird allusion to his friend who was a victim of sexual assault (who mentions that?). This is not someone who is fit for the highest bench in the land.
To the Grahams of the world: you have no moral authority to criticize anyone. You brought this on yourselves. If Kavanaugh was a Democratic nominee one could only imagine what you would be saying right now. Please, spare us the lessons, and put your own ethic and moral house in order.
27
I heard nothing that removed Kavanaugh's presumed robe of innocence in today's hearing.
8
Maybe had Kavanagh's accused accomplice come forward and faced this as did Dr Ford, he would have confirmed Kavanaugh' innocence. It would have been 2 against 1. Oh wait, that's exactly what Dr Ford said!
He does not have a presumption of innocence. This is a job interview, not a trial. No major corporation would allow Kavanaugh to serve as General Counsel or CEO with this level of accusation.
1
There were two things that Judge Kavanaugh said that I find incredibly troubling. First, his opening defense relies on a terrible fallacy: his virginity is proof of innocence. No one seems to be talking about this, but virginity is not innocence; one can be a virgin and still commit sexual assault. Second, he continues to call the accusations nonsense. As a supreme court justice, will he continue to view sexual accusations as nonsense? It's one thing to argue that he is not the person involved, it's another to dismiss someone's experience as a sex assault victim. His lack of empathy for the pain experienced by his accusers demonstrate a strong dismissive attitude of women's voices.
13
At the end of hearing I concluded two things:
1. Dr Ford has been truthful and Kavanaugh has assaulted her in past.
2. GOP, Kavanaugh have entitlement and they feel that they need not explain or hear others; and they are always right now matter what - a classic entitlement mentality.
35
Innocent or guilty of what the blond lady said, Kavanaugh’s told the Senate and the world that someone saying he or she doesn’t recall being somewhere or seeing something happen is the same thing as him or her saying that it did not happen.
As a judge, he knows or should know that’s not true. The two are NOT the same thing. Him making them out to be the same thing, especially when he knows darn well they are not, makes him a thumbs-down for any court.
Imagine a murderer coming before him and saying he didn’t remember stabbing the victim. Kavanaugh would take it that the guy was saying that no, he did not stab the victim. Kavanaugh thinks not remembering means something didn’t happen. I don’t remember my birth, but I’m quite confident it happened.
10
One thing we learned today for sure, Kavanaugh is used to getting his way and when he doesn’t he acts like a rabid attack dog. That’s probably the drunken Kavanaugh that sexually assaulted Christine Blasey when they were both teens. Who cares about his high school athletics or scholastics - what he showed us today is that he has the emotional intelligence of a 16-year-old, and I for one don’t want a ‘perpetual’ teenager on our nation’s highest court. By the way, stunted “emotional growth” is a very real sign of someone who used and abused alcohol at a young age, and STILL hasn’t sobered up.
31
Wow, Lindsey Graham really has lost his marbles. The facts are this: Dr. Ford decided not to come forward after her letter to Feinstein. Someone leaked her name, however, and at that point Feinstein did give her letter to the FBI. The GOP has no shame when it comes to distorting the facts to suit their twisted agenda.
90
Give justices 18 year terms and start arranging 2 year between each nomination. It is very likely that it will reduce partisanship and assure a balanced court after a few cycles.
The constitution is a few hundred years old from when average life expectancy was hardly 50 years. Today people and those with money and power live into late 90's. We need a change to that.
38
@Kamyab
Simply going back to the sixty vote rule would be a good start, but it won't happen under McConnell.
7
There was a witness. Why was they witness, Mark Judge, not subpoenaed to testify in the hearing? That would remove the "he said, she said" issue entirely. A letter from Mr. Judge is not the same as testifying under oath before the committee. That the Republicans chose not to subpoena Mark Judge leaves the conclusion that his testimony would not have been favorable to Kavanaugh.
51
"“Boy, you all want power,”"
Senator Graham, after what you Republicans did to Merrick Garland, you need to read up on the psychological term "projection".
73
American women saw, heard and felt something that is familiar and truly frightening from two men in that hearing room: Male rage. Kavanaugh and Senator Lindsey Graham showed us all who is in control of us and that they are not in control of themselves. Kavanaugh's long, angry, belligerent opening statement was not the emotion of an innocent "good" man falsely accused. It was the emotion of a man who is not used to be challenged by a woman (Dr. Ford or Senator Feinstein) or being denied something he feels entitled to. The terrifying thing about male rage is what could come next -- the fists or the gun -- and many, many women know that firsthand, especially when alcohol is involved. Kavanaugh was not in control of his emotions, which lends credence to several allegations about his behavior when drunk. An innocent man with truth on his side may display a flash of anger but mostly he will be calm while asserting his innocence, especially when there is little or no proof of the accusations against him. I might also add that a devout Christian man who is blameless will be confident that God knows his innocence and will bring about a just resolution for him. No need for anger.
196
@abigail49
We are God, and we will bring a just and swift resolution to the GOP in Nov.
@abigail49 I recognize the face that Ashley Kavanaugh presented to the public today. It is the face of someone whose spirit has been crushed again and again. She showed no surprise at the ferocious outbursts, deflections, and partisan vitriol her husband delivered today. Perhaps he's she's witnessed it before.
3
@abigail49 Really well said.
I don't understand why so many maintain that this process is ruining the lives of both the prospective judge and the witness. Had no current SCOTUS judges retired or otherwise left the court, Kavnaugh's life would have been what it is. Being questioned about events that may or may not have happened in the past, while it may be difficult, does not, in and of itself, ruin a person's life.
17
Which Senate rule is Senator Grassley applying that allows Brett Kavanaugh to interrupt senators, to question senators, and to lecture senators? He's already pulled a big fast one with the "committee confidential" meaning "Chuck Grassley forbids you to talk about it," and with refusing to properly call witnesses. Now we get this, "under penalty of felony, " which sounds weird because it is usually, "under penalty of perjury," and yes indeed, it is weird. It means that none of these people have sworn anything, their lawyers have sworn that they transcribed the statements. Now we have Kavanaugh running the hearing as if it were the senators who were testifying, and he alleges a conspiracy while under oath but is not required to submit evidence that what he said was true. He's being alleged to be a "mean drunk" and we've established that he's indeed mean under any stress.
Case closed, this guy is unsuitable for any court appointment, including his current one.
44
At least Clarence Thomas has the foresight and sense to keep his cool. This man just revealed himself to be a political till, completely unqualified to be Supreme Court Justice.
36
So many comments of horror and people feeling powerless watching the circus that is this hearing unfold. But I say if the Republicans confirm Kavanaugh, we the people must not accept it. I feel complicit having not screamed loud enough or protested angrily enough when Clarence Thomas was confirmed.
We must respond differently if we expect a different outcome or we will be here again, twenty years from today. Politicians are not going to move the needle. Mass protests and the American people simply not accepting decisions and processes that are so deeply, deeply wrong will move the needle.
The system is broken and will remain so if we just sit back, feeling powerless, and wait for it to change. Vote. Volunteer to register voters. Drive voters to polling stations. Attend protests and sit ins. Express your outrage. Demand answers and accountability from your reps. Write Op Eds. If there were ever a time when it is truly the squeaky wheel that will get the oil, it is now.
18
Sex abuse allegations notwithstanding, this is about Kavanaugh's character or lack thereof. He lied about some things in the first round of hearings, and now for some reason it finds it necessary to lie about his early years. He has said he did not drink to excess, but there are many examples, some of his own creation, that show that to be false. He has said he was of legal drinking age his senior year in high school, that is false. The law changed the summer before when he was still 17 to raise the drinking age to 21. Those who were 18-20 were grandfathered, but those who were 17 had to wait until they were 21. Instead of admitting that he was not a saint as a teenager and showing how he had grown since then, he first claimed now that he was practically a saint back then, and has subsequently had to walk back those claims.
Someone who finds it necessary to lie now is not a person with the sort of character that should be a Supreme Court Justice. His present day behavior disqualifies him.
36
Is this the kind of temperament we expect in a judge or justice? I know someone quite well with excellent credentials, who was passed over for a judgeship because of an overly aggressive nature. If the Senate confirms Kavanaugh, it will demean the court and only contribute to it’s already sinking reputation.
As for Kavanaugh’s credibility about sobriety, as a former member of the Yale faculty, I can only say Deke’s were notorious for their boozing and partying. He might be a smart guy born of privilege, but he is less than honest about his college life. For me, that kind of dissembling is totally disqualifying. Our nation deserves better.
27
Of course he’s emotional, upset, and angry. He’s watching his life flash before his eyes. Whether he deserves redemption from his youth is not the same as whether he deserves a lifetime appointment on the highest court in the land.
He obviously doesn’t want to talk about his drinking which unravels his whole defense.
Why do the Republican men always believe other men. I stand by Christine Blasey Ford. Mark Judge should be subpoenaed. We should hear from the other accusers. This should not be rushed just because it’s politically inconvenient for Republicans to thoroughly vet this man’s character.
62
Kavanaugh got asked 9 or 10 times whether he would ask for an FBI investigation of Dr. Ford's allegations, and EVERT SINGLE TIME he sidestepped the question by saying "I will do whatever the Committee wants," knowing 100% that Chuck Grassley, the chairman, would NEVER ask for such an investigation.
What a duplicitous man Kavanaugh is.
38
Who keeps calendars from over 30 years ago? Either he's a packrat, or he has some strange reason why he thought he'd need to hold on to these for a future date.
30
I found brett difficult to listen to. He was arrogant and used cliche’ reasoning of why he was without fault. According He went to elite basketball camps, worker out, played football and hugged the American flag at bedtime.
I felt like he was unhinged and acted unbecoming someone of his intended rank. I don’t know if he has a sordid past or not. But I didn’t walk away feeling confident in his character.
70
You can understand all you need to about Brett Kavanaugh by the look on his wife’s face. I hope she crucifies him one day.
1
Great Audition for Attorney General, Senator Graham. Well played, but it is no guarantee that President Trump will appoint you to AG.
Don't count your chickens before...
14
Sorry but Lindsey Graham can "erupt" into all the overwrought histrionics he can muster but he lost any moral superiority the minute he began playing golf with Trump, whom he strongly derided during the 2016 elections but apparently forgave the very instant he teed up.
You don't like the way Democrats treat your nominee? Then bring forward a nominee that doesn't reek of corruption. Can't think of a nominee more emblematic of the most corrupt administration in history. Crocodile tears and theatrics from the Republicans today. Nothing more.
27
Well, now we all know just what kind of a Supreme Court Judge Mr. Kavanaugh will be -- because there's no doubt Republicans will continue to push him through, tone-deaf to any voices outside of their own.
And his angry-white-man-as-victim performance will continue to play out for generations to come, while folks like Senator Lindsey Graham eagerly forget more than one life has been "destroyed".
At least he was correct in saying this confirmation process has become a disgrace ... albeit for different reasons.
61
I guess any progressive legislation before the Supreme Court will be viewed dispassionately by Judge Kavanaugh.
23
First we get Republican senators pontificating in support of Kavanaugh, then we get Kavanaugh filibustering in response to Democrats' questions.
This is not testimony in front of a committee trying to come to the truth of an accusation.
59
Who to believe? Depends on your partisanship. If we’re truly honest, is anyone floating from one camp to another over this?
Maybe a few. But that’s the depressing tale around all of this.
3
Boy, ain’t that the truth. However, Kavanaugh immediately disqualified himself when he blamed, along with every other breathing Democrat, the Clintons. Good grief.
1
Kavanaugh is upset about the politics of this? He should ask his boss Merrill Garland how it feels.
14
The thing that strikes me the most is how sexist the GOP Senators behaved today. The image they projected to the nation and the world is this: They refused to speak to Dr. Ford, rather they had someone else speak to her for them. They are now speaking to Judge Kavanaugh and falling all over themselves in praising him. The two images are striking in their sexism and utter cluelessness.
17