This is a difficult day for all sexual assault survivors both male and female across the country and around the world. That said, we could not have a better spokesperson for all of us than Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Her courage despite all consequences she is facing is heroic and inspiring.
We could not have asked for a better voice to speak for all of us.
I wasn’t crying until we got to Cory Booker.
I had no idea who Cory Boomer was until today. I am so impressed with him and his kind demenor towards Dr Ford. I am so proud of Dr Ford and her bravery
I was first aware of Cory Booker in 2012 when he was mayor of Newark(?) NJ during hurricane Sandy. He was personally on the streets getting medical supplies, and baby needs and necessary items to those displaced. I believe he even took people in to his own home to provided them shelter,
I have a lot of respect for Mr Booker.
Wish he would marry so he could be a viable Presidebtial candidate.
I’ve no problem with him being single but others might.
Tamara-you need to watch Street Fight. I remember seeing it when it came out and thinking, this man will be president one day.
Me too. He was exceptional. Empathy. Dr. Ford was telling the truth.
Cory Booker is well known to those of us in NYC, since Newark is just across the river. he was an extremely connected mayor for the city of Newark and once saved a women from a fire. He is charismatic, intelligent and empathetic, all qualities that will serve him well in a political career that will hopefully end up in the White House.
The fact that he is hot and single, are just a bonus for this lady.
Me either. It was heart wrenching and she held her own so well.
I love Cory Booker. I watched most of the hearing today. I’ll never forget what Dr. Blasey Ford said about the laughter.
Love Cory Booker. Wish there were more of him. Wish there were more Dr. Ford’s as well. I believe her.
The expression on their faces were like ‘we’re doing you a favour, so make it quick.’ #mofos
I believe Dr. Ford. ☑
I can still hear the laughter and it haunts me 30 years later. Her graphic description of the laughter makes me know that she is 100% telling the truth
I have no doubt that Dr. Ford is speaking the truth.
I believe her. That feeling of being embarrassed and humiliated stand out the most. No matter how old you are ( a lot of sexual abuse happens in childhood) we feel like its somehow our fault. “Boys will be boys” Bullshit!! We need change the way we think about sexual abuse! Male or female sexual abuse is unacceptable!! The perpetrators need to be held accountable and they should be put on BLAST!! Instead of hidden, transferred, or paying off victims! “Having fun at my expense” Powerful words….
It seems democrats on Twitter were angry with the female prosecutor asking the questions for the republican senators. I thought she did a great job and was very respectful while at the same time asking the difficult questions that the republicans wanted to ask. WAY better than if it had been the men.
The female prosecutor did fine without any corroborative evidence, other than Dr. Ford’s, to go by.
It’s not about the people asking the questions anymore. Dr. Ford’s solid, specific, emotionally moving testimony made it imperative we not have a judge on the Supreme Court with Kavanaugh’s now questionably dubious character. This isn’t a seat he is seeking that we can, after al the final evidence is in, then turn around and fire him from. It’s for life and of such degree of importance it deserves a golden standard which Kavanaugh no longer assures us he can meet, by way of a tainted reputation Dr. Ford was able to justify today.
It says a lot about those elderly, misogynistic, republican senators that they were too cowardly to question Ms. Blasey Ford themselves. How long before they are exposed too? They are terrified.
It’s time for women to run our government. Enough with the old fucks destroying our country!
This isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue it’s a predator issue
Putting a sexual predator on the Supreme Court is not my decision it’s theirs.
This man is a sexual predator period
To the people sitting in the hearing it is absolutely political. Should it be this way, no and at one time it wasn’t.
Graham made it blantantly political with his stark raving mad diatribe.
THIS ☝🏼
I agree; he was acting like the big, tough bully that Trump expected the Repubs and Kavanaugh to be. I am so disgusted with my (former) party.
He made me SICK.
It didn’t stop them when Anita Hill accused Clarence Thomas of Sexual misconduct. They pushed his nomination right on through. Just like they will do with this predator.
Her description of running into Mark Judge at the supermarket a few weeks later, shyly saying Hi to him and his being surprised drove the point home.
That scene played like a movie in my head.
She is a thoroughly credible witness and I believe every word she says. Brett Kavanaugh has other ethical issues that made me question his appropriateness for the SCOTUS but this is the clincher.
I have been watching all morning and am in awe of Dr. Ford. Her strength and bravery are a testament to how strong victims are.
Lindsay graham is a total asshole. I’ve had to take two walks around our neighborhood to calm down so far. Can’t wait for Kavanaugh to (hopefully) get nailed by Kamala Harris.
I hope you are correct but I’ve heard nothing that will change a Republican vote.
I think this is true too. They are determined that he will get through. None of this is about justice or what is right. It is about politics and power.
Unbelievable. So now an accusation alone is enough evidence to destroy a man personally and professionally? For political expediency. And before you all start I am a woman, a feminist, pro choice and anti Trump but the sheer unfairness of this set up makes me sick. Maybe something did happen to her but the only thing she is NOW sure of amongst the swirling mists is that it was Kavanaugh. Riiiight. I feel sorry for her especially as I was also sexually abused at a similar age in two different incidents but the rest of you make me sick to the stomach jumping on the touchy feely bandwagon. PROOF IS WHAT WE NEED, NOT FEELINGS!
I’m going to bet your recollection of your own abuse is fuzzy around the edges at this point. But I’m going to bet you recall WHO your abuser was. You are sure of that, right?
In one instance it was a stranger in a park. In the other it was the father of a school friend. And you bet in the second case I can remember the who, the where and the when. Her allegation is conveniently fuzzy on the where and the when which makes it impossible for anyone to defend themselves.
Let me ask you this:- are you happy with a legal system moving towards the Title 9 college kangaroo court system where an allegation stands as evidence in itself and the jury renders a verdict without the accused having the right to challenge evidence. Be careful what you wish for.
This isn’t a criminal proceeding. It’s a job interview.
So that makes it okay to entirely destroy someone with an uncorroborated accusation? It’s not like win or lose he walks away and this rolls off his back and his life continues unchanged.
I would have no issues had she gone to the police with this but instead it was weaponized as a political tool produced at the last moment to cause maximum damage. It’s reprehensible and as a survivor of sexual assault I resent it being used in this way.
I seriously doubt that you are “a feminist, pro choice and anti Trump.” Nothing you’ve said gives any indication of that.
Doctor Ford asked for an FBI investigation, you would think Kavanaugh would have demanded one when the accusation was made if he has nothing to hide. Why bleat about how you and your family are so damaged but not demand a thorough FBI investigation? He has resisted efforts to get the FBI involved, assisted by the senate republicans, who if the situation were reversed would be foaming at the mouth for an investigation. What’s up with that?
This is not a criminal proceeeding. This is an in-depth job interview. There is no “beyond a shadow of a doubt” or “a preponderance of evidence.” This is about character and suitability to serve on the highest court in the land with a lifetime appointment. He’s not entitled to “due process,” although Dr. Ford and the Senate Democrats have asked for an FBI investigation which would likely elucidate all the esoteric details it is said she’s missing. If Mr. Kavanaugh is truly innocent of these allegations he should absolutely welcome FBI inquiry, as ought the Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Commitee, chiefly Chairperson Grassley and Sen. Graham. They don’t want full investigation because it would bring to light all the deeds they’d rather leave in the dark.
Well said!
Not getting a seat on the Supreme Court does NOT constitute “destroy[ing] a man personally and professionally”.
He’s not on trial for rape. He is engaged in a job interview process for a job in which his character is of paramount importance.
Dr. Ford is a highly credible witness to this man’s (lack of) character.
Kavanaugh is not *entitled* to a Supreme Court seat despite what he seems to believe.
Yes!
Joan H, I’m with you 100%. Someone did something to her but it wasn’t him.
I don’t think it was him either. I am sorry for her but I just don’t think it was him. Please keep an open mind.
You’re asking us to keep an open mind but you’re saying you don’t think he did it.
That open mind swings both ways.
Thank you. I sometimes feel I’m drowning in the KoolAid. Just in terms of basic human justice this is so transparently wrong I’m aghast that others don’t see that and that it threatens all of us if this is the way forward.
Thanks for stating what so many of us are thinking, Joan. It’s turned into a political circus and a travesty to our justice system.
I’m from New Jersey and know people who have had to work with Sen. Booker in various capacities. Let’s just say that Sen. Booker is not who he appears to be and tends to embellish the truth to serve his own agenda.
I am so concerned that all it takes is someone alleging something like this and they need have zero proof, but are believed. Dr Ford presents no facts to support her statements ,knows not the day or place where it happened,waited 36 years to talk about it, and then announced it publicly for the specific purpose of preventing him from getting to a job he had worked his life for. Every witness she mentioned, every friend ( her friend) she said knew about it,both denies being there and denies it happened.
If it was your son or husband or brother being accused, would you not demand a fair hearing? How can he refute something where she presents no facts to look into? That is what the FBI said- there is nothing to study. There are no facts to pursue. This would not even begin to be pursued in our justice system- how can we allow it to do something far more serious, destroy a man’s reputation?
Comments above have said he should not be on the Supreme Court ,based on what Dr Ford said. What has been proven ???? Or what facts have been presented and supported?
I believe something terrible happened to Dr Ford and that she has been seriously wounded by it. I know every woman takes this very personally and deeply, as we should. I sincerely hope she finds the help and peace she needs. And I believe her that she believes Dr Kavanaugh did it. I believe she has been terribly treated by this process, but I also believe Judge Kavanaugh has been accused without a scintilla of fact to support it. He and his family have been through hell as well. We cannot begin to accept every accusation made by anyone as fact because they are believable as they discuss it or the situation as described is a despicable one. And this one is despicable. And she was both extremely upset ,young,and emotional at the time.
There has been a growing unrest in the country on a number of issues, women’s rights and attacks on women certainly high among them. Dr Ford stands as one of the most visible examples of one of the worst things that can happen to women ,and everyone reacts emotionally to it. Add the politics and no one can even talk about it any more. But we must approach it looking at fairness for all.
If someone I Ioved, or I,were attacked, I would want justice- and to find the responsible person. I would want to be sure they could not do it to anyone else ever again. If someone I loved were accused, I would desire the
same. I know we all would -if we knew what it was. But it must be proven fairly,
honestly, with facts, not just the strength of someone’s voice or the sadness of the attack’s description. We are still coming to grips with these issues. I hope we’re willing to seek the full truth before trying to blame someone for the evil committed- whether it was them or not. The only way to do that is carefully, not emotionally. And not politically- and that is what has happened here, whether we like it or not, see it or not.
I criticize no one here-we are all struggling I share it to be part of the dialogue. I hope it comes across as intended-and not hurtful in any way. For each of us who have been assaulted I know we all wrap our arms around each other in support, strength , and care- and hope that each day is a little easier.
This is another longwinded post like wirelessmom’s neither one of you understand the difference between a TRIAL and a CONFIRMATION HEARING.
ONE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OTHER. YOUR MALE FRIENDS AND FAMILY are not at risk of being unable to defend themselves of a crime based on the PROCEDURE RULES OF A SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION HEARING!
Your conflation of the two VERY DIFFERENT SITUATIONS is nonsensical and you are being hysterical about and imaginary situation.
Here is what I told her and then suggested she just stop posting, as I also suggest to you. YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
This conversation is about whether or not the current candidate for SUPREME COURT JUSTICE is WORTHY of the position. He seems to think he is ENTITLED to the position. He is not.
You seem to think it is necessary to prove that Kavanaugh attempted to rape someone. The standard for becoming a Supreme Court Justice is not “Well, at least he didn’t rape anyone.” The standard for a Supreme Court Justice should be someone who is of good moral character, who believes in rights for all people including women and minorites and people who are not rich, white, politicians. a quality in most women when determining the fitness of a nominee to serve is whether or not the want to roll women’s rights back to the 1950s. Of the 21 people making the decision only FOUR women are on the committee and none of the women are part of the majority party.
This has nothing to do with your son being accused of something and having to prove he didn’t do it. Your son is unlikely to be nominated as a supreme court justice.
If he is accused of a crime, you should hire him a lawyer and it will be up to the prosecution to prove he did it, he doesn’t have to prove he didn’t do it.
Are you from the United States?
Word to the unwise you can execute the fifth amendment right to remain silent. Better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.
You don’t understand what having a fear of flying means Suzzane. So it isn’t fair of you to say Dr. Ford is lying about hers. She isn’t. Like any fear or phobia it has varying degrees depending on the person and situation. It can be as mild as not wanting to fly certain distances but being able to by taking a mild sedative before hand or using certain meditation techniques. It can also be so severe a person can never fly anywhere, but the later is rare. Stop blaming the victim and educate yourself about fears/phobias instead, please.
I agree Joan H and BeetsWhy. I have family members who were raped several times, and even human trafficked in their teens, and horribly discriminated against. They did not wait 40 years before they told anybody. They told at least one person or a few – and right away. There is no corroborating evidence here. Was her testimony moving? yes. Was she afraid? yes. And anybody would be afraid under oath in those circumstances. Does it strike me that she is disturbed? Yes. Was his mother the judge who presided over the foreclosure of her parents’ home? yes. He is crying now too. This is a mess, and I do not think this is helping the cause of true victims. And I am being respectful. Her lawyers were constantly coaching her. Do I believe her? I don’t know. But I do know REAL victims and I have been in the trenches with them — rescuing them from human trafficking under the most harrowing of circumstances. I am a fierce feminist. But this woman does not act like the victims I know- and I am one of them too. And the way this all happened – makes me very suspicious. And I hope my difference of opinion will be tolerated.
It may be tolerated, but that doesn’t mean my stomach doesn’t turn reading them.
Wow. And my stomach turns when the righteous cause of true victims in the future may be undermined by the mere accusations of questionable 40 year later attackers, backed by a poweful political team with a pre-declared agenda, and without one shred of corroborating evidence. And I am the FIRST person to go after any man who hurts a woman in any way — HAVING BEEN HURT THAT WAY MYSELF. OR women who sexually abuse young men. And yes – I know women who were believed — who later admitted they have lied. And there have been many such cases in the news. SO MY STOMACH TURNS TOO.
I agree with you 100% Scottishwitch. And your screen name is rather prescient. Kavanaugh is like the woman accused of being a witch. They bound her and threw her in the water. If she floated she was convicted of being a witch and put to death. If she was innocent she sank. And drowned. This process is revolting and unfair.
You are not required to read here. Or comment. Yet you choose to demean a woman claiming abuse and mock all of the rest of us who are reliving our own situations.
It is really worth all that to voice your dissenting opinion? Not just Scottishwitch, but some of the rest of you.
I believe I made it clear in my post that such animosity toward sexual assault victims is not welcome here, and neither is simply dismissing a sexual assault victim as of lying.
Yeah. It is worth it. Women lie sometimes. Duke Lacrosse. This is a political hit job. And while I am at it. You Tamara are a bully. Just as bad as your nemesis at AATT. See you later. Or not.
Deleted.
Questioning the validity of account and animosity are not the same thing.
Some people don’t have a Clue and if given enough rope hang themselves in their own Conservatory.
Absolute garbage. Because she didn’t report it immediately, she’s not a “REAL” victim?
And it’s obvious that you’ve been drinking the right-wing propaganda kool-aid. Fact check that foreclosure misinformation that you’re spreading. His mother didn’t “preside over the foreclosure of her parent’s home”. The ONE ruling she made over the home refinance was IN FAVOR of the Blaseys and got them out of foreclosure.
Exactly! Why is time always an issue with some people? Its a weak ass argument imo.
Everyone reacts and processes their pain differently. Just because someone knows someone or has a family member that came forward at the time (which is great btw) doesn’t mean everyone has to do the same to be taken seriously. Some internalise and bury it out of fear or embarrassment. Brave men and women have only just started speaking out about the sexual abuse they suffered in children’s homes in the 70s and 80s here in Scotland. Should they be taken less seriously because they haven’t spoken about it until now?
Me too. I believer her 100%
So, all victims of sexual abuse act the same? They all have the same reactions to a horrific experience? Interesting. Good to know that if they don’t line up with your family member’s reactions, there’s a high likelihood it didn’t happen.
Huh, didn’t know there was a certain way that victims should act, like the ones YOU know. Very narrow thinking.
What is your source for the foreclosure information?
Nantango,
If you’re asking me:
Snopes and PolitiFact both have detailed explanations of the foreclosure situation.
If you’re asking scottishwitch:
I can only guess one of any number of right-wing propaganda/misinformation sites.
the background info I read regarding the Judge’s mother and Dr. Ford’s parent’s home was that the bank was suing her parents to foreclose but whatever was resolved in court the home ultimately never WAS foreclosed. They did not lose their home.
Whoa. Joan H. Dunn, The difference being is …
Supreme Court Justice.
All information needs to heard.
Kavanaugh’s life is not ruined, he is a Federal judge. He isn’t losing his position in life.
I’ve no clue why Kavanaughs name was put up, there are better qualified and respected Republican men than this guy.
Joan H. Why would you want to cover up a witness to Kavanaughs past behavior? I honestly doubt anything anyone says will effect the vote.
Republicans want this man and nothing will stop them. They are only doing this hearing to appear they are being fair.
“Republicans want this man and nothing will stop them. They are only doing this hearing to appear they are being fair.” No truer words!
I agree. It was a he said she said circus today. The 4 people Dr Ford said were there have made statements that, if false, could be charged with a felony, saying that they did not witness what Dr. Ford described. Her best friend at the time has said that she have never met Kavanaugh.
The way the democrats handled this was horrible. First, the leaked Dr. Ford’s name when she did not want it leaked. Dianne Feinstein was the only one with her letter. Second, they could have done this privately, if they would have come forward in July, when they had the letter. Instead they waited until the final hour before Kavanaugh’s confirmation forcing this public testimony between Ford and Kavanaugh. Their timing was done at Dr. Ford’s expense and for nothing more than delaying the confirmation.
An accusation isn’t a fact. While she seemed believable she doesn’t have any corroboration. The Senate wasn’t given anything to change their vote.
I believe her 100%. I was in high school in the late 70’s and attended many drinking parties. My parents never knew I was even AT these parties so if this had happened to me I would absolutely NOT tell my parents, thinking they would be mad about the drinking. Stupid, yes. But that’s how teenagers think sometimes. Her comment about the laughter and her refusal to tell her parents rung very true to me, at least.
Many victims / survivors of abuse block out the details. For many, it is a survival mechanism. But the WHO is not blacked out. A survival mechanism telling you to RUN AWAY next time you see them.
Joan H. Dunn, Kavanaugh will be voted in tomorrow morning, his appointment has been settled months ago.
Today was to pretend Republicans are fair minded and a fair investigation. There will be no investigation because he might not come out clean.
Kavanaugh is your next supreme Court Justice.
Not the smartest man or even the smartest judge but a middle of the road Judge that thinks a lot like the Republicans in the Senate.
That’s is why he will be voted in on Friday morning.
Dr Fords life is damaged and changed forever. She gained nothing but did a great service for future generations of women. Wonder how the women of tomorrow will handle men like this.
Joanie the man wins relax.
So sad but couldn’t be more accurate. Damn, I could really go for a good ‘smoke’ right now.
Heartbreaking. Heartwrenching. The statistics are abhorrent about sexual assault—CNN put up graphics about %reported, %convicted, etc. ASTONISHING! Women are NEVER believed right off the bat in this society, heck, around the world.
I was raped and I told no one. Freshman year like the second or third week. Some guy that my friend had a crush on. I go back to his dorm room. We’ve been drinking heaving, think he offered me pot. I DO remember saying NO and trying to get him off me and I couldn’t.
This is the first time I typed it out or told anyone. I thought, poor choice, ‘warrior’ (I felt nothing remotely like a warrior or strong woman back then at 18 and starting my long dark road to problem drinking and high functioning alcoholic). I drank too much and that’s the way the cookie crumbled. But I was RAPED.
I feel like today, someone spoke up for all of us, Warrior.
Yes, she was and is AMAZING! I am oddly unemotional about the incident, maybe because it wasn’t the worst thing to happen to me in my life.
I will have no words if he is confirmed. All these white men (not ALL), whether young or old who cling to privilege and power over women, must GO! The cognitive dissonance always baffles me because these guys all have mothers, and many have daughters…..?????
Warrior, by typing this out for the first time, YOU are speaking for others and giving someone the courage to speak. Thanks for joining our voices.
Thank you! This was 30 years ago and you better believe I would stand up and say something if my attacker was up for the Supreme Court. But I would be utterly destroyed by the opposition because I would have no Corroborating evidence and never told anyone so all these people on this thread who say why now after all these years and it’s politically motivated fuck them! No two people are the same who have been raped or assaulted.
Warrior, you’re fucking amazing. And you are definitely a warrior!
Proud of you Warrior. I believe you’re safe here. You really touched me today with your ability to finally start your own dialog about what was taken from you.
Thank you TT for your support of our many voices.
We are only as sick as our secrets. I wish you healing. Have never mentioned mine. Guess I’m still sick.
You are a warrior who survived. You were young and likely there was no support. What is so sad (besides being raped) is that the person violated feels shame. What pisses me off so much (the rape most, of course) is that the person who was violated often is treated in ways to cause shame if they do come forward. And the perp just floats along.
I know this doesn’t mean much but I’m so incredibly proud of every person, man or woman, who takes a stand against their abuser. To do that in the public eye takes more bravery than I’d be able to muster. Now that you’ve found the courage to make your voice heard, don’t ever let it be silenced Dr. Ford. We all stand with you.
Wow. Kavanaugh is proving himself to be every bit the belligerent asshole that his accusers made him out to be.
He’s a scary man. I’d hate to see him drunk.
He’s a partisan hack, not SC material.
Elitist from birth, we owe him this appointment and he will have it.
Kavanaugh is not the best judge or smartest man, but he thinks the same as the Republican in the Senate today. Many of these men are friends already with Kavanaugh.
Only thing that is left is the parade.
I don’t know if it was the GOP who told him to come in raging and yelling – but as a person who believed Dr. Ford but was skeptical about slamming the anonymous woman into a wall. After hearing him rage, I am convinced if he doesn’t get his way, he’s capable of that, and shutting a woman up with his hand over her mouth. Ford’s parents haven’t spoken up, according to the Washington Post, because they belong to the same country club as the Kavanaughs. I am so glad she gets the support from her husband and in-laws. The female prosecutor will not be questioning Kavanaugh. Ford already has been accorded unequal treatment.
I too questioned Kavanaugh’s demeanor and apparent rage when he started speaking, I thought to myself “Wow, this guy is coming across as a crazy person” especially compared to Dr Ford. Then I took a step back and thought, well he is pissed because he is being accused of sexual assault.
Is the woman asking questions the same person who asked Dr Ford questions for the republicans?
I only saw the Dr Ford portion until the 30 minute break because I had to run an errand, but I got back just before Kavanaugh began, so far I think this prosecutor has done a good job asking questions for the republicans…
Julie, the female prosecutor HAS been questioning Kavanaugh. What is your point there?
It appears the Republicans are given the option of deferring to the prosecutor or asking their own questions. Lindsay Gramham made the wrong decision. Other republican senators are asking their own questions in a civilized manner.
Joan , Kavanaugh will be voted in tomorrow morning. Today doesn’t mean a thing, at least about Kavanaugh and his Supreme Court seat.
Dr Ford was able to be heard anot one Republican will be changing their vote. You could look at today as entertainment and relax.
Sad you don’t care about who Kavanaugh could possibly be.
I have been struggling with this issue since it was first announced that Kavanaugh had been accused of sexual assault.
First — let me say I believe Dr Ford. I find her an incredibly brave woman and I admire her greatly for having the courage to come before the nation and the world to share her story.
I am completely frustrated with Senator Dianne Feinstein, and I find her reasoning as to why she did not question Kavanaugh to be greatly flawed. I agree with Senator Grassley, Feinstein could have brought this allegation before the Senate Judiciary committee weeks ago without violating Dr. Ford’s privacy.
Had Feinstein done this, we would not be here today, this nomination could have been pulled and Dr Ford would have her life and her privacy.
I have been wondering why Kavanaugh would continue and not withdraw himself, but then thought that if he believes he is innocent then he is moving forward because he wants to clear his name (and I say “believe” because if he were drinking as is suggested, he may very well no remember what happened).
Again, Dr Ford is credible, my heart breaks for her and her family.
I found her to be an amazing, strong, intelligent, honest, and likable woman. I think all women who have been violated in some way identified with her. She is every woman who has been abused by a man. I only listened to the beginning of Kavanaugh’s statement. He came off as arrogant, belligerent, angry, and domineering. He is just the kind of man I could imagine overpowering a woman should be not get his way. I am not sure who advised him to come out so aggressively, but that was bad advice. I can only hope that people put pressure on their senators to stop this nomination. At the very least, stop it for now. Stop this aggressive slam it in your face, rush it through before anyone realizes who he is, approach. It is dangerous for our country. It would do no harm to thoroughly investigate this and other allegations. Take some time. After all, this is an appointment FOR LIFE.
Wait did he just say Mark Judge wrote a book about his life and included Kavanaugh in his book in a way that seems to discuss the attack in question?
Did I hear that wrong? Are they talking about the yearbook entry or is this another written recording of that time?
Sorry, I’m having a bit of an issue focusing.
If I understand correctly he (Mark Judge) recounted incidents in his book of their drunken escapades. He used aliases for the “friends” he was with. There was a character that kind of was a masked attempt to not name them directly but it was enough to link them.
He is truly not doing himself any favors. He is becoming way emotional and very belligerent when questioned in ways that do not favor him.
The sad thing for me is that I was left with in my #metoo moment is that I trust no one and am heartbroken to my core that we have come to this. I am so angry at our institutions that we were supposed to rely on to protect us and I am disgusted by it all.
Thanks for explaining. And I agree with your entire comment, especially the last paragraph. The shocking responses of some of the women here only reinforce the lack of trust in the world.
It was fiction.
No. It wasn’t. That’s easily verifiable.
The book Judge wrote is called Wasted: Tales of a GenX drunk. He changed the names of his buddies…one name was Burt O’ Kavanaugh.
Actually, it’s Bart. And he refers to Kavanaugh as Bart on his Yearbook page.
Someone posted on a social media website today about men being believed 40 years after a priest raped them, but women are generally not believed about being raped. It sounds about right.
Lindsay Graham has lost all composure and is ranting like the loon he is.
Kavanaugh is getting more and more aggressive, defensive, and evasive of his questions at this continues. He’s not doing himself any favors.
Kavanaugh’s behavior in this hearing is in and of itself disqualifying.
He’s revealed himself to be a blatant partisan, highly entitled, and highly intemperate. All things that a Supreme Court justice should NOT be.
Seconded!!!
I dont live in South Carolina, but I do own property there (TRav’s distant neighbor at the beach.) I’m currently researching what I have to do that as my official address by the 2020 elections so I can have the personal satisfaction of voting against Lindsey.
Republicans are sticking by him.
This’ll come down to 2-4 Senators.
I considered myself a republican my entire adult life. I’m voting Democrat in the midterms. Hopefully they will take the House and Senate and call for an actual investigation and in impeach him IF he is appointed to the supreme Court if he has been found to be lying about anything. They should also get rid of Clarence Thomas too, he has already been proven to have lied under oath.
They should also impeach or amendment 25 the top predator in office. Glad to have you on the blue side. Women must stand together. No one else cares about us.
Susie-Q. Thank you for coming on board. As a loud mouth Democrat now, it has not always been this way.
When being s conservative went from being a tight wad to religious vigor I left. There are Democrats that are very religious and atheists yet often work side by side. Believe no infringement on others rights in the name of a religion.
Something has to be done with these mostly white crazy old men who are scared of change.
Dr. Ford is a very brave Lady.
I was raped when I was Jr or Sr in HS. I had been slipped qualudes and was either complely passed out or was blackout. There were 4 of us there that night. My best friend (who was there with her bf)told me the next day Andy had sex with me. I didn’t believe it and she thought I just wasnt telling her. I was a virgin. It changed my life’s trajectory sideways. That was 43 years ago. I’ve never told a soul. I believe Dr Ford.
I am so sorry that you ever had to experience something, so horrible. You obviously are a strong individual sharing your story and braving along all these years. I am a abuse survivor too and commend you. I don’t think some people understand every time a victim does so, it inspires all others. And you inspired me.
I’ve looked at this situation from both sides, and find this outrageous example of the kind of justice that
isn’t American. A person is innocent until proven guilty. That is a basic premise of the American judicial
system. This man, with a heretofore impeccable personal and professional reputation, who is being torn
to pieces by a gang of raving wolves. Someone pointed at him and declared him a sexual prediter. Sort
of like the Salem witch trials, where the mere accusation meant the accused was burned at the stake.
I found Dr. Ford credible. However, that doesn’t mean Kavanaugh is automatically guilty. There is no
proof that any of this actually occurred, the people she said were there have said they weren’t there. That
isn’t proof. This accusation is not enough to find a person guilty.
That’s the basic description, and it has nothing to do with who did what. The whole thing is an attempt to
stall an appointment to the Supreme Court, because the Democrats don’t like the outcome of the
last Presidential election. They will do anything, smear anyone, destroy an entire family, wreck a mans
reputation just so they can delay the appointment until they think they will gain power from the next
election. It’s all about politics, it’s not at all about Dr. Ford, she just got caught in the middle.
This example of today’s thinking should make every woman terrified of what could happen to their husbands, fathers, brothers, or sons should one person stand on the corner and point a finger at them
and destroy them with no evidence. I’m ashamed of us all.
And I am ashamed of you
I feel ashamed of you.
But he doesn’t have an impeccable personal reputation… 3 women (so far) have come forward to accuse him of disgusting behavior. That’s not baseless, that’s a pattern. Dumbass.
Oh dear god!
This isn’t a trial in a court of law. No one has to prove guilt or innocence. This is essentially a job interview for a seat on the highest court in the land. And he is FAILING this interview in an astounding way.
I’m not ashamed of you. From what I read you’ve not attacked her credentials or accusations or claimed he’s innocent. It seems to me you’re simply commenting on process by which this is happening. I personally am glad she had spoke up BUT the American System confuses me greatly. As many of you have pointed out this is a sort of ‘job interview’ for the supreme court and interviews as far as I’m aware are centred around fact only. She’s been brought there to comment on his character, but none of what she has said has actually been verified or evidence produced in a court of law. I don’t doubt what she has said, that is not for me to decide and I think she’s so brave to go on TV and go into detail infront of millions of viewers, BUT surely there is a ‘proper’ way of going about all of this. His nomination should have been halted and a criminal investigation into the allegations against him should have taken place. I dunno. Maybe I’m wrong.
When has a job interview EVER been centered solely around fact?!
The interviewer/employer typically asks all kinds of subjective questions to determine the temperament and suitability for the job. The employer is entirely in control of the situation and can deny employment for any or no reason.
I am astounded that anyone can look and listen to this man a not see and utterly despicable human.
Ugh Jim, no one’s said anything in his defence, calm yourself.
Ps. I said centred around, not consist solely of fact based questioning.
Of course there’s other avenues to explore to determine suitability but I have NEVER heard of random claims without any proven merit forming part of an interview process.
I said what I said. I’m glad she spoke up, I don’t doubt her story but I don’t think yesterday was the right platform for Dr. Ford. All of this should have been inside of a courtroom, where she could have produced evidence and her accusation judged accordingly. He hasn’t been charged with anything so how a claim like that can form part of a ‘character assessment’ without due process is ridiculous.
That’s not a defence of Kavanaugh, it’s a critique of the process. I hope you can separate the two.
My point is… there is no reason for this unfortunate episode to be tried in a court of law. No one is entitled to prove guilt or innocence. Brett Kavanaugh will not be going to prison for anything he might have done in the past.
This process is to determine Kavanaugh’s suitability for a lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. His dishonest, disgraceful, combative, partisan testimony before the Senate (and the world) is reason enough for him to be immediately disqualified for the job.
We need to demand honesty, dignity and civility from our elected officials. And appointments to high offices must be made with integrity not deception and trickery.
Jim, I’m really sorry. Respectfully I can’t agree with you on that. If someone says they were assaulted both parties are entitled by law to due process. He’s been accused of something incredibly serious. He needs to be investigated. If not, her story and bravery can just be passed off as hearsay by the men and women listening to her in that room since it can’t be further substantiated. I fully believe her and I don’t think he’s a suitable candidate for that position but I can also see why her words can be so easily brushed aside by those voting when there’s not even a police report. Going by that logic someone in the audience could have stood up and said anything about him and they should be expected to treat it as gospel without question. Last night should have been postponed until an investigation had been conducted. I don’t expect you to change your mind on the issue and I’m not going to either.
I don’t understand why so many of you keep calling it a job interview. No one is asking him questions like “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Lol! It’s a confirmation hearing that is run by the Senate Judiciary Committee to decide and vote for the nominee who has been appointed by the President. It follows rules of procedure and investigates judicial nominations. Kavanaugh was already vetted before the allegations arose. Unfortunately, the process has always been entrenched in politics. This time, they have taken it to the lowest level of a living hell.
People keep saying it’s a job interview because that is the closest thing to the point of the hearing. Some people keep screaming about innocent until proven guilty as if Kavanaugh is somehow on trial for something rather than having his character assessed for fitness to serve on the most important judicial role in this country,
Well, I disagree and think, perhaps, some need to take a refresher in civics. Call it whatever, but I also believe that Kavanaugh has the right to due process, and his character has been attacked by one person who failed to supply corroborating evidence. I do believe something happened to Ford, but I am not going to rush to judgment on Kavanaugh either.
Let’s see what the FBI comes up with.
Vegas Chick:
I’d suggest a civics refresher course for yourself as well.
“Due Process” pertains only to situations where government is attempting to deprive you of life, liberty, or property.
None of these apply to Kavanaugh.
“Presumption of Innocence” pertains only to criminal cases.
This is not one.
BTW, there is corroborating evidence provided by Kavanaugh, ironically enough.
July 1, 1982 on his calendar backs up Dr. Ford’s story 100%. Ms. Mitchell was honing in on that evidence yesterday and Kavanaugh was stumbling around for answers when the GOP committee members shut her down REAL QUICK and took over their own “questioning”, which had not been the original plan.
You can’t disagree with FACTS of LAW. Openings in the supreme court are decided by the process as outlined in article two of the US Constitution. Something you should have learned in civics class. The process includes action by the executive and legislative branches of government. Due process is upheld in the judiciary branch of government that has no role in the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice.
I agree. I feel so bad for Dr. Ford. She was so brave and clearly uncomfortable. This was a calculated political hit and the DNC used Dr. Ford. She was believable and likable. As I watched it made me sick. Nothing today will change votes.
I believe her, but I also believe she is being used as a pawn.
I thank Christine for her extreme heroism she’s sure taking a beaten, but her hits I believe are not in vain. One day she could be known as a very influential women ,whom helped all the anti rape culture movements to victory. “You can’t start a fire without a flame” (Bruce Springsteen)
And I ask respectfully that anyone who doesn’t understand why the victim didn’t do this that and the other thing, or think this is some kind of Rep Vs. Dems thing, Please do something in depth research on sexual assault, abuse, effects then you might be more able to talk matters more respectfully, and answer your own questions. Experience & Education are the tools of being knowledgeable about a topic. So, please also respect those who have lived through it.
I believe her and am outraged that our next Supreme Court Justice is quite probably a sexual predator.
Uh Oh I didn’t mean to put this out with my last name. Can I delete this somehow?
fixed.
Thanks Gracie. There are millions of us out there and me must stand together!!
How do I delete a comment?
I believe her.
I have a question for those who say they don’t believe Dr. Ford and support Judge Kavanaugh: did you watch the proceedings today?
Most of the are unable to respond.
Ahh. Good.
Thank you TT!
And did they watch him? This is the best candidate they could come up with for a lifetime job on the highest court in our nation?
If he’s the best they’ve got, then we’re screwed.
Lots of unanswered questions! Words aren’t proof.
That’s why we need an FBI investigation. Which is something that the Dems, Dr. Ford, and the other accusers have asked for repeatedly.
But the GOP and Kavanaugh don’t want that. Why not?
What do you think an FBI investigation would provide that was not provided today?
Perhaps they could interview Mark Judge.
Good question, and I appreciate you asking. For me, personally, I want to see Mark Judge have to answer in an official setting, along with Kavanaugh’s classmates who have made a pact to stay quiet.
I’d want the other accusers’ stories vetted. And I think that several of Kavanaugh’s lies regarding his yearbook “codes” could be easily debunked. I have a feeling more victims would step up if the FBI, and not the Judiciary Committee, was investigating.
I have more, but my brain is fried.
Long day in DC today. Over a thousand of us marching. It was overwhelming. But I couldnt help but be fucking pissed that we are STILL fighting this fight.
According to Urban dictionary, “Devil’s Triangle” is 2 men having sex with 1 women. He lied about it being like a quarters game.
Look up boofing, if that is in fact the word on his yearbook page. Learn something new (and gross) everyday.
Correct. And “boofing” is anal sex NOT flatulance. It comes from “butt fuck” which got shortened to “bufu” and finally “boof”.
Kavanaugh is a lying sack of shit rapist and he will be confirmed so that Donald Trump won’t be held accountable for treason.
It is a very sad day for America.
Thank you for marching for justice.
Thanks for marching, Kathryn.
And yes he lied about Boofing and Devil’s Triangle. LIED. UNDER. OATH.
Some members of the committee requested to have the FBI to investigate. The FBI declined.
I am curious why they were unwilling to investigate but … that is a fact and I don’t know why the DNC is acting like Grassley and/or Kavanaugh need to make the request. That’s not true. They’ve already been told no by the FBI.
That’s factually incorrect. The FBI has not declined to investigate.
They have.
They’ve done a background check and the letter was included with Kavanaugh’s background check on September 12th. This if from FBI director Wray: “We received request for follow-up inquiry, and we did the follow-up…”
I have heard the FBI declined since there were no allegations of a federal crime. I understand that the President can request that they open an investigation. Dr. Ford could file a police report with the Montgomery County Police and have them open an investigation since there aren’t any statute of limitations in Maryland.
I do believe that she was assaulted in some manor. I am just not so sure that it was Judge Kavanaugh that assaulted her. I don’t understand why she would say hello to Mark Judge when she saw him at the grocery store if he was there and a participant in the assault. I guess I just don’t understand it fully.
Technically true. But the implication is that they “declined,” as if it had bearing on the truth of the allegations because the FBI didn’t have enough evidence to move forward.
Ugh, just stop. You clearly don’t know what the DNC is or what it does. The DNC had nothing whatsoever to do with today’s proceedings. Do you even know what DNC stands for? You DO know that it’s different from the Democratic Party, right?
Further, it’s obvious you didn’t even watch Dr. Ford’s testimony, yet here you are dropping one factual inaccuracy after another in a forum where others who *did* watch can easily see that you are merely regurgitating Republican talking points that have no basis in fact or reality.
Thank you Eric for trying to keep people honest! We live in an “alternative facts” world now and we need people like you to stay vigilant and expose the lies.
Thanks, Jim. 😘
It’s like:
1) Grassley spouts a bunch of fact-free, partisan spin.
2) Fox “News” amplifies it to their audience of non-thinkers.
3) XOXO1968 Shows up here and spits it all back as established fact to a bunch of people who actually watched what happened in real time.
Apparently s/he thinks we’re all as stupid as Kavanaugh himself thinks we are. (I mean, come on. “Boffing” is about flatulence? “Renate Alumnius” means she’s a great girl? The most ridiculous LIES ever!)
Just incredible.
Subpoena Mark Judge
Political opinion, he will take us backward 30 plus years instead of forward. Personally I think he is a self entitled frat boy who still thinks he’s all that. Dick head!
I’d hate to get raked over the coals by what I may or may have not done in high school or my first year in college without more than an accusation. I’m the same age, female and a lawyer. I call this political b.s, obama’s nominee had to wait a year to be confirmed. Let’s get real.
I will HAPPILY be judged by what I did in high school and college.
That’s not to say I didn’t do plenty of stupid things or say plenty of stupid things, because I did.
But I never assaulted anybody. I never bullied anybody. I never felt entitled to girl’s (or boy’s!) bodies and made crass, denigrating jokes about them. I damn sure never threw a girl down on a bed and put my hand over her mouth to silence her.
Who I was then is who I am now, only with much more knowledge, life experience, and perspective. This is true of most people, IMO. We don’t suddenly get a moral compass on our 18th or 21st birthdays.
(And I’m not sure what you mean about Obama’s nominee. He was never confirmed. The Republicans held a blockade of most judicial appointments, not just the Supreme Court, for over a year, which makes their current rush to confirm all the more hypocritical.)
Ericzku, thank you for explaining so well why this delusional idea that because someone is under the age of 18 they shouldn’t be responsible for crimes they committ.
If that is truly the case it follows we should do away with solving all juvenile crimes and elimate juvenile punishment altogether.
Oh wait, I think what’s really being argued here is don’t berate or punish juveniles under the age of 18 who come from supposedly good families, who go on to have well paying jobs. Entitled much?
You are spot on! You never hear “Boys will be boys” when the accused is from a family without means.
Yep. I find that a lot of the same people who are so quick to dismiss these things as “the follies of youth” are the same ones who have no problem trying a 16 or 17 year-old as an adult and sending them to prison for life. But of course, those are *other* 16 and 17 year-olds. I’ll leave it at that.
I think one reason I’ve followed this situation so closely (other than the implications of having Kavanaugh on the SCOTUS) is that I grew up in this same world. I don’t know Kavanaugh or Ford personally, they are 5 – 6 years older than I, but I know this world very well. Dr. Ford’s story (and Kavanaugh’s too, for that matter) take me right back there.
Funny how the names change, but the personalities and actions stay exactly the same. I knew soooo many guys just like Kavanaugh, and I believe every word that Ford said.
You SAY you never assaulted anybody. Judge Kavanaugh also said he never assaulted anyone. You SAY you never bullied anyone. Prove it! You SAY you are innocent, Prove it!
That’s the part I object to, the fact that a mere accusation of assault results in the accused being judged guilty. Kavanaugh is a witch, tie him to a stake and light the wood, if he doesn’t burn then he’s innocent, if he burns, he’s guilty.
Dr. Ford accused, Judge Kavanaugh denied, no proof has been entered from the accuser, but
we are all supposed to take her accusation on face value, simply because she is a woman, and all men are guilty and should shut up.
This kind of justice is terrifying, what if someone accused my son of something, yet he didn’t
do it? It isn’t his duty to prove a negative, it’s the accusers duty to prove a positive.
You seem to think it is necessary to prove that Kavanaugh attempted to rape someone. The standard for becoming a Supreme Court Justice is not “Well, he didn’t rape anyone.” The standard for a Supreme Court Justice should be someone who is of good moral character, who believes in rights for all people including women and minorites and people who are not rich, white, politicians. a quality in most women when determining the fitness of a nominee to serve is whether or not the want to roll women’s rights back to the 1950s. Of the 21 people making the decision only FOUR women are on the committee and none of the women are part of the majority party.
This has nothing to do with your son being accused of something and having to prove he didn’t do it. Your son is unlikely to be nominated as a supreme court justice.
If he is accused of a crime, you should hire him a lawyer and it will be up to the prosecution to prove he did it, he doesn’t have to prove he didn’t do it.
Are you from the United States?
“The standard for a Supreme Court Justice should be someone who is of good moral character, who believes in rights for all people including women and minorites and people who are not rich, white, politicians. a quality in most women when determining the fitness of a nominee to serve is whether or not the want to roll women’s rights back to the 1950s. ”
THIS right here!
The accusation put forward by Dr. Ford has been very divisive. I do believe her, although I think it should go through a thorough investigation via proper channels. I know a lot of you on here disagree so I’ll leave it at that.
However, the more I read on here and elsewhere about the man, Dr. Ford is but the tip of the iceberg on challenging his suitability for the role.
I don’t understand what you are saying. Do you believe that it is enough to ruin a man’s life with a mere accusation? Judge Kavanaugh’s credentials are excellent.
He has been in public life for many years and no one has ever accused him of any
form of harassment until he was nominated for the Court. When did an accusation
become proof? She says he assaulted her, he says he didn’t. Doesn’t there have to be some kind of supporting evidence? This can become some kind of standard for
future nominations. All you have to do to derail someone who doesn’t have your
same political leanings is accuse them of sexual harassment, and the game is over.
The Democrats are playing that game this time, the whole thing is pure politics. Next time, when the Democrats nominate someone, the Republicans can play the
same game. Just find someone willing to say the nominee assaulted them, and the process is over.
Like Karma, what goes around comes around.
“I don’t understand what you are saying.”
Clearly.
Maybe you should type less and read more.
I was not able to watch Ford’s testimony or the rest of the circus that occurred with K and Graham. I’ve read all about it on several sites and different news affiliates so I have a very good idea of the insanity but I just could not watch it! I’m 60 years old and I feel like I did from age 10 to 16 with a ‘bad stepfather’. I’ve spent many years in and out of therapy and in all those years was NEVER able to talk about details. Every time I tried…..my throat would freeze up…..just never was able to do it. And too often because I was unable…. I was blown off. I thought I was past it…. I mean come on, I’m an old lady and ‘step-fuck’ is dead and buried. I should be fine right? Just doesn’t work that way!!! I feel like the little girl again…..totally terrified, shamed, and blamed. After all it had to be MY fault right? I didn’t think I could once again be so triggered but here I am. If you haven’t been there it won’t make sense to you but I have the most incredible respect for Mrs. Ford to be able to speak her truth with unbelievable strength and dignity.
For those that doubt her………. fine that’s on you. But do pay attention to the rant of K and Graham that had NOTHING to do with the issue but was filled with for the “Dems” and even Hillary FFS! He has no business being a SCJ with that much hateful bias. I hope typing this will take the sting out of what I’m feeling right now but who knows. No one here to talk to about this…….. thank god for Xanax.
It was a very difficult day. I’m glad you didn’t watch it, Lynn. Now stop reading about it, go take care of yourself. Careful with the Xanax. Find a good comedy to watch. Go to bed early. Drink SmartWater, Don’t dwell on it. Be kind to yourself.
I have stopped watching /reading about it….
Curling up with Netflix..
I have a script for Xanax and have for years but take it rarely.
today was a day I needed it….total anxiety attack.
Tomorrow will be better right?
After a good nights sleep will help!!
Thanks TT
Hello Lynn, I sure hope this morning finds you in a safer, more settled place. I sleep with my TV on all night, it’s a soothing partner that drowns out some of my darker memories of scarier times.
During the therapy sessions I’ve had to help with my anxiety over sexual abuse I learned techniques similar to what TT is kindly suggesting. Fun, happy distractions including escapist TV or movies, long walks to increase my dopamine levels (natural way to treat depression), joining a local women’s group where I can lose my isolationist tendencies all with the knowledge that my tendency to not want to remember those awful experiences is a healthy, basic, important tool to survive. Never push those memories up when you are not ready to relive that nightmare. Take care!
It’s so sad and disheartening to hear everyone’s stories here. I don’t have any personal stories to share myself but I feel the pain and wish to offer my solidarity. You are all so brave to share your horrible experiences. I never really knew the depth of this epidemic.
This has been a very dark day in our history. I feel hopeless. Has half of America gone completely crazy? Sadly, I think so.
Kavanaugh perjured himself yesterday on live TV in front of the whole country. I just looked up his yearbook page and he lied about the meaning of his coded words. The definitions are right on Urban Dictionary. If he will lie about that what else will he lie about? The one word originates from the DC area. Look it up.
Why didn’t Doctor Ford report him? Umm maybe because he was a wealthy boy on the football team and captain of the basketball team and their parents belong to the same country club. She was afraid people wouldn’t believe her and she would be in trouble for being in a house with boys without adults present and drinking beer. (Her words) He felt completely entitled and had no compassion for girls. Why should he get to vote on issues that will affect me and my daughter?
God Bless you Warrior.
Thank you for marching Katherine 2.0
Thank you for giving victims a voice TT
Thank you Andrea Constand and Dr Ford for your courage.
I can’t even argue or read comments on social media or here, from people trashing her anymore. how the hell is she supposed to PROVE it? I know If I told the stories of my assaults and you asked the people I was around those nights for their recollection of those nights over 10-15 years ago they probably wouldn’t even remember BEING there. How is a woman who this happened to supposed to prove anything? It comes down to her word and her credibility vs. his oftentimes. Especially in the absence of DNA evidence and even then people argue it wasn’t assault or rape, it was consensual. That poor girl in CA who got raped while unconscious behind a dumpster and the guy was CAUGHT DOING IT, the guy STILL got off with virtually no punishment. That’s about as cut and dry as you can get.
This woman tried to speak up to stop this animal from serving on our highest court. About her most private, traumatic life experience, to bunch of uptight, grouchy, old, white men. goddamn, she is brave.
the vitriol and the doubt people throw at her hurts my heart and soul, but she gives me hope.
I know damn well I could never “prove” what happened to me , but it doesn’t make it any less true. I believe her 1000% and anybody who thinks failing to recall certain details around a traumatic event is proof the person is lying, has no earth idea wtf they’re talking about. have several fucking seats.
I also want to say, to all the ladies (or men) who have mentioned or shared about their experiences here, you are believed and you are supported regardless. I know I am not alone in saying, we are here and others have your back. Things look bleak but there are people out there who do understand <3
no they are not….
You don’t believe the people who have shared their stories of rape and sexual assault?
no they are not, what?
my god….what a gross representation of sexual harassment…..fuck you all…..high school…..#DESPERATEFUCKINGLIBS
What?! Who are you so mad at? It’s impossible to tell by your nonsensical ramblings.
Has no one pointed out that Senator Grassley CAN’T READ SIMPLE MEMOS without getting confused?
Senator Grassley is now explicitly BLAMING THE VICTIM for going to the party. She knew there were rapist there and she went anyway.
THAT IS THE OPINION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THIS COMMiTTEE.
I woke up this morning to a victim of sexual assault PLEADING with Jeff Flake to vote in a way that protects women. Jeff Flake is NOT running for reelection. POTUS already hates him. He has nothing to lose by doing the right thing.
And yet…
I just don’t get it. You’re right, he has nothing to lose, I don’t know why he is doing this. I’m crushed. This brings up some painful memories of not being believed, and being told it’s ok to sweep things under the rug. I look at my daughters and don’t know what to tell them today.
Jeff Flake is now my Senator, since I moved out of the OC and into AZ. He is planning on running for President at a later date and his concern is he will antagonize all the Trump Republicans if he votes Kavanaugh down.
I have called his office repeatedly to let him know I have a long memory and an excellent voting record as well as a propensity to canvass door to door for candidates I believe in. He has an obligation to vote down this sexual predator.
Jeff Flake is NOT going to run for president in 2020. Jeff Flake is NOT THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED about “antagonizing Trump supporters.” Jeff Flake is leaving the senate after spending his term CALLING OUT Trump and garnering the wrath of Trump for the past couple of years. The two are on opposite sides of MANY political debates. Trump has constantly tweeted insults about Flake pointing out he would lose his senate seat if he faced another election for opposing Trump while representing a pro Trump state.
I appreciate your calls to his office, but you don’t seem to understand that Flake is not a Trump republican.
There’s a cushy job waiting for him. His masters have spoken.
He’s not running in 2020 TT, he’s going to wait longer than that. Like you I believed Flake was fighting Trump. But watch, he will reconvene, come out in eight years as an Independent and he hopes to not anger too many more Republicans before he does so. As a good Mormon he could safely go against some of Trumps policies. but he has been warned if he blocks the Kavanaugh vote it will follow him with ads against his anti conservative behavior, forever.
Flake cannot be elected as dog catcher in Arizona. That comes from his own party. Sadly as an Independent, there is no avenue for him to win any election.
He is NOT supported by the Republican party that runs Arizona or by the democratic party. He has ONE CHANCE to do something that would buy him some respect at a time when he has none from either party.
He is a coward. Plain and simple. And it has nothing to do with any delusions about running for any future office. He’s just spineless.
I’m disgusted by him and the fact I had an inkling of hope for his ethics, prior to this vote. I’m in no way defending his decision. From what I understand he will drag his loser self to Utah and try to re-emerge later. Mine is simply a cautionary tale, not a story of redemption. He gave me false hope, unlike a Trump cult fan figure like Grassley or South Carolina’s hopefully last term Senator.
Jeff Flake is the worst kind of spineless coward.
He loves to talk a good game, loves to appear to be the last principled #nevertrump Republican, but his ACTIONS say otherwise. Actions speak louder than words; the truth is what one does, not what one says.
Jeff Flake votes along with Trump’s positions 83.6% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight’s Trump Scorecard. That is not the record of a Never Trumper. That’s the record of a sycophant who can be relied on to vote the party line.
The fact that he has so little to lose by doing the right thing, yet he consistently continues not to do so, makes him that much worse.
Jeff Flake can eat shit.
Ericzku, your facts are spot on, but I’m wondering how we can feed shit to the big pile of excrement Flake turned out to be.
Pam, shouting won’t get rational people to believe you, iinstead it makes you look desperate.
DEAR SOUTH CAROLINA,
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?
I doubt you ever paid a dime to read anything the media ever researched, investigated and published.
Somehow you strike me as a National Inquirer fan.
I peeked into CNN for 10 mins to watch the hearings, and i am horrified to hear what the repubs are saying . They vote at 1:30. I predict confirmation. All my out of left field conspiracy theories are coming true. You women who support these people will be treated the same as those of us fighting this takeover. Your daughters and granddaughters will suffer in the future for the support you show today for this vile party. I’ve been saying there is a war on women in this country for years. It’s now out of the closet and we all will suffer regardless of our opinions or votes.
It absolutely is a war on women. That’s almost an understatement. I am so repulsed by these people. History will be, too.
Once the coup is complete, history will reflect this era as a victory. Women and are accomplishments will be written out of the books. We will be portrayed as happily submissive and content with our glorious place in life, under the thumb of men.
One thing is true Pam, unlike Trump cultists liberals do have a mind to use, and therefore lose. You need not be concerned about that.
And Sen. Whitehouse just laid out what else should be investigated and why. Anything else is just chatter and noise and scared men protecting their own power and position. Either they are just plain stupid, or they are compromised and corrupt. Probably both.
So sick of this. Holy hell.
She brought no new information to the hearing. The witnesses did not corroborate her story. She waited 30 years to release this information about him. I do believe something happened to her but it wasn’t him. Senator Feinstein did her an injustice by not releasing the information in confidence to the committee to be investigated sooner. It was then released to the press against Dr. Ford’s wishes by whom that is what needs to be investigated. The Democrats could care less about Dr. Ford only about trying to delay the vote. Mr. Booker has admitted to groping female as a teenager. So I could care less what he thinks.
You seem to spout things you have not properly investigated especially your characterization of Cory Booker. So I could care less what you “think” since it seems you don’t think for yourself.
Mr. Booker wrote a book while in college where he discussed how his views on women were shaped and included a story about how at age 15 at a New Years Eve party, he kissed a girl and then touched her breast without permission. He mentioned that situation, that we would otherwise have never known about as a defining moment in his life and a lesson that he had learned.
If you find that situation egregious and unacceptable, and live in his district, you can choose not to vote him into office as he is required to run for re-election on a set schedule.
Judge Kavanaugh is about to be given a LIFE TIME tenure in the highest court in the land with no opportunity for the people of this nation to have a voice.
If you do not see the difference between a man bringing up a moment in his life where he realized the importance of respecting women and their right to say no, and a man who continues to deny that he treated women with entitlement and and a sense of privilege you ahould probably just be quiet,
so you are believing her without proof??? I wouldn’t vote for Booker if I lived in his district.Judge Kavanaugh has lead an exemplary life. He has had 6-7 background checks. I’m gonna say this because I choose to come here for you commentary on Reality TV. Telling someone to be quiet because they don’t believe or agree as you is rude, but so are your other comments to people who don’t agree with you on your sight. He will be confirmed. Even if you don’t care and will post something possibly witty or sarcastic I will not validate your sight with my time anymore. The left is doing the victims of true physical and emotional a disservice. That is the sole reason the country voted for Trump.
How do you know he’s lead an exemplary life? Are you with him 24/7. That’s quite the blanket statement yiu made. See ya
The country, as a whole, didnt vote for Trump. He received votes, of course. He lost the popular vote, as I’m sure you know, by over 3M votes. Not my prez.,
Boy, Trish, you sure drank a lot of that Kool-Aid–or maybe you haven’t checked reliable sources on Kavanaugh & just ignored his blatant lies & failure to answer direct questions the past few days, as well as his temper flares. My toy poodle, Coco Chanel, would be a better addition to SCOTUS than that aged frat boy.
Keep talking Ted, this should push Beto O’Rouke over the top in taking your seat.
These fools seem to think that the right wing whackadoodle republicans are going to keep them in office and it’s just the hyperventilating right wing liberal idiots that are upset about this.
Imagine their surprise when women from BOTH PARTIES show up in droves at the polls in November to vote as many of them out as possible.
They mistakenly think this is a partisan issue. The elections will prove them wrong.
Just a suggestion—if you’ve been assaulted, tell someone or document it in some way. When, some 20 years later, in an effort to protect my nieces, I called out the man who had repeatedly molested me, I lost most of my family, but I would’ve lost almost everyone if I hadn’t told a few key people over the years. It isn’t easy to relive atrocious events, but write it, type it or tape it, and then put it in a safe place. You never know when, even decades later, you may need it.
TT—WOW! Has this thread been a cleansing of people on your site? That is, eye opening for you and others on certain people’s values and true colors?
I doubt we will be hearing from those people again, either by you clearing the decks or them to go into hiding.
This site will never be a forum for victim shaming of sexual assault victims regardless of how many people I need to ban to make that happen.
The difference between a fluke an a flounder is determined by the eyes. A matter of placement and perception, seasons and tides.
Thank you for replying to me! I’m just so sad and angry at the same time.
Whoops, replying to TT 🙂
Kavanaugh is a pig, but he will get the vote. His histrionics were meant for an audience of one, even though POTUS probably didn’t care for the crying. It was hard to watch.
McConnell stonewalled Obama’s judicial nominations, period. They are no better than the Democrats tossing his hail mary to try to block Kavanaugh. Merrick Garland never even got a chance. Or course, partisanism is trumping honestly these days.
There are cases pending that will absolve politicos, straight up the POTUS, preventing prosecution while in office. I wonder why he was nominated? He’s written asking Congress to pass a law to protect a sitting president from prosecution.
And little Lindsay? He’s auditioning for Attorney General. He hates Trump, but he’s spineless, just like the rest of those reptiles in Washington. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions’ days are numbered, and in turn, likely Mueller’s.
BTW, I knew Scottishwitch was a loon. And here we are. Maybe KCD agrees with her and they can live together forever, happily ever after. Rescued people from human traffickers? Is she a ninja? Sorry. That one’s been bugging me for a while.
AND! I’ve got my own horrible story. I choose not to share it. 25 years ago and his face is as clear to me as the day it happened.
Something is happening. Flake, Collins and others seem to be about to ask for another week of investigation.
Flake is going to speak. He asks for a week for an FBI investigation limited in scope to the current allegations and the duration to no more than a week. He is still going to vote to put the vote to the Senate floor. So they voted him in and now they are deciding on the one week FBI investigation.
It seems like the FBI investigation is not up to this group. Flake says he will not vote in favor of Kavanaugh on the full senate vote without the FBI investigation.
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT TWO HOUR RULE CRAP?
This is just insane.
yeah what was that? it certainly wasn’t 2 hours from the roll call. I noticed Hatch and Graham were the first to arrive….and waited a while for everyone to get there…damned if I know….Feinstein was ever going “WHAT”???
We, the dissenting public are being thrown crumbs (in the form of a quick pass through Kavanaugh vote to send his nomination to the Senate floor and a nominal nod to flakey-Flake to possibly consider a week only FBI check into Dr. Fords testimony).
Another week of hope, but could anything at this point change these Republican men’s already made up minds? First, how will the information be gathered and will any real money go into the investigation? How will it be reported, and to who? Will we the public ever get to know what the facts behind the investigation are?
I just went to the bank because my emergency zombie apocalypse fund was empty and the timing seems really bad.
On the way, I listened to Rush Limbaugh. If it is any comfort he seems terribly worried that the democrats are going to fabricate more allegations and demand they too be investigated and that ultimately the President will have to nominate someone else. He seem pretty hysterical about this (despite having several facts wrong) so…I’m going to take that as a glimmer of hope.
Good! He should be….Because with the Bar Assoc. and now Yale School of Law calling for an investigation they should all be getting hysterical.
Rush even suggested concerns that Kavanaugh might withdraw. I don’t think that will happen, but I was a bit hopeful that Rush thinks it is possible.
Chicanery to the nth degree. That’s what that was.
Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin (West Virginia) and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) have joined Republican Jeff Flake (Arizona) in support of an FBI investigation.
Mark Judge has agreed to cooperate with the FBI.
They are already saying that one week is not enough. 🙂
Progress.
There were protests at EVERY SINGLE Republican Senator on the judiciary committee’s office today. It was glorious to see.
Trump is being quoted as saying he found Dr. Ford credible and that he is aware his nomination might not make it through….WHAT? I am just saying DAMN!..Is this real? Trump doing something decent?
Trump said that an hour ago in front of the Chilean President. He also called her a “very fine woman” and said Kavanaugh’s testimony was “something we have never seen before”
He will say the opposite at any moment now. Don’t get too excited.
I’m not going to lose my mind if Kavanaugh does get through. I am just happy that women are screaming out and causing attention to be brought to disrupting the Good Ole Boys. FOR ME, the best victory we as women can get out of this is to VOTE OUT THESE OLD MEN WHO CAN’T EVEN READ DOCUMENTS OUT LOUD YET ARE THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE! VOTE OUT LINDSEY GRAHAM. VOTE OUT TED CRUZ.
GET TO THE POLLS IN NOVEMBER AND VOTE THESE FUCKERS OUT OF OFFICE.
I should also point out that one of my major concerns about voting for Hillary (which I did extremely reluctantly because I can’t stand her) was that I didn’t want her nominating Supreme Court Justices.
This is not a partisan issue for me. It’s a FEMALE issue.
For those of your trying to claim that Leland Keyser doesn’t believe her friend, you are falling for one of many misstatements from Kavanaugh.
“Simply put, Ms. Keyser does not know Mr. Kavanaugh and she has no recollection of ever being at a party or gathering where he was present, with, or without, Dr. Ford,” the letter from Keyser’s lawyer to the committee reads.
But Keyser also personally told the Washington Post that, while she cannot remember the gathering taking place or having met Kavanaugh, she believes Blasey’s testimony. This did not stop Kavanaugh and Republicans from twisting Keyser’s statements that she can’t remember into an exonerating statement that implies the events never happened at all.
A house divided against itself cannot stand. How will the Senate hold up? Learn from history of be destined to repeat it. This just breaks my heart. I love my country and we are so torn apart.
Victims of Newton’s third law.
When you answer a question with a question as kavanaugh did when senator Amy klobucher asked if has ever drank enough not to rember…to me a sign of lying
I don’t have the emotional energy to monitor this post all weekend. I’m going to try and take the advice I gave to several of my struggling friends this weekend and hydrate, eat right, get some rest, be kind to myself and try to find something mindless on TV to put past memories back in the past where they belong and enjoy the weekend.
I hope those of you that went through renewed angst this week do the same. I hear that stupid mountain calling me. Maybe tomorrow…