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Christine Blasey Ford '100%' certain Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her – live updates Christine Blasey Ford '100%' certain Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her – live updates
(35 minutes later)
The president’s son Donald Trump Jr, a regular contributor to Fox News, has been tweeting throughout Dr Ford’s evidence.
Trump Jr, who regularly spreads conspiracy theories and outright falsehoods, using social media, appears to be suggesting that some of Ford’s testimony on her fear of flying undermines her account of the alleged sexual assault.
I’m no psychology professor but it does seem weird to me that someone could have a selective fear of flying. Can’t do it to testify but for vacation, well it’s not a problem at all.
It’s a marked contrast to experienced prosecutors, like former federal US attorney Preet Bharara, who argue the line of questioning was not credible.
The polygraph timing cross was even worse than the airplane cross.
Meanwhile, a number of Republican senators on the judiciary committee appear to be unswayed by Ford’s evidence:
Sen. Orrin Hatch says it’s too early to say if Ford is credible. “I don’t think she’s uncredible. I think she an attractive, good witness,” he said. Asked by @ElizLanders what he meant by “attractive,” he said, “In other words, she’s pleasing.”
.@LindseyGrahamSC says he has not yet heard anything from Christine Blasey Ford that would change his mind about Kavanaugh
As Ford testifies on Capitol Hill, all eyes are on a handful of Republican senators who could prove as crucial swing votes on the Kavanaugh nomination.
Two of the chamber’s most prominent Republican women, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have expressed reservations about Kavanaugh in the wake of the allegations.
“We are now in a place where it’s not about whether or not Judge Kavanaugh is qualified,” Murkowski told the New York Times this week.
“It is about whether or not a woman who has been a victim at some point in her life is to be believed.”
Collins has reportedly raised concerns to her Republican colleagues in private about the judiciary committee’s refusal to subpoena Mark Judge, the close friend of Kavanaugh’s who Ford says was present during the alleged assault.
Both senators said they will be closely watching Thursday’s hearing to make a determination about how they believe the Kavanaugh nomination should proceed.
Senator Jeff Flake, a Republican from Arizona, also expressed reservations amid the allegations and delivered a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday urging both Ford and Kavanaugh to be treated with respect.
“These witnesses who will testify in a very important hearing tomorrow, these unwitting combatants in an undeclared war – these people are not props for us to make our political points, nor are they to be ‘demolished like Anita Hill’ as was said on conservative media the other night,” Flake said. “Nor is one them a ‘proven sex criminal’ as has been circulating on the left side of the internet.”
Mitchell is now asking Dr Ford about her decision to take a polygraph test. She asks if the test was recorded, either on video or audio. Ford says she was overcome by the process of taking the test and does not remember if it was recorded.
It’s worth bearing in mind here that the Senate is in possession of the full results of that test, which Ford passed.
We’re now on a 45-minute break for lunch.
Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal takes up his five minutes. He hails Dr Ford’s bravery for coming forward.
“I think you have earned America’s gratitude,” he says to her. Ford appears visibly moved at this moment, but continues to answer questions with composure.
Blumenthal moves to criticise president Donald Trump directly for not opening an FBI investigation into Ford’s claims. “It’s tantamount to a cover-up,” he says.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Dr Ford’s testimony has riled the president:
Trump telling people he’s furious that WH aides didn’t have advance knowledge of how credible Ford would seem, per 2nd source
Mitchell continues to go through procedural questions, now asking Dr Ford to talk about her decision to hire outside counsel after she contacted the Washington Post and her local congresswoman.Mitchell continues to go through procedural questions, now asking Dr Ford to talk about her decision to hire outside counsel after she contacted the Washington Post and her local congresswoman.
Meanwhile, it’s clear the power of Ford’s testimony is causing shockwaves around the Republican establishment. A number of senior Republicans, outside of federal government, are now calling for Kavanaugh’s nomination to be postponed.Meanwhile, it’s clear the power of Ford’s testimony is causing shockwaves around the Republican establishment. A number of senior Republicans, outside of federal government, are now calling for Kavanaugh’s nomination to be postponed.
Republican governors Charlie Baker (MA), Larry Hogan (MD) and John Kasich (OH) call on the Senate to delay the Kavanaugh nomination and investigate the three allegations.https://t.co/rTVh4XdBWfRepublican governors Charlie Baker (MA), Larry Hogan (MD) and John Kasich (OH) call on the Senate to delay the Kavanaugh nomination and investigate the three allegations.https://t.co/rTVh4XdBWf
Democratic seator Chris Coons asks Dr Ford to comment on Kavanaugh’s age at the time of the alleged assault. Some have argued that because the judge was a teenager at the time of the alleged incident it should not be held against him in the confirmation process.Democratic seator Chris Coons asks Dr Ford to comment on Kavanaugh’s age at the time of the alleged assault. Some have argued that because the judge was a teenager at the time of the alleged incident it should not be held against him in the confirmation process.
She responds: “I think, the younger you are when these things happen, the worse impact it can have to when you’re older and the brain is developed.”She responds: “I think, the younger you are when these things happen, the worse impact it can have to when you’re older and the brain is developed.”
Senator Grassley has been at pains throughout this hearing to argue that the committee has done all it can to work with Ford and her legal team to execute the hearing in a fair and impartial manner. Ford’s legal team appear to be taking issue with that characterization:Senator Grassley has been at pains throughout this hearing to argue that the committee has done all it can to work with Ford and her legal team to execute the hearing in a fair and impartial manner. Ford’s legal team appear to be taking issue with that characterization:
The look Christine Blasey Ford's lawyers gave each other when Grassley's lawyers said this hearing was scheduled "in close consultation" with them: pic.twitter.com/lM77qqky1TThe look Christine Blasey Ford's lawyers gave each other when Grassley's lawyers said this hearing was scheduled "in close consultation" with them: pic.twitter.com/lM77qqky1T
Mitchell now moves on to Dr Ford’s decision to talk to the press and her local congressional representative Anna Eshoo. Mitchell now moves on to Ford’s decision to talk to the press and her local congressional representative, Anna Eshoo.
Mitchell asks about why Dr Ford contacted the Washington Post and her congresswoman when Kavanaugh was reportedly on the shortlist for the supreme court nomination. Mitchell asks about why Ford contacted the Washington Post and her congresswoman, when Kavanaugh was reportedly on the shortlist for the supreme court nomination.
She responds: “I was panicking because I knew the timeline was short on the decision.” She adds: “I felt like the best option was to go to the civic route. Unfortunately neither got back to me before the selection for the nominee.”She responds: “I was panicking because I knew the timeline was short on the decision.” She adds: “I felt like the best option was to go to the civic route. Unfortunately neither got back to me before the selection for the nominee.”
Senator Klobuchar takes a slightly different line of questioning from her colleagues and asks Dr Ford to tell the committee the moments and events of the night of the alleged attack that she does not forget.Senator Klobuchar takes a slightly different line of questioning from her colleagues and asks Dr Ford to tell the committee the moments and events of the night of the alleged attack that she does not forget.
Dr Ford answers in staccato sentences, again maintaining her composure: “The stairwell. The living room. The bedroom. The bed on the right side of the room. The bathroom... The laughter. Uproarious laughter. The multiple attempts to escape.”Dr Ford answers in staccato sentences, again maintaining her composure: “The stairwell. The living room. The bedroom. The bed on the right side of the room. The bathroom... The laughter. Uproarious laughter. The multiple attempts to escape.”
Mitchell continues her questioning. She asks whether there are any other contributing factors to the PTSD that Dr Ford suffered in the wake of the alleged attack.Mitchell continues her questioning. She asks whether there are any other contributing factors to the PTSD that Dr Ford suffered in the wake of the alleged attack.
Dr Ford says it’s “a great question” and acknowledges there may be other events that have shaped her trauma, but says there’s “nothing as substantial” as the alleged assault.Dr Ford says it’s “a great question” and acknowledges there may be other events that have shaped her trauma, but says there’s “nothing as substantial” as the alleged assault.
Mitchell then asks Dr Ford to run through the places she has travelled to via aeroplane – presumably in a bid to highlight she still flies. Dr Ford earlier told the committee she has suffered from claustrophobia as a result of the alleged attack.Mitchell then asks Dr Ford to run through the places she has travelled to via aeroplane – presumably in a bid to highlight she still flies. Dr Ford earlier told the committee she has suffered from claustrophobia as a result of the alleged attack.
Mitchell’s five minutes are up and the questions are handed to Democratic senator Amy Klobuchar.Mitchell’s five minutes are up and the questions are handed to Democratic senator Amy Klobuchar.
Senator Whitehouse uses his five minutes to lambast whom he describes as the 13 men who have let Dr Ford down since she sent her allegations were made public. He lists them as Donald Trump, FBI director Chistopher Wray and the 11 Republican senators on the senate judiciary committee.Senator Whitehouse uses his five minutes to lambast whom he describes as the 13 men who have let Dr Ford down since she sent her allegations were made public. He lists them as Donald Trump, FBI director Chistopher Wray and the 11 Republican senators on the senate judiciary committee.
Whitehouse says all of them have blocked a proper investigation into her claims, arguing, as other Democrats have, that the FBI should have opened an investigation into Dr Ford’s claims.Whitehouse says all of them have blocked a proper investigation into her claims, arguing, as other Democrats have, that the FBI should have opened an investigation into Dr Ford’s claims.
“I submit that never, never in the history of background investigations has an investigation not been pursued when new, credible information is brought forward about a candidate,” Whitehouse says. “I don’t think this has ever happened in the history of FBI investigations. In my view, this is a great disservice to you.”“I submit that never, never in the history of background investigations has an investigation not been pursued when new, credible information is brought forward about a candidate,” Whitehouse says. “I don’t think this has ever happened in the history of FBI investigations. In my view, this is a great disservice to you.”
The comments irk Senator Grassley who, once again, defends the committee’s handling of Dr Ford’s allegations.The comments irk Senator Grassley who, once again, defends the committee’s handling of Dr Ford’s allegations.
We’re back and Republican Senator John Cornyn hands over to Rachel Mitchell.We’re back and Republican Senator John Cornyn hands over to Rachel Mitchell.
Mitchell is asking Dr Ford about the different dates of the alleged assault she gave to a reporter at the Washington Post, mid 1980s, compared with her letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein in the early 1980s. She doesn’t ask for any elaboration, only confirmation.Mitchell is asking Dr Ford about the different dates of the alleged assault she gave to a reporter at the Washington Post, mid 1980s, compared with her letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein in the early 1980s. She doesn’t ask for any elaboration, only confirmation.
Again, Mitchell’s five minutes are up. The questions are handed to Democratic senator Sheldon Whitehouse.Again, Mitchell’s five minutes are up. The questions are handed to Democratic senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
Just before Dr Ford was sworn in to testify Democratic Senator Kamala Harris sent an important messages to other survivors of sexual assault who may be watching this hearing and reliving their trauma.Just before Dr Ford was sworn in to testify Democratic Senator Kamala Harris sent an important messages to other survivors of sexual assault who may be watching this hearing and reliving their trauma.
We’re reposting that below:We’re reposting that below:
Right now, many survivors of sexual assault are reliving trauma. If you’re a survivor, know that you are not alone. If you need to talk, you can call 800-656-HOPE to reach a national, confidential helpline 24/7. There is also an online hotline here -> https://t.co/iR9B8qvVMx.Right now, many survivors of sexual assault are reliving trauma. If you’re a survivor, know that you are not alone. If you need to talk, you can call 800-656-HOPE to reach a national, confidential helpline 24/7. There is also an online hotline here -> https://t.co/iR9B8qvVMx.
I’m going to repost that powerful exchange between Senator Leahy and Dr Ford, which will likely dominate cable news in the aftermath of this hearing. It’s a chilling, detailed description of Dr Ford’s recollection of Brett Kavanaugh and Mark Judge allegedly laughing at her during the assault.I’m going to repost that powerful exchange between Senator Leahy and Dr Ford, which will likely dominate cable news in the aftermath of this hearing. It’s a chilling, detailed description of Dr Ford’s recollection of Brett Kavanaugh and Mark Judge allegedly laughing at her during the assault.
Sen. Patrick Leahy: What is the "strongest memory" of the incident?Christine Blasey Ford: "The laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense" https://t.co/x71KG2LMVL #KavanaughHearings pic.twitter.com/rqqEAOYYniSen. Patrick Leahy: What is the "strongest memory" of the incident?Christine Blasey Ford: "The laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense" https://t.co/x71KG2LMVL #KavanaughHearings pic.twitter.com/rqqEAOYYni
While Dr Ford has insisted throughout her powerful testimony that she is not seeking to influence any partisan political agenda, it seems that some people watching on Fox News do not believe her.While Dr Ford has insisted throughout her powerful testimony that she is not seeking to influence any partisan political agenda, it seems that some people watching on Fox News do not believe her.
The @foxnews live feed is as horrifying as you'd imagine... pic.twitter.com/ikrNdnjxltThe @foxnews live feed is as horrifying as you'd imagine... pic.twitter.com/ikrNdnjxlt
The committee is now taking a 15-minute break.The committee is now taking a 15-minute break.
Democrat Dick Durbin is next up. He lauds Dr Ford’s courage for coming forward to testify and then moves onto to the pivotal issue of Kavanaugh’s defence. The judge is expected to say in his opening remarks that he has never had a physical or sexual encounter with Dr Ford, but does not rule out that she may have been sexually assaulted, essentially suggesting that the episode is a case of mistaken identity.
Durbin asks: “With what degree of certainty to believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?”
Calmly, and resolutely Dr Ford replies: “100%.”
She then describes an encounter she says she had with Mark Judge at a supermarket weeks after the alleged attack.
“He was nervous and not wanting to speak with me. He looked a little bit ill.”
Mitchell continues her line of questioning, this time taking up the five minutes.
She asks a few specific questions about the noise levels at the gathering and then asks Dr Ford to recall how she got home on the evening of the alleged incident. Again, her five minutes pass by before the line of questioning is complete.
A number of reporters are beginning to question the effectiveness of the Republican’s use of the outside counsel:
The Republicans have set up a system with Mitchell, where they have to constantly interrupt a woman who's trying to do her job ...
Senator Patrick Leahy uses his five minutes to ask Dr Ford what her most vivid memory of the alleged assault is. In a powerful, composed response she describes the “uproarious laughter” of Kavanaugh and his friend Mark Judge who was also allegedly present during the assault. “And them having fun at my expense.”
“They were laughing with each other,” she says. “Two friends having a really good time with one another.”
Republican senator Orrin Hatch hands his questions over to Mitchell. She continues her line of questioning, going straight to the night Dr Ford alleged she was assaulted.
“Had you had anything to drink?” Mitchell asks.
“Not at all,” Ford says.
“Were you on any medication?” Mitchell continues.
“None at all,” Ford responds.
Mitchell then asks Ford to describe the atmosphere at the party.
“Mr Kavanaugh and Mr Judge were extremely inebriated. And other people were not,” Ford recalls. She says the party was not really a party at all, more of a gathering.
“I recall that it was a sparsely furnished, fairly modest living room. I assumed it was going to lead to a party later on. It was kind of a “pre-gathering”.
Mitchell’s five minutes are up again.
Dr Ford then goes into details of how she was hounded by reporters after her letter was delivered to Senator Feinstein. She says reporters descended on her home, and another went to one of her graduate classes.
Feinstein ends by asking her to confirm that her memory of the assault, and in particular, Kavanaugh as the alleged assailant was still clear. She confirms it is.
“This could not be a case of mistaken identity?” Feinstein asks.
“Absolutely not,” Ford responds.
Feinstein asks Dr Ford about the trauma symptoms she’s endured since the alleged attack. She describes them as: “Anxiety, phobia, and PTSD symptoms”. She adds she has experienced claustrophobia as well.
She says that she experienced most trauma in the four years immediately after the alleged attack. “I struggled academically, I struggled in college forming new friendships, especially new friendships with boys.”
And already Grassley’s five minutes of questions are up and he hands over to Feinstein.
Dr Ford was not asked any substantive questions during that exchange, but it’s likely Mitchell will return to her line of questioning after Feinstein’s five minutes are up.
Senator Grassley hands his five minutes of questions over to appointed counsel Rachel Mitchell.
Mitchell begins by showing Dr Ford a series of messages she sent to a reporter at the Washington Post and then displays the original letter she sent to Diane Feinstein’s office.
Dr Ford is taking her time to re-read these exhibits, to check them for accuracy.
Before questioning begins, my colleague Sabrina Siddiqui sends this quick analysis on the opening remarks by Senator Grassley and Feinstein:
Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, kicked off the hearing under a tense atmosphere that was amplified by the underlying political implications of the moment.
Although he called for “a fair and respectful hearing”, Grassley swiftly struck a partisan tone by accusing Democrats of engaging in tactics designed to delay consideration of Kavanaugh’s nomination.
Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, went on a lengthy tirade about the process by which Ford’s allegations were brought to light. Grassley also noted the FBI had conducted several background checks on Kavanaugh to date, stating: “Nowhere in any of these six FBI reports, which committee investigators have reviewed on a bipartisan basis, was there ever a whiff of any issue – at all – related in any way to inappropriate sexual behavior.”
He went on to suggest his Democratic counterpart on the committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein, had withheld Ford’s allegations as “secret evidence”.
Grassley’s comments were quickly condemned as an example of the GOP’s refusal to take seriously the allegations at hand.
“Right now, @ChuckGrassley is actually comparing the trauma of what has happened to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford to the protests that have inconvenienced Brett Kavanaugh out of an easy confirmation for a huge promotion. This hearing is a disgrace,” NARAL, a pro-choice group, tweeted.
White House correspondent Brian Karem tweeted: “The inability for Chuck Grassley to understand why sexual assault victims haven’t come forward during 6 FBI background checks speaks to the entire issue - privilege does not understand that of which it has no experience.”
Feinstein pushed back on Grassley’s characterizations, stating she had sought to handle Ford’s allegations in a manner that would honor her initial request for confidentiality. As Feinstein attempted to introduce Ford and also detail the other allegations against Kavanaugh, she was interrupted by Grassley, who scolded her for bringing up the other accusers.
“I’m sorry you brought up other unsubstantiated allegations,” Grassley said. “We’ll consider other issues at other times.”
Feinstein spent much of her opening remarks seeking to frame Ford’s allegations in the context of the #MeToo movement.
“Too often, women’s memories and credibility come under assault. In essence, they are put on trial and forced to defend themselves and often re-victimized in the process,” Feinstein said.
“What I find most inexcusable is this rush to judgement, the unwillingness to take these kinds of allegations at face value and look at them for what they are,” she added. “A real question of character for someone who is asking for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.”
Dr Ford ends her composed, powerful opening statement with the following:
My motivation in coming forward was to provide the facts about how Mr Kavanaugh’s actions have damaged my life, so that you can take that into serious consideration as you make your decision about how to proceed. It is not my responsibility to determine whether Mr Kavanaugh deserves to sit on the supreme court. My responsibility is to tell the truth.