September 27, 2018

Let's watch the Kavanaugh hearing.

1. It's about to start. I'll update this post as we go.

2. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has taken her seat. She's nervously looking around, getting patted on the back. She's wearing a dark blue jacket over a dark blue top and has her hair done in a way that allows it to fall over her face and to need to be pushed back. Senator Grassley begins by apologizing to both Blasey and Kavanaugh for the incivility to which both have been subjected. He says he intends to preserve civility in the hearing and to make it "comfortable" for both witnesses.

3. Grassley criticizes Democrats for sitting on the allegations, allowing them to leak out belatedly, and failing to resolve matters in a bipartisan way. Democrats, he says, are to blame for the pain that "Dr. Ford" has suffered in recent days. He praises himself for doing he could to accommodate her. (I put "Dr. Ford" in quotes to indicate that's what she is being called here. I had switched to calling her "Blasey" after reading in the NYT that she preferred that name. From here on, I'll write "Dr. Ford" without quotes.)

4. Dianne Feinstein: "She wanted it confidential, and I held it confidential, up to a point..."

5. Feinstein casts an aspersion on Grassley: He didn't introduce Dr. Ford. Grassley, angered, interrupts to say that he didn't forget to introduce her. He was going to introduce her at the point when he was inviting her to begin speaking.

6. Still waiting for Feinstein to finish reading her intro statement. Dr. Ford seems to be struggling to keep her composure. After Feinstein, I presume we will hear Dr. Ford read this statement, already released to the press.

7. "I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified...." she begins, in a creaky voice.

8. Sorry, but I got an hour and a half behind. Will resume.

9. Now, I've watched the entire opening statement by Dr. Ford. She seemed very credible to me. Though she was reading, she seemed to be reliving a real, traumatic experience. It's hard to imagine that she could be infusing her speech with that kind of emotion phonily. Even an excellent actress would have difficulty affecting that kind of emotion.

10.  Rachel Mitchell, the prosecutor brought in to ask questions for the Senators, receives 5 minutes of time from Senator Grassley. Mitchell's use of the time is awkward, because she begin with documents that Ford must read and comment on, and Ford takes her time and makes small corrections to the documents. Grassley interrupts to say his time is up, and shifts the proceedings forward to the next Senator, Dianne Feinstein,

11. Feinstein takes her turn and focuses on the difficulties Ford experienced as her name became known. This material bolsters Ford's credibility, especially to the extent that it seems that Ford knew how painful this exposure would be before she decided to go public. Feinstein's time runs out quickly and Mitchell gets another 5 minutes to continue where she left off.

12. Mitchell's approach enables Ford, just by being careful, to slow everything down. The time will run out. The day will end. Maybe Kavanaugh supporters wanted it to play out like that, but Ford is a credible person, and I think the Republicans chosen approach, including the use of Mitchell, will backfire on them, and Kavanaugh will not be confirmed. I'm saying this at 11:06 ET in my recording, that is, an hour before I'm writing this update.

13. At 11:13 ET, Ford speaks of the "indelible" memory of Kavanaugh and Judge laughing — "having fun at my expense." "I was underneath one of them, while the 2 laughed, 2 friends having a really good time with one another."

14. At 11:56 ET, during the questioning by Senator Whitehouse, I exclaim aloud: "The Democrats are winning by a lot here." Whitehouse is talking about the lack of an investigation.

15. Grassley gets angry and yells — about why there is no new investigation — but it feels so wrong that he's yelling in the presence of Dr. Ford. She's the allegedly traumatized victim — don't yell around her! The Republicans are either too bland — operating through Mitchell — or irksomely angry — through Grassley. Do they know how badly they are losing right now? I wonder how Brett Kavanaugh is doing.

16. I'm skipping ahead, looking to see if Kavanaugh's testimony has begun. It has not. I talk with Meade for a while about what Kavanaugh might say if he were asked if he is 100% certain that Ford is wrong when she says she's 100% certain that Brett Kavanaugh did what she remembers. Here's what I imagined Kavanaugh saying: I cannot be 100% certain. I know that I drank far too much on some occasions when I was an immature teenager, and though I've said that I don't remember ever suffering alcohol-induced amnesia, I cannot know for an absolute certainty that it never happened. Watching Dr. Ford testify has been a horrific experience for me. What if there is a blank, dark spot in my memory where drunken young Brett Kavanaugh did what Dr. Ford describes? I pray to God that's not true, but I cannot say 100% that it's not true, and if it is, I am so terribly sorry. I beg Dr. Ford's forgiveness. I hope for God's forgiveness. I hope that my life's work as a sober adult makes up for what I may have done all those years ago. I still believe I have devoted and useful service to give to my country, and I humbly submit myself to your vote, Senators. And I thank all of you for considering my case, and I want Dr. Ford to know that my heart goes out to her, and my heart goes out to every victim of sexual assault. Thank you.

17. I picture Trump watching the hearings with Ivanka. Somehow I imagine Ivanka reacting like me. I wonder what they are saying to each other. Remember that Trump said at his press conference yesterday that he would watch and judge Dr. Ford for himself, that he had an open mind about it, and he could "believe anything."

18. I've been listening to Kavanaugh for a long time without stopping to write anything. Let me quickly say that I'm finding his opening statement extremely powerful and persuasive.

19. It was a long day! Let me try to wrap up this post. I thought Kavanaugh did really well in his written statement, expressing strong outrage and real emotion. In the questioning, this demeanor sometimes felt too strong. He interrupted and shouted back and seemed to show some hate and contempt for some of the Senators. He said more than once that his family had been "destroyed," and yet his wife is his "rock." The rock is not destroyed.

20. This was the ultimate he said/she said. Both were tremendously strong and they told diametrically opposed stories. If I had to decide, I would not go by who's more likely to be telling the truth, but how everything we've heard weighs on the question whether or not to confirm. In view of everything we know about Kavanaugh, does he deserve confirmation even with the degree of doubt we have about something terrible he might have done when he was 17 (and a couple of other, much weaker allegations)? I suspect most people will end up in the same position they had on him anyway, because it's a matter of weighing. But when I think about how BK and CBF could be so far apart, I have 3 explanations: 1. BK has some alcohol blackout holes in his memory, and what CBF remembers is in one of them, 2. CBF has a false memory and really believes it (caused by some genuine trauma), 3. BK has no route but forward, and he knows he did it, but feels entitled to what he's worked all his life to attain. Since there's no way back to his old life, he must force his way through this obstacle. And he's barreling ahead to save his life and save his family. Cornered, he had to fight like hell, and that includes lying.

1,813 comments:

1 – 200 of 1813   Newer›   Newest»
Jake said...

Circus time.

jwl said...

Michael Buffer - Let's get ready to rumble!

Browndog said...

As an American, I'm already embarrassed.

Dave Begley said...

CBF - dark blue.

Lawyer Katz - black and white.

What does this mean? Not wearing what was in the previous post!

Happy Warrior said...

Is it just me or her hair hanging over face annoying?

Tom Grey said...

Now I'm thinking of All that Jazz ... it's showtime!

So glad you're watching, so I can keep working while it goes on.

Democrat Derangement Syndrome (not Trump, nor Bush, nor Kavanaugh DS) on fairly full display. The purpose is to give the Senators a "hearing" excuse to vote the way they were planning to vote, anyway.
(80% prediction - will be confirmed. 90% prediction, Dems do NOT win a majority in the House, this circus becomes a scapegoat of blame for why they fail, after they fail.)

Dave Begley said...

CBF will cry. For sure.

Burkemania said...

Let's not.
If he's mild-mannered, he loses: lacks the passion of one truly slandered. If he's indignant, he loses: lacks compassion for a "survivor." Such a man (still acceptable to use that word in this context) is likely capable of assault.

Dave Begley said...

Grassley blasting DiFi.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

She looks like she visited an expensive Clinton hair stylist.

Nonapod said...

She actually showed up.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Again, thank you corruptocrats, for turning yourselves into the Jerry Springer show.

mockturtle said...

He says he intends to preserve civility in the hearing and to make it "comfortable" for both witnesses.

Oh, great! So they're going to handle her with kid gloves.

Seeing Red said...

She's wearing a dark blue jacket over a dark blue top and has her hair done in a way that allows it to fall over her face and to need to be pushed back.

Sexist. Why did you focus on what she’s wearing?

MadisonMan said...

Oh let's not.

It's a beautiful fall day in Madison, I see out my window while I work.

Some people have hairstyles that allow them to hide behind their hair.

mockturtle said...

Is it just me or her hair hanging over face annoying?

Nothing screams 'victim' like hair hanging over your face. She'll have been coached to appear as victim-like as possible.

Wish I could watch but have to hit the road.

Dave Begley said...

What's the over/under on an outburst from the crowd?

Viking In Winter said...

They had to work at making her look that frumpy.

Dave Begley said...

I don't like Hatch's tie.

Mark said...

Nothing is more tedious than watching an 80 year old read from a long lawyer-written statement. Why doesn't Grassley just submit this to the record and let us all get on with it?

Matt Sablan said...

My co-worker's listening. I think Grassley's talking now? Doing a good job laying out how the process is supposed to go.

There won't be an outburst -- not until Kavanaugh's up, if I had to guess.

Ann Althouse said...

The men are all wearing dark suits. They have no choice.

Francisco D said...

Grassley's blathering seems to be unnerving CBF.

She looks ready to charge ahead. Her demeanor in responding to Rachel Mitchell will go a long way for the public in determining her credibility as an honest and completely sane witness.

Can they ask her for a tox screen? Anita Hill looked heavily medicated to me. I wonder how much, if any Xanax CBF took this morning.

Matt Sablan said...

"Why doesn't Grassley just submit this to the record and let us all get on with it?"

-- About 30% of voters are going to read about this proceeding; maybe 10% will watch. About 3% will read the record. -- Totally made up stats, but the point stands.

Unknown said...

If she does not CRY

We cannot deny

(Kavanaugh the seat for which he qualifies)

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

We must treat the useful leftwing liar with delicacy.

What a scam.

Matt Sablan said...

And Feinstein is making an appeal to authority.

Not a bad start to the today's train of fallacies both sides are likely to engage in.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

I'll bet she flew in.

Unknown said...

Neither witness will be able to conclusively prove or disprove the allegations. It will then come down to emotions and partisanship. If ford gets weepy, the Oprah will say that's conclusive proof that she is a victim. If the female questioner challenges ford in any way, that proves how unfair the process is. This show will be all BS.

Dave Begley said...

Someone on DiFi's staff leaked this. Number one suspect is the woman sitting behind DiFi in the purple shirt.

We KNOW sexual violence is a serious problem, but the issue here is did Brett Kavanaugh do this to CBF.

Unknown said...

After 300 opinions in DC appeals court, there is no doubt he is qualified to judge at the next level.

So what is this about?

rehajm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rehajm said...

I’m watching from an airplane with seat back tvs. You can tell the politics of the passengers by which network they’re watching this. Strong showing by Fox vs the field.

Ann Althouse said...

Feinstein just talked about seeing Anita Hill on TV "in a blue suit."

I've heard a lot of other commentators talking about Hill and stressing the blue suit.

Dave Begley said...

DiFi: Not all women are telling the truth. They need to be subject to cross examination. That's the American way!!

Matt Sablan said...

"I've heard a lot of other commentators talking about Hill and stressing the blue suit."

-- Blue suit, blue dress.

Feinstein is out right lying. Grassley has been offering Ford chance after chance. The allegations also were ignored by the FBI, because they had nothing to go on.

This is at least low key nonsense.

Matt Sablan said...

Judge provided a sworn statement saying Ford was wrong.

He doesn't need to come in. There's no evidence. We don't need character witnesses; we have on the record statements from every witness Ford claimed had first hand knowledge saying Ford is wrong.

walter said...

Feinstein just listed Ford's degrees etc..no reference to field they were in...decided that info is more bug than feature?

Browndog said...

Already had to mute Feinstien.

Nonapod said...

No matter what the outcome, the Democrats in general and DiFi in particular have behaved extremely poorly and in bad faith throughout this entire confirmation process. I just hope the voters have been paying attention.

Unknown said...

Is ANY show worth sitting through Feinstein?

"Feinstein: a unit of time beyond measurement"

Dave Begley said...

When did secret accusations become the gospel truth?

rhhardin said...

Lots of commercial breaks in my favorite program but it seems to be about righting the wrongs against women throughout history. A fist fight seems possible.

Tommy Duncan said...

In the picture on Drudge Dr. Ford looks like a guy in drag.

Mike Sylwester said...

I'm glad that you are describing the hearing.

I will read along as I continue to watch The Jerry Springer Show on my television.

Dave Begley said...

Judge Kavanaugh has been demoted to Brett Kavanaugh.

LilyBart said...

All this because Ford wanted two doors. Sigh.

bagoh20 said...

Don't you feel proud of our political system right now? They have nothing more important than this _ nothing even close. Maybe TMZ can handle the rest.

Francisco D said...

Maybe people will be distracted by the geriatric catfight between Feinstein and Grassley.

Mike Sylwester said...

Since I am not watching Dr. Ford on television, please tell me what she is saying when she appears to be distraught.

That way I will know which of her statements must be truthful.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

The Democrats ARE the Jerry Springer show.

LilyBart said...

People, I just cannot watch the destruction of a man for political purposes.

rehajm said...

Woman next to me says Dr. Ford looks like Eggbert. (Foghorn Leghorn)

Oso Negro said...

@ Althouse - bolder men might have gone with Yves St Laurent

Unknown said...

Maybe Feinstein will cry on Ford's behalf ...

Spartacus has the acting chops to pull off tears

He learned from Kurt Douglas.

Jake said...

She sounds 15.

walter said...

So sad DiFi lumps all 3 accusations together..and leaves out the ludicrous repeatedly attended rape train parties.
She must be desperate to appease the lefty youngins.

Dave Begley said...

Her lawyer had to instruct CBF on how to raise her hand and be sworn.

LilyBart said...

Mike Sylwester said...
Since I am not watching Dr. Ford on television, please tell me what she is saying when she appears to be distraught.

That way I will know which of her statements must be truthful.


In the world of women, crying and distraught is proof of nothing.

Mike Sylwester said...

Since she did show up, we know she is in a manic phase.

If she had not shown up, then she would be in a depressive phase.

StephenFearby said...

A little girl voice.

Dave Begley said...

Crying within the first minute!

Limited blogger said...

Didn't think I could watch it, but I'm mesmerized

Curious George said...

Pretty sure I will not be able listen to that vocal fry bullshit for long.

Chuck said...

Well now we know how to pronounce BLAH-zee.

And we know that she is "terrified." She is "terrified" because she was outed and pressed into testifying. If she doesn't complain about that in her testimony, and how that happened, then she's a lying political tool of the Dems.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

It's difficult re-living a non-rape by someone you are falsely accusing.

LilyBart said...


BTW, if the Republicans were doing this to a Dem nominee (ruining with uncorroborated, unsubstantiated allocations), I would be just as disgusted with them. When that Whelan fellow tried to finger another guy last week, I was revolted. what is happened to this man is just so, so wrong.

Jersey Fled said...

Wonder if that hair style was designed to make her look like she just got raped.

Gotta go now. There's only so much of this that I can take.

rhhardin said...

I've flipped it off. What's on the ham bands.

The Crack Emcee said...

Brett's in trouble.

Unknown said...

Ford is reading someone else's write-up.

When is the cross-ex?

grackle said...

If she does not CRY We cannot deny

Witty. But there’s a risk with crying. If it’s false tears and you are not a professional actor it can be obvious that it is bad acting. And even if it is true crying it may look false.

But on the other hand there has to be some kind of emotion exhibited by her. If I were her I would recall how she felt on election night when Hillary lost and Method actor-like try to summon damp eyes and quavering voice a la Actor’s Studio. That should do the trick.

Browndog said...

I thought I could watch it, but turns out I'd rather just follow along here.

maybe when questioning starts, and the libs go crazy.

bagoh20 said...

Will it help if Kavanaugh cries during his statment?

Curious George said...

If it's burned into her memory why does she need to read off notes?

Etienne said...

Feinstein admits to spoliation of evidence.

Michael Fitzgerald said...

She's gonna cry!

mccullough said...

Bad decision to just call him by his first name. She should always say his full name Brett Kavanaugh.

Just calling him Brett makes it sound like she is friendly with him.

The first sign of deceit.

Dave Begley said...

1. Does her house have two front doors?

2. It is properly "an elite" not "an elitist" school.

Renee said...

I feel bad that someone really pushed her to express her allegations to her Congressperson. Considering she took a polygraph test, why wasn't she better prepared for this? It doesn't seem she had guidance, regular people do not set up their own polygraph test.

Did they keep telling her don't worry, it wouldn't lead to a testimony?

Is that why they waiting until after the hearings to 'leak it', assuming that she would never have to testified once the hearing was over?

rehajm said...

I thought she was saying she was in couples therapy because she went through a home renovation with her husband. Now that I could believe.

StephenFearby said...

The anguish in her little girl voice is heart-rendering.

Waiting for the female version of Perry Mason's cross-examination.

Michael said...

She has kept her high school voice.

Unknown said...

"A dramatic reading"

Has she some close enough to crying to move the woman voters?

Hmm, "elitist boys school"...

How did those words get in there?

bagoh20 said...

Most women have the crying thing well practiced. What's the percentage if female testimony that includes crying? Among those who lie, it's 100%

mccullough said...

The way Feinstein touted Ford’s accomplishments undercut Ford’s Victim Status.

Francisco D said...

Pretty sure I will not be able listen to that vocal fry bullshit for long.

The whiny, "verge of tears", little girl voice is annoying. I am sure she is nervous and that affects her speech, but this seems over the top for an accomplished professional woman.

I have know and met hundreds of fellow psychologists in my career. I cannot imagine any one of them presenting themselves in this self-demeaning manner, no matter what the circumstance.

Did she act this way during her dissertation defense?

Limited blogger said...

Don't need the NFL, I've got DJT pressers and Senate hearings!

mccullough said...

Doesn’t remember who the Fourth Boy was.

He’s the same one who was on The Grassy Knoll

Matt Sablan said...

"Doesn’t remember who the Fourth Boy was."

-- Wait, are we back to four boys at the party?

rehajm said...

Her answers will be carefully crafted by her double barrel counsel and whispered to her to repeat.

I’m tapping out- all theater.

Dave Begley said...

DiFi or her staff LEAKED the letter to the media. Betrayal.

Chuck said...

This is a very calculated speech. I therefore presume that it is calculated on the part of Dr. Ford to refer to the nominee incorrectly as "Mr. Kavanaugh," instead of "Judge Kavanaugh" as befits a current sitting Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Charlotte Allen said...

The dark blue suit is actually very becoming to her coloring--but what's with women and horn-rimmed glasses? They look terrible on all women except for the sporty, ginger-y Katharine Hepburn types. But I guess women think they make them look more intellectual.

The hair in the face is awful, detracting from the very expensive blowout that she clearly had about two minutes before the hearing. But her hair was probably originally cut to get into her face, so there was nothing the stylist could do. Pushing your hair back looks terrible on television--it's like scratching an itch--and you'll notice that news babes with lots of hair make sure they never have to do it.

Matt Sablan said...

"DiFi or her staff LEAKED the letter to the media."

-- Unredacted to the media; redacted to the FBI. Shows you how serious Feinstein took Ford's confidence.

JPS said...

DB@H:

"It's difficult re-living a non-rape by someone you are falsely accusing."

As LilyBart alludes, Ed Whelan did some damage to this theory. But I could believe that Ford was assaulted exactly as she alleges; that it was as upsetting as she says, with lasting effects; and that it wasn't Kavanaugh, but she has convinced herself over the years that it was him. Because it had to be.

What the hell do I know - but then, I know no less than the people convinced she's just plain lying, or the people who angrily insist that Kavanaugh is a rapist because lots of other men are rapists and got off too easy. (That's not a straw man - I've read that thread and much else.)

Brian said...

I'll just put this here. I was wrong. She testified.

Michael K said...

It looks more and more to me like recovered memory.

She thinks it happened.

I wonder if she will be asked about her anti-Trump activism?

"Tremendous support from her friends" but not from family ?

walter said...

"are we back to four boys at the party?"
--
2, 4 whatevs.
BOYS!!!

virgil xenophon said...

That verbal fry! It burns! My ears! And the register crack..Oh my ears, too much, too, too much..NO human should be subjected to that for over thirty seconds MAX...EVER.

Unknown said...

>"A dramatic reading"

How many people composed that statement, and how many times did she rehearse it, with coaching?

America's got talent!

All that matters is the "emotion of HER truth"

Howard said...

Blogger The Crack Emcee said...

Brett's in trouble.


Not likely. This is the hill that the republicans are going to defend to the last. If they don;t, the depraved deplorable wing of Trump's (your man, the racist whisperer) base will not turn out in November at the levels they need to hold the house and/or senate.

Chuck said...

Dave Begley said...
DiFi or her staff LEAKED the letter to the media. Betrayal.


In the case of Anita Hill, the leak was a crime. Too bad this leak isn't also a crime. Although the Hill leakers never were found and prosecuted as they should have been.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

she's so brave she's so brave she's so brave.

Get a jumpstart on the media meme.

LilyBart said...

mccullough said...
The way Feinstein touted Ford’s accomplishments undercut Ford’s Victim Status.


I just struggle with why someone so accomplished in psychology is still an emotional cripple (needs two front doors / struggles with flying) from a guy who tried to press himself on her 36 years ago. After all her training, she doesn't have any better coping skills?

I was nearly raped in high school about the same time, and I just feel relief! I got away - quick thinking and quick moving saved me from the trauma. I don't think of myself as a 'victim' or 'survivor' - that would be nonsense - the 'thing' didn't happen. I shudder to think what could have happened - but nothing happened.

Tommy Duncan said...

What are the odds that she will at some later point tell us that the harsh questioning was worse than the actual assault?

Michael K said...

"Professional Prosecutor" OooooooH

Dave Begley said...

CBF just trying to be helpful. And save the Republic from Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
grackle said...

Her quavering voice isn’t quite authentic enough. I’m watching at 43 past the hour and so far no convincing tears. She better do better.

Chuck said...

The Dems are so pissed off about the Republicans hiring a female prosecutor to do their questioning. So I presume that it is a great idea.

walter said...

God..the repeated caffeine request is odd.

Unknown said...

Her dramatic reading has moved on to how she feels like a victim now.

Perhaps she hopes people will conflate her "3 mins of hell" 36 years ago with her current feeling of victimhood, however unrealized these threats are.

Guess the recovered memory part is over.

Howard said...

LilyBart: good for you. Doctor BF is obviously the weakest lamest cow in the herd. No wonder she was targeted by a pack of jackals.

Matt Sablan said...

Oh. That's convenient. One of the witnesses who was a witness, all of a sudden isn't, now that he doesn't agree with her.

Unknown said...

she sounds a lot different now that the dramatic reading is over

Howard said...

althouse's pack of jackals smell blood and weakness: salivating.

Matt Sablan said...

She can't tell the date or if her letter is accurate. That's... not helpful for her credibility.

Nonapod said...

If this succeeds, it'll mean the Dems have a sure fire way to shut down any attempt for a Republican president to nominate any male to the Supreme Court again. The mere fear of such a character assassination will probably discourage any potential nominee from even accepting.

When you think about it, it's a pretty effective tactic. You really don't need proof of anything, just a story with vague, nonspecific details and some tears.

Tommy Duncan said...

I see the circus. Where's my bread?

JPS said...

Howard, 9:51:

"This is the hill that the republicans are going to defend to the last. If they don;t, the [...] base will not turn out in November at the levels they need to hold the house and/or senate."

That's part of it. The other part is that if they don't, they set the precedent that you can derail any Supreme Court nomination by finding a handful of people in a country of three hundred million to make grave, unfalsifiable allegations against the nominee at the last minute. Which you can do to anyone, I don't care who it is; which means it will happen every time.

You may be fine with that - but then you apparently assume those depraved deplorables are too honorable to do the exact same thing to your side's nominees, from now until the end of time.

Matt Sablan said...

She's revising the letter live. No longer willing to commit to:

* Number of people
* Who pushed her
* -- the third one seems to be cut off?



Francisco D said...

Rachel Mitchell was a good choice. She is extremely non-threatening and seems to be putting CBF at ease.

This helps avoid the Male Bullying optics that the Dems hoped for.

Dave Begley said...

Mitchell has a tough, tough job. Five minutes and then she has to stop.

Matt Sablan said...

... Feinstein is literally dumping thousands of random letters of support.

Unknown said...

> she sounds a lot different now that the dramatic reading is over

The gloom is off our Rose.

She forgot to carry over her emotion from the last scene...

Even wrestlers know to do this.

If your knee is "broken" early, don't forget to continue limping throughout the match.

Maybe she is doing a Hulk Hogan - cup the ear for the TV crowd?

Steve M. Galbraith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Matt Sablan said...

Note: Feinstein is asking how she felt; the results, etc.

The GOP's lawyer was asking for information about the attack, evidence, etc.

Michael K said...

Blogger Howard said...
althouse's pack of jackals smell blood and weakness: salivating


Howard did you happen to read that link I posted for you ?

Of course not. A lot of people who are not commenters on this blog are really pissed.

Happy Warrior said...

Seculae?

walter said...

"The other part is that if they don't, they set the precedent that you can derail any Supreme Court nomination"
Any nomination period.

LilyBart said...

Howard said...
LilyBart: good for you. Doctor BF is obviously the weakest lamest cow in the herd. No wonder she was targeted by a pack of jackals.


I don't really believe her story in whole. I think something happened to her at 15 that made her uncomfortable and upset. In 2012, she dug it up used it as a trump card to get her 2nd door in a reno (did she get that 2nd door, or just argue about it?), and then reposed it later as a political weapon. AS someone who was 'almost raped', her assertion that she doesn't remember where it happened is super problematic to me.

And now she tells that she struggles with flying, needed to move 3,000 miles away, needed two doors, all because of this, and I feel she likely has more profound problems that this event of 36 years ago.

Steve M. Galbraith said...

She comes across to me as quite sincere and clearly afraid. Is it a fear that she'll be revealed? Or because she sincerely thinks she was assaulted.

Most Americans go on emotions, on feelings. In that case at this point Kavanaugh's confirmation is in trouble. I can see Flake and Murkowski voting no.

Ugh, these are real people with real lives and real names. Politics ain't beanbag but it still stinks.

Dave Begley said...

The Woman with Two Front Doors.

Francisco D said...

althouse's pack of jackals smell blood and weakness: salivating.

Howard,

I think you know that most people watching the whole confirmation farce think that the Democrat SJC senators are the pack of jackals. They are trying to lynch a man without any credible evidence.

I would say "nice try", but as always your efforts are pitifully weak.

Michael K said...

The Democrats will be all about feelings. Every one.

Ingachuck'stoothlessARM said...

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside
There behind a glass stands a real blade of grass
Be careful as you pass, move along, move along

Come inside, the show's about to start
Guaranteed to blow your head apart
Rest assured you'll get your money's worth
Greatest show in Heaven, Hell or Earth
You've got to see the show, it's a dynamoStep inside! Hello! We've a most amazing show
You'll enjoy it all we know
Step inside! Step inside!
We've got thrills and shocks, supersonic fighting cocks.
Leave your hammers at the box
Come inside! Come inside!

Roll up! Roll up! Roll up!
See the show!
Left behind the bars, rows of Bishops' heads in jars
And a bomb inside a car
Spectacular! Spectacular!

If you follow me there's a speciality
Some tears for you to see
Misery, misery,

Roll up! Roll up! Roll up!
See the show!

Next upon the bill in our House of Vaudeville
We've a stripper in a till
What a thrill! What a thrill!

And not content with that,
With our hands behind our backs,
We pull Jesus from a hat,
Get into that! Get into that!

Roll up! Roll up! Roll up!
See the show!

Rick said...

but then you apparently assume those depraved deplorables are too honorable to do the exact same thing to your side's nominees,

The left doesn't assume it won't happen, the left knows their media allies will rediscover skepticism as soon as doing so advantages the left.

LilyBart said...

Unknown said...> she sounds a lot different now that the dramatic reading is over

The gloom is off our Rose.


heh. That's really funny.

viator said...

First we had Squeaky Fromme now we have Squeaky Ford, both assassins.

Unknown said...

> She is extremely non-threatening and seems to be putting CBF at ease.

normally you "fix" the opponents position in deposition,

and impeach in trial

(You say Y, but read from this transcript where you said X under oath)

CBF seems to be answering at length to chew up the clock in this depo/trial.

Normally in depo a witness says "yes/no/I don't know/I don't recall"

Ford is creating "rabbit trails" with the folksy stories a good lawyer would take up.

Nonapod said...

I imagine it'd be more difficult to attempt this sort of thing with a female nominee, but probably still doeable.

Random Onlooker said...

I'm still reeling from the Committee counsel asking CBF if her letter to Feinstein was accurate and her answering...uh, give me a few minutes to read it.

Unknown said...

the chipper folksy stories and lengthy self-diagnosis work against the dramatic reading.

She volunteers lots of detail when advancing her favored questions.

"absolutely not" is an inexperienced witness response.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

via insty

“The very first question, and Ford broke in to retract her previous written allegation that there was another “bystander” to the assault. She now says she misused the word, and that the “bystander” was actually downstairs — and therefore not a witness to anything.”

In fact, Ford has corrected her previous written allegations three or four times in just these first few minutes."

Huh - shape shifting story. All OK when your lying for the great good.

Matt Sablan said...

Her third point is that if you interview Mark Judge, that could help jog her memory.

Yeah. No dice.

Howard said...

Mike K: No, I missed it. when did you post it? I really only strafe the blog on breaks from my social justice crusade.

Matt Sablan said...

Would Ford had made that change if the bystander hadn't said he didn't remember the assault?

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Feelings over reality. Check - Jerry Springer show.

glenn said...

Think about it. This bubblhead has a doctorate and is a professor at a university. God bless America.

Howard said...

you people really listening to this? pathetic. the fix is in Bart O'K is a sho-in and roe v wade and gray marriage will be toast.

Rick said...

Francisco D said...
althouse's pack of jackals smell blood and weakness: salivating.

Howard,


How are there so many leftists who (correctly) understand the best use of their time is merely interfering with others? The key seems to be starting with a large pool of useless people. If your total possible value contribution is zero why not spend your time trying to force others to waste theirs?

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

via insty

“Feinstein is paving the way to prohibit questions on Ford’s character yet in he/she said cases, it is one’s impression of character that is the determining factor. There’s nothing else to go by when you have to unsubstantiated claims.”

Feinstein is no dummy. She’s trying to rule out in advance the only meaningful questions.

Rick67 said...

Why is she terrified? Serious question.

And yes I can imagine what at least one response might be. I understand the fear of going back to a place where I was treated abusively and being in the same room as two of the people who did it.

Happy Warrior said...

Dr. Ford seems naive.

Unknown said...

Leahy uses his time to make a speech.

Doesn't he want the accuser to have more time to flesh out the facts of her case?

The Crack Emcee said...

I'M LAUGHING SO HARD I'M CRYING!!!! THIS IS BRILLIANT!!! I LOVE POLITICS!!!!

Mike Sylwester said...

I have muted The Jerry Springer Show and turned on a radio broadcast of the hearings.

The lip-synch seems to be amazingly accurate.

Happy Warrior said...

... not knowing how to swear an oath... Purposefully?

Oso Negro said...

@Howard - "Gray marriage will be toast"???? Is Kavanaugh against marriage for people over 60 years of age?

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

via insty

“Feinstein is paving the way to prohibit questions on Ford’s character yet in he/she said cases, it is one’s impression of character that is the determining factor. There’s nothing else to go by when you have unsubstantiated claims.”

"Feinstein is no dummy. She’s trying to rule out in advance the only meaningful questions."

Howard said...

Rick: why so insecure? I like invading althouses deplorable safe space, it a good fun poking you wounded cats

Michael K said...


Blogger Howard said...
Mike K: No, I missed it. when did you post it? I really only strafe the blog on breaks from my social justice crusade.


Here it is.

I think this is an example of recovered memories. Those people remain convinced if the truth of the memory, regardless of proof.

Birkel said...

That's some good quality fake crying by Blasey Ford.

Happy Warrior said...

Indelible in the hippocampus. Seems she is trying to make it sound more solid.

Howard said...

Oso, I left that typo in for you 'cause I know you don't practice gray sex

Luke Lea said...

Her testimony is convincing. I was not expecting it to be.

John Pickering said...

ann's not keeping up.

Dr. Ford remembers the laughter. The guys were having a good time.

Howard said...

Mike K: Sarah Hoyt???? Send me a real article, not some ideological cult fantasy writer

Unknown said...

Leahy is a former prosecutor.

tim in vermont said...

Howard is triggered, but he has no good arguments, so he name calls. Never seen that before on the interwebs.

Lucien said...

I’m not sure Ms Mitchell appreciated the fact that her examination will be broken into five minute chunks interspersed with Dem. questioning. She asked the witness to review documents, which is a good way to lose control of time. As a prosecutor she may not have taken many time-limited depositions.

Dave Begley said...

Katz has worked with the Dem Senators on the questions.

Unknown said...

The extra emotion from the Leahy cross-ex makes me think they rehearsed it.

Ford makes a complete shift when Mitchell steps back in.

Howard said...

Blogger Luke Lea said...

Her testimony is convincing. I was not expecting it to be.


So what... O'K will get the appointment or else Trump will destroy the GOP

Mike Sylwester said...

... the [Anita] Hill leakers never were found and prosecuted as they should have been.

Anita Hill's identity was leaked by Senator Paul Simon (D) of Illinois.

Unknown said...

> Her testimony is convincing.

Why?

Michael K said...

Blogger Howard said...
Mike K: Sarah Hoyt???? Send me a real article, not some ideological cult fantasy writer


I knew you would not read it. Huffington Post is more your speed.

Francisco D said...

I like invading althouses deplorable safe space, it a good fun poking you wounded cats

Don't give yourself too much credit, Howard

You are an annoying little twit - a child in a room with adults.

No one is wounded by your juvenile poking.

iowan2 said...

Democrats are re litigating the Hill hearings. They think thats a winner for them, the voters, not so much. Fords testimony must be a loser, or they wouldn't keep bringing up the past.

Oso Negro said...

@Howard - I sure don't! I am 61, but my wife is 27. Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Howard said...

tim: tell me what real evidence besides you people's behavior toward women the gay and the minority exists about this situation. There are no facts except the meta comments on the blog.

Gospace said...

walter said...
Feinstein just listed Ford's degrees etc.


And that matters---How? Is she saying degreed people are more trustworthy? That should play well with the deplorables the Democrats hate. Or is it a mistake? She supposedly was traumatized- and yet functioned well enough to go through further schooling with more males just like Kavanaugh. How could that be.

No matter how it's parsed, listing someone's degrees before they testify before a national audience in a Russian style show trial orchestrated by the left is a mistake. For the left, the show trial is a mistake. But they don't realize it.

Matt Sablan said...

So, she wants an FBI investigation but hasn't filed a crime report with the people who actually have jurisdiction -- that's not adding up for me.

Unknown said...

with as many accolades as the Dem senators offer Ford

they should invent an Congressional "accusers medal"

I believe!

pdug said...

I think its interesting she's not just testifying like a victim, but like an expert witness on memory and emotional trauma.

Rick said...

Rick67 said...
Why is she terrified? Serious question.


This is a big moment in her career. If she nails it she'll be a lifetime hero to the left eligible for sinecures across academia and media a la Anita Hill.

Imagine the pressure giving your first presentation at Microsoft in front of Gates & Balmer.

Howard said...

Insecure Mike lashing out because he is the idiotlogue and got called on it. The real world is not made up of compliant nurses and flattering pharma saleswhores. It must be a shock getting pushback on your bullshit and boastful blather

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

"Ford stalled this hearing by claiming she was afraid to fly, but her July 30 letter to Feinstein said she's be in DC until August 7 and available in California from August 10.

40 hour drive in two days? Really?"


On August 7 she took a polygraph exam at the BWI Airport Hilton.

I hope someone asks her about her fear of flying. Because I think that will show she flew to DC and she's a liar.

iowan2 said...

Her testimony is convincing. I was not expecting it to be.

Most honest people think something happened to Ford. Most honest people think Democrat operatives that are Fords handlers, have corrupted Ford.

Howard said...

Oso: Yeah, you talk about Svetlana all the time. Good for you.

Don B. said...

She remembers all present except the fouth boy, at whose house the incident must have taken place. How unfortunate!

Unknown said...

The lack of details make the stories true, says Durbin

Michael K said...

Durbin is telling her there should have been an FBI investigation.

There could have been in July.

Durbin is explaining to us about trauma survivors. Does that include the Nazi US soldiers ?

Howard's hysteria suggests he knows he is losing.

Unknown said...

The lack of details make the stories true, says Durbin

Unknown said...

When does Althouse update her thread?

"MORE TO COME" has been up for over an hour without a peep from her.

Ann, I'm counting on you for info!!!

thanks in advance.

Darrell said...

I remember what I need to remember and forget everything else.

Michael K said...

It must be a shock getting pushback on your bullshit and boastful blather

Howard, I enjoy your pain.

Birkel said...

She couldn't remember the exact address of her parents' home but she knew the address of the convenience store where she alleges she ran into Mark Judge.

Seems legit.

The Crack Emcee said...

Okay, I can breath now.

Fried by vocal fry - I didn't see THAT coming. Grassley is just comic relief. There's nothing anyone can do with this. The Republicans misfired on the female prosecutor. She's a tank, and this isn't a prosecuting situation. To keep coming back to her, and her approach - to basically tear apart a kid's party - is overkill. She can't win this. I think we can say it's now Kava-naaaah.

Not the way the Dems are milking it.

Best show on earth.

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