Thursday Kavanaugh live watch thread

[curbsideprophet]

There are two different men claiming to be the person who assaulted Dr. Ford? Am I reading this tweet right?

[suburbanzookeeper]

No, I'm reading it the same way. I mean are these two anonymous assholes "taking one for the team" and claiming they attempted to sexually assault a woman back in high school so it's totes cool guys, let's proceed? I don't get any of this (this, all of this, what the actual fuck?!).

[mrsukyankee]

And they seemingly are refusing to let anyone else speak or give any information. This is a sham.

[morecoffeeplease]

Here is a Kavanaugh poll. Support for confirming is down 18% for GOP women.

All male voters: 42% confirm, 35% No
All women voters: 27% confirm, 39% No

Dem men: 12% confirm, 64% No
Dem women: 9% confirm, 62% No

Independent men: 38% confirm, 33% No
Independent women: 23% confirm, 33% No

Republican men: 68% confirm, 12% No
Republican women: 49% confirm, 15% No

[crazycakes]

With public support so low, I just want to know WHHHHYYYYY the Republicans are so hell bent on confirming this guy. I just don’t believe that it’s simply because of his beliefs on the president being above the law or Roe or whatever. There have got to be other asshole judges with similar beliefs who aren’t sexual predators. There is something about Bart, specifically, that they’re willing to risk their reputations for. Does he have some blackmail material? Is it just that he’s been bought and paid for? What is it???!!!!

(I realize no one here knows the answer to this. I’m just going insane trying to understand the impossible.)

[bowies]

I’m going to be sick.

[Bernadine]

Anyone know where I can get an audio stream today? I wish I was working from home, so I could have the tv on.

[sakoro]

Sept 27, 2018 5:49:12 GMT -5 crazycakes said:

With public support so low, I just want to know WHHHHYYYYY the Republicans are so hell bent on confirming this guy. I just don’t believe that it’s simply because of his beliefs on the president being above the law or Roe or whatever. There have got to be other asshole judges with similar beliefs who aren’t sexual predators. There is something about Bart, specifically, that they’re willing to risk their reputations for.)

I know! It’s so weird! There are plenty of conservative judges who don’t have women coming forward with abuse allgations. Is Putin behind it somehow? Some special deal not to hold republicans accountable when their dealings with Russia are exposed?

[jennybee1018]

I listened to the Daily episode this morning where they recalled the questioning and events from the Anita Hill hearings, and I hate to see the exact thing happen again. These brave women have spoken out, and the Republicans are going to basically ignore them and push the nomination through.

It's all just so disgusting.

Holding on to hope that they really don't have the votes when the time comes!

[tamarindy]

Sept 27, 2018 6:06:46 GMT -5 sakoro said:

Sept 27, 2018 5:49:12 GMT -5 crazycakes said:

With public support so low, I just want to know WHHHHYYYYY the Republicans are so hell bent on confirming this guy. I just don’t believe that it’s simply because of his beliefs on the president being above the law or Roe or whatever. There have got to be other asshole judges with similar beliefs who aren’t sexual predators. There is something about Bart, specifically, that they’re willing to risk their reputations for.)

I know! It’s so weird! There are plenty of conservative judges who don’t have women coming forward with abuse allgations. Is Putin behind it somehow? Some special deal not to hold republicans accountable when their dealings with Russia are exposed?

I actually don't think it is that weird.  Republicans have shown time and time again that any sign of admitting they may have fucked up is unacceptable.  I mean, remember Roy Moore?  

They don't see this as risking reputations.  For them, it is the ultimate reputation ruiner to concede even an inch, or say they may have a poor pick.

[miniroller]

Sept 27, 2018 6:13:17 GMT -5 tamarindy said:

Sept 27, 2018 6:06:46 GMT -5 sakoro said:

I know! It’s so weird! There are plenty of conservative judges who don’t have women coming forward with abuse allgations. Is Putin behind it somehow? Some special deal not to hold republicans accountable when their dealings with Russia are exposed?

I actually don't think it is that weird.  Republicans have shown time and time again that any sign of admitting they may have fucked up is unacceptable.  I mean, remember Roy Moore?  

They don't see this as risking reputations.  For them, it is the ultimate reputation ruiner to concede even an inch, or say they may have a poor pick.

This is exactly what I was thinking- it’s simply “Stand by your man so as to never take blame or admit to a failure/ mistake.”
A misogynistic A-hole Supreme Court lifetime placement is just a bonus 😐

[isabel]

Sept 27, 2018 6:03:27 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Anyone know where I can get an audio stream today? I wish I was working from home, so I could have the tv on.

NPR is airing it live for the entirety of the hearing. I plan to try to pick it up there.

[curbsideprophet]

Sept 27, 2018 1:03:45 GMT -5 suburbanzookeeper said:

No, I'm reading it the same way. I mean are these two anonymous assholes "taking one for the team" and claiming they attempted to sexually assault a woman back in high school so it's totes cool guys, let's proceed? I don't get any of this (this, all of this, what the actual fuck?!).

I am trying to figure out which is more likely


These men did assault a women with Judge in the room. They don’t know her name so assume it could be them.

Or

They are completely making it up to take one for the team.

[krystee]

I just saw a meme that says Brock Turners grow up to be Brett Kavanaughs, who make the rules for Brock Turners. It's so depressing.

[cous0226]

Sept 27, 2018 5:49:12 GMT -5 crazycakes said:

With public support so low, I just want to know WHHHHYYYYY the Republicans are so hell bent on confirming this guy. I just don’t believe that it’s simply because of his beliefs on the president being above the law or Roe or whatever. There have got to be other asshole judges with similar beliefs who aren’t sexual predators. There is something about Bart, specifically, that they’re willing to risk their reputations for. Does he have some blackmail material? Is it just that he’s been bought and paid for? What is it???!!!!

(I realize no one here knows the answer to this. I’m just going insane trying to understand the impossible.)

I keep thinking about this too.  What others said but also October is here and they'd have to rush someone through and deal with the Dems yelling why are we doing this now when elections are around the corner.  I don't think Mcconnell wants to take a chance of losing a vote.  Also they can do it in lame duck but what if Dem's take House and Senate and it's really a wave, there could be some of the R's that may not be secure as they are worried about 2020 and going down with the 45 ship. Who the heck knows but it seems as though Mcconell only has to worry about 1 or 2 votes right now and maybe get worse the later the wait. There are stories now daily and they will not continue for the choir boy.

[pitta12]

Sept 27, 2018 6:03:27 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Anyone know where I can get an audio stream today? I wish I was working from home, so I could have the tv on.

I listen on tunein.com at work. They have C-Span Radio, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, and others.

[seeyalater52]

Sept 27, 2018 6:41:45 GMT -5 cous0226 said:

Sept 27, 2018 5:49:12 GMT -5 crazycakes said:

With public support so low, I just want to know WHHHHYYYYY the Republicans are so hell bent on confirming this guy. I just don’t believe that it’s simply because of his beliefs on the president being above the law or Roe or whatever. There have got to be other asshole judges with similar beliefs who aren’t sexual predators. There is something about Bart, specifically, that they’re willing to risk their reputations for. Does he have some blackmail material? Is it just that he’s been bought and paid for? What is it???!!!!

(I realize no one here knows the answer to this. I’m just going insane trying to understand the impossible.)

I keep thinking about this too.  What others said but also October is here and they'd have to rush someone through and deal with the Dems yelling why are we doing this now when elections are around the corner.  I don't think Mcconnell wants to take a chance of losing a vote.  Also they can do it in lame duck but what if Dem's take House and Senate and it's really a wave, there could be some of the R's that may not be secure as they are worried about 2020 and going down with the 45 ship. Who the heck knows but it seems as though Mcconell only has to worry about 1 or 2 votes right now and maybe get worse the later the wait. There are stories now daily and they will not continue for the choir boy.

They may not be able to get THIS confirmation through in a lame duck, but they could get A confirmation through. If Republicans lose the House and/or the Senate margin shifts in November they will unite to push through their pick, otherwise they risk losing their chance. Ultimately the SCOTUS seat is more critical than any election as it has a much longer-term impact. But they’re running out of time here and wasting the clock on Kavanaugh which narrows their window of opportunity for a new nominee with each passing day.

Probably moot anyways because Democrats are unlikely to take the Senate so they likely have a longer window during which to confirm a nominee of their choice but if I were them I wouldnt chance it.

They just don’t want to look like they’re giving in now that they’re all dug in for this asshole. And they’re scared because as we have heard in their statements many of these GOP men clearly have committed similar acts of sexual violence against women and they worry about the precedent it sets to back down even an inch.

[biscoffcookies]

I literally lost my breath at the news about the *two* men who the GOP conveniently hid and say it might be them.

To go to Dr. Ford and basically Pat her head and say "you have it wrong little lady" is so breathtaking and offensive.

I would be interested to learn whether either of those guys would be willing to plead guilty to a criminal charge on this in Maryland where there is no statute of limitations. Somehow I think they would say they aren't that sure.

[biscoffcookies]

Sept 27, 2018 7:02:18 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Sept 27, 2018 5:49:12 GMT -5 crazycakes said:

With public support so low, I just want to know WHHHHYYYYY the Republicans are so hell bent on confirming this guy. I just don’t believe that it’s simply because of his beliefs on the president being above the law or Roe or whatever. There have got to be other asshole judges with similar beliefs who aren’t sexual predators. There is something about Bart, specifically, that they’re willing to risk their reputations for. Does he have some blackmail material? Is it just that he’s been bought and paid for? What is it???!!!!

(I realize no one here knows the answer to this. I’m just going insane trying to understand the impossible.)

Plus McConnell didn't even want him in the first place. I think its mostly about feeding Trump's ego. They know he won't back down and they are too spineless to go against him, so they might as well double down.

I read an article saying at this point they feel the political damage with women/independents is already done. So from their perspective if they stick with Kavanaugh at least they don't anger the base also, whereas they think if they dump Kavanaugh that is worst case scenario because everyone will be mad.

Also I do think part of it is not wanting to set a precedent because too many of them can put themselves or their buddies in Kavanaugh's shoes (ie potentially having things they want taken away) based on previous unacceptable behavior that they/their friends committed. They are protecting themselves.

[curbsideprophet]

USA Today reporter covering protests today on twitter for anyone interested.

[seeyalater52]

Sept 27, 2018 7:09:59 GMT -5 biscoffcookies said:

I literally lost my breath at the news about the *two* men who the GOP conveniently hid and say it might be them.

To go to Dr. Ford and basically Pat her head and say "you have it wrong little lady" is so breathtaking and offensive.

I would be interested to learn whether either of those guys would be willing to plead guilty to a criminal charge on this in Maryland where there is no statute of limitations. Somehow I think they would say they aren't that sure.

Right? I can only assume they will remain anonymous. Funny how anonymous attempted rapists are totally legit and should he believed while anonymous women who have been sexually assaulted are liars and plants.

[biscoffcookies]

Sept 27, 2018 7:18:37 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Sept 27, 2018 7:09:59 GMT -5 biscoffcookies said:

I literally lost my breath at the news about the *two* men who the GOP conveniently hid and say it might be them.

To go to Dr. Ford and basically Pat her head and say "you have it wrong little lady" is so breathtaking and offensive.

I would be interested to learn whether either of those guys would be willing to plead guilty to a criminal charge on this in Maryland where there is no statute of limitations. Somehow I think they would say they aren't that sure.

Right? I can only assume they will remain anonymous. Funny how anonymous attempted rapists are totally legit and should he believed while anonymous women who have been sexually assaulted are liars and plants.

Preach. And it is *vile* how they clearly intended to blindside her on this point today.

But now any doubt I had he will be confirmed is gone. They can say "oh, we don't think she is lying, but there is now evidence* that she is confused, and we believe Kavanugh when he says he didn't do it."


*I mean, no more evidence than the allegations they are so ready to dismiss when they come to women

[miniroller]

Sept 27, 2018 7:18:37 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Sept 27, 2018 7:09:59 GMT -5 biscoffcookies said:

I literally lost my breath at the news about the *two* men who the GOP conveniently hid and say it might be them.

To go to Dr. Ford and basically Pat her head and say "you have it wrong little lady" is so breathtaking and offensive.

I would be interested to learn whether either of those guys would be willing to plead guilty to a criminal charge on this in Maryland where there is no statute of limitations. Somehow I think they would say they aren't that sure.

Right? I can only assume they will remain anonymous. Funny how anonymous attempted rapists are totally legit and should he believed while anonymous women who have been sexually assaulted are liars and plants.

And there’s also a certain “last-minute” ring to these confessions to which a certain party was SO opposed 24-hrs ago...
GAH.

[biscoffcookies]

Also when you click through it says they also spoke to a classmate who explains the yearbook captions as "insensitive but innocent" jokes.

So to recap: anyone who speaks out against Kavanaugh: lying, confused, and/or politically motivated Anyone who speaks in favor: totally credible, correct,nonpartisan. Nothing here you guys. This has just been one big misunderstanding.

Related: if anyone has tips for how they are handling the anger/sadness and prevent it from impacting your daily life/general worldview I would welcome them. I am having a really hard time with it, moreso than before.

[rupertpenny]

Sept 27, 2018 7:29:49 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

The Wapo did a short article on what the elite/rich kid party culture was like in the 1980s. A lot of reader comments confirm as well

www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/i-remember-thinking-ugh-this-is-bad-scenes-from-teenage-party-life-in-the-80s/2018/09/26/dba546e2-c0d7-11e8-be77-516336a26305_story.html?utm_term=.7bfa3bc57ee7

I didn’t start high school until 2000 and this all sounds so familiar. Although everything was much worse in college. It’s so depressing, it feels like nothing will ever change.

[bronxgirl]

I have a busy day and won't be able to watch the news until this evening. Part of me is disappointed by that and part of me is relieved. I'm so anxious re: what might happen.

[seeyalater52]

I’m a little stressed out because there are several advisories circulating that ask for no demonstrations inside the hearing chamber today in order to ensure that Dr. Ford has optimal conditions for testifying. I don’t know to what extent she was involved in this request but the organizations circulating it are well-respected in the sexual violence field. I’m super scared people are going to blow them off and it’s going to set the whole thing off kilter.

Usually I’d be the first to stoke the protest flames but today just feels different. It doesn’t need to be any more of a circus than it already is. Let the testimony speak for itself.

[bowies]

Sept 27, 2018 7:14:31 GMT -5 biscoffcookies said:

Sept 27, 2018 7:02:18 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Plus McConnell didn't even want him in the first place. I think its mostly about feeding Trump's ego. They know he won't back down and they are too spineless to go against him, so they might as well double down.

I read an article saying at this point they feel the political damage with women/independents is already done. So from their perspective if they stick with Kavanaugh at least they don't anger the base also, whereas they think if they dump Kavanaugh that is worst case scenario because everyone will be mad.

Also I do think part of it is not wanting to set a precedent because too many of them can put themselves or their buddies in Kavanaugh's shoes (ie potentially having things they want taken away) based on previous unacceptable behavior that they/their friends committed. They are protecting themselves.

This is exactly it. Damage done, may as well get the political operative on the court, keep the base, protect themselves.

[Deleted]

Sept 27, 2018 7:34:46 GMT -5 biscoffcookies said:

Also when you click through it says they also spoke to a classmate who explains the yearbook captions as "insensitive but innocent" jokes.

So to recap: anyone who speaks out against Kavanaugh: lying, confused, and/or politically motivated Anyone who speaks in favor: totally credible, correct,nonpartisan. Nothing here you guys. This has just been one big misunderstanding.

Related: if anyone has tips for how they are handling the anger/sadness and prevent it from impacting your daily life/general worldview I would welcome them. I am having a really hard time with it, moreso than before.

I would too. I cried and shook for almost two hours last night. I've obviously hit my breaking point and don't even know how to go on. My birthday is tomorrow and I want nothing more than Kavanaughs confirmation to go down in flames.

[winecat]

I swear it sounded like Lindsay Graham said that he's "not going to believe that whore" during an interview with Norah O'Donnell.