What You Need To Know From The Testimony Of Christine Blasey Ford And Brett Kavanaugh

The shot I just saw of Kavanaugh walking into the hearing was basically a perp walk

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

I WROTE THIS BY MYSELF!

— Thornton McEnery (@ThorntonMcEnery) September 27, 2018

The hearing has resumed, Kavanaugh has been sworn in. White House Counsel Don McGahn is sitting in the row behind him pic.twitter.com/ArOO4ZviDE

— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) September 27, 2018

Judge Kavanaugh and co. have entered the hearing room. He was holding his wife's hand as he walked in.

— Michael Macagnone (@mikemacagnone) September 27, 2018

Grassley swears Kavanaugh in

He sits and begins his opening statement. He looks tired and sounds defiant.

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Ask anyone I've known my whole life. . . except for Mark Judge

— Chris Lehmann (@lehmannchris) September 27, 2018

"The yelling is helpful to his cause."
-Absolutely nobody

— Thornton McEnery (@ThorntonMcEnery) September 27, 2018

Amazing contrast in gender norms and expectations. Ford (who says she was sexually assaulted) is almost apologetic in her testimony. Kavanaugh, the alleged perpetrator, is yelling and angry.

— Sam Stein (@samstein) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh: "This confirmation process has become a national disgrace. The constitution gives the senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy"

— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh calls the allegations a conspiracy and a political hit and revenge on behalf of the Clintons

Yeah let's put him on the Supreme Court for life huh

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Let’s check in on Judge Kavanaugh’s opening statement. pic.twitter.com/okt6DyoqtU

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Dear #BrettKavanaugh being angry and furious is NOT a good look for you at a confirmation hearing! Frankly it makes you look guilty! From the women of America who are tired of being sexually assaulted by misogynists like you! #IBelieveChristine

— 🌼LauraInWonderland|Je suis Anti Fascist! (@LauraBergerol) September 27, 2018

Biff Kavanaugh blames revenge on behalf of *checks notes* the Clintons?

🤔

— Imani Gandy (Orca’s Version) ⚓️ (@AngryBlackLady) September 27, 2018

This guy isn't coming off like a partisan henchman at all!

— Will Wilkinson (@willwilkinson) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh: "What goes around comes around"

Merrick Garland, probably: "OK"#KavanaughHearings

— Joshua Holland (@JoshuaHol) September 27, 2018

Fuming, angry, and conspiratorial, denouncing shadowy well-funded forces aligned against him, Kavanaugh is painting a new picture of the sort of Justice he may be.

— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) September 27, 2018

Due process is applicable when there's a possible depravation of a constitutional right.

Kavanaugh does not have a constitutional right to a promotion to the Supreme Court.

This is a job interview

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

This is a case study in @rtraister’s point about who gets to be angry and who doesn’t.

— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) September 27, 2018

Right now I'm think I could see how this guy could get angry and out of control

— Jen "I dissent " Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) September 27, 2018

i am actually much more fearful of him on the Court now than twenty minutes ago

— Rachel Cohen (@rmc031) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh: "Renate Alumnus" reference in our yearbooks was "not related to sex" with Renate Schroeder
Georgetown Prep student Michael Walsh's yearbook: “You need a date / and it’s getting late / so don’t hesitate / to call Renate.”https://t.co/apUBg4J1GV

— Allegra Kirkland (@allegrakirkland) September 27, 2018

Congressional Bouncer Escorts Belligerent Brett Kavanaugh From Senate Judiciary Hearing

— The Onion (@TheOnion) September 27, 2018

Does anyone believe this raving man had nothing to do with Ed Whelan’s stunt?

— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) September 27, 2018

It is not “refuted” when the witness himself says he doesn’t remember and is now hiding out in a beach house and not under oath before the committee.

— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) September 27, 2018

#Kavanaugh: THIS SWETNICK THING IS A JOKE!
Feinstein: Would you like to say more about it?
Kavanaugh: No. :/

— Staci Zaretsky (@stacizaretsky) September 27, 2018

Yelling at the woman questioning you right now is definitely one way to go with this…

— Thornton McEnery (@ThorntonMcEnery) September 27, 2018

Damn, Kavanaugh shifted gears like an emotional Mario Andretti when Feinstein got the mic.

— Thornton McEnery (@ThorntonMcEnery) September 27, 2018

My theory is that Kavanaugh just has to come off as a passable human being and Republicans will feel they have cover to vote yes on his nomination now

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

A remarkable moment as Kavanaugh goes full-tilt after Democratic senators https://t.co/kqHhDG8ydM

— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh rolling his eyes & scoffing at @SenFeinstein isn't just disrespectful, it's inconsistent with his earlier statement that sexual assault allegations should always be thoroughly investigated. He's not even willing to participate in a meaningful inquiry #KavanaughHearings

— Rudy Mehrbani (@RudyMehrbani) September 27, 2018

Honestly, Republicans need to listen to Kavenaugh and give the guy an FBI investigation. You can't claim to be defensive of the guy's reputation and then not give him the means to potentially clear his name.

— Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) September 27, 2018

A perfect encapsulation of #Kavanaugh's testimony thus far. https://t.co/eRTS0ZUODi

— Staci Zaretsky (@stacizaretsky) September 27, 2018

“Deep down in places you don’t talk about at cocktail parties, you want me on that bench! You need me on that bench!” – Colonel Jessup Kavanaugh pic.twitter.com/ciPUAKmTTW

— Imani Gandy (Orca’s Version) ⚓️ (@AngryBlackLady) September 27, 2018

President Trump is "riveted" and telling people, "This is why I nominated him," in a positive way, per person close to him. Talking to lots of people inside WH about how he likes how Kavanaugh is fighting back. Admires the defiance.

— Robert Costa (@costareports) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh to his team: “So I think that went well!” pic.twitter.com/JyPs078WC3

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Leahy: Are you Bart O'Kavanaugh? Yes or no.
Kavanaugh: You'd have to ask [Mark Judge].

— Mike Scarcella (@MikeScarcella) September 27, 2018

“You’d have to ask him” he is SO BAD at this

— Scott Lemieux (@LemieuxLGM) September 27, 2018

Leahy: So you said you drank a lot in high school…
Kavanaugh: I played sports!

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

If Leahy got Kavanaugh this angry imagine what Harris is gonna do

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

I have never seen anyone behave this rudely when called to testify before the Senate. Ever.

— Matthew Chapman (@fawfulfan) September 27, 2018

#Kavanaugh's strategy isn't just to not answer questions, it's to actively interrupt the Democratic Senators #KavanaughHearings

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

"Oh this and where me and Tobin used to beat on the geeks and then bully the burnouts. We also crushed brews and made Guadette kiss his dogs ass cuz Squi won a bet. It was rad."

— Thornton McEnery (@ThorntonMcEnery) September 27, 2018

When the keg is done but the hearing isn't. pic.twitter.com/AjfyoH5Mcg

— Tuxedo Mask (@TheLoveBel0w) September 27, 2018

Grassley interrupts and requests the clock to stop. He's very angry at the idea that anyone other than Grassley is in charge.

Also did he just contradict Kavanaugh's statements that he demanded a hearing immediately?

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Almost “You can’t handle the truth!” So close…. pic.twitter.com/FydQKCg8jt

— Eric Segall (@espinsegall) September 27, 2018

It's only the "last minute" because this process has been rammed through in a legislative nanosecond.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Durbin's questioning is extremely effective and shows that Kavanaugh desperately wants to avoid an FBI investigation.

— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) September 27, 2018

So @LindseyGrahamSC is the first Republican not to cede his time.

He's about to cry, because of what they're doing to… Kavanaugh. #KavanaughConfirmation

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

"You have nothing to apologize for," Graham says, voice raised, to Kavanaugh.
"This is the most unethical sham I've seen since I've been in politics," he adds.

— Kate Irby (@kateirby) September 27, 2018

Graham was looking DIRECTLY at Flake when he said "my Republican colleagues" — Flake's arms were folded at his chest, he was looking down.

— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) September 27, 2018

"If you drug women and rape women for two years in high school, you probably don't stop," Graham said

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) September 27, 2018

I read that as "Graham just got back from a meeting where Collins said she's on the fence."

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

“I already lied about the Renate stuff in my opening statement.”

— Scott Lemieux (@LemieuxLGM) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh's not withdrawing. Trump is not pulling him. Most Senate Republicans are going to stick with him.

This will come down to 2-3 R senators.

— Dan Epps (@danepps) September 27, 2018

Even if you want to suspend disbelief and give Kavanaugh the benefit of the doubt on the allegations of sexual assault – which I do not – how can anyone suggest he will be a neutral umpire on the Supreme Court after that partisan rant?

— Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) September 27, 2018

Second time Kav tells senators that he “busted his butt“ and was a fabulous high school student when responding to questions about alcohol use as a teenager.

— Steven Mazie (@stevenmazie) September 27, 2018

Listen, K talks very differently to male Senators than female Senators….it is a huge tell. @nancyleong

— Eric Segall (@espinsegall) September 27, 2018

So… now that they don't need Mitchell to hatchet Dr. Ford, Republican Senators are dispensing with her and asking #Kavanaugh questions directly.

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

The rhetorical patting on the head of Dr. Ford by the GOP on the idea that "maybe sure someone somewhere assaulted her" is pretty gross even by their standards

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

That's because he's the most partisan judge in the modern era (and almost all that experience in the Executive Branch). That's a main reason why he's here. https://t.co/J6BPfHUOjG

— Eric Segall (@espinsegall) September 27, 2018

Notice how this asshole doesn’t actually answer any questions #KavanaughHearings

— David Leavitt 🎲🎮🧙‍♂️🌈 (@David_Leavitt) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh, by his words, actions, and demeanor right now is either a man who has been horribly wronged or a stunning personification of white, male, privilege on display. It is up for America and the Senators to decide which, especially in the wake of Dr. Ford's testimony.

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh just refused to respond and then cut off a female Senator to angrily demand that she answer his question.

Hey y'all, I'm starting to think this guy may not really respect women.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

.@OrrinHatch "This man is not a monster. We're talking about what Kavanaugh has done in HIGH SCHOOL."

There it is: he didn't do it, and if he did, I don't care.

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

The Republican senators are not ceding their time to the prosecutor any more. Orrin Hatch is speaking now. #KavanaughHearings

— Michelle Olsen (@AppellateDaily) September 27, 2018

The fact that Hatch and other Republican Senators are questioning Kavanaugh instead of the prosecutor they hired says EVERYTHING about what they think of this process

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Orrin Hatch wants people to think Bork was treated unfairly. 13 percent of the Republican caucus even found Bork objectionable.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Dems are asking for a ONE WEEK delay for the FBI. That's not holding a seat open indefinitely. That's holding a seat open… for a WEEK.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Watching @senorrinhatch be sarcastic and incredulous about Dr Blasey Ford’s experience of sexual violence reminds me of how he treated Anita Hill 27 years ago. How little has changed for some.

— Vanita Gupta (@vanitaguptaCR) September 27, 2018

But par, actually birdie, for the course for this guy. https://t.co/i5XTYld0QX

— Eric Segall (@espinsegall) September 27, 2018

No one is entitled to a seat on the Supreme Court, not Brett Kavanaugh nor anyone else. #KavanaughHearings

— American Constitution Society (@acslaw) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh seems to think affidavits are the same as testimony that can be cross-examined. If he misunderstands evidence this badly then he REALLY shouldn't be on the Court.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Aaaaand its Sen. Lee

He's going to do his best friendly prosecutor cosplay right here mark my word

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Sen. Sasse is up now and we'll probably get a civics lecture

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

If you don’t want to answer tough questions in public you can decline a life-tenured position on the nation’s highest court!

— Scott Lemieux (@LemieuxLGM) September 27, 2018

Ben Sasse, Senator Reasonable McReasonable, expresses sympathy to both sides…and then rants and raves about how we're 45 days behind schedule. Which, yes, that does strike me as the most pressing issue here.

— Charles Olney (@dr_olney) September 27, 2018

Did "all four witnesses say it didn't happen" or did all four witnesses say they did not remember what was for them a forgettable night of drinking 36 years ago? My impression is that they said the latter. Confused why the Democrats aren't clarifying that point.

— Eric Levitz (@EricLevitz) September 27, 2018

Blumenthal is correcting Kavanaugh on Judge's statement.

It's not a sworn statement is it, Blumenthal says

Kavanaugh stammers.

The statement was submitted by Judge's attorney. A couple paragraphs

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh is chastising Blumenthal for asking about the "Renate Alumnius" reference in his high school yearbook. Kavanaugh has denied it was a sexual reference. "Don't bring her name up," Kavanaugh says. "She's a great person"

— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) September 27, 2018

NOBODY IS CLAIMING YOU VACTUALLY SLEPT WITH HER. THEY’RE SAYING YOU HUMILIATED HER BY LYING AND YOU’RE STILL LYING

— Scott Lemieux (@LemieuxLGM) September 27, 2018

Blumenthal asks Kavanaugh if he understands basic concepts of evidence. Kavanaugh rapidly deflects.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Brett Kavanaugh has had a tone of fire and fury this afternoon. His speech has been incredibly political as he condemns “the left.” How can we expect him to bring the requisite fairness and independence needed to serve on the Supreme Court. #KavanaughHearings

— Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) September 27, 2018

When one of your colleagues is torpedoing the female faculty candidate again. (top left). pic.twitter.com/LBvde9QJYW

— Lawprofblawg (@lawprofblawg) September 27, 2018

This about says it all. His wife looks particularly sick of the bullshit https://t.co/54WCxS12jd

— Imani Gandy (Orca’s Version) ⚓️ (@AngryBlackLady) September 27, 2018

Biden’s spokesman responds to Grassley and Lee pic.twitter.com/XkrDBGH9ME

— southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) September 27, 2018

We're back with Sen Hirono to bring some heat

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Prep school kid explains how he got where he did with no favors. Holy shit.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Responding to Hirono's Qs about his drinking habits in college, Kavanaugh responds by saying he studied hard — notes that he got into #1 ranked Yale Law School — and was busy with sports

— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) September 27, 2018

OH BULLSHIT: I got into a bunch of top law school and I got black out drunk almost every Tuesday in college. #KavanaughHearings

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

If Kavanaugh could get that aggressive with Klobuchar talkin about beer, imagine how aggressive he could get with a woman when he was drinkin beer? #KavanaughHearings

— Cyrus McQueen (@CyrusMMcQueen) September 27, 2018

GOING TO BE A LATE NIGHT: Republicans senators notified of conference meeting tonight at the Capitol, sources tell me & @LACaldwellDC

Likely will learn a lot about the planned path forward after that.

— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) September 27, 2018

We happen to own https://t.co/yw4FV1MVST (and .org.) We have not attacked him.

We have, however, attacked the process of concealing documents, but that's about it. (We'd do the same if the nominee were, say, Paul Watford.)

Thanks for the shouout, though, @SenThomTillis!

— Fix the Court (@FixTheCourt) September 27, 2018

Thank freaking GOD @CoryBooker. Every goddamn Dem should have sounded like this. #KavanaughHearings

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

This is obviously not a criminal trial but if this WERE a criminal trial and the defendant kept aggressively fighting with the prosecutors and shaking his head… he'd probably not be getting off.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

if there’s anything i look for in a supreme court justice, it is someone who immediately cracks in high pressure situations and also turns to conspiracy theories when they don’t get their way

— Ashley Feinberg (ashleyfeinberg.bsky.social) (@ashleyfeinberg) September 27, 2018

The GOP men on the committee are just erasing Dr. Ford. Like she never sat before them today.

— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) September 27, 2018

They’re really not going back to the prosecutor. They used her to question the accuser but not the alleged perpetrator. What an absolute sham.

— Matthew Miller (@matthewamiller) September 27, 2018

Why Brett Kavanaugh's hearings convinced me he is guilty https://t.co/1WLrCFfuDS pic.twitter.com/MIGZucuUZh

— Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) September 27, 2018

GOP Senators have gone all in on "we could have respected Dr. Ford's privacy when… she didn't want to make these allegations public." It's so insulting the way they, you know, respected a woman's wishes.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

Has any republican, once they ripped the mic from their "female assistant," asked #Kavanaugh … a question? Beyond "are you a rapist"?

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

Feinstein now responds directly to allegations that she kept Ford's story confidential for political purposes.

People do not report assault for personal gain.

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Feinstein's staff did not leak the letter to The Intercept

— Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) September 27, 2018

Yes, Senate Republicans, yeessssss. Let's make this about @SenFeinstein. She's a woman. Yelling at her will surely do. Maybe #Kavanaugh, the alleged attempted rapist, can switch seats with her?

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018

Sitting in traffic beside a man in a convertible who is blasting the #KavanaghHearing and giving his radio the finger. Fitting. 🖕🏻

— Staci Zaretsky (@stacizaretsky) September 27, 2018

I got the polygraph test Dr. Ford took showing truthfulness about her account in the record. To quote a judge: “law enforcement agencies use polygraphs to test the credibility of witnesses” & the tests “serve law enforcement purposes.” That judge was Brett Kavanaugh in 2016 case.

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) September 27, 2018

This hearing has devolved into a partisan food fight ever since Graham’s questioning. He/they realized Kavanaugh was on the ropes and jumped in to make this appear like the normal pissing contest.

— Cameron Joseph (@cam_joseph) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh denigrates polygraphs. "The law is for thee, not for me" apparently.

— Joe Patrice (@JosephPatrice) September 27, 2018

"I'm going to take that as a no and we can move on," says Harris

Turns to the conspiracy theory that this is a political hit.

Brings up the Gorsuch nomination and how it was so much less rapey

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Flake is up. "In the end, we are 21 imperfect senators trying to do our best to advise and consent," he said, noting that Ford's testimony and Kavanaugh's was compelling. "There is doubt. We'll never move beyond that." That's it.

— Chris “Law Dork” Geidner (@chrisgeidner) September 27, 2018

Kamala Harris asks Kavanaugh how he can explain why Neil Gorsach was never accused of sexual assault.

— Haley Sweetland Edwards (@haleybureau) September 27, 2018

There’s an entry on Kavanaugh’s 1982 calendar that supports Ford’s story better than his own. https://t.co/wKUKRhAswf via @slate

— Jessica Mederson (@eDiscMatters) September 27, 2018

NOPE! Kennedy asks Kavanaugh if he believes in God

I'm going to give you one last opportunity before God and country. Look me in the eye. Are Dr. Ford's allegations true?

They are not true to me, Kavanaugh says

— Jessica Mason Pieklo (@Hegemommy) September 27, 2018

Senator Kennedy asks Brett Kavanaugh if he is… lying.

He says… no.

So, that settles it I guess? #KavanaughHearings

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 27, 2018