Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser seems willing to share more with investigators, but she wants to begin by talking to the FBI. In a letter sent late Tuesday, Christine Blasey Ford’s attorney wrote:
“A full investigation by law enforcement officials will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this matter are assessed in a non-partisan manner, and that the committee is fully informed before conducting any hearing or making any decisions.”
This comes after Senator Chuck Grassley, the leader of the Senate Judiciary Committee overseeing Kavanaugh’s nomination, offered to have Ford and Kavanaugh testify Monday. The offer was just for the accuser and the accused, no corroborating witnesses, essentially a he said/she said. Ford’s lawyer argues that this rushed forum isn’t the best way to get the full story:
“The hearing was scheduled for six short days from today and would include interrogation by Senators who appear to have made up their minds that she is ‘mistaken’ and ‘mixed up.’”
And judging by the reaction after the letter was sent it seems many minds are made up and there is no wiggle room for how things proceed. It’s basically testify Monday or move along.
“Dr. Ford’s testimony would reflect her personal knowledge and memory of events. Nothing the FBI or any other investigator does would have any bearing on what Dr. Ford tells the committee, so there is no reason for any further delay.”
The offer to #ChristinaBlaseyFord is blunt: testify in public six days from now while under death threats or your allegation will be ignored in the confirmation of a SCOTUS nominee. That is quite a choice.
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) September 19, 2018
Even two GOP Senators who were possibly on the fence after hearing the allegations now seem inflexible.
After learning of the allegation, Chairman @ChuckGrassley took immediate action to ensure both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh have the opportunity to be heard, in public or private. Republicans extended a hand in good faith. If we don’t hear from both sides on Monday, let’s vote.
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) September 19, 2018
When Dr. Ford came forward, I said that her voice should be heard and asked the Judiciary Committee to delay its vote on Judge Kavanaugh. It did so. I now implore Dr. Ford to accept the invitation for Monday, in a public or private setting. The committee should hear her voice.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 19, 2018
ALL OF A SUDDEN, out of seemingly nowhere, it seems like Republicans are gently steering BRETT KAVANAUGH’S Supreme Court nomination back on track.
REPUBLICANS WILL INSIST they were reasonable, and Kavanaugh’s fate will be in the hands of MAINE SEN. SUSAN COLLINS and ALASKA SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI. The more time that goes by without her testifying, the more likely it is that Kavanaugh will be confirmed.
Why not get as much information as we can about this allegation? Dan Rather says:
Let’s not forget Kavanaugh is up for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court where he’ll shape the rights and climate of justice in this nation for decades. What’s the rush? Why does it seem people are afraid of the truth? Why not hear from more witnesses about what happened?
"There's no reason that we should have a public hearing on Monday … this is being rushed through, and it's too important to be rushed through. It's not a game, this is a serious situation." Lisa Banks, attorney for Christine Blasey Ford https://t.co/un750fFvzN pic.twitter.com/zkeykaBqJI
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) September 19, 2018