Trump Proclaims Kavanaugh Was “Proven Innocent”

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is greeted by President Donald Trump at a Kavanaugh's ceremonial swearing in in the East Room of the White House October 08, 2018 in Washington, DC. Kavanaugh was confirmed in the Senate 50-48 after a contentious process that included several women accusing Kavanaugh of sexual assault. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

It was just a ceremonial swearing in. Brett Kavanaugh was already on the job at the Supreme Court, but any event at the White House involving Donald Trump will push the envelope. Tonight was no exception. Trump told those assembled that Kavanaugh was “proven innocent” after last week’s hearings.

POTUS claims Judge Kavanaugh was "proven innocent." pic.twitter.com/ugXopGGGXc

— Josh Campbell (@joshscampbell) October 8, 2018

But perhaps more extraordinary, at the beginning of the ceremony, Trump apologized to Kavanaugh on behalf of the nation for the “pain and suffering” he was “forced to endure.”

Trump and the GOP are placing a heavy bet that the Kavanaugh hearings will mobilize the party’s base. It could also further mobilize women. New polling by CNN:

On the accusations of sexual misconduct, 52% of Americans say they believe THE WOMEN and 38% say they believe KAVANAUGH, per new CNN poll that just came out. Huge gender gap in these numbers too. https://t.co/MFgrHOzppa

— Marshall Cohen (@MarshallCohen) October 8, 2018

While the GOP may get a Kav. bump in some red states, @CNN poll shows that his approval is the lowest for a nominee since Bork. With Trump’s words today as fuel, it seems that this confirmation will more likely drive Democrats (especially women) to the polls. Pls join next @AC360

— David Gergen (@David_Gergen) October 9, 2018