One exchange that took place with Brett Kavanaugh Wednesday can’t be understated and could prove to be rather pivotal. Senator Kamala Harris asked Kavanaugh a very direct question about whether he discussed the Mueller investigation with anyone. It prompted an awkward back and forth. These are a few lines from it:
KH: “Have you discussed Mueller or his investigation with anyone at Kasowitz Benson and Torres, the law firm found by Marc Kasowitz, President Trump’s personal lawyer? Be sure about your answer”
BK: “I’m not remembering.”
KH: “Have you had any conversation about Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone at that firm?”
BK: “I’m not remembering, but I’m happy to be refreshed.”
Has Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh had a conversation about Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone at Trump’s personal attorney’s law firm?
We don’t know. He refused to answer my question. pic.twitter.com/PAKxDGvEtZ
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) September 6, 2018
NEW: Brett Kavanaugh cannot answer Kamala Harris’ question whether he’s talked with anyone at the law firm of Trump’s lawyer about the Mueller investigation.
Sen. Harris: “I think you’re thinking of someone and you don’t want to tell us.” pic.twitter.com/r4Xv8upnGB
— Matt Rogers ? (@Politidope) September 6, 2018
“…that question amounted to a near-accusation that the senator never quite made, Kavanaugh also was unable to give a direct answer — leaving the issue unresolved going into Thursday, what will be the third day of Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing.
Nothing about such a communication between Kavanaugh and a lawyer from the Kasowitz firm has been reported previously, and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the exchange.”
After the Kavanaugh hearing concluded, a Democratic aide told BuzzFeed that they “have reason to believe” a conversation happened between Kavanaugh and someone at Trump’s personal lawyer’s firm about Mueller and they “are continuing to pursue it.” https://t.co/WbmlbZ1jNo
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 6, 2018
If there is truly something to Harris’ line of questioning it could (and should) have some major implications.
This @KamalaHarris cross-X is so important because if Judge Kavanaugh did in fact discuss the Mueller probe with Trump’s personal attorney’s firm, he has NO CHOICE but to recuse from all matters related to that probe. And his claim to have forgotten could be confirmation PERJURY https://t.co/6x6GbP3QYc
— Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) September 6, 2018
I don’t say this lightly, but claiming to have forgotten something in order to win confirmation when the nominee can be shown not to have forgotten becomes an impeachable offense and a basis for removing that nominee after confirmation.@KamalaHarris @SenatorDurbin @SenFeinstein
— Laurence Tribe (@tribelaw) September 6, 2018
This exchange is infinitely more significant than anything on any oped page today. https://t.co/Hh9EfPt2mv
— Nick Confessore (@nickconfessore) September 6, 2018
Watch the full exchange above.
