S5 E24: Brett Kavanaugh, the UN & Gritty: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
16 Sep 2024 (2 days ago)
Christine Blasey Ford's Testimony
- Christine Blasey Ford gave testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, alleging Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.
- She described her recollection of the events and stated she was "100% certain" it was Kavanaugh.
Brett Kavanaugh's Testimony
- Brett Kavanaugh, in his testimony, denied all allegations made by Ford.
- He became emotional when describing his memories of high school.
- Brett Kavanaugh stated that he had many close female friends and listed their names, including Amy, Julie, Kristen, Karen, Suzanne, MOA, Megan, and Nikki.
- During his testimony, Kavanaugh claimed that he was the victim of a conspiracy and listed outlandish accusations made against him, such as being involved in gangs, fathering illegitimate children, and engaging in fights on boats in Rhode Island.
- Kavanaugh shared an anecdote about his father's habit of keeping detailed calendars, which he described as a combination of a calendar and a diary, and how the family would gather around during Christmas time to listen to him recount past events from them.
- Brett Kavanaugh's calendar showed he attended at least one event similar to the one described by Dr. Ford with at least two of the people she named.
- Kavanaugh mischaracterized three people saying they didn't recall the party as all four witnesses saying it didn't happen.
- Kavanaugh claimed that "Devil's Triangle" referred to a drinking game, while it is commonly known to refer to a sexual act.
Republican Senator Orrin Hatch's Response
- Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, when asked if he found Ford credible, responded by saying "I think she's attractive" and "a good witness".
Flaws in the Appointment Process
- The process of appointing Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court was flawed because Republicans designed it to only allow testimony from Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford.
- Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly dodged questions about whether he would support an FBI investigation into the sexual assault allegations against him.
- Brett Kavanaugh's opening statement, in which he called the allegations against him a "political hit," was highly partisan and suggested he would not approach his position on the Supreme Court impartially.
Reactions to the Testimony
- Lindsey Graham expressed increased confidence in Brett Kavanaugh's suitability for the Supreme Court.
- Christine Blasey Ford, despite believing her testimony might be futile, chose to speak out against Kavanaugh.
- The speaker believes that even if Kavanaugh's confirmation is blocked, it is crucial to remember how close he came to being confirmed and what that signifies.