Kavanaugh, Ford testifies on allegations of sexual assault

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Washington D.C. — Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding sexual assault allegations against him on Thursday.

Kavanaugh is accused of sexually assaulting a woman while they were both in high school.

His accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford also answered questions before the committee.


Her testimony kicked off an emotional start to this historic hearing.

She spent roughly 4 hours defending both her credibility and her memory.

“With what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?” asked Illinois Senator Dick Durbin.

“100 percent,” Ford answered. “The details about that night that bring me here today are ones I will never forget. They have been seared into my memory and have haunted me episodically as an adult."

Ford alleges she was assaulted by Kavanaugh in 1982 when she was 15 years old.

Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats showed support for Ford during the hearing.

“I have found your testimony powerful and credible and I believe you,” said Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Republicans yielded their time to a special prosecutor, but Committee Chair Chuck Grassely took issue with the politics behind the day’s hearing.

“What they had endured should be considered by all of us unacceptable and poor reflection on the state of civility on our democracy,” said Sen. Grassley.

There was a drastic shift in the tone of the day’s proceedings when Kavanaugh took the stand.

Whereas committee members approached the questioning of Ford with caution, those same members voiced their frustrations with party politics during Kavanaugh’s hearing.

Most notably, South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham blew up at his Democrat colleagues.

“I would never do to them---what you've done to this guy,” he said. “This is the most unethical sham since I’ve been in politics. And if you really wanted to know the truth you sure wouldn't have done what you’ve done to this guy. I cannot imagine what you and your family have gone through. Boy ya’ll want power and I hope you never get it.  I hope the American people can see through this sham that you knew about it and you held it"

Kavanaugh was also very frustrated with the way his confirmation proceedings were going.

During his hearing, he said this was a very emotional day for him and his family.

He tried to keep his composure while talking about just how damaging these allegations are.

And at one point he directed that frustration toward the committee.

“This confirmation process has become a national disgrace,” said Kavanaugh. “The constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process. But you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy."

While Democrats on this committee are still calling for an FBI investigation, Republicans are looking to come to a vote on Friday.

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