Byron York: For Democrats in Ford-Kavanaugh fight, believing is enough

So what do Democrats do, with so little to go on? For some, the answer is faith.
"I believe Dr. Ford," said Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee.
"I believe Dr. Ford," said Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, also a member of the Judiciary Committee.
"We believe Dr. Ford," said Democratic Sen. Chris Coons, also a member of the Judiciary Committee.

Byron York  "What is perhaps most extraordinary about the all-out war over the Brett Kavanaugh nomination is how little the public knows about the accusations of Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who claims that at a high-school party in 1982, when she was 15, a drunken 17 year-old Kavanaugh forced her onto a bed, tried to undress her, and, when she tried to scream, covered her mouth with his hand.

"The problem with Ford's allegation is that she has produced no contemporaneous evidence to support it. The Washington Post, which interviewed Ford, reported that she "told no one of the incident in any detail until 2012, when she was in couples therapy with her husband." That was 30 years after the alleged event. (Whether the phrase "in detail" has any significance is impossible to know -- did she tell someone in a vague manner? -- since the Post article is the only public information about Ford's account.)

"Ford reportedly named a number of people who she said attended the party. None has so far corroborated her story. On Saturday, the Senate Judiciary Committee reached Ford classmate and friend Leland Ingham Keyser, who was said to have attended. "Ms. Keyser does not know Mr. Kavanaugh and she has no recollection of ever being at a party or gathering where he was present, with, or without, Dr. Ford," Keyser's lawyer wrote to the committee.

"Kavanaugh, of course, has strongly denied Ford's accusation. "I have never done anything like what the accuser describes -- to her or to anyone," he said.

"Contemporaneous accounts of the matter, either from people who were at the party or people Ford might have discussed it with shortly after, would be enormously valuable in assessing her allegations. That's why Ford supporters were so excited when a former classmate of Ford's, Cristina King Miranda, wrote on social media, "The incident DID happen, many of us heard about it in school." Inundated with questions from reporters, King quickly backtracked, telling NPR, "That it happened or not, I have no idea."

When Ford did tell her story, to the therapist in 2012, there were some discrepancies between the therapist's notes and Ford's present account. It's unclear whether those discrepancies are significant, since all the public has is the Post story." . . .

Read more...

"BOMBSHELL: Kavanaugh Has Evidence That Casts Doubts On Accuser's Claim, Report Says"

Daily Wire

Kavanaugh's team reportedly plans to argue to the Senate Judiciary Committee that the calendars do not corroborate Ford's account of what happened based on the simple fact that he was not in town often that summer and when he was in town he focused on sports and academic activities as he prepared for college.

"Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh reportedly has calendars from 1982 which show that he was out of town for much of the summer when his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, claims that a party happened where Kavanaugh acted in an inappropriate manner towards her.

"The calendars reportedly show that Kavanaugh was frequently out of town with his parents on vacation and, when he was home, was occupied with multiple planned sports activities that he participated in, The New York Times reported.

"The Times notes that while Ford doesn't remember when the party happened, she believes it took place in the summer of 1982 when she was 15.

"The calendars include "his basketball games, movie outings, football workouts and college interviews" and several parties that "include names of friends other than those identified by Dr. Blasey.' " . . .

How the Democrats Could Have Handled the Allegations Against Kavanaugh

Weekly Standard

"It’s almost like they would rather delay and disrupt the process for political reasons."

"Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearing opened as a two-ring circus: On the dais Senate Democrats repeatedly interrupted and attempted to derail the proceedings; in the audience, a succession of protests did much the same. Senator Ben Sasse drew notice, and nods, when he declared in his opening statement that “confirmation hearings haven’t worked for 31 years in America.” 

"Confirmation hearings, however, constitute a small part of the badly battered confirmation process. Much of the Senate's “advice and consent” function occurs quietly, behind closed doors, and away from the cameras. As a former chief nominations counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, I had the privilege to play a role in this process and to see the best and the worst of our judicial confirmation system. Among the most effective part of the process is the Senate’s review of a nominee’s character and fitness—the so-called “background investigation process.” 

"When Senator Dianne Feinstein received very serious allegations against Judge Kavanaugh, she could have—and should have— handled those concerns through the committee’s normal protocols. This process, which applies not just to Supreme Court nominees but to hundreds of judicial and Justice Department appointments, is specifically designed to protect the interests of both accusers and nominees. The process is both confidential and bipartisan. Its goal is to pursue the truth, not political advantage. That Senator Feinstein inexplicably chose not to handle the serious allegation Dr. Christine Blasey Ford made against Judge Kavanaugh according to these procedures has had terrible consequences for all the individuals involved and has done lasting damage to the Senate and the Supreme Court as institutions. " . . .

The Democrats and those who elect them have placed this nation in very bad hands. TD

OpEd: The REGRESSIVE Progressives & FORD

Socio-Political-Journal...  (Entire article posted with corrections in punctuation. TD) "How insulting that a Professional Psychologist needs the Advice and Consent of Political Operatives to recall a Personal Experience nearly 4 Decades Old. 

When trying to fulfill its Agenda, the Left cares little about the littered bodies of the Accused or even those who have had serious life changing Trauma. As we can again plainly see, the Left is promoting Fractions of the Truth, and Exceptions to the Norms.

Ms. Ford is a Clinical Psychologist, and being so, knows that her accusations can cause Harm to Others if they are not Accurate and Truthful. She of all people, should not need the Resistance, to  Tell The TRUTH!

                        

Here's Why We Have Gone Astray...

Obama's attraction on the do-gooders was his suave manner and boyish smile. These are great attributes to sell cars, vacuum cleaners, and timeshares, but not for real social change. Just ask any knowledgeable  Africa/American, Hispanic/American, and yes, young White Male. 

Obama was no more than a cheap suit who promised Utopia and delivered more poverty. He consumed 8 years of their lives and a future filled with regrets.

Of course, the Demagogues will argue the exceptions to the overall data, but they only deal in the fractional spaces between the norms, where the modern-day Progressive survives. They can no longer offer viable policy or explanations for the numerous failures featured in their "Give America Away" model. They are bone dry on Progress, and in their failures, the past resurrects the call of Equality as if the world stood still.

Any fool with a 100 word vocabulary can sign into their narrative of failure. The Regressive Progressive ultimately has an expiration date emblazoned on their forehead. Its time will come and go.  Even it's most ardent supporters assume an irrelevant posture when their time is up. 

What we are witnessing today, is far worse than the Hippies, Black Panthers and the Social Warriors of the Vietnam War. The young are always easily led into hell by a new shiny evil that awaits every generation. Unfortunately, this Evil is insidious and discards the future with no regret. 

The Obama Perfunctory was no less careless in its empty promise. The Rich got Richer and the Poor got Poorer. How's that for Social Justice, you young Anarchist. 

Not alone in this charade of Equality, Obama solicited Tech Giants like Facebook, Google and Apple to pull the wool over the eyes of American youth. These new seducers offer no more than an Addiction, the New Opiate of the Masses. 

They would have our children Beg, Borrow, and Steal to become part of this heartless mass of Group Thinkers to Assimilate and join the road to No-Where.

What can they be thinking? Is the world moving too fast for their liking? So they destroy it instead of formulating solutions for a better future.

It should be clear to all that this model of Creative/Destruction works hand in hand with a narrative of how to Bully the opposition into Submission. We don't get what we want, we destroy citizenship, we don' get what we want, we allow our nation to be invaded, we don't get what we want we Rob, Steal, Loot, Rape, Murder and Plunder like the Days of Old.

WHY? Because they are the Regressive Progressives that offer nothing of Value but the Darkness of Failure."

The malevolent lynching of Kavanaugh

"The left is killing America and it is purposeful.  Trump is trying to save the nation and doing a damn good job of it, a shockingly good job.  So the left hates him even more for  exposing the lies of their contrary agenda."

Patricia McCarthy  "The left's smear campaign against Judge Brett Kavanaugh has descended into the worst kind of buffoonery.  It was clearly planned many months in advance and orchestrated by a bevy of Democrats from Dianne Feintstein to Ford's lawyer, Debra Katz, and Rickie Seidmon, a vicious veteran strategist of the Bork Senate Judiciary hearings. 

Blasey-Ford has surrounded herself with Alinskyite leftists for whom no dirty trick is too low in service of taking out an opponent.   That so many members of Congress are willing to participate in this wholesale destruction of a good and qualified man over a 36-year-old  fact-free accusation is appalling.  

This is the saddest commentary on the state of American politics today -- along with the outpouring of evidence that higher-ups in the Obama administration, in conjunction with the DOJ, NSA, and FBI, actually did conspire to  destroy Trump, both before and after his election, simply because they do not like him and cannot accept his victory over the most corrupt candidate for the office of the presidency ever is beyond sad; it is lethal for the United States.  The left is killing America and it is purposeful.  Trump is trying to save the nation and doing a damn good job of it, a shockingly good job.  So the left hates him even more for  exposing the lies of their contrary agenda.

. . . 

"We are indeed engaged in a cultural and political civil war.  The left has achieved victories repeatedly even when Republicans have been in the majority.  Democrats fight dirty. Republicans capitulate, over and over again. They cower and fear the negative press that is the rule in the odious mainstream media.  But who on this planet with an intact mind automatically believes anything the NYT or the WaPo publishes?  Current events junkies know to ignore them; they are merely arms of the DNC,  calculated promoters of leftist propaganda.  

"If the specious claims of Blasey Ford succeed in derailing Kavanaugh, we are done as a democratic republic.  The Left will have won.  They have already won on university campuses.  If this amazing nominee to the Court is  destroyed, it means the entire country is at the mercy of the totalitarian pols and  blinkered, mind-numbed academics.  Republicans in Congress:  DO NOT LET HIS HAPPEN.  They will use this victory over you to forever alter the character of this nation."

Is This Ford an Edsel?; ". . . the "Resistance" appears dead set on jumping every last shark in every last ocean".

Clarice Feldman  "There were two compelling stories this week: The Kavanaugh confirmation to the Supreme Court and the dueling tales respecting Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The latter was brilliantly handled by this site’s owner, Thomas Lifson, and I have little to add to his recitation of the events though I urge you to read it for a  concise analysis of what was reported this week." . . .

. . . Update from Clarice Feldman:

Now every single person who Ford says were witnesses denies it without reservation. The fourth is Leyland Keyer, a lifetime friend of Ford's who said she never ever was at a party where Kavanaugh was present. She is a PGA golfer and was Bob Beckel's first wife.  As Instapundit says: forget these continuing negotiations with her lawyer--just take the vote.

‘Simply Understanding How To Dress’ Is Just One Reason Christine Blasey Ford Can’t Make Monday Hearing

How on earth did the US Senate come to consider itself the "greatest deliberative body in the world"? Isn't it about time the late-night "comics" realized great what comedy material the Democrats are if only they did not do such great damage to this nation? TD

Weasel Zippers

"At this point, it’s Kabuki theater. How long did she need to write the letter accusing Kavanaugh, going to the WaPo and Ronan Farrow? How much ‘preparation’ to you need, if you’re telling the truth. She’s been preparing for months.

"Via Twitchy:

As Twitchy reported Thursday, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh informed Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley that he would be in the committee’s chambers Monday as scheduled and remained “committed to defending my integrity.”

Why can’t accuser Christine Blasey Ford make Monday’s meeting as well? Well, for one reason that we hadn’t heard until Friday afternoon, Ford “doesn’t want to fly” and might have to make the cross-country drive from California to D.C. — this after Grassley had offered to fly committee staffers to California to interview her at a place and time of her convenience.

Now The Atlantic has published a piece explaining why it would be nearly impossible for Ford to make Monday’s hearing.

Keep reading…

Nope, This Is Not Political At All: Check Who’s Joining Ford’s Legal Team

Former federal prosecutor joins Kavanaugh accuser's legal team . . . "'Bromwich also represents former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe.

The Hayride

"McCabe was fired by the Justice Department in March before a scathing inspector general report concluded that he lied to FBI agents about his unauthorized disclosures to the media. A grand jury has reportedly been convened to examine McCabe’s actions. 

"McCabe was implicated in the latest DOJ scandal after The New York Times reported he had memos corroborating claims Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein proposed secretly taping conversations with President Trump and Trump administration officials possibly invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office.

"The House Judiciary Committee has vowed to subpoena the memos.

"McCabe, whose wife ran for office in Virginia as a Democrat, is a common foil for Republicans, some of whom accuse him of being a part of the so-called “deep state,” referring to a conspiracy theory that a group of government officials are working from within the government to thwart President Trump’s agenda." . . .

Weasel Zippers

Kirsten Gillibrand cannot stand Brett Kavanaugh because of the unproven accusations against him...

If only he were a Democrat she would be fine with him. TD

At left, Gillibrand snuggling up to the husband of Hillary The-woman-must-be-believed Clinton.

Discussions regarding the Cruz-O'Rourke debate

Rick Moran: Cruz-O'Rourke debate exposes Beto as 'out of touch' with Texas voters

"The first debate between Senator Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke was, as expected, contentious and personal. But between the barbs and bric-a-bracs thrown by both candidates, a clear choice emerged from the verbal skirmishing.

"Cruz was successful throughout the debate at blowing up O'Rourke's carefully crafted image of some kind of "moderate," exposing him as a far left liberal out of touch with the majority of Texas voters.

"On every major issue, Cruz made sure to draw a very clear line between [them].

Democratic Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke during Friday night’s debate denied trying to flee the scene of a 1998 drunken car crash, despite police reports to the contrary.

Police reports published by the Houston Chronicle on Aug. 30 show that the witness who called 9-1-1 told officers that O’Rourke “attempted to leave the scene” after losing control of his car and hitting a truck.
The witness “then turned on his over head lights to warn oncoming traffic and to try to get [O’Rourke] to stop,” the responding officer wrote.

So if we can go back to someone who is 17, why can’t we go back to when someone was 26 and demonstrably guilty?
Beto did make a nice defense of his second chance and "restoration", but I'm sure no Democrat would allow that for Kavanaugh if he were guilty.

On the other hand....Beto O'Rourke Pins Himself In Corner Over Drunk Driving Claim
. . . "O'Rourke's claim directly contradicts the police report from the incident which stated that a reporter witnessed O'Rourke attempting to flee the scene and he had to stop him from leaving.

          Ryan Saavedra  

Beto O'Rourke admits that he drove drunk but then denied that he tried to flee the scene of a crash he caused.
The police report says that a witness told law enforcement that O'Rourke tried to leave the scene and that he had to stop him from leaving. #TXSenateDebate

Cruz, O'Rourke Trade Attacks During Testy 1st Texas Debate

Beto gets BOOED by debate crowd, then slapped down by Ted Cruz!
Beto O’Rourke got booed tonight when he dismissed the “thoughts and prayers” that people offered up after the Santa Fe school shooting earlier this year:
. . . Video here.

"Then Cruz ripped into to him hard, telling Beto that his votes for more armed police officers in schools aren’t “thoughts and prayers”. 

"The crowd loved it, cheering for Cruz when he wrecked Beto."

Washington Insider Suggests Christine Blasey Ford Mixed Up Kavanaugh With Someone Else

PJ Media

 No matter if they're both innocent; "it's the seriousness of the charges"
 said a Democrat senator once (at least)

"On Thursday night, Washington, D.C. insider Ed Whalen, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), suggested that Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, probably mixed him up with someone else. If true, this theory would explain why Kavanaugh vehemently denies the assault — and being at the party where it allegedly took place.

"Whalen lit the spark for a firestorm of controversy on Tuesday by predicting that Kavanaugh will be "clearly vindicated" on the matter, "by one week from today." He tweeted, "I expect that compelling evidence will show his categorical denial to be truthful. There will be no cloud over him." He also predicted Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the first senator to see the allegations against Kavanaugh, would apologize.

Ed Whelan@EdWhelanEPPC

By one week from today, I expect that Judge Kavanaugh will have been clearly vindicated on this matter. Specifically, I expect that compelling evidence will show his categorical denial to be truthful. There will be no cloud over him.

5:37 PM - Sep 18, 2018

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"On Thursday night, he explained his reasoning in a long Twitter thread.

Ed Whalen started by laying out "one set of reasons" having to do with the location of the alleged assault." . . .

Wait–– The Kavanaugh Accuser's Attorneys Were Going To Headline A Democratic Fundraiser

Matt Vespa

. . . "Feinstein referred the letter to the FBI, days before the full Senate Judiciary Committee was about to vote on Kavanaugh’s nomination. It was a zero hour depth charge. Still, the Left torched Feinstein for sitting on the letter until the last moment. Ford now looks like a pawn in a character assassination attempt. She said she wanted to remain anonymous, so then why did you retain counsel and have an unnamed FBI agent administer a polygraph test. These are the building blocks for someone to go public. And speaking of lawyers, did you know Kavanaugh’s counsel was going to headline a Democratic fundraiser? They backed out, but one of Ford’s lawyers, Debra Katz, is antiTrump, which adds to the hyper-charged political atmosphere with this whole episode: 

Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin's campaign listed Brett Kavanaugh accuser's attorneys as headliners at a Washington fundraiser slated to take place next month, according to a copy of the invite obtained by CNN. Kavanaugh's accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, is being represented by attorneys Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, both of whom are listed as headliners in a "cocktails and conversation" event for Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat who is facing re-election this fall. People are asked to contribute up to $1,000 to attend the October 1 event, and a source familiar with the matter said it is slated to take place at their law firm Katz, Marshall & Banks. 9/22/2018 The timing comes at an awkward time as Ford is considering testifying Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee and allege that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school in the 1980s