LIVE: Kavanaugh, Ford Testify in Front of Senate Judiciary Committee

Branco Cartoon – Manifest Destiny  Gotta love those Brancotoons.

Legal Insurrection

LIVE: Kavanaugh, Ford Testify in Front of Senate Judiciary Committee
"At 10:00AM ET, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and his accuser Christine Blasey Ford will 

testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"Ford has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault back in high school.

"I will update this thread as it goes. You can follow along and watch a livestream." . . .

What They Will Say:  "Kavanaugh’s and Ford’s prepared remarks came out yesterday. Kavanaugh denied the allegations once again and insisted he will not resign over a last-minute character assassination.

"Ford wrote that she came to the hearing because it is her “civic duty” to tell everyone what happened to her. She claims that Kavanaugh “locked her in a room, held her down and tried to remove her clothes at a party when they were both in high school.”

Questioners

"Arizona sex crimes prosecutor will question Kavanaugh and Ford instead of the Republicans. She has worked for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for 26 years.

"The Democrats on the panel will question Kavanaugh and Ford."

Apparently, Mazie Hirono will allow Judge Kavanaugh to speak just this once

Comment to this post: 

 I think that it needs to be reiterated what a vicious ordeal this is, and what a waste of time. It is being done to assuage three senators—Flake, Murkowski and Collins. All the Democrats have announced their opposition. Despite their fear of saying so out loud, all of the other Republicans are on board. This is an expensive, ego-massage for three senators. None of these accusations have any evidence to back them up. How much is it costing to get Ford to this hearing? Whose paying for it? Who is paying for her lawyers? How much money have Democratic senators fundraised off of this? The scandal here is not anything that Kavanaugh might have done, but the insistence of the Democrats on destruction, and the acquiescence of the Republican leadership–and three Vichy senators–who let them do it.

Another comment with this post:

 I read the accuser’s testimony, as released by her law firm in a 9-page document.
Much inconsistent material, therein. Try this on, for transparent contradiction:
On page 2, she states, as she begins relating her account of the alleged attack, “One evening that summer.” “One evening?” Was this May? June? July? August?
Also on page 2, she claims that the details of the alleged event have been “seared” into her memory, yet, in the same paragraph, previously, she explains that she “truly wish[es]” she could remember details about how she got to the party, who hosted the party, etc. Sounds to me as though she had been drinking, heavily. And, it sounds as though she’s establishing a pre-emptive rationale to rebut obvious scrutiny of why she can’t recall basic details of that night.
Perhaps the most nauseating and manifestly devious excerpt:
“My hope was that providing the [letter] confidentially owuld be sufficient to allow the Senate to consider Mr. Kavanaugh’s serious misconduct without having to make myself, my family or anyone’s family vulnerable to the personal attacks and invasions of privacy we have faced since my name became public.”
Translation — “My hope was that my anonymous accusation, devoid of a scintilla of evidentiary supports, would be sufficient to derail Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination, without me having to actually testify under oath, in support of the allegations.”
Page 4 – she writes that “everything changed in July 2018,” when the press reported Kavanaugh as a potential SCOTUS nominee. But, Kavanaugh had been mentioned as a potential SCOTUS nominee as far back as 2012.
This is embarrassing, venemous and transparent slander. The Senate should not be entertaining this nonsense, which would never hold up in a civil or criminal court, tardy and as devoid of evidentiary supports as it is.

Michael Avenatti denies he got pranked by 4Chan

CBS News  "Michael Avenatti denied rumors that he had been tricked by 4Chan users into representing a fictional woman with allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Avenatti locked his Twitter account earlier on Tuesday, making it impossible to retweet any of his tweets.

"Avenatti, who is considering a presidential bid in 2020, has said in recent days that he is representing a woman with credible claims of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct from two other women, both of which he has vehemently denied.   

"A 4Chan user posted on Tuesday that his girlfriend had called Avenatti on a burner phone and claimed to be a woman who had been assaulted by Kavanaugh in high school. He claimed that he and his girlfriend also pretended to be another person who could confirm the fictional woman's story. 4Chan is an internet message board which has been linked to the alt-right.

"Avenatti told CBS News' Nancy Cordes on Tuesday that the post was false.

" 'There's nothing wrong! I had to go online to look, and I read this post, and I'm laughing. None of that happened. It's a complete fabrication. There's zero truth to it. When I say zero truth, I mean zero truth. Not a single thing in that is true," he said. Avenatti also said that his client was not having second thoughts about coming forward, saying that she is "remaining strong."

"Avenatti tweeted on Sept. 23 that he and his client "will be demanding the opportunity to present testimony to the committee and will likewise be demanding that Judge and others be subpoenaed to testify. The nomination must be withdrawn.' " . . .

Looks BAD! After spending DAYS bragging about Kavanaugh GOTCHA, Michael Avenatti locks his Twitter account  "Our favorite ‘creepy porn lawyer’ has spent days telling us how much trouble everyone will be in when his client finally comes forward because this is SO BIG. Like HUGE. Basta and stuff. And yet here we are, still waiting for her to come forward. What was his last promise, 48 hours? 36 hours?

"We’d go check but since he locked his Twitter account we can’t … 

Democrats believe Ramirez but stiff-arm Avenatti

"Creepy Porn Star Lawyer Michael Avenatti Responds to President Trump With Crude Insult"  . . . "Speaking about Avenatti’s silver spoon insult to Trump, Fox News Channel host Harris Faulkner observed Avenatti’s comments were not about his client, but about putting the spotlight on himself." . . .

Ann Coulter: No More Mr. White Guy

Big Government

In the history of the world, there has never been a more pacific, less rapey creature than the white male of Western European descent.
I realize it gives The New York Times’ editorial board (recent acquisition: Sarah Jeong) warm feelings every time someone throws in the word “white” as an intensifier, denoting extra hatefulness, but really, guys, it’s getting old.
Can we please, for the love of God, drop the painfully trite, mind-numbing cliche about “white men,” as if somehow their whiteness makes evil even eviler? Ann Coulter

 “ 'They know the optics of 11 white men questioning Dr. Ford … will be so harmful and so damaging to the GOP.” — Areva Martin, CNN legal analyst." . . .
. . . 

As the Supreme Court confirmation hearing resumes this week for Judge Brett Kavanaugh, it’s clear that the Republicans are simply too white to get the job done. I suggest the Republicans sign up some outside help, the way baseball teams make late-season acquisitions of pitchers and designated hitters for the playoffs.

Some suggestions (note: not all of the following individuals are Republicans, but none has any partisan profile that I am aware of):

   1. The Rev. Al Sharpton (Tawana Brawley affair demonstrates that he believes women).   2. Bill Cosby (extensive, up-close experience with victims of sexual assault, albeit from a rapist’s, rather than a “rapee’s” perspective).   3. Keith Ellison (likely good rapport with committee Democrats; has own transportation to Capitol Building).   4. Matias Reyes (would undoubtedly throw himself into committee’s work as pleasant change of pace from prison).   5. Sorry, I don’t remember the gentleman’s name, but that guy who kidnapped and raped the Columbia student, poured bleach on her and Krazy-Glued her lips shut. (This one is sort of a “wild card,” I admit; he could be absolutely great, or, judging by his history of poor impulse control, he could be too emotionally unstable to handle the committee’s important work; definitely a Person of Color, though; that I’m sure about.)   6. Alton Maddox, attorney for black youth hired by Jewish landlord to slash a model’s face because she refused to date him. Maddox pioneered novel “she’s a manipulative slut who had it coming” defense. (Close relationship with the Rev. Sharpton a definite plus.)   7. Lakireddy Bali Reddy, entrepreneurial Indian immigrant with strong experience with underage rape victims, having brought little girls to the U.S. purchased from their poverty-stricken parents in India as his private sex slaves. (His presence may bring Asha Rangappa on board.)

"Seriously, if feminists want to make the point that only female senators have any business conducting these hearings, they have a logical point, albeit an idiotic one.

"Of course, the last time feminists bet big on women being certain allies in the fight against misogyny, they were the women of the O.J. jury." . . .

https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/09/26/ann-coulter-more-mr-white-guy/

Kavanaugh's Opening Testimony For Thursday's Hearing Has Been Released -- Here's What He'll Say

 Katie Pavlich "The Senate Judiciary Committee has released the opening statement Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh will deliver Thursday morning as part of his testimony on Capitol Hill. In his remarks, Kavanaugh again fully denies all accusations of sexual misconduct raised against him. 

"Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Feinstein, and Members of the Committee: Eleven days ago, Dr. Ford publicly accused me of committing a serious wrong more than 36 years ago when we were both in high school. I denied the allegation immediately, unequivocally, and categorically," Kavanaugh says. "The next day, I told this Committee that I wanted to testify as soon as possible, under oath, to clear my name. Over the past few days, other false and uncorroborated accusations have been aired. There has been a frenzy to come up with something—anything, no matter how far-fetched or odious —that will block a vote on my nomination. These are last-minute smears, pure and simple." "They debase our public discourse. And the consequences extend beyond any one nomination. Such grotesque and obvious character assassination—if allowed to succeed—will dissuade competent and good people of all political persuasions from serving our country," he continues. " . . .

 Continue reading...

Decency dies in the Senate

W. Michael Caswell

"For those of us closely following the Judge Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, I think I can reliably describe us as outraged and saddened at the lengths to which the Democrats are willing to go to deny Kavanaugh a seat on the Supreme Court.

"Until a week ago, the left had been unable to block Judge Kavanaugh's elevation to the highest court due to his sterling record of judicial temperament and the quality of prodigious rulings in his current role as Circuit Court judge for the D.C. Court of Appeals.  It's important to note that several of his rulings have been upheld by the Supreme Court – unlike the oft overturned Sonia Sotomayor.

"So, while not totally unexpected, it's still a bit shocking how the left is ruthlessly shoving aside all semblance of fairness, especially the time-honored principle of innocent until proven guilty.  In their manic, ends-justifies-the-means destruction of Judge Kavanaugh, the Democrats are crossing a line that shreds a universal principle of justice, replaced by mob rule and guilt by accusation.  Not one, not two, not three, but four people have now come forward to reject the accuser's claims that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford.  As of this moment, she has provided not one shred of evidence to support her allegations. 

. . . 

"In the bigger picture, the coordinated character assassination of Brett Kavanaugh affects us all, and it's not an understatement to say this bright line of simple fairness, once crossed, will be ill redrawn, nor should its deep wounds be trivialized.  And it's not the destruction of just one man, who is by all accounts completely innocent of the charges against him.  It will be a triumph of the feral street – the raging mob, lusting for blood and accepting nothing less than the head of its hated enemy.  Perhaps we are spiraling toward our home-grown version of the Reign of Terror, where youthful impropriety, a careless or indiscreet word, or even an earnest expression of feeling to those we think we can trust later metastasizes by design into red meat for a vengeful and bloodthirsty mob demanding nothing less than annihilation to satisfy its ever morphing outrage. " . . .

grrrgraphics.com

Don't waver, Republicans!

Republican Lisa Murkowski Unsure if She Will Support Brett Kavanaugh After Bogus Sexual Assault Allegations  "Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a key swing vote for Republicans, said she wants to be fair about the allegations against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
"A pro-abortion Republican, Murkowski has not yet decided how she will vote on the judge’s confirmation.
“We are now in a place where it’s not about whether or not Judge Kavanaugh is qualified,” Murkowski told the New York Times this week. “It is about whether or not a woman who has been a victim at some point in her life is to be believed.”
"She and fellow pro-abortion Republican Sen. Susan Collins are being heavily lobbied by the abortion industry to oppose Kavanaugh. Republicans hold a slim, two-member majority in the Senate, so every vote is important. Neither have announced their decision on whether to support his confirmation, but both did vote to confirm President Donald Trump’s first nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch." . . .

Chairman Grassley Schedules Committee Vote Friday Morning For SCOTUS Nominee….   . . . "With Ms. Ford’s attendance still in question, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley is using regular order to schedule a judiciary committee vote on Friday morning.  The committee vote is not mandatory, but generally following procedures.  This would set up a full Senate vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh on Monday or Tuesday of next week.

(Via Politico) […]  Senate Republicans hired a female attorney to use as a questioner of Ford at Thursday’s high-stakes hearing on a sexual assault allegation against Kavanaugh but are declining to release her name.Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told POLITICO on Tuesday that “we aren’t announcing the name for her safety.”

Asked if Republicans have received any indication of threats to the attorney they’re preparing to use, Grassley said: “I don’t know, but I guess we’re just being cautious.”  (more)

Via Doug Ross Journal

Charges from Porn Lawyer Avenatti surface against Judge Kavanaugh

The ladies of The View couldn't wait to get him on the show.  

Do You Notice Anything Wrong With Kavanaugh Accuser's So-Called Signed Witness Affidavits?  . . . "This is not corroborating Ford’s accusation. It’s merely confirmation that she told a lot of people about this alleged, still-evidence-free, and witness-lacking allegation of attempted sexual assault that occurred during high school some 30-plus years ago, but that's all. These people weren't at this party, that may or may not have happened. It’s an unprovable allegation meant to run out the clock. Ms. Ford will have her day to tell her story [Friday?]. " . . .

Michael Avenatti’s Bombshell Witness Leaves Miles Of Doubt Between Her Claims

. . . "So what does Avenatti’s bombshell witness have to say? What knowledge does she have to impart that could finally slam the door on Kavanaugh’s nomination and prove once and for all that he’s the sexually assaulting supervillain the left claims he is?

"According to NBC, a sworn affidavit was submitted that claims Swetnick witnessed Kavanaugh handing girls spiked drinks in order to drug them into lowering their inhibitions, where boys would then line up to rape the drugged girls in a side room:" . . .

BREAKING: Avenatti Reveals Third Accuser Who Claims Kavanaugh Took Part In Druggings, Gang Rapes

Avenatti Reveals Third Accuser Who Claims Kavanaugh Took Part In Druggings, Gang Rapes  . . . "Swetnick says she became the victim of one of these so-called "gang

rape trains" at a party where Kavanaugh and Judge were "present," potentially implying that Kavanaugh and Judge ran a sophisticated gang-rape ring when the pair was only 15."Avenatti, in his initial interviews on the subject, said he had proof that Kavanaugh had participated in these "gang rape trains," but that does not appear to be the case."

Julie Swetnick: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know  
"Avenatti said beginning Sunday evening that his client would come forward when she felt ready and safe."

“I have no idea if Julie Swetnick is telling the truth. I can say this: submitting a sworn affidavit carries with it criminal liability if she perjured herself. Also, as a clearance holder, giving perjured statements would be a career-ender. Take that for what it’s worth.”

Was The Avenatti Bombshell Witness Claim All The Result Of A Well Executed 4Chan Prank?  But this was old news from the 25th.

Kavanaugh interview and letter:“I want a fair process where I can defend my integrity. . . "; "I Will Not be Intimidated Into Withdrawing"

Legal Insurrection  "God bless Brett Kavanaugh and his family who are under attack by Democrats.

"Earlier Monday, Kavanaugh wrote a letter making clear he is not intimidated by the political campaign to destroy his character nor will he be pushed to withdraw from the process.

Monday evening Judge Kavanaugh and his wife sat down with Fox News’ Marcha MacCallum for a public interview.

"Some snippets of the interview:" . . .

"Kavanaugh understands that the implications of caving reach well beyond his nomination to the Supreme Court.

"A few excerpts published in USA Today:

“The truth is I’ve never sexually assaulted anyone, in high school or otherwise,” he said according to an excerpt released by Fox News. “I am not questioning and have not questioned that perhaps Dr. Ford at some point in her life was sexually assaulted by someone at some place, but what I know is I’ve never sexually assaulted anyone.”

“We’re looking for a fair process where I can be heard and defend my integrity my lifelong record,” he said, according to an excerpt. “My lifelong record of promoting dignity and equality for women starting with the women who knew me when I was 14 years old. I’m not going anywhere.

“I want a fair process where I can defend my integrity, and I know I’m telling the truth. I know my lifelong record, and I’m not going to let false accusations drive me out of this process. I have faith in God and I have faith in the fairness of the American people.”

"Monday, Trump stood by Kavanaugh saying (USA Today ctd):" . . .

“There’s a chance that this could be one of the single-most unfair, unjust things to happen to a candidate for anything,” Trump said following a meeting Monday afternoon at the United Nations. “In my opinion, it’s totally political … Brett Kavanaugh is an absolutely outstanding person. Hopefully he will be confirmed quickly.”

Judge Kavanaugh's letter:  ‘I Will Not be Intimidated Into Withdrawing’
“The last-minute character assassination will not succeed.”  PDF: The letter:

Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Feinstein: When I testified in front of the Senate three weeks ago, I explained my belief that fair process is foundational to justice and to our democracy. At that time, I sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee for more than 31 hours and answered questions under oath. I then answered more questions at a confidential session. The following week, I responded to more than 1,200 written questions, more than have been submitted to all previous Supreme Court nominees combined. Only after that exhaustive process was complete did I learn, through the news media, about a 36- year-old allegation from high school that had been asserted months earlier and withheld from me throughout the hearing process. First it was an anonymous allegation that I categorically and unequivocally denied. Soon after the accuser was identified, I repeated my denial on the record and made clear that I wished to appear before the Committee. I then repeated my denial to Committee investigators—under criminal penalties for false statements. All of the witnesses identified by Dr. Ford as being present at the party she describes are on the record to the Committee saying they have no recollection of any such party happening. I asked to testify before the Committee again under oath as soon as possible, so that both Dr. Ford and I could both be heard. I thank Chairman Grassley for scheduling that hearing for Thursday. Last night, another false and uncorroborated accusation from 35 years ago was published. Once again, those alleged to have been witnesses to the event deny it ever happened. There is now a frenzy to come up with something—anything—that will block this process and a vote on my confirmation from occurring. These are smears, pure and simple. And they debase our public discourse. But they are also a threat to any man or woman who wishes to serve our country. Such grotesque and obvious character assassination—if allowed to succeed—will dissuade competent and good people of all political persuasions from service. As I told the Committee during my hearing, a federal judge must be independent, not swayed by public or political pressure. That is the kind of judge I will always be. I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process. The coordinated effort to destroy my good name will not drive me out. The vile threats of violence against my family will not drive me out. The last minute character assassination will not succeed. I have devoted my career to serving the public and the cause of justice, and particularly to promoting the equality and dignity of women. Women from every phase of my life have come forward to attest to my character. I am grateful to them. I owe it to them, and to my family, to defend my integrity and my name. I look forward to answering questions from the Senate on Thursday. Sincerely, Brett M. Kavanaugh 

Lawyers for Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Ford Have Hillary Clinton Connections

TMZ

"The lawyers for Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Ford both have strong Hillary Clinton connections.

"It's interesting ... Dr. Ford's lawyer, Debra Katz, was a campaign fundraiser for Clinton during her 2016 Presidential campaign. She's pictured back in August 2016, with Clinton leaving a fundraiser at a private home in Southampton, New York.

"Katz famously represented a University of Colorado student who claimed she was the victim of retaliation by the school after she said she was subjected to a sexually hostile academic environment.

With the man who trashed President Bush.

"As for Kavanaugh's lawyer, Beth Wilkinson ... she's a high-powered, Washington D.C. lawyer who represented multiple top Clinton aides involved in the FBI email investigation during the campaign.

"Wilkinson, a long-time Democratic booster, is married to CNN contributor David Gregory (Right).

"Also interesting ... Wilkinson was a prosecutor in the case of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and successfully argued for the death penalty.

"Both lawyers are well-regarded in the legal community and fierce advocates." 

How can any reasonable person trust these Democrats over Judge Kavanaugh?

Image by Timothy Bishop

Rick Moran: Kavanaugh's confirmation hinges on support from Susan Collins
Let's hope she doesn't do a McCain on us.

. . . "It comes down to this; no Democratic senator will go out on a political limb and support Kavanaugh unless his confirmation is inevitable. None of those Democrats want to be the vote that puts Kavanaugh over the top. And that means that it will be GOP moderates that hold the balance of power on the nomination.

"Holding only a 51-49 advantage in the senate, Republicans can afford to lose exactly one vote in the nomination fight. In reality, there are still 3 GOP votes up for grabs with the key senator being Maine's Susan Collins.

"The other two senators - Alaska's Lisa Murkowski and Arizona's retiring Jeff Flake - will almost certainly vote with Collins on the nomination. Democrats are aware of this and have initiated an intense pressure campaign to convince - and to threaten - Collins to vote "no.' "  . . . 

Thomas Lifson:  Murkowski backs away from supporting an FBI investigation of charges against Kavanaugh  . . . "After seeming to tell national media that she would support an FBI investigation into the charges against Judge Kavanaugh, she seems to have beaten a hasty retreat. But both statements are couched in vague language, with the first one prominent in national media, and the second one, the retreat, spoken to a far smaller Alaska media outlet, and so far generally ignored by the national mainstream media – even Fox News." . . .

Lloyd Marcus: Nervous about GOP becoming weak-kneed on Kavanaugh
. . . "The Democratic Party and fake news media practically ignored Democrat Ted Kennedy being responsible for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.  They laughed off the drunken Ted Kennedy-Chris Dodd waitress sandwich sexual assault.  Hillary Clinton led the Bimbo Eruption squad to silence all the women sexually assaulted and raped by serial adulterer and Democrat President Bill Clinton.  Yet Democrats and fake news media are trying to disqualify Kavanaugh for unsubstantiated 36-year-old allegations from high school." . . .

About these allies of Judiciary Committee Democrats and Maxine Waters:

Is this the hill they die on?

Anna L. Stark

"Given the depth of Democrat depravity and reprehensible behavior to date, there is no questioning the level of lewdness the Democrats will stoop to in their poorly contrived attempt to derail Brett Kavanagh."

. . . "For Democrats, their grossly miscalculated strategy of character assassination has fallen woefully short of achieving their desired outcome. Two women, assisted by an army of lawyers, enablers, and far left political operatives crafted narratives that are not only devoid of specific details and factual evidence, but feature no corroborating witnesses. Not surprisingly, all the witnesses named to date have categorically denied the allegations, leaving both of the accusers drowning in a sea of doubt and suspicion. In a bizarre twist of logic, former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm stated on a CNN panel that no corroborating witnesses absolutely proves the accuser’s allegation to be true. Obviously, Granholm has never set foot in an American courtroom, in which actual evidence and eyewitness testimony is required to prove guilt." . . .

Judge Kavanaugh's accuser in a pink pussy hat

Shad Olson

"Suddenly, that innocent nameless woman accusing a teenaged Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault seems a lot more like a bitter, rabid anti-Trump activist with a political resume, a Palo Alto university job and a pink pussy hat.

"Surprised? Not in the slightest.  Except maybe that radical leftists continue to believe that these kinds of personal smear tactics are effective strategy that doesn’t make them appear desperate and stupid in ways we already know them to be. Case in point, Christine Blasey-Ford. A leftist political activist and tactician posing as a wronged woman emerging spontaneously to loft criminal allegation against a conservative Supreme Court nominee. How original, Anita Hill.

"Sometimes, anonymous accusers are fearful of embarrassment that accompanies public shame and unwanted notoriety. And sometimes, they stay anonymous because they know that once their identity is known, their motivations will be as transparent as their political allegiance.

"No sooner had adolescent-era Brett Kavanaugh’s “sexual assault victim,” gone public than independent outlets let loose with a deluge of background both personal and political that reveal Blasey-Ford to be a pussy hat-wearing anti-Trump protester, a Palo Alto University professor and a high level political activist sporting family ties to Baker-Hostetler, a subsidiary firm of Fusion GPS, the same legal conglomerate responsible for purchasing and assembling the “Dirty Dossier,” on Donald Trump.

Not only that, but her parents once lost a home due to foreclosure in a case presided over at least briefly by, get this: Brett Kavanaugh’s mother.*

"Christine Blasey, as she was identified then, was even proudly quoted in the Mercury News at an event where she donned a pussy-inspired knit ‘brain cap,’ insinuating that leftists are pro-science, while conservatives and libertarians are scientifically illiterate."

*Since determined to be untrue.