Ford v. Kavanaugh

            Some final thoughts on Ford v. Kavanaugh.

            Democrats complained that the FBI investigation did not go far enough: it should have probed more deeply into the backgrounds of Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, even after their intensive grilling by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democrats should be happy the FBI didn’t, because a further check into Dr. Ford’s background would surely have raised questions about her veracity.

            Senator Grassley had in his possession a letter from an old boyfriend of Dr. Ford’s accusing her of fudging the truth. The letter contradicted her claims of claustrophobia and fear of flying, and, even more seriously, her denial of ever having coached anyone on how to take a polygraph. The boyfriend wrote that he had personally witnessed Dr. Ford coach Monica McLean, a friend of hers who was applying for a job with the FBI. Of course, McLean denies this. But imagine the furor on the left if this accusation had surfaced at the Judiciary hearing. Now, Judge Kavanaugh could be targeted by all sorts of lugubrious allegations—as a man he was fair game. But nobody could question Dr. Ford’s veracity—as a woman and a victim she had to be believed. Just ask Senator Hirono.

            Senator McConnell appears to be gleefully grateful to the Democrats for their public persecution of Judge Kavanaugh. He thinks that it has energized a furious Republican base that will rebuke the Democrats at the polls next month. That remains to be seen. What is certain is that this whole business has polarized the electorate as never before. And it has likely dispelled any pretense of comity in Washington’s legislative bodies. The Senate well has been poisoned.

            Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Joe Manchin of West Virginia will be excoriated by their respective parties for their treason. Republican Murkowski, an intellectually-challenged lightweight who was appointed to fill a vacant seat by her father, then governor of Alaska, will never get re-elected. Sarah Palin, who booted her father from the governor’s mansion, will see to it.  

            Democrat Manchin’s days as an influential member of the “loyal” opposition are numbered. His vote for Kavanaugh’s confirmation may get him re-elected in red state West Virginia, but he may just as well cross the aisle and join the Republicans. Democrats have no desk on their side for a man of such character.