Judge Brett Kavanaugh slammed the political “circus” and “national disgrace” surrounding his Supreme Court nomination process Thursday; getting visibly emotional while describing the impact on his family and friends.
Kavanaugh blasted the accusations against him as a “grotesque and coordinated character assassination” that will likely “dissuade competent and good people from all persuasions” from taking part in the political process.
Kavanaugh: "I was not at the party described by Dr. Ford. This confirmation process has become a national disgrace." pic.twitter.com/50A0LkLibj
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 27, 2018
“What comes around comes around. I am an optimistic guy. I always try to be on the sunrise side of the mountain, to be optimistic about the day that is coming,” Kavanaugh said. “But today I have to say that I fear for the future.”
“My name and my family have been permanently destroyed by vicious and false additional accusations,” Kavanaugh added.
Developing story. Check back for updates.
KAVANAUGH'S TURN: Dr. Ford Wraps Testimony, Judge Kavanaugh Set to Appear
Dr. Christine Ford officially ended her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday afternoon; describing in detail her allegations of sexual assault by Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the early 1980s.
Ford faced a series of questions from Republican-appointed attorney Rachel Miller about key details of the attack; including those in attendance, the location of the party, her whereabouts immediately after, and more.
Sen. @ChuckGrassley to Dr. Ford on the conclusion of her testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee: "I thank you very much for your testimony. More importantly for your bravery coming out." pic.twitter.com/wNaCTQydX9
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 27, 2018
“I thank you very much for your testimony. More importantly for your bravery coming out,” said Chairman Chuck Grassley.
Democrat Senators largely used their five-minute segments to submit documents of support towards Dr. Ford from friends, family, and business associates.
Sen. @KamalaHarris to Dr. Ford: "I want to thank you for your courage and I want to tell you I believe you." pic.twitter.com/C5inSoi6wC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 27, 2018
THE LATEST: Dr. Ford Rejects ‘Mistaken Identity’ Defense, Can’t Say Who Paid for Polygraph
Dr. Christine Ford appeared publicly for the first time Thursday morning; answering questions from Democratic Senators and an appointed attorney over allegations of sexual abuse by Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the early 1980s.
In her high-stakes testimony, Dr. Ford flat-out rejected the theory she may have mistaken Kavanaugh’s identity with another attacker; adding she was “100 percent” confident who assaulted her at a party.
“So what you are telling us is that this could not be a case of mistaken identity?” Sen. Feinstein asked.
“Absolutely not,” Ford replied.
When pressed by Attorney Rachel Mitchell regarding her August lie-detector test, Ford couldn’t say who financed the polygraph.
“Do you know who did pay for the polygraph?” asked Mitchell.
“Not yet, no,” Ford replied.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.