Christine Blasey Ford told Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley in a personal letter on Saturday that her sole motivation in coming forward with her assault allegation against Brett Kavanaugh is “to tell the truth.”
Ford wrote: “Mr. Kavanaugh’s actions, while many years ago, were serious and have had a lasting impact on my life. I thought that knowledge of his actions could be useful for you and those in charge of choosing among the various candidates.
My original intent was first and foremost to be a helpful citizen – in a confidential way that would minimize collateral damage to all families and friends involved.
While I am frightened, please know, my fear will not hold me back from testifying and you will be provided with answers to all of your questions. I ask for fair and respectful treatment.”
Ford also says she would meet with Senators one-on-one if they had more questions.
For his part, Grassley wrote and released a personal response to her, along with a handwritten note.
“I’m writing to say that I am committed to fair and respectful treatment of you, as you’ve requested. I’ve worked to make certain the committee I chair handles all individuals involved in hearings in that manner, and you deserve the same.
I should have been given your July 30 letter at the time your letter was sent by either my colleague Sen. Feinstein or the lawyer helping you so that what it said could have been considered in August and during the week of September 4, when the committee hearing was held, including a senators-only session of the hearing.
I take letters from individuals seriously and over a long period of time have demonstrated a commitment to handling personal or sensitive information in a confidential manner.”
As of Sunday afternoon, Ford’s attorneys have announced that a deal has been reached for her to testify on Thursday. Brett Kavanaugh and his wife have given an interview to Fox News’ Martha MacCallum in the meantime.
Did the SCOTUS nominee run to the warm arms of FOX TV – or just exactly who is telling the truth here? I suppose we’ll see much more on Thursday when she speaks in public.
There is so much dirt out there on Kavanaugh now – can Senators Collins, Corker or Flake support his nomination? Is he finished.
According to multiple sources in the House, Senate, and GOP congressional campaigns, Republicans see their task now, of supporting Kavanaugh, not only as principled—standing behind a man they believe is innocent—but political, with Kavanaugh’s confirmation a crucial metric of their chances in the midterm elections.
Republicans also fear that further delays will allow for more of what they describe as false allegations.
Even if he’s asked, Kavanaugh might not agree to withdraw. This will be his only chance to join the Supreme Court. He might believe that withdrawing would signal to Democrats that he’s guilty and then they might try to impeach him from the D.C. Circuit next year. He has nothing to lose by calling the bluff of people like Flake and Collins by forcing them to vote.
What do you think?
