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A Controversial Confirmation Process Grows Ever More Complicated

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 20:  An activists wears a button in support of Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault at a high school party about 35 years ago, during a protest.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 20: An activists wears a button in support of Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault at a high school party about 35 years ago, during a protest.

By now, you’ve heard about Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. She’ll testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

In a statement, Kavanaugh “categorically and unequivocally” denied Ford’s account.

President Trump came to Kavanaugh’s defense throughout the week.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 21, 2018

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 21, 2018

On Sunday night, another allegation emerged, reported by The New Yorker’s Jane Mayer and Ronan Farrow. Deborah Ramirez went to Yale with Brett Kavanaugh.

In her initial conversations with The New Yorker, she was reluctant to characterize Kavanaugh’s role in the alleged incident with certainty. After six days of carefully assessing her memories and consulting with her attorney, Ramirez said that she felt confident enough of her recollections to say that she remembers Kavanaugh had exposed himself at a drunken dormitory party, thrust his penis in her face, and caused her to touch it without her consent as she pushed him away. Ramirez is now calling for the F.B.I. to investigate Kavanaugh’s role in the incident. “I would think an F.B.I. investigation would be warranted,” she said.

In a statement, Kavanaugh wrote, “This alleged event from 35 years ago did not happen. The people who knew me then know that this did not happen, and have said so. This is a smear, plain and simple. I look forward to testifying on Thursday about the truth, and defending my good name–and the reputation for character and integrity I have spent a lifetime building–against these last-minute allegations.”

The New Yorker reported that Senate Democrats are investigating these allegations.

After her name became public last week, Christine Blasey Ford’s lawyers pressed for an FBI investigation of her claims, a process for which Ramirez also asked:

What’s the status of Kavanaugh’s confirmation? Is it possible he will withdraw?

As we continue our coverage of the Kavanaugh confirmation process, we want to know what’s on your mind. If you have questions or comments to share with us about this cultural moment, give us a call at 855-236-1212 or use our app, 1A VoxPop.

*Show produced by Paige Osburn, text by Kathryn Fink*.

GUESTS

Josh Blackman, Constitutional law professor, South Texas College of Law in Houston; adjunct scholar, the Cato Institute; author, “Unraveled: Obamacare, Religious Liberty and Executive Power” @JoshMBlackman

Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO, The National Constitution Center; professor at The George Washington University Law School; author of “William Howard Taft” and “Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet” @RosenJeffrey

Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO, the National Women’s Law Center; a lawyer who specializes in anti-discrimination law; @FGossGraves

Rebecca O’Connor, Vice president of public policy, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

For more, visit https://the1a.org.

© 2018 WAMU 88.5 – American University Radio.

Copyright 2018 WAMU 88.5

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