What Happened In The Brett Kavanaugh Hearing

The most powerful and sickening and emblematic moment for me, Micah, was Ford bringing her own expertise to bear: “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter. The uproarious laughter between the two, and their having fun at my expense,” she said of Kavanaugh and Judge. “They were laughing with each other … I was underneath one of them while the two laughed. Two friends having a really good time with one another”

Micah, I just want to emphasize that the Republicans chose this format. They didn’t need to limit senators’ questions to five minutes. Everything we’re seeing today was negotiated. So why did the GOP do this? Did they miscalculate or is it part of a bigger strategy? Right now, it’s feeling to me like a miscalculation. Mitchell’s questioning seems rushed, and it’s hard to untangle these complex issues in five-minutes bursts. But as Perry said, things could feel different when Kavanaugh testifies.

My personal opinion, Micah — look, I think Republicans would be dumb, politically, to try to confirm Kavanaugh when they could have another conservative justice instead. I’ve thought that for a long time now. I’m not sure Republicans agree. I’m also not sure they’re thinking it through clearly. I agree it’s a complicated situation. But, the past hour-a-half surely hasn’t helped them one bit.