What Happened In The Brett Kavanaugh Hearing

Mitchell’s going to get a lot of criticism for being ineffective. But she was hired for her perceived expertise and non-partisanship, and maybe that’s what the GOP got. In her professional judgment, she thought Ford was basically credible — maybe not 100 percent accurate, but credible to the point where you sure as heck weren’t going to poke holes in her case in this very awkward format. So she punted, and let it be known that this wasn’t the right format, rather than trying to do so. I’m not sure I wouldn’t have done the same thing under the circumstances.

Micah, I think Ford did well under extreme pressure, and the Democrats were obviously sensitive to the stress she must be feeling. I agree with the assessment that the Republicans on the committee are biding their time until they can chime in without being accused of sexism, and we should expect a more lively session when Kavanaugh is up.

In discussion with reporters now in the break, the GOP members are letting loose a little, and being critical of Ford’s testimony. Lindsey Graham, for example, was just on TV asking “who paid for the polygraph?” — despite the clear answer from Ford’s lawyers during questioning.

Yeah, what can Kavanaugh say to save this? He’ll presumably deny, and firmly. Maybe he’ll include more detail or maybe he’ll be more circumspect. But Republicans were never going to be able to use his testimony to play offense. It’s like they have to score a shorthanded goal at this point.