WASHINGTON – After more than 12 hours of questioning on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s second day of hearings on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be the next Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States, Kavanaugh’s record holds up to intense scrutiny from senators.
“Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh presented himself to the Senate and the American public Wednesday as an independent judge with an open mind…”
“Kavanaugh, 53, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, proved to be an amiable and collected witness during a marathon day of questioning and dozens of interruptions from screaming protesters…”
“Kavanaugh displayed an extensive knowledge of constitutional law and a debater’s sense of sparring with Democratic senators who oppose his confirmation.”
“Senators signal Kavanaugh appears on solid ground to win confirmation”
“A number of key senators in both parties are sounding positive about Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, a clear sign that President Donald Trump's nominee stands a strong chance of winning a pivotal seat on the highest court in the land.”
“Democrats Struggle for a Unified Message on Kavanaugh”
“Senate Democrats launched a campaign to derail Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court. But their multiple messages — fighting about documents and raising multiple issues — are not sticking.”
“…so far, Democratic senators have not even been able to convince their entire caucus, their own caucus.”
“So far, Democrats have struggled to land on a message on Kavanaugh that resonates with voters. His meetings with senators went mostly under the radar, and the fight over documents - it landed with a thud among activists.”
“Democrats wage a losing battle over Kavanaugh”
“It marked the moment when there was no longer a meaningful difference between the aim of elected Democrats and their unelected supporters in the audience. They were united in their determination to shut down the process because they both believe that if they can’t win, the game should be canceled.”
“It marked the moment when there was no longer a meaningful difference between the aim of elected Democrats and their unelected supporters in the audience. They were united in theirdetermination to shut down the process because they both believe that if they can’t win, the game should be canceled.”
“And what did all this sound and fury mean? Not much for Brett Kavanaugh, who started the day almost certain to be confirmed and ended it — if anything — even more of a lock for confirmation.”
“Judge Kavanaugh enjoys bipartisan support outside the Senate, but that won’t matter. It’s all about politics now, not the Constitution or the law. Judge Kavanaugh is likely to win confirmation, but the behavior of some senators may further sour the public’s view of Washington.”
