Quote (Black XistenZ @ 26 Sep 2018 15:23)
Well, that whole "slut shaming" argument is an important political implication of all of this. The Republicans are in huge danger of treating Ford too harsh, or to resort to arguments which are, or can easily be spun as slut shaming. In the current political and social environment, with the current political momentum of the Democrats and the #metoo-movement and the impending midterm elections, even doing the correct thing to defend Kavanaugh from unsubstantiated accusations might prove to be highly toxic, politically. Therefore, I'm actually starting to agree with those pundits who say that Kavanaugh withdrawing his nomination by himself and clearing the way for Barrett, Kethledge or Hardiman would be the best thing for the GOP.
Yes, it's treacherous grounds for Republicans for all the reasons you mentioned. This is part of the reason why the Senate Judicial Committee hired an outside female prosecutor to question Kavanaugh and Ford tomorrow. They know the optics of 11 Republican men grilling Ford would look awful.
As far as Kavanaugh withdrawing, I think it could be the best thing for the Republican party politically. But depending on the hearing tomorrow and what other corrobating evidence does or does not come out in the coming days, it could also set a horrible precedent. And if all 3 claims are untrue, it's also deeply unfair to Kavanaugh.
If you're Chuck Grassley, and you have good reason to believe that there isn't enough evidence or corroboration to these claims about Kavanaugh, can you really look a fully qualified nominee who is giving you their honest word in the face and tell him to withdraw?
I get it's all politics, but I don't think Grassley is going to do that - unless tomorrow's testimony goes south for Kavanaugh/GOP or additional evidence comes out for some of these allegations.
Quote (thesnipa @ 26 Sep 2018 15:31)
why trump transitioned from "i want to hear what she has to say" to "i think she's lying, this should have been done weeks ago" is beyond me. he gained nothing and lost something, just odd.
Most of the time Trump says exactly what he's thinking...which is both foolish and admirable from an honesty perspective.