# Can Democrats actually stop the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 4, 2018, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733 "2018-09-04T12:49:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 206
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4101 "2018-09-27T17:30:25Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > … - if Kavanaugh is confirmed notwithstanding the evidence, a Democratic Congress could impeach him based on what’s been presented … Yes, anything is possible. It requires a 2/3 supermajority to remove someone, as you might recall from Bill Clinton’s impeachment. ---
**Author:** ![Fiddle\_Peghead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddle_peghead/32/3506_2.png) [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4102 "2018-09-27T17:30:26Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > This does not prove or disprove Ford’s allegations, but it is interesting background information: > > [source](https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2018/09/27/blasey_ford_yearbooks.html) Let me summarize: a) not one shred of evidence of what is actually in Ford’s Holton-Arms yearbooks c) exactly ONE named source, someone named Jay Martin, who offers up this gem: > [@](#): > > “I am her age,” he said of Ford. “I went to high school next to Prep and knew lots of Holton-Arms girls. This is pure false memory syndrome.” > > Added Martin: “One of my best women friends had Kavanaugh ask her out [and] she said he was ‘one of the nice ones.’ His mom was a judge. I mean, seriously?” b) Ford was a “party girl”, so why even listen to what she has to say? ---
**Author:** ![KidCharlemagne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4103 "2018-09-27T17:31:40Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Are you one of the 54% of Republicans who thinks it doesn’t matter to the confirmation vote if Kavanaugh attempted to rape Dr. Ford? Why is it that whenever I see a statistic concerning what Americans believe, I become less and less proud to be an American. Where did you see this? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4104 "2018-09-27T17:32:14Z")
> [@Fiddle\_Peghead](#): > > Let me summarize: > > a) not one shred of evidence of what is actually in Ford’s Holton-Arms yearbooks > c) exactly ONE named source, someone named Jay Martin, who offers up this gem: > b) Ford was a “party girl”, so why even listen to what she has to say? Are these not “named sources” in your mind: > [@](#): > > The Holton-Arms yearbooks in question, which cover her sophomore, junior and senior years, are titled “Scribe ’82,” “Scribe ’83” and “Scribe ’84.” ---
**Author:** ![Lance\_Turbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lance_turbo/32/6156_2.png) [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4105 "2018-09-27T17:36:53Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Are these not “named sources” in your mind: Again… much of the article is about photos that Ford isn’t in. How do you feel about guilt by association? ---
**Author:** ![tim314](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim314/32/3468_2.png) [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4106 "2018-09-27T17:37:28Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > This does not prove or disprove Ford’s allegations, but it is interesting background information: > > [source](https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2018/09/27/blasey_ford_yearbooks.html) “Intersting”, why? We know from Ford’s own testimony that she and Kavanaugh both attended parties where kids drank too much. On that point she’s certainly been more forthcoming than Kavanaugh, who tried to portray himself as someone who was more focused on Church and service than partying. And really, you’re going to give credence to whatever insulting nickname the boys gave her? Even given the whole “Renata Alumnus” thing, where Kavanaugh and his buddies all implied in their yearbook that they’d had sex with another girl? We _know_ that was a lie, unless Kavanaugh is lying now about having been a virgin at the time. In any case, how often she drank or whether she was sexually active is irrelevant – those things don’t somehow make attempted rape OK. Also note that if there’s one fact that she and Kavanaugh agree on, it’s that she didn’t try to have sex with him. He says he was never at the party, and she says he tried to rape her. No one is saying she tried to have sex with him. So why on earth would you bring in a claim about sexual promiscuity… if not to try to make the odious argument that “she’s a slut, so she deserved it”? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4107 "2018-09-27T17:38:10Z")
> [@Lance\_Turbo](#): > > Again… much of the article is about photos that Ford isn’t in. How do you feel about guilt by association? Pretty much what I said before: “This does not prove or disprove Ford’s allegations…” ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4108 "2018-09-27T17:38:33Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Are you one of the 54% of Republicans who thinks it doesn’t matter to the confirmation vote if Kavanaugh attempted to rape Dr. Ford? Not a Republican, and would rather not see a fundamentalist anti-abortion nutcase on your supreme court. But having committed a misdemeanor 35 years ago should not be disqualifying. His views should be, but hey, you elected these people, and get what you want. However, lying about it now would be. But there’s no reason to believe he’s lying, and good reason to believe the accusation is false. ---
**Author:** ![Fiddle\_Peghead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddle_peghead/32/3506_2.png) [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4109 "2018-09-27T17:38:46Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Are these not “named sources” in your mind: I was talking about human sources obviously, but fine. I am merely lamenting the fact that it would be nice to actually see the yearbooks. I understand that that may yet happen. ETA: Not that anything as described in the article would matter. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4110 "2018-09-27T17:39:12Z")
Senator Hirono aked a very stupid question.:smack: ---
**Author:** ![Lance\_Turbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lance_turbo/32/6156_2.png) [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4111 "2018-09-27T17:39:51Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Pretty much what I said before: “This does not prove or disprove Ford’s allegations…” I feel like you had a stronger position on guilt by association earlier in this thread. Now it’s interesting background information. Check. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4112 "2018-09-27T17:41:15Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Senator Hizanoo asked a very stupid question.:smack: Be more specific please. I’m watching on a time lag. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4113 "2018-09-27T17:42:40Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Do you have a cite for Kavanaugh saying that polygraph results should be used as evidence in trials? > > Thanks in advance. > > Regards, > Shodan Why do you stipulate trial when (for the upteenth time) this is not a trial? Anyway, here’s Kavanaugh’s ruling in the [court case](https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-dc-circuit/1735693.html) **monstro** cited: > [@](#): > > The report at issue in this case assist law enforcement agencies in taking “proactive steps” to deter illegal activity and ensure national security. As the Government notes, \*\*law enforcement agencies use polygraphs to test the credibility of witnesses and criminal defendants. Those agencies also use polygraphs to “screen applicants for security clearances so that they may be deemed suitable for work in critical law enforcement, defense, and intelligence collection roles.” \*\*Declaration of Alesia Y. Williams, Defense Intelligence Agency, Chief of FOIA Services Section, at Joint Appendix 226. In Morley v. CIA, we stated: “Background investigations conducted to assess an applicant’s qualification, such as ․ clearance and investigatory processes, inherently relate to law enforcement.” 508 F.3d 1108, 1128–29 (D.C.Cir.2007) (internal quotation marks omitted)… > > **The Government has satisfactorily explained how polygraph examinations serve law enforcement purposes**. It has also explained how the reports assessing the efficacy of those examinations and identifying needed fixes likewise serve law enforcement purposes. Put simply, the reports help ensure that law enforcement officers optimally use an important law enforcement tool. The reports were compiled for law enforcement purposes. It amuses me that he mentions background investigations as an activity well served by polygraphs. So he certainly should willingly submit to one for himself, right? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4114 "2018-09-27T17:44:27Z")
> [@tim314](#): > > … And really, you’re going to give credence to whatever insulting nickname the boys gave her? … I don’t know what you mean by “give credence” to it, but you seem confused on this point. The nickname didn’t come from the boys. The article said: > [@](#): > > At Holton-Arms, the source added, she was known by classmates, and even some parents, by a sexually derogatory nickname playing off her maiden name Blasey, suggesting she was promiscuous. She went to an all-girls school. All of her “classmates” were female. As you noted, of course, “those things don’t somehow make attempted rape OK” and I wasn’t even remotely attempting to argue that they do. It was, I thought, another peek into this rather elite social circle and the culture of the time. ---
**Author:** ![tim314](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim314/32/3468_2.png) [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4115 "2018-09-27T17:44:48Z")
[deleted, just saw new reply] ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4116 "2018-09-27T17:48:15Z")
> [@Lance\_Turbo](#): > > I feel like you had a stronger position on guilt by association earlier in this thread. > > Now it’s interesting background information. Check. To restate what should be obvious, I’m not claiming Ford is “guilty” of anything based on who her associates were or how they behaved. I’m not even saying she is guilty of anything based on how _she_ behaved. Some of the gaps in her memory may be explained by alcohol-induced blackouts, but there are other more innocent possible explanations too. ---
**Author:** ![KidCharlemagne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4117 "2018-09-27T17:53:36Z")
I hope Kavanaugh doesn’t benefit as much as I think he might from the recency effect. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4118 "2018-09-27T17:54:51Z")
> [@KidCharlemagne](#): > > I hope Kavanaugh doesn’t benefit as much as I think he might from the recency effect. I suspect that concern is why Ford’s lawyers kept insisting she go last. ---
**Author:** ![tim314](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim314/32/3468_2.png) [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4119 "2018-09-27T17:56:09Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The nickname didn’t come from the boys. I don’t believe you actually know that for a fact. Yes, she went to an all girls school and Kavanaugh went to a boys school, but obviously the two groups attended social events together. It’s at least as plausible that whatever nickname originated from the boasts of the boys. But again, why does it matter? > [@](#): > > It was, I thought, another peek into this rather elite social circle and the culture of the time. You’re basically floating the idea “maybe the alleged rape victim was a slut”. Do you honestly not see anything wrong with that? Edit: Alleged victim of _attempted_ rape – but the point stands. ---
**Author:** ![Wolf333](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf333/32/3460_2.png) [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/4120 "2018-09-27T17:58:47Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Pretty much what I said before: “This does not prove or disprove Ford’s allegations…” … but I’m just sayin’… Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733.md?page=205) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733.md?page=207)