# 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:** 291
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5802 "2018-10-03T19:19:23Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > It goes to her credibility as a witness. Someone who has a genuine fear of flying doesn’t jet off to the South Pacific (or wherever) on vacation. Are you saying that in the history of aviation, there is not a single example of a person with a fear of flying that has traveled overseas in an airplane for vacation? ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5803 "2018-10-03T19:19:29Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > I realize this might completely blow your mind, but for some people, it’s the takeoff and landing that are terrifying, so the length of the journey, whether you are crossing an ocean or a state, doesn’t make much difference. I know a number of people who are willing to trade a few minutes of fear for the chance to experience a new culture or see amazing sights. I wonder if perhaps Dr. Ford hoped that some technological solution could be worked out for the testimony before eventually biting the bullet and flying out. This is exactly how my fear manifested – every takeoff, and every landing, I’d be clutching the seat, heart-racing, and trying my hardest to stay calm. For the rest of the flight I was fine, barring severe turbulence or technical problems. But I still flew quite a bit, including for vacation. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5804 "2018-10-03T19:19:53Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > So we need to look at her high school yearbook to see if she forgot anything else. Also because “are you afraid of flying” implies “is flying afraid of you”. Also, boufing. OK, so you weren’t going anywhere with that. No prob. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5805 "2018-10-03T19:27:59Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > This is exactly how my fear manifested – every takeoff, and every landing, I’d be clutching the seat, heart-racing, and trying my hardest to stay calm. For the rest of the flight I was fine, barring severe turbulence or technical problems. > > But I still flew quite a bit, including for vacation. I am extremely afraid of flying, and flew every week for business, to multiple cities. Yes, you can fly if you’re afraid of flying. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5806 "2018-10-03T19:28:07Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > It goes to her credibility as a witness. Someone who has a genuine fear of flying doesn’t jet off to the South Pacific (or wherever) on vacation. > > Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, not stressful. Speaking as a psychotherapist, you’re simply wrong about this. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5807 "2018-10-03T19:33:17Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > Looks like the GOP is going to release _something_ from the FBI today. Not clear if that means the FBI is done or not, or if this is the complete “report.” But since this news is coming from GOP, I could guess it’s helpful to them to initiate a narrative. I think it demonstrates that the FBI is done playing charades and the GOP wants to make sure they can schedule a vote…but hopefully I am wrong. It is quite clear anything coming from the FBI was not an investigation at this point in time. > **[FBI has not contacted dozens of potential sources in Kavanaugh investigation](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/dozens-potential-sources-information-have-not-been-contacted-fbi-kavanaugh-n916146)** > > With the investigation winding down, multiple individuals who have tried to contact the bureau have not heard back. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5808 "2018-10-03T19:36:41Z")
The Left has moved a long ways from “trust the professionals” that they were parroting a few days ago. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5809 "2018-10-03T19:38:36Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The Left has moved a long ways from “trust the professionals” that they were parroting a few days ago. How? Do you have any evidence that the FBI asked to run a mustang court? It seems like that the “professionals” are simply not being allowed to do their job. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5810 "2018-10-03T19:38:41Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The Left has moved a long ways from “trust the professionals” that they were parroting a few days ago. Once again, I can’t tell what the Fox News talking points are. Are conservatives supposed to believe in the FBI now? Or is it still thoroughly infiltrated by Hillary Deep State supporters? Will my questions only be answered after the FBI finishes its report? ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5811 "2018-10-03T19:41:58Z")
I’m not clear what the final FBI “report” will consist of, or if there will be one. However, I’d bet my life FBI Director Wray will issue a final qualifying memo as to the scope/limitation of the investigation. I do know so far it’s just FBI summaries of witness statements (called a 302). The FBI has interviewed several people so far. I’m guessing the FBI has wrote up some 302’s and are passing them along to the White House, who in turn, is about to pass them along to the Senate. Nothing nefarious about that. The Senators will spin information contained in the 302’s how they see fit - whether that’s just using them in regards to the allegation, or as proof the FBI should wrap it up/continue on. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5812 "2018-10-03T19:45:16Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The Left has moved a long ways from “trust the professionals” that they were parroting a few days ago. The problem is that the professionals are being deliberately prevented from doing their job right. Which raises the obvious question: why are they being prevented from doing their job? They could have been given a timeline and told to get to it, but they were deliberately restricted in the people they could talk to. This restriction makes no sense if Kavenaugh is innocent…aaannnnnd I just answered the question. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5813 "2018-10-03T19:49:43Z")
> [@Evil\_Economist](#): > > The problem is that the professionals are being deliberately prevented from doing their job right. > > Which raises the obvious question: why are they being prevented from doing their job? > > They could have been given a timeline and told to get to it, but they were deliberately restricted in the people they could talk to. > > This restriction makes no sense if Kavenaugh is innocent…aaannnnnd I just answered the question. How do we know the FBI is being limited by anyone? Other than the length of one week, which was agreed upon prior to the FBI getting involved. I’ve read the FBI has not contacted certain individuals, but have not read the FBI has wanted to contact people, but were prevented from doing so. I would expect Director Wray to address this point (in a very subtle way). ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5814 "2018-10-03T19:52:07Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > How do we know the FBI is being limited by anyone? Other than the length of one week, which was agreed upon prior to the FBI getting involved. > > I’ve read the FBI has not contacted certain individuals, but have not read the FBI has wanted to contact people, but were prevented from doing so. I would expect Director Wray to address this point (in a very subtle way). In general it is considered good Police practice to at least take statements from material witnesses. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5815 "2018-10-03T19:58:10Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > How do we know the FBI is being limited by anyone? Other than the length of one week, which was agreed upon prior to the FBI getting involved. > > I’ve read the FBI has not contacted certain individuals, but have not read the FBI has wanted to contact people, but were prevented from doing so. I would expect Director Wray to address this point (in a very subtle way). According to news reports the FBI was given a list of people they could talk to. According to Ramirez’s attorney they gave the FBI a list of 20 people they should talk to, and the FBI didn’t talk to any of them. According to Ford’s attorney the FBI hasn’t talked to her. According to Swetnik’s attorney the FBI hasn’t talked to her. According to Kavenaugh’s former classmate (and current biglaw partner), the FBI ignored her when she tried to provide evidence to them. I would call this a pattern. ---
**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:** [October 3, 2018, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5816 "2018-10-03T19:59:10Z")
How can one investigate an allegation without talking to the allegator? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5817 "2018-10-03T20:00:05Z")
> [@rat\_avatar](#): > > In general it is considered good Police practice to at least take statements from material witnesses. ha, yea I get that. This is just an odd scenario where we had the “trial” _before_ the investigation. I don’t know whether the FBI got enough from the “trial” (all the docs Ford produced and testimony). I totally get the optics of an investigation that does not interview the accused or accuser. Anyways, I tend to agree with you, but I wasn’t clear if we had heard anything from the FBI or we were just drawing our own conclusions. Thanks for clarifying. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5818 "2018-10-03T20:00:18Z")
[WSJ reporter Peter Nicholas](https://twitter.com/PeterWSJ/status/1047571714065027073): > [@](#): > > After Christine Blasey Ford testified at Senate hearing, WH Counsel Don McGahn cleared holding room of aides and spoke privately to Brett Kavanaugh and his wife. McGahn advised that he not hold back and show some emotion when testifying before committee. Don McGahn, the White House counsel advising Kavanaugh on how to get confirmed, is of course the same Don McGahn who actively limited the scope of the FBI investigation. ETA: Reminds me of this bit of Firesign: Peorgie: Dad, I still don’t see how you can be my defense lawyer and the People’s Prosecutor all at the same time! Dad: Easy, son! This way, I can personally see that you’re persecuted to the full extent of the laws. Peorgie: That’s my Dad! ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5819 "2018-10-03T20:02:45Z")
> [@Evil\_Economist](#): > > According to news reports the FBI was given a list of people they could talk to. > > According to Ramirez’s attorney they gave the FBI a list of 20 people they should talk to, and the FBI didn’t talk to any of them. > > According to Ford’s attorney the FBI hasn’t talked to her. > > According to Swetnik’s attorney the FBI hasn’t talked to her. > > According to Kavenaugh’s former classmate (and current biglaw partner), the FBI ignored her when she tried to provide evidence to them. > > I would call this a pattern. Another of Kavenaugh’s classmates, Dr. Oh, was ignored when he went to the FBI And yet another of Kavenaugh’s classmates, Mark Krasberg, was ignored when he went to the FBI ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5820 "2018-10-03T20:10:53Z")
I’m pretty sure the FBI was limited, by agreement, to current credible allegations of sexual assault. So anyone calling in to tell the FBI about drinking, is going to be ignored by the agents doing this background check with its limited scope. That makes sense, right? I wouldn’t understand not interviewing witnesses to the Ford/Ramirez allegations, unless it only had to do with getting this done in one week. Which is where I hope Wray will inform me. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2018, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/5821 "2018-10-03T20:11:10Z")
Sounds like quite a few people who want to talk to the FBI and have not been able to do so. How strange. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733.md?page=290) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733.md?page=292)