# 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:** 303
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6042 "2018-10-04T18:48:47Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > I still think Flake, Collins, Murkowski, and Manchin vote as a block, but I’m somewhat less convinced of that now. The outrage is through the roof and it will affect them all differently. There was once a time when that mattered. It really doesn’t now. The GOP is all in with Trump. The skeletons in the closet peeking out at you are so horrible - literal betrayal of the country and corruption on an unprecedented level - that they have to stand together or they’ll all be hanged alone. Not long ago it would have been totally unthinkable that a man who obviously, unquestionably lied under oath (and he lied under oath even if Christine Blasey Ford is one hundred percent wrong) could be confirmed to the Supreme Court. It would have been roughly as acceptable as taking a literal dump on an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Now it’s okay, as long as Trump gets his man, and Trumpists are fine with it, because to them facts don’t exist if they’re not useful to Trump. ---
**Author:** ![UnwittingAmericans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d9b06d/32.png) [@UnwittingAmericans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UnwittingAmericans)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6043 "2018-10-04T18:50:23Z")
> [@UnwittingAmericans](#): > > The call for investigation is Flake, on behalf of himself, Murkowski and Collins as a bloc, punting to the FBI to give them cover to vote yes on the floor. Nobody, dems included, thinks the FBI is gonna come up with anything new. You can pretend it is the result of some sort of bipartisan truth seeking or rational thought or getting yelled at in an elevator, but it’s not. > > I don’t really want Kavanaugh on the court, but I liked that he hollered back. More witnesses should do that. Highly publicized hearings are just grandstanding exercises where the witnesses are told to just be nice, take their beatin’ and go home and they’ll end up getting what they wanted, everybody gets what they want. There’s nothing special about senators, they may play-act deference to each other most of the time, but they’re craven shitbags just like everybody else. Some of you people are too credulous and watch too much hope-mongering TV shows without a critical eye. Get your idiot asshole friends, if you have any, to get out of their phones and vote THIS TIME. It’s gonna get worse every day for the next 2 years anyway. It can get a whole lot worse real fast if dems don’t take the house. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6044 "2018-10-04T18:50:52Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > Jeffrey Toobin said it best on CNN: “In the US Senate, the woman always loses.” I don’t get it. There are certainly a number of female Senators that have won elections against men. Was he talking about Clinton’s impeachment or something? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6045 "2018-10-04T18:51:54Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > How is Feinstein supposed to copy something she doesn’t have? She can’t. That’s why she doesn’t have it, nor does any other Senator. It’s supposed to be confidential, and not get leaked. The original complaint from Ford was supposed to be kept confidential too, but either Feinstein, the Dem Representative to which Ford originally sent it, or one of their staff, leaked it. The way they are handling this FBI report is not special to this situation. They do it this way, because when they do it where people can make copies, it gets leaked. This is not unique to Democrats; Republicans leak stuff too. But it is against Senate rules, although the fact that both sides do it means that it is not sanctioned very severely. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6046 "2018-10-04T18:56:15Z")
Ah, forget it. It’s a moot point now. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6047 "2018-10-04T19:00:39Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I read it, and reread. I get no explanation there. I opened the link, I am not reading all that. I just think it’s incredibly stupid that every member of the committee cannot get their own copy. If it’s a gag, it’s not funny. The poster who posted that did not give a link, so maybe you read the wrong post? There was a link quoted from another poster, but that didn’t contain any info about the usual process. > [@Shodan](#): > > She can’t. That’s why she doesn’t have it, nor does any other Senator. > > It’s supposed to be confidential, and not get leaked. The original complaint from Ford was supposed to be kept confidential too, but either Feinstein, the Dem Representative to which Ford originally sent it, or one of their staff, leaked it. Rep. Eshoo is who she sent the letter to first, and who gave it to Feinstein. But Ford was also in contact with the WaPo, although she did not give them permission to go public. It’s possible someone there went rogue. And, IIRC, the letter was given to the FBI before it was leaked, so maybe they were the source (although I doubt it). And that’s only the known knowns. It’s possible she talked to other folks and they were the leakers. But I think the ultimate source was most likely Feinstein or Eshoo, even if they or their staff did not do the actual laking. Most likely, but still not certain. We may never know for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6048 "2018-10-04T19:01:17Z")
I take it as a somewhat hopeful sign that several of the Republican Judiciary Committee members are presently out en masse, together with Thom Tillis, singing and dancing like crazy at a press conference to insist that Kavanaugh should be confirmed on Saturday. It does seem to indicate that not the entire membership is yet onboard. I can’t bring myself to listen, but Grassley looks seriously pissed. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6049 "2018-10-04T19:03:59Z")
Grassley just answered my question. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6050 "2018-10-04T19:05:53Z")
Heitkamp is a no. Does that mean she is throwing herself on her sword in terms of re-election? ---
**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 4, 2018, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6051 "2018-10-04T19:10:55Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > I take it as a somewhat hopeful sign that several of the Republican Judiciary Committee members are presently out en masse, together with Thom Tillis, singing and dancing like crazy at a press conference to insist that Kavanaugh should be confirmed on Saturday. It does seem to indicate that not the entire membership is yet onboard. > > I can’t bring myself to listen, but Grassley looks seriously pissed. Pushing the narrative that it’s inevitable and everyone needs to fall in line. Same thing they said last week…Then Flake happened. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6052 "2018-10-04T19:11:22Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Heitkamp is a no. Does that mean she is throwing herself on her sword in terms of re-election? She’s got something like a 12 point lead by the Republican to overcome. She may as well at least maintain her ethical integrity and vote her conscience. Good on her. Also, I don’t blame Manchin for whatever he does. He’ll vote no if he can, yes if his vote makes no difference. At least salvage the seat for the mid-terms. He’s got a pretty good lead. ---
**Author:** ![UnwittingAmericans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d9b06d/32.png) [@UnwittingAmericans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UnwittingAmericans)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6053 "2018-10-04T19:12:20Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > Heitkamp is a no. Does that mean she is throwing herself on her sword in terms of re-election? It means she will pull in impulsive millions in campaign donations. Can you imagine being in a scenario where the worst case scenario is that you’re not a US Senator anymore? ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6054 "2018-10-04T19:12:27Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > Pushing the narrative that it’s inevitable and everyone needs to fall in line. Same thing they said last week…Then Flake happened. 'Zackly. 🙂 ---
**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:** [October 4, 2018, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6055 "2018-10-04T19:14:41Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > And McConnell’s rush to a vote with only the minimum required time to digest the latest findings, then debate them, just says this is a naked power play. And do you think a swath of democrat senators saying they would oppose Kavanaugh within minutes of his nomination is not? Before the hearings? Before this allegation came out? Perhaps if it wasn’t plainly obvious that democrats were going to vote along the party line no matter what from day one, we wouldn’t be in this situation. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6056 "2018-10-04T19:14:46Z")
> [@UnwittingAmericans](#): > > It means she will pull in impulsive millions in campaign donations. > > Can you imagine being in a scenario where the worst case scenario is that you’re not a US Senator anymore? most former US Senators can make a lot more money than their senate pay by staying in DC and being a lobbyist. ---
**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 4, 2018, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6057 "2018-10-04T19:17:46Z")
> [@UnwittingAmericans](#): > > Can you imagine being in a scenario where the worst case scenario is that you’re not a US Senator anymore? I’ve been told repeatedly over the last couple weeks that not becoming a Supreme Court justice is pretty much the same as going to prison. By that measure, not being a senator anymore must be a living nightmare. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6058 "2018-10-04T19:21:38Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > Jeffrey Toobin said it best on CNN: “In the US Senate, the woman always loses.” > [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I don’t get it. There are certainly a number of female Senators that have won elections against men. Was he talking about Clinton’s impeachment or something? Winners never cheat and cheaters never win. But, I cheated at Monopoly the other day and I won. How can that be? This is me consciously not using the rolleye smilie that is so richly deserved (I hate smilies). ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6059 "2018-10-04T19:21:49Z")
The Merriam Webster Dictionary twitter account is known for their snark. Today’s word of the day is “thorough”. ---
**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 4, 2018, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6060 "2018-10-04T19:29:04Z")
“If that’s an investigation, it’s a bullshit investigation.” - Bob Menendez Menendez knows a thing or two about bullshit investigations. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733/6061 "2018-10-04T19:31:14Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > I still think Flake, Collins, Murkowski, and Manchin vote as a block, but I’m somewhat less convinced of that now. The outrage is through the roof and it will affect them all differently. Anyone else remember (and participate in) the outrage leading up to the Thomas vote? Stupid me, I hoped things might be better at this point. And anyone who criticizes Dem opposition, please try to recall what the Repubs did to Garland. Damn fine time to be a reasonably heathy, educated, upper middleclass, hetero, white male living in a (pretty) blue (tho pretty much bankrupt) state. Sucks to be the rest of you. :rolleyes: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733.md?page=302) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-democrats-actually-stop-the-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh/820733.md?page=304)