9/28/2018

BRETT KAVANAUGH/HEARING/ME TOO/SUPREME COURT/TRUMP PEOPLE/WOMEN: “ANGRILY RAILING ABOUT ‘THE LEFT,’ bashing the media, and suggesting a Democratic conspiracy to seek ‘revenge on behalf of the Clintons’ wouldn’t be out of place in primetime on Fox News or conservative radio. But it’s unprecedented for a Supreme Court nominee to take such a strikingly partisan tone, as Brett Kavanaugh did Thursday [9-27-18] in defending himself against accusations of sexual misconduct. Kavanaugh’s defense played well with Fox host Sean Hannity, who last night bemoaned ‘the left’s smear machine’ against the nominee. His testimony also pleased President Donald Trump, who applauded Kavanaugh’s performance on Twitter just minutes after the end of a historic hearing that riveted viewers across the nation — in classrooms and bars, on planes and subway trains. As POLITICO’s Annie Karni and Andrew Restuccia report, ‘Trump was elated when Kavanaugh … lashed out at Democrats and the media for what Kavanaugh called casual character assassination.’ It was a striking contrast to Christine Blasey Ford, who, while also emotional, gave her excruciating account in a more restrained at times, even apologetic — manner.”

Michael Calderone, “Watching history — Kavanaugh’s Trumpian defense — #MeToo reporting challenges,” Politico, September 28, 2018 5:30 am