A Quick Response to Kavanaugh & Ford

I couldn't listen to the entire day of the senate judiciary committee hearings yesterday, but I heard some portions.  Here is my quick response:

Ford seemed to be sincere.  In fact, after hearing part of her opening I thought Kavanaugh was finished.  She didn't seem to be lying or attempting a great deception.  Some use the word credible, but I don't think that means what people think it means.  She had some details, but was missing a lot of others.  I believe she experienced some kind of sexual assault that has traumatized her.  I certainly didn't think was some kind of political operative after her testimony.  Again, this is gut reaction, I don't have proof.

Kavanaugh was, in my mind, more convincing.  He was angry, and he should have been.  If he was dispassionate I would probably be less likely to believe him.  I thought he was equally sincere in his denial.  He also provided many character witnesses.  Again that doesn't prove anything, but it certainly provides a voice.  I especially loved his testimony regarding his daughter praying for "the lady (Ford)."  This tells you something about him as a parent.

In the end there are three things that should be considered.  First, which story has more Corroborating support?  Seeing as Ford's friend who was supposedly at the party where all this happened has no memory of it and Kavanaugh's childhood friend also denies the events took place and the numerous other character witnesses from all time periods of Kavanaugh's life this supports Kavanaugh's story.  Second, considering Feinstien not only had the report, but was recommending lawyers for Ford very early on but didn't release any information until the 11th hour, this smells of political chicanery.  Further, Feinstien admitted she didn't know if it was true.  Her own confidence in this report was shaky.  Third, there is not only a presumption of innocence in the constitution, there ought to be a presumption of innocence.  I realize this isn't a criminal preceding, but a couple of timely accusations ought not be enough to ruin a person's life and take away their  career.  Make no mistake, that is what is happening.  

The subsequent accusations have fallen apart quickly, so far the only one that appears possible is Ford's.

Kavanaugh should be moved forward as the nominee and confirmed barring any further evidence.