S5 E24: Brett Kavanaugh, the UN & Gritty: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Christine Blasey Ford's Testimony

• Christine Blasey Ford gave testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, alleging Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982. (3m20s)
• She described her recollection of the events and stated she was "100% certain" it was Kavanaugh. (3m20s)

Brett Kavanaugh's Testimony

• Brett Kavanaugh, in his testimony, denied all allegations made by Ford. (6m16s)
• He became emotional when describing his memories of high school. (6m16s)
• Brett Kavanaugh stated that he had many close female friends and listed their names, including Amy, Julie, Kristen, Karen, Suzanne, MOA, Megan, and Nikki. (7m15s)
• During his testimony, Kavanaugh claimed that he was the victim of a conspiracy and listed outlandish accusations made against him, such as being involved in gangs, fathering illegitimate children, and engaging in fights on boats in Rhode Island. (8m36s)
• Kavanaugh shared an anecdote about his father's habit of keeping detailed calendars, which he described as a combination of a calendar and a diary, and how the family would gather around during Christmas time to listen to him recount past events from them. (12m37s)
• Brett Kavanaugh's calendar showed he attended at least one event similar to the one described by Dr. Ford with at least two of the people she named. (13m55s)
• Kavanaugh mischaracterized three people saying they didn't recall the party as all four witnesses saying it didn't happen. (14m30s)
• Kavanaugh claimed that "Devil's Triangle" referred to a drinking game, while it is commonly known to refer to a sexual act. (16m12s)

Republican Senator Orrin Hatch's Response

• Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, when asked if he found Ford credible, responded by saying "I think she's attractive" and "a good witness". (4m30s)

Flaws in the Appointment Process

• The process of appointing Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court was flawed because Republicans designed it to only allow testimony from Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford. (19m40s)
• Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly dodged questions about whether he would support an FBI investigation into the sexual assault allegations against him. (20m18s)
• Brett Kavanaugh's opening statement, in which he called the allegations against him a "political hit," was highly partisan and suggested he would not approach his position on the Supreme Court impartially. (22m29s)

Reactions to the Testimony

• Lindsey Graham expressed increased confidence in Brett Kavanaugh's suitability for the Supreme Court. (25m29s)
• Christine Blasey Ford, despite believing her testimony might be futile, chose to speak out against Kavanaugh. (27m3s)
• The speaker believes that even if Kavanaugh's confirmation is blocked, it is crucial to remember how close he came to being confirmed and what that signifies. (27m50s)