Reece Gardner: Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation process continues

The FBI on this past Saturday began an additional investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh by questioning accuser Deborah Ramirez, who has claimed that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her while the two were students at Yale University. This is in addition to Christine Ford's claim that the Judge sexually assaulted her at a high school party 36 years ago. These claims stand in contrast to the seventy-five women with long-standing associations with Judge Kavanaugh who have come forward with full support of him.

As most of you are aware, Kavanaugh's accusers and detractors have been calling on the Senate Judiciary Committee to bring the FBI into the investigation. This came to somewhat of a conclusion at the Committee's televised meeting on Friday when Sen. Jeff Flake stood to say that he would vote for Kavanaugh only if the FBI was allowed to conduct an investigation of the Judge and his accusers. He stressed that this would take only a week or less to conduct.

We have all heard the expression, "Be careful what you wish for," which might very well apply in this case. It seems almost certain that the FBI will not come up with any data on Judge Kavanaugh that would disqualify him from service on the U.S. Supreme Court, which will greatly weaken the opposition to him, and lead to his confirmation, possibly as early as Oct. 5.

It could be his opponents are already realizing this, and are trying to lessen the impact of the FBI's participation in the investigation. For example, NBC News has reported that a third accuser, Julie Swetnick, who has claimed that she went to several parties between 1981-83 in which young girls were assaulted and even raped in the presence of Judge Kavanaugh, will not be questioned by the FBI. 

NBC claims that "anonymous" sources have informed them that the White House counsel's office has given the FBI a list of witnesses it is permitted to interview.  These "anonymous" sources further stated that such White House instructions will be a significant constraint on the FBI investigation.

However, on Saturday President Trump called this NBC report incorrect, and said the White House is letting the FBI agents "do what they are trained to do." He further stated, "I want them to interview whomever they deem appropriate, at their discretion." Meanwhile, at least two potential witnesses have said they intend to cooperate with the FBI. One is Mark Judge, a friend of Kavanaugh who, according to Ford, was in the room during the alleged assault. He has denied this accusation. The other potential witness, Leland Keyser, whom Ford says was at the party, has said she has no knowledge of any such party ever occurring. Stay tuned!

And now to close on a humorous note: A little boy had gotten into the habit of saying "darn" of which his mother did not approve. She said to him, "here's a dime. You can keep it if you promise not to say 'darn' again." He said, "All right, Mom. I promise," and he took the money.  As he lovingly rolled the coin through his fingers, a hopeful look suddenly came into his eyes and he said, "Hey, Mom, I know another word that's worth a dollar!" 

May this day be a great one for you!