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Blog: A Hearing Without an FBI investigation Would Disserve Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh

September 20, 2018

Why are Republicans resisting the standard FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Judge Brett Kavanaugh (President George H.W. Bush ordered one during the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas controversy)? The fact is Dr. Ford has no alternative to an FBI investigation, particularly if the Senate Judiciary Committee continues to insist that the hearing involve only Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh. Otherwise, the hearing would have no objective background or evidence relevant to allegations, reducing it to a useless swearing contest, perhaps harmful to both parties.

During an FBI investigation, interviews would necessarily be held with witnesses to corroborate each party, including the professional who treated Ford (and her husband) for trauma during couples therapy resulting from the alleged attempted rape, as well as access to a polygraph that Ford has taken, if desired. (Would Kavanaugh take a polygraph?)

The false deadline set by Republicans is a disservice to both Kavanaugh and Ford. Every Member of the House and Senate knows that hearings without preparation by the relevant agencies do not occur because they would be worthless. A hearing without the usual FBI preparatory investigation would not only be unfair to Ford, but it would also make it difficult for Kavanaugh to credibly clear his name of a disqualifying charge, and it would risk a stain on the Supreme Court itself.