Kavanaugh, Ford Hearings Captivate America

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It was a very long day in Washington, with senators investigating accusations of sexual assault against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

It began Thursday morning with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford describing a 36-year-old sexual assault in graphic detail, naming Kavanaugh as the man who attacked her at a high school party.

"I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me when Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school," Blasey Ford said.

Attorney Rachel Mitchell – and not the male Republican Senators -- questioned Dr. Ford gently, but directly.

"I was pushed on to the bed, and Brett got on top of me," Blasey Ford said.

She described her frightened cries for help.

"I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from yelling," she said.

The morning drama gave way to an afternoon of fiery testimony from Kavanaugh, whose wife was by his side as he entered Thursday's hearings. He opened with some strong words, and at times was visibly upset and holding back tears.

"My family and my name have been totally and permanently destroyed by viscous and false additional accusations," Kavanaugh said.

Kavanaugh delivered an angry, tear-filled statement, in which he denied any sexual assault on Ford -- and denied even knowing her.

"I was not at the party described by Dr. Ford! This confirmation process has become a national disgrace!" Kavanaugh said. "The constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy!"

Democratic Senators renewed their calls for an FBI investigation. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar played a significant role in the hearing.

"For so many years, people swept cases like yours under the rug. They would say what happened inside a house did not belong in a court house," Klobuchar said. "Well, the times have changed."

Read More: Klobuchar Grills Kavanaugh On Drinking At Nomination Hearing

By late afternoon, Republicans exploded, accusing Democrats of hiding allegations against Kavanagh to win this fall's elections, and the White House.

"This is the most unethical sham since I've been in politics," said Sen. Lindsey Graham - (R) South Carolina. "Boy, you all want power, I hope you never get it … I hope the American people can see through this sham, that you knew about it and you held it!"

Kavanaugh told Senators the entire confirmation process is absurd, and a joke.

President Trump tweeted his support for Kavanaugh seconds after the hearing wrapped up.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to take a vote Friday, but at this point it is hard to predict anything.

In:
• Pat Kessler
• Brett Kavanaugh
• Amy Klobuchar