Tweet 1 of a bunch: I oppose Kavanaugh's nomination, think senators should vote no based on his judicial record, but am uncomfortable with asserting that his behavior as a teen tells us anything about his "character" now.
Tweet 2 of a bunch: Yes, even if his behavior as a teen included doing exactly what Ford says he did. This is because...
Tweet 3 of a bunch: ...I don't think teen behavior is predictive of adult behavior, and I am also skeptical of the very idea of "character" as we use the term in American politics. And....
Tweet 4 of a bunch: ... there is a ton of solid research on the general idiocy of teenagers, especially teenaged boys, and the neuroscience that explains their general idiocy....
Tweet 5 of a bunch: as a lawyer I also think there are sound reasons behind statutes of limitations. After 35 years it is nearly impossible to conduct a full or fair investigation.
Tweet 6 of a bunch: This does not mean I consider sexual assault "excusable" or "minor." It just means that I think the bad behavior of minors should be treated differently than the behavior of adults, and that adults should not be shadowed forever by misdeeds as children.
Tweet 7 of a bunch: Kavanaugh's accuser nonetheless deserves to be treated with dignity and consideration; belittling her or her motives should be considered unacceptable.
Tweet 8 of a bunch: If Kavanaugh responds to her accusations in a way that belittles her or other women who come forward with stories of sexual assault, THAT will definitely be relevant now.
Tweet 9 of a bunch: And to all who say "well yes but the GOP would draw and quarter any Dem nominee with similar accusations against him," you're right, but why would Dems want to do the same things the GOP does?
Tweet 10 of a bunch: and to those who say, "But the GOP would not treat allegations of assault by a black teen as forgivingly," I agree as well. But again, we shouldn't conform to the bad behavior of others.
Tweet 11 of a bunch: Again, this is not because I am "defending" Kavanaugh: I'd vote NO, and for all I know he is a complete jerk and a serial sexual assaulter to boot. All I'm saying is: I am uncomfortable having the current allegation be the basis for opposing, given the above.
Tweet 12 of a bunch (and the last): And now I am saying goodnight, Twitter. I'm going to resist the temptation to reply to the barrage of irritated tweets that are probably coming my way: please consider this thread my views. (For now!). Night, everyone.
