Two nights ago Dr Ford’s legal team sent a long list of demands to Chairman Grassley’s team as conditions under which Dr. Ford is willing to testify.
A few points on that discussion as we wait to hear whether Dr Ford will be willing to testify (thread)
judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/rele…
A few points on that discussion as we wait to hear whether Dr Ford will be willing to testify (thread)
judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/rele…
(Prefaced with the fact that Dr. Ford told her story to the Washington Post on Sunday, and her lawyers went a media blitz on Monday declaring repeatedly that she was ready she willing to testify and “do whatever it takes.”)
One very reasonable request Dr. Ford’s lawyers made was with regard to safety.
Threats against Dr Ford’s family should be investigated and guilty parties should be prosecuted.
The capable and professional Capitol Police will ensure her safety when she visits.
Threats against Dr Ford’s family should be investigated and guilty parties should be prosecuted.
The capable and professional Capitol Police will ensure her safety when she visits.
And as Chairman Grassley notes, the request that Judge Kavanaugh not be in the room when Dr Ford testifies is one the committee is willing to agree to.
judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/rele…
judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/rele…
On timing, Dr. Ford’s lawyers initially said Monday’s hearing (offered a week in advance) was too soon.
Thus an offer of the following Wednesday is more than reasonable, 10 full days after her story was printed in the Washington Post, 2 months after Sen Feinstein was first told.
Thus an offer of the following Wednesday is more than reasonable, 10 full days after her story was printed in the Washington Post, 2 months after Sen Feinstein was first told.
With threats being made to the Fords, the Kavanaughs, and lawmakers, “Holding the hearing Wednesday honors your request for a later hearing date while recognizing that Judge Kavanaugh is entitled to due process. It is the fairest option for both parties.” judiciary.senate.gov/press/rep/rele… 
We are absolutely sympathetic to limitations with regard to travel, which is why Chairman Grassley has repeatedly offered to send staff directly to Dr. Ford in California, so that travel would not be necessary.
The lawyers also said Judge Kavanaugh would need to testify first, before Dr. Ford. Judge Kavanaugh would be forced yo answer about a Washington Post article detailing allegations, not the words of his accuser. An obvious nonstarter.
In the initial letter from Dr Ford’s lawyers, they described anxiety their client felt at the prospect of being “interrogated” by “2 dozen US Senators.”
Insistence now that only Senators should be able to question is quite an interesting turn.
Insistence now that only Senators should be able to question is quite an interesting turn.
After 5 days of delays, days in between replies as the lawyers continued countless media appearances, the committee requested response by 5 PM yesterday.
They then extended to 10 PM
Then they extended again until 2:30 today
Further delay is strong signal this is about politics
They then extended to 10 PM
Then they extended again until 2:30 today
Further delay is strong signal this is about politics
