Thread by @peterdaou

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY: HOW DEM LEADERS BUNGLED #Kavanaugh

I'm seeing a lot of blame going around so I want to provide some clarity on what I believe Dems did wrong. First and foremost, they failed to realize that the GOP would use their majority to seat Kavanaugh AT ALL COSTS.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Understanding that the GOP would not settle for anything less than Justice Kavanaugh, Democrats should have walked out of what they called a "charade" and a "sham." When you call something a sham and then participate in it, you're legitimizing it.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Democrats had ample reason to refuse to participate: Kavanaugh was nominated by a president who may have committed federal crimes. His records were being withheld. And so on. Simply applying the #MerrickGarland standard, Kavanaugh didn't merit a hearing.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

For anyone whose response is "well if Dems walked out, Republicans would have immediately confirmed him," HE WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE CONFIRMED. The real strategic question was not how to change GOP minds, but how to delegitimize Kavanaugh altogether.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Now let's talk about the sexual assault allegations. Feinstein knew about them BEFORE the hearings began. Without violating #DrFord's confidentiality, Democrats could have simply said, "We are aware of allegations that disqualify Kavanaugh." Period.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

If the GOP called foul, Dems could have stuck to the #MerrickGarland standard, refusing to participate in hearings until the investigation of Trump was concluded. They could have called for a confidential FBI investigation of Ford's accusation in July.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Democrats should never have played along with the sham hearings, but once they did, they made a crucial strategic error focusing on calling for an FBI investigation of sexual assault accusations. #JeffFlake saw the easy opening and walked right through it.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Instead, Dems should have zeroed in on #Kavanaugh's lies under oath, which even Trump and Republicans conceded were deal-breakers. The Dem line should have been: "We believe the women, but even if you don't, his lies disqualify him." FOCUS ON THE LYING.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Dems had it within their power to focus attention on Kavanaugh's lies and to lay down the gauntlet: Will the GOP confirm a perjurer to the highest court? That would have done more of a service to survivors by sparing them the GOP's hideous attacks.

THREAD―FAILED STRATEGY

Again, Republicans planned to seat #Kavanaugh NO MATTER WHAT. Democrats would have been wiser to walk out, call for a lawful and peaceful #generalstrike and avoid the monstrosity we witnessed the past two weeks.