Kellyanne Conway tells Fox & Friends that Kavanaugh's accuser 'should not be ignored'

When Christine Ford came forward with her allegation of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, some speculated that President Trump and the White House might immediately attack her publicly. But while the Trump administration is standing behind its nominee, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway is encouraging Trump supporters to hear the accuser out.

In an interview on Fox & Friends this morning, Conway said that Ford, a California professor who alleges that Kavanaugh held her down and attempted to rape her in high school, should "not be insulted" and should "not be ignored." Conway also said that Ford should testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, something her lawyer says she is willing to do.

At the same time, Conway also defended Kavanaugh, saying he is a "man of character and integrity" and pointing to the previously-released list of 65 women who knew Kavanaugh in high school and say he "behaved honorably and treated women with respect." She did not, however, question Ford's accusation in any way. Kavanaugh has "categorically" denied Ford's claims.

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Conway made clear that she has spoken to the president about this, although it remains to be seen whether Trump will echo her sentiments. Three sources close to the White House told Politico on Sunday they expect Trump to go after Ford — a reasonable assumption considering he attacked the women who accused him of sexual assault during his 2016 campaign, saying of one woman, "Look at her ... You tell me what you think. I don't think so." Watch Conway's remarks below. Brendan Morrow