Amid Ford hearing, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham tells Democrats, 'Watch out for your nominees'
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) is portending a dark future for judiciary nominees.
Graham spoke to reporters Thursday during a break from Christine Blasey Ford's Senate hearing, during which she testified under oath that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh groped and attempted to rape her at a high school gathering. Per MSNBC, the senator argued that if Kavanaugh were to not be confirmed because of Ford's allegations, it would represent the installation of a "new standard" where allegations can be revealed to the public shortly before a confirmation vote to successfully discredit a nominee. In that case, "God help us all," Graham said.
Graham also noted that Kavanaugh "adamantly denies" that the incident occurred and questioned the fact that Ford doesn't remember some of the details. He additionally complained to his fellow Republicans that "this happens to us, it never happens to them," seeming to argue that Democrats are never accused of sexual misconduct. Speaking to Democrats, Graham then offered a grave warning: "If this is the new norm, you better watch out for your nominees."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Later, Graham became even more irate while speaking to reporters, saying that he felt "ambushed" during the hearing and that "this is enough." Watch Graham's comments below. Brendan Morrow
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Patmos: an island at the end of the world
The Week Recommends Small Greek island has a rich history and ties to the Christian tradition
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: January 26, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Codeword: January 26, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Trump orders release of JFK, RFK, MLK Jr. files
Speed Read The president signed an executive order to release classified documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judge pauses Trump's birthright citizenship ban
Speed Read A federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's 'unconstitutional' executive order to overturn birthright citizenship
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
DOJ threatens local officials on migrant crackdown
Speed Read Federal prosecutors have been told to investigate any official who obstructs Trump's deportation efforts
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Senate learns new Hegseth abuse, drinking allegations
speed read The former sister-in-law of Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, claims he was abusive
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump pardons Silk Road founder, defends Jan. 6 acts
Speed Read President Donald Trump made good with libertarians and crypto enthusiasts in pardoning Ross Ulbricht
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump starts term with spate of executive orders
Speed Read The president is rolling back many of Joe Biden's climate and immigration policies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump pardons or commutes all charged Jan. 6 rioters
Speed Read The new president pardoned roughly 1,500 criminal defendants charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published