AMERICAN POLITICS - Kavanaugh vs Ford

COMMENT:  This whole subject is a glaring spot light on male chauvinist attitude toward women, the woman is always at fault.  It is complete ignorance that sexual assaults are never easy for women to report precisely because of being attacked and not believed.

NOTE:  As of the dates in these articles, another accuser has come forward.

"Kavanaugh accuser ‘struggled’ with decision to go public, Washington Post reporter says" PBS NewsHour 9/17/2018

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SUMMARY:  After having a confidential letter revealed in the press, Christine Blasey Ford came forward this weekend as the woman accusing Judge Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault more than 30 years ago.  Kavanaugh has issued a strong denial.  Lisa Desjardins reports, then Judy Woodruff talks with Emma Brown from the Washington Post, who was in touch with Ford for months before publishing her account.

"Kavanaugh allegations scramble confirmation outlook" PBS NewsHour 9/17/2018

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SUMMARY:  President Trump defended nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Monday from allegations by Christine Blasey Ford that he sexually assaulted her decades ago, but also said Ford should be heard out.  Democrats have been quick to call for a delay, and a handful of Republicans have also voiced concern.  Lisa Desjardins and Yamiche Alcindor share developments with Judy Woodruff.

"With Kavanaugh allegations, Democrats warn of repeating mistakes of Anita Hill hearings" PBS NewsHour 9/18/2018

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SUMMARY:  President Trump defended Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh again on Tuesday from allegations by psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford that he sexually assaulted her while drunk at a party 36 years ago.  Meanwhile, senators jousted over a hearing set for Monday to question Kavanaugh and Ford.  Judy Woodruff talks with Lisa Desjardins and Marcia Coyle from the National Law Journal.

"Anita Hill on Kavanaugh: ‘Without an investigation, there cannot be an effective hearing’" PBS NewsHour 9/19/2018

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SUMMARY:  President Donald Trump and key Senate Republicans said this week that an FBI investigation into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh wasn’t necessary before a scheduled hearing next week about a sexual assault allegation made against him.

But Anita Hill, a law professor and author who famously accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during his confirmation hearings 27 years ago, told the PBS NewsHour’s Judy Woodruff that “without an investigation, there cannot be an effective hearing.”

Hill provided testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee back in 1991, after she had publicly accused Thomas, then a nominee.  The accusation, which he denied, upended his path to confirmation, but did not derail it: He was confirmed soon after and remains on the court to this day.

"Here’s how the FBI could probe the Kavanaugh allegations" PBS NewsHour 9/20/2018

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SUMMARY:  Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who is accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault in high school, now says she might be willing to testify next week, but not on Monday as Senate Republicans want.  Amna Nawaz reports, then William Brangham and Lisa Desjardins join Judy Woodruff to discuss the fallout on Capitol Hill and what could be gleaned from an FBI investigation.

"Trump challenges Kavanaugh accuser’s credibility, dividing Republicans" PBS NewsHour 9/21/2018

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SUMMARY:  After days of measured talk, President Trump fired off sharp words Friday about Christine Blasey Ford, the woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.  Trump tweeted that if the attack was “as bad as she says,” charges would have been filed.  Ford has talked to the FBI about receiving death threats, as her lawyers negotiate potential testimony.  Lisa Desjardins reports.

"Sexual assault ‘myths and misinformation’ could muddy Kavanaugh hearing, psychologist warns" PBS NewsHour 9/21/2018

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SUMMARY:  President Trump’s tweet challenging Christine Blasey Ford’s claims because she didn’t report it when it happened set off alarms for survivors and advocates.  In fact, most victims never report the sexual assault to law enforcement, says clinical psychologist Veronique Valliere.  She joins Amna Nawaz to talks about the complexities of reporting sexual violence.

"‘I felt that it was my fault’: A rape survivor shares her story of speaking out" PBS NewsHour 9/21/2018

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SUMMARY:  The allegations against Brett Kavanaugh have compelled people to share their own experiences with sexual assault and why they didn't come forward.  When Chessy Prout was a freshman in high school, she was raped by a classmate.  She spoke to authorities, brought charges and suffered a backlash.  The author of “I Have the Right To,” Prout joins Amna Nawaz to discuss the shame she experienced.