This afternoon, I spoke on the Senate Floor to raise the alarm about the looming Constitutional crisis we face – one that threatens the very foundation of our democracy.
We are watching a calculated, concerted, and coordinated effort to discredit the Special Counsel – led by a chorus of Pres. Trump’s defenders. That should worry every American.
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Republicans’ desperate attempt to distract from Dr. Blasey Ford’s powerful testimony by blaming Democrats is refuted by her own words: "All sexual assault victims should be able to decide for themselves whether their private experience is made public."
Judge Kavanaugh kept repeating that four witnesses swore that Dr. Blasey Ford’s account “did not happen.” Not true. All we have are statements from their lawyers claiming that they have no knowledge of the night in question. That is not the same thing as it "did not happen.”
One of the four witnesses Judge Kavanaugh kept on referring to as exonerating, Leland Keyser, has said publicly that she believes Dr. Blasey Ford.
I believe Dr. Ford. We have every reason to believe a survivor who comes forward at great personal risk & under hostile scrutiny. We have every reason to doubt Judge Kavanaugh—after his evasive & seemingly misleading testimony.
By rushing to have a hearing about Kavanaugh’s attempted rape allegations, Republicans are only trying to check the box on oversight, & not find the truth.
My Republican colleagues have handled Dr. Ford’s serious accusations with dismissals & attacks. These actions shamefully reinforces dangerous preconceptions that push survivors into silence.
The Senate Judiciary Committee must now give these allegations the serious weight they deserve. They must be fully & fairly investigated. Unquestionably, the Kavanaugh confirmation vote must be delayed.washingtonpost.com/investigations…
Ms. Ford has shown incredible bravery in coming forward. Now that she has made her story public, I am committed to ensuring that she is heard, that her safety is protected, & that she is treated with respect.
I’m dismayed by Republican dismissals of a sexual assault & denigration of a survivor. Calling an assault a political ploy & mocking Ms. Ford's wish for confidentiality reinforces dangerous preconceptions that shame&silence survivors. These comments are despicable&deeply harmful.
No one is above the law—not Manafort & not his former boss, Donald Trump. Not a witch hunt or hoax, this milestone verdict is a message: the Special Counsel is for real—getting results through real facts & evidence compelling to a jury of Americans.
The Mueller legal team’s abundance of evidence was on full display in this first major test in the courtroom. The Mueller team will now continue following the facts—& the money—as this investigation circles ever closer to the Oval Office.
After this powerful verdict, the President’s attacks seem increasingly desperate & dishonest—reflecting an ongoing effort to obstruct the Special Counsel investigation.
Introduced a resolution today w/Senate colleagues reaffirming our commitment to the First Amendment calling on the President to respect our free press rather than demean & diminish it.
The same day we introduce a resolution condemning the White House’s treatment of reporters, President Trump amplifies attacks on CNN’s @Acosta. This is unacceptable & intolerable.
Retaliating & banning reporters from public briefings on public property & retweeting the harassment of reporters at his rallies violates the public trust & perhaps the law.
Only one reason Trump Admin barred @kaitlancollins from White House press briefings: her questions made them uncomfortable. Too bad, Mr. President, that’s what a free press & open democracy is all about.
Reporters must be able to ask questions without intimidation or threats from the White House. Our democracy depends on it. The White House owes @kaitlancollins & the entire press corps an apology.
First, threatening former nat’l security officials who disagree w/ petty & political reprisal. Now, intimidating & punishing a reporter doing her job. Strongman tactics do not belong in America.