Quote:
Originally Posted by zeek
Objectivity is a goal to strive for that is seldom achieved with certainty. After his tirade against the Democrats last Thursday, I doubt Kavanaugh will ever achieve it on the bench in any case where the Democrats are involved.
Presumption of innocence is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial. But, this is not a criminal trial. It's about appointment to the highest court in the USA.
So, the standard should be the among highest for any position in the land. Therefore, the presumption of innocence principle doesn't apply. Kavanaugh knew that. Which is why he tried to portray himself as above reproach.
If he had been more honest, he might have portrayed himself as a reformed bad boy like George W. Bush. But, then he would have risked rejection.
He was too ambitious for that. So he misrepresented himself. At least that's how it looks to me given the evidence I've seen at this point.
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We share a lot of common ground.
1. I agree that objectivity was not achieved, but I don't think anyone in a position of power strived for it.
2. I don't disagree with the idea that the standard in this decision needs to be much higher than "reasonable doubt". That is why I believe it should have been done behind closed doors. It is unlikely that any DA would have brought a case against Kavanaugh based on Ford's testimony, so that clearly didn't rise the standard required in a criminal trial. Yet this trial is televised and discussed ad nauseum, any reasonable person in authority would understand the need to prevent anyone from just slandering the person due to their objection to them being confirmed.
3. I also agree that the evidence is mounting that his behavior in HS and college involved many drunken parties. That doesn't necessarily mean that he misrepresented himself. He did go to Yale which does imply a serious, studious side. His calendar does support the idea that he was a serious, motivated student. He did go to a Catholic school and his portrayal as being a "choir boy" is probably true (I also sang in my church's choir). Being a "choir boy" doesn't mean he didn't go to parties. Also, one would expect in a hearing like this the focus would be on your professional career. For all we know he may have stopped drinking and therefore might not have seen this as relevant.
4. One thing that stands out to me is the focus on his HS, which tells me the opposition cannot say a word against his professional record. That is something I find ugly and disingenuous about the whole thing and agree with him.