As the US Senate prepares to vote on whether to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court, all eyes are on three Republican senators who could make or break the nomination.

The Republican lawmakers considered potential opponents of President Donald Trump's pick for the nation's highest court are Jeff Flake of Arizona, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Republicans enjoy a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate and Kavanaugh, a staunch conservative, is unlikely to draw any support from the Democratic side of the aisle, although the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely.

A defection by just two Republicans would torpedo the hopes of Kavanaugh, a 53-year-old appeals court judge whose nomination has been clouded by allegations he committed a sexual assault decades ago while a teenager.

Flake, 55, has been a vocal critic of Trump, and Collins, 65, and Murkowski, 61, have crossed swords with the Republican president on several occasions.

In July of last year, Collins and Murkowski earned Trump's ire when they voted against his attempt to repeal former President Barack Obama's health care legislation.

"Senator Lisa Murkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday," Trump tweeted. "Too bad!"

Unlike most other Republicans, Collins and Murkowski back a women's right to an abortion and concerns have been raised that Kavanaugh could support attempts to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court ruling on the subject.

All three senators have been bombarded with questions from reporters and constituents all week about how they plan to vote and the pressure clearly caught up to Flake on Friday.

'Don't look away from me!'&nbsp;

Just minutes after issuing a statement saying he would vote "yes" on Kavanaugh, Flake was confronted in a Senate elevator by several irate women who said they were victims of sexual assault.

"Don't look away from me! Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me, that you'll let people like that go to the highest court on the land," one weeping woman told a visibly uncomfortable Flake.

After extricating himself, the Arizona senator sprang the 11th-hour surprise as the Senate Judiciary Committee was preparing to vote on Kavanaugh's nomination.

Amid confusion in the hearing room, Flake called for the full Senate vote to be delayed for up to a week to allow the FBI to investigate the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

Flake joined the 10 other Republicans on the panel in sending Kavanaugh's nomination to the Senate floor but he said later the results of the FBI probe could lead him to change his mind.

Murkowski and Collins both welcomed the delay and the FBI probe into the allegations by university professor Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.

"It was a good step today," Murkowski said.

Flake is retiring from the Senate but Collins, who will be up for re-election in 2020, is under pressure in her home state of Maine.

Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in Maine by 48 per cent to 45 per cent in the 2016 presidential election and the northeast state has been leaning increasingly Democratic.

Hundreds of women showed up on Friday outside Collins' office in Portland, Maine, to voice their opposition to Kavanaugh's nomination.

"A Sexual Predator Does Not Belong on the Supreme Court," read a sign carried by one of the protestors.

Murkowski is on safer ground in Alaska.

She comes from a storied Alaska political family -- her father was governor and a senator before her -- and she doesn't face the voters again until 2022.

Asked Friday if he has a message for Murkowski and Collins, Trump said he did not have one.

"They have to do what they think is right," the president said. "They have to be comfortable with themselves."

As the US Senate prepares to vote on whether to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court, all eyes are on three Republican senators who could make or break the nomination.

As the US Senate prepares to vote on whether to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court, all eyes are on three Republican senators who could make or break the nomination. The Republican lawmakers considered potential opponents of President Donald Trump's pick for the nation's highest court are Jeff Flake of Arizona, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Republicans enjoy a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate and Kavanaugh, a staunch conservative, is unlikely to draw any support from the Democratic side of the aisle, although the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely. A defection by just two Republicans would torpedo the hopes of Kavanaugh, a 53-year-old appeals court judge whose nomination has been clouded by allegations he committed a sexual assault decades ago while a teenager. Flake, 55, has been a vocal critic of Trump, and Collins, 65, and Murkowski, 61, have crossed swords with the Republican president on several occasions. In July of last year, Collins and Murkowski earned Trump's ire when they voted against his attempt to repeal former President Barack Obama's health care legislation. "Senator Lisa Murkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday," Trump tweeted. "Too bad!" Unlike most other Republicans, Collins and Murkowski back a women's right to an abortion and concerns have been raised that Kavanaugh could support attempts to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court ruling on the subject. All three senators have been bombarded with questions from reporters and constituents all week about how they plan to vote and the pressure clearly caught up to Flake on Friday. 'Don't look away from me!' Just minutes after issuing a statement saying he would vote "yes" on Kavanaugh, Flake was confronted in a Senate elevator by several irate women who said they were victims of sexual assault. "Don't look away from me! Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me, that you'll let people like that go to the highest court on the land," one weeping woman told a visibly uncomfortable Flake. After extricating himself, the Arizona senator sprang the 11th-hour surprise as the Senate Judiciary Committee was preparing to vote on Kavanaugh's nomination. Amid confusion in the hearing room, Flake called for the full Senate vote to be delayed for up to a week to allow the FBI to investigate the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh. Flake joined the 10 other Republicans on the panel in sending Kavanaugh's nomination to the Senate floor but he said later the results of the FBI probe could lead him to change his mind. Murkowski and Collins both welcomed the delay and the FBI probe into the allegations by university professor Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982. "It was a good step today," Murkowski said. Flake is retiring from the Senate but Collins, who will be up for re-election in 2020, is under pressure in her home state of Maine. Hillary Clinton defeated Trump in Maine by 48 per cent to 45 per cent in the 2016 presidential election and the northeast state has been leaning increasingly Democratic. Hundreds of women showed up on Friday outside Collins' office in Portland, Maine, to voice their opposition to Kavanaugh's nomination. "A Sexual Predator Does Not Belong on the Supreme Court," read a sign carried by one of the protestors. Murkowski is on safer ground in Alaska. She comes from a storied Alaska political family -- her father was governor and a senator before her -- and she doesn't face the voters again until 2022. Asked Friday if he has a message for Murkowski and Collins, Trump said he did not have one. "They have to do what they think is right," the president said. "They have to be comfortable with themselves."

Spotlight on three US senators as Supreme Court vote looms

Trump orders FBI probe into Kavanaugh

Brett Kavanaugh's US Supreme Court nomination was expected to pass a first Senate hurdle Friday following dramatic testimony from both the conservative judge and the woman who says he attacked her -- but first, lawmakers hurled abuse at each other over the process.

The Senate Judiciary Committee opened their session under extraordinarily tense circumstances, with America's political polarization on full display on Capitol Hill as Kavanaugh's supporters and opponents squared off in hearing rooms and protest-filled hallways.

The panel was set to vote at 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) along party lines, with a narrow victory for President Donald Trump's pick virtually ensured after key Republican Jeff Flake said he would back the judge.

Kavanaugh's nomination would then go to the full Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 51-49 edge.

Trump whole-heartedly reaffirmed support for Kavanaugh to join the nation's top bench after the judge furiously refuted the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, 51, who told a packed hearing room he had sexually assaulted her 36 years ago.

The emotional, duelling accounts sent Republican and Democratic senators into a full uproar of insults and festering recriminations over the nomination process.&nbsp;

Some Republicans said the Senate was seeing its darkest days since the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court hearings of 1991, or even the Joseph McCarthy hearings of 1954.

Democrats shot back that the 53-year-old Kavanaugh was aggressive and partisan in his testimony.

"I have never seen a nominee for any position behave in that manner," senior Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said.

After the hearing, the nation's leading legal organization, the American Bar Association -- which initially endorsed Kavanaugh -- called for the vote to be postponed until an FBI investigation could be carried out.

But the Senate committee of 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats plowed ahead, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insisted the full Senate would hold a confirmation vote "in the coming days."

"There is simply no reason to deny Judge Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court on the basis of evidence presented to us," Grassley said.

Democrats expressed outrage and some walked out of the committee meeting Friday after Republicans unanimously backed moving forward to a vote.

'Surreal'

"It's almost surreal," veteran Senate Democrat Patrick Leahy told his colleagues, saying the Senate was "no longer an independent branch of government."

Female Democratic members of the House of Representatives stood in the back of the room in protest, while demonstrators in the hallways chanted "November is coming!" -- a reference to the upcoming midterm congressional elections. Several were arrested.

Flake, an outspoken Trump critic, arrived late at the judiciary vote after he was confronted by irate women who said they were victims of sexual assault.

"Don't look away from me! Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me, that you'll let people like that go to the highest court on the land," one weeping woman told an uncomfortable Flake as he stood in an elevator.

Two Republicans would need to defect, with all Democrats voting in opposition, in order to sink Kavanaugh in the full Senate vote.

With Flake now apparently backing the nominee, attention increases on two moderate Republican women senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.

Trump nominated Kavanaugh to replace Anthony Kennedy, who had been a swing vote on a court now divided between four conservative and four liberal justices.

The allegations by Blasey Ford, a psychology professor in California, have threatened to derail Trump's bid to tilt the court to the right.

Unequivocal denial

A defiant Kavanaugh came out with guns blazing on Thursday, insisting the assault never happened, accusing Democrats of destroying his reputation and condemning his confirmation battle as a "national disgrace."

"I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation by Dr Ford," Kavanaugh said, his voice shaking with anger as he fought back tears.

"I've never sexually assaulted anyone, not in high school, not in college, not ever."&nbsp;

In addition to Blasey Ford, two other women have come forward with allegations of assault against Kavanaugh, against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement.

As Thursday's marathon hearing wrapped up, Trump weighed in to stand by his man.&nbsp;

"Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him," he tweeted, minutes after the hearing adjourned.

During four hours of emotionally intense testimony, Blasey Ford said she was "100 percent" certain that Kavanaugh was the person who assaulted her at a high school party in suburban Maryland in 1982.

She said a drunken Kavanaugh and a friend of his, Mark Judge, pushed her into a bedroom, that Kavanaugh pinned her down and muffled her cries as he tried to pull off her clothes.

Democrats have pleaded with Grassley to subpoena Judge to appear before the committee to answer their questions, but the chairman has refused.

Brett Kavanaugh's US Supreme Court nomination was expected to pass a first Senate hurdle Friday following dramatic testimony from both the conservative judge and the woman who says he attacked her -- but first, lawmakers hurled abuse at each other over the process.

Brett Kavanaugh's US Supreme Court nomination was expected to pass a first Senate hurdle Friday following dramatic testimony from both the conservative judge and the woman who says he attacked her -- but first, lawmakers hurled abuse at each other over the process. The Senate Judiciary Committee opened their session under extraordinarily tense circumstances, with America's political polarization on full display on Capitol Hill as Kavanaugh's supporters and opponents squared off in hearing rooms and protest-filled hallways. The panel was set to vote at 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) along party lines, with a narrow victory for President Donald Trump's pick virtually ensured after key Republican Jeff Flake said he would back the judge. Kavanaugh's nomination would then go to the full Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 51-49 edge. Trump whole-heartedly reaffirmed support for Kavanaugh to join the nation's top bench after the judge furiously refuted the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, 51, who told a packed hearing room he had sexually assaulted her 36 years ago. The emotional, duelling accounts sent Republican and Democratic senators into a full uproar of insults and festering recriminations over the nomination process. Some Republicans said the Senate was seeing its darkest days since the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court hearings of 1991, or even the Joseph McCarthy hearings of 1954. Democrats shot back that the 53-year-old Kavanaugh was aggressive and partisan in his testimony. "I have never seen a nominee for any position behave in that manner," senior Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said. After the hearing, the nation's leading legal organization, the American Bar Association -- which initially endorsed Kavanaugh -- called for the vote to be postponed until an FBI investigation could be carried out. But the Senate committee of 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats plowed ahead, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insisted the full Senate would hold a confirmation vote "in the coming days." "There is simply no reason to deny Judge Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court on the basis of evidence presented to us," Grassley said. Democrats expressed outrage and some walked out of the committee meeting Friday after Republicans unanimously backed moving forward to a vote. 'Surreal' "It's almost surreal," veteran Senate Democrat Patrick Leahy told his colleagues, saying the Senate was "no longer an independent branch of government." Female Democratic members of the House of Representatives stood in the back of the room in protest, while demonstrators in the hallways chanted "November is coming!" -- a reference to the upcoming midterm congressional elections. Several were arrested. Flake, an outspoken Trump critic, arrived late at the judiciary vote after he was confronted by irate women who said they were victims of sexual assault. "Don't look away from me! Look at me and tell me that it doesn't matter what happened to me, that you'll let people like that go to the highest court on the land," one weeping woman told an uncomfortable Flake as he stood in an elevator. Two Republicans would need to defect, with all Democrats voting in opposition, in order to sink Kavanaugh in the full Senate vote. With Flake now apparently backing the nominee, attention increases on two moderate Republican women senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Trump nominated Kavanaugh to replace Anthony Kennedy, who had been a swing vote on a court now divided between four conservative and four liberal justices. The allegations by Blasey Ford, a psychology professor in California, have threatened to derail Trump's bid to tilt the court to the right. Unequivocal denial A defiant Kavanaugh came out with guns blazing on Thursday, insisting the assault never happened, accusing Democrats of destroying his reputation and condemning his confirmation battle as a "national disgrace." "I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation by Dr Ford," Kavanaugh said, his voice shaking with anger as he fought back tears. "I've never sexually assaulted anyone, not in high school, not in college, not ever." In addition to Blasey Ford, two other women have come forward with allegations of assault against Kavanaugh, against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement. As Thursday's marathon hearing wrapped up, Trump weighed in to stand by his man. "Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him," he tweeted, minutes after the hearing adjourned. During four hours of emotionally intense testimony, Blasey Ford said she was "100 percent" certain that Kavanaugh was the person who assaulted her at a high school party in suburban Maryland in 1982. She said a drunken Kavanaugh and a friend of his, Mark Judge, pushed her into a bedroom, that Kavanaugh pinned her down and muffled her cries as he tried to pull off her clothes. Democrats have pleaded with Grassley to subpoena Judge to appear before the committee to answer their questions, but the chairman has refused.

Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces first vote

Brett Kavanaugh, the US Supreme Court nominee at the centre of the sexual assault scandal, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he was innocent, asserting that 'will not be intimidated into withdrawing' his nomination.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-hearing-kavanaugh-accuser-100-cent-certain-he-assaulted-her-168053">Also Read:&nbsp;'100 per cent' certain he assaulted me, says Brett Kavanaugh accuser in US Senate hearing</a>

"My family and my name have been totally and permanently destroyed by vicious and false additional accusations," Kavanaugh said, adding, "I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process."

'I swear to God' assault charges not true," says Kavanaugh in closing testimony. The US judge slammed the confirmation process declaring that it was a "national disgrace."

As Kavanaugh finished his testimony, President Trump reaffirmed his support to the embattled judge declaring that "his testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting".

"Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him," the US president declared.

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Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting. Democrats’ search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. The Senate must vote!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1045444544068812800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the Univesity at the centre of the storm, Christine Blasey Ford, told the US committee that she was "100 per cent" certain that Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her.

"With what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?" Democratic Senator Richard Durbin asked Ford.

"One hundred per cent," she replied.

The alleged incident which occurred when Ford was a 15-year-old student in Maryland in 1982. Ford denied it could be a case of mistaken identity telling Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein it was "absolutely not" the case.

Ford said Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming during the assault, adding, "This was what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me."

Ford said she has suffered from claustrophobia and anxiety as a result of her experience and initially struggled when at college.

"I have found your testimony powerful and credible and I believe you," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told Ford.

Kavanaugh also faces allegations of sexual misconduct by two other women. The committee could vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week. 
&nbsp;

Brett Kavanaugh, the US Supreme Court nominee at the centre of the sexual assault scandal, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he was innocent, asserting that 'will not be intimidated into withdrawing' his nomination.

Brett Kavanaugh, the US Supreme Court nominee at the centre of the sexual assault scandal, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he was innocent, asserting that 'will not be intimidated into withdrawing' his nomination. Also Read: '100 per cent' certain he assaulted me, says Brett Kavanaugh accuser in US Senate hearing "My family and my name have been totally and permanently destroyed by vicious and false additional accusations," Kavanaugh said, adding, "I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process." 'I swear to God' assault charges not true," says Kavanaugh in closing testimony. The US judge slammed the confirmation process declaring that it was a "national disgrace." As Kavanaugh finished his testimony, President Trump reaffirmed his support to the embattled judge declaring that "his testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting". "Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him," the US president declared. Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting. Democrats’ search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. The Senate must vote! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 27, 2018 × Earlier, the Univesity at the centre of the storm, Christine Blasey Ford, told the US committee that she was "100 per cent" certain that Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. "With what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?" Democratic Senator Richard Durbin asked Ford. "One hundred per cent," she replied. The alleged incident which occurred when Ford was a 15-year-old student in Maryland in 1982. Ford denied it could be a case of mistaken identity telling Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein it was "absolutely not" the case. Ford said Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming during the assault, adding, "This was what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me." Ford said she has suffered from claustrophobia and anxiety as a result of her experience and initially struggled when at college. "I have found your testimony powerful and credible and I believe you," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told Ford. Kavanaugh also faces allegations of sexual misconduct by two other women. The committee could vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week.

I swear to God assault charges against me are not true: Kavanaugh to US committee

People watched in bars,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-hearing-kavanaugh-accuser-100-cent-certain-he-assaulted-her-168053"> public transportation and parked cars</a>. Donald Trump tuned in on board Air Force One.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-swear-god-assault-charges-against-me-are-not-true-kavanaugh-us-senate-judiciary-committee">Also Read:&nbsp;I swear to God assault charges against me are not true, says Kavanaugh</a>

America stood transfixed Thursday as the dramatic standoff between the president's Supreme Court nominee and the professor accusing him of sexual assault played out on live television.

Christine Blasey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party when they were teenagers in the 1980s as he and a friend laughed uproariously. Kavanaugh angrily denied the allegations, terming the confirmation process a "disgrace."

The president reportedly watched almost every minute of the hearing -- which stretched over nine hours -- starting aboard the presidential aircraft, where all TVs were tuned to the Senate proceedings, and continuing in Washington.

He was far from alone.

At Shaw's Tavern in central Washington, the hearing was shown on five televisions as some 20 patrons watched.

The hearing was "bad for Kavanaugh," said Jamar Guy, a 35-year-old banker.

"I see her as a very credible victim. Her story is very well put-together. That comment about remembering the laughter, that sat with me, and I don't see the reason for making this up," he said of Blasey Ford.

"I don't see how he gets confirmed. And I don't understand why they wouldn't just swap him" out, he said.

Pharmacist Anthea Francis said the hearing reflected poorly on both Republicans and Democrats.

"I don't feel as if the Republicans have a genuine interest in the search for the truth," she said, while adding that: "My feeling about the Democrats is that they have played into the politics of it as well."

And Scott Hammond, a 65-year-old retired speech pathologist, said he tried to put politics aside during the hearing.

"I've really tried to put aside what I thought and to come and listen," Hammond said.

Elsewhere, 34-year-old Brendan Bergerson told the Chicago Tribune he still didn't know what to think.&nbsp;

"It's not cut and dry either way. At the end of the day, it's one person's word against the other's."

At the University of Southern California's journalism school, students sat around tables watching the hearing on a large TV.

"I think he should be behind bars. Four different women have come forward and it's not by accident," Cameron Keel, a 19-year-old student said.

Dynasty Raines, another student, also criticized Kavanaugh.

"I don't feel like he should be in there or be elected, nominated, because sexual assault should be a zero tolerance policy," she said.

Police at the UN General Assembly appeared distracted by the hearing, and journalists waiting for a briefing watched it at a New York hotel.

Passengers listened on the subway in New York, while people in Washington tuned in while riding the bus.

But in the end, one viewer's opinion trumped all the others: the president, who tweeted support for his nominee almost immediately after the end of the hearing.

"Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting," Trump wrote, while also giving his verdict on the proceedings.

"Democrats' search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham," he said. "The Senate must vote!"

People watched in bars, public transportation and parked cars. Donald Trump tuned in on board Air Force One. Also Read: I swear to God assault charges against me are not true, says Kavanaugh America stood transfixed Thursday as the dramatic standoff between the president's Supreme Court nominee and the professor accusing him of sexual assault played out on live television.

People watched in bars, public transportation and parked cars. Donald Trump tuned in on board Air Force One. Also Read: I swear to God assault charges against me are not true, says Kavanaugh America stood transfixed Thursday as the dramatic standoff between the president's Supreme Court nominee and the professor accusing him of sexual assault played out on live television. Christine Blasey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party when they were teenagers in the 1980s as he and a friend laughed uproariously. Kavanaugh angrily denied the allegations, terming the confirmation process a "disgrace." The president reportedly watched almost every minute of the hearing -- which stretched over nine hours -- starting aboard the presidential aircraft, where all TVs were tuned to the Senate proceedings, and continuing in Washington. He was far from alone. At Shaw's Tavern in central Washington, the hearing was shown on five televisions as some 20 patrons watched. The hearing was "bad for Kavanaugh," said Jamar Guy, a 35-year-old banker. "I see her as a very credible victim. Her story is very well put-together. That comment about remembering the laughter, that sat with me, and I don't see the reason for making this up," he said of Blasey Ford. "I don't see how he gets confirmed. And I don't understand why they wouldn't just swap him" out, he said. Pharmacist Anthea Francis said the hearing reflected poorly on both Republicans and Democrats. "I don't feel as if the Republicans have a genuine interest in the search for the truth," she said, while adding that: "My feeling about the Democrats is that they have played into the politics of it as well." And Scott Hammond, a 65-year-old retired speech pathologist, said he tried to put politics aside during the hearing. "I've really tried to put aside what I thought and to come and listen," Hammond said. Elsewhere, 34-year-old Brendan Bergerson told the Chicago Tribune he still didn't know what to think. "It's not cut and dry either way. At the end of the day, it's one person's word against the other's." At the University of Southern California's journalism school, students sat around tables watching the hearing on a large TV. "I think he should be behind bars. Four different women have come forward and it's not by accident," Cameron Keel, a 19-year-old student said. Dynasty Raines, another student, also criticized Kavanaugh. "I don't feel like he should be in there or be elected, nominated, because sexual assault should be a zero tolerance policy," she said. Police at the UN General Assembly appeared distracted by the hearing, and journalists waiting for a briefing watched it at a New York hotel. Passengers listened on the subway in New York, while people in Washington tuned in while riding the bus. But in the end, one viewer's opinion trumped all the others: the president, who tweeted support for his nominee almost immediately after the end of the hearing. "Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting," Trump wrote, while also giving his verdict on the proceedings. "Democrats' search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham," he said. "The Senate must vote!"

America transfixed as Trump watches Kavanaugh hearing aboard Air Force One

The American Bar Association has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh so the FBI can investigate the sexual assault accusations against him.

ABA President Robert Carlson requested the delay in a letter sent to the committee on Thursday evening, the group said in a statement on Friday, after a day of testimony by university professor Christine Blasey Ford who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her 36 years ago. Kavanaugh denied the accusations.

"The basic principles that underscore the Senate’s constitutional duty of advice and consent on federal judicial nominees require nothing less than a careful examination of the accusations and facts by the FBI," Carlson wrote to Chairman Charles Grassley and ranking committee Democrat Dianne Feinstein in the letter, reported earlier by The Washington Post.

The ABA had given Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge, its highest ranking and backed his nomination at a separate hearing earlier this month.

Kavanaugh, nominated by Republican President Donald Trump, said on Thursday he was the victim of "grotesque and obvious character assassination" orchestrated by Senate Democrats.

The Judiciary Committee, on which Republicans have an 11-10 majority, was to meet on Friday morning and several senators said they expected the panel to vote then. The full Senate, controlled 51-49 by Trump's fellow Republicans, could vote within days.

Kavanaugh was nominated by Trump and his confirmation would cement conservative control of the Supreme Court with disputes over abortion rights, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading to the justices soon.

Ford's allegation emerged last week and has been followed by accusations from other women. Some Democrats have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw and have said an FBI investigation is needed before any Senate confirmation vote.

"Each appointment to our nation’s Highest Court (as with all others) is simply too important to rush to a vote," Carlson wrote.

"Deciding to proceed without conducting an additional investigation would not only have a lasting impact on the Senate’s reputation, but it will also negatively affect the great trust necessary for the American people to have in the Supreme Court," he added.

The American Bar Association has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh so the FBI can investigate the sexual assault accusations against him.

The American Bar Association has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh so the FBI can investigate the sexual assault accusations against him. ABA President Robert Carlson requested the delay in a letter sent to the committee on Thursday evening, the group said in a statement on Friday, after a day of testimony by university professor Christine Blasey Ford who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her 36 years ago. Kavanaugh denied the accusations. "The basic principles that underscore the Senate’s constitutional duty of advice and consent on federal judicial nominees require nothing less than a careful examination of the accusations and facts by the FBI," Carlson wrote to Chairman Charles Grassley and ranking committee Democrat Dianne Feinstein in the letter, reported earlier by The Washington Post. The ABA had given Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge, its highest ranking and backed his nomination at a separate hearing earlier this month. Kavanaugh, nominated by Republican President Donald Trump, said on Thursday he was the victim of "grotesque and obvious character assassination" orchestrated by Senate Democrats. The Judiciary Committee, on which Republicans have an 11-10 majority, was to meet on Friday morning and several senators said they expected the panel to vote then. The full Senate, controlled 51-49 by Trump's fellow Republicans, could vote within days. Kavanaugh was nominated by Trump and his confirmation would cement conservative control of the Supreme Court with disputes over abortion rights, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading to the justices soon. Ford's allegation emerged last week and has been followed by accusations from other women. Some Democrats have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw and have said an FBI investigation is needed before any Senate confirmation vote. "Each appointment to our nation’s Highest Court (as with all others) is simply too important to rush to a vote," Carlson wrote. "Deciding to proceed without conducting an additional investigation would not only have a lasting impact on the Senate’s reputation, but it will also negatively affect the great trust necessary for the American people to have in the Supreme Court," he added.

American Bar Association urges US Senate to delay Brett Kavanaugh vote

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Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey.

&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to meet Macron, Putin, Erdogan on Syria in October German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday she and the leaders of Turkey, Russia and France planned to hold a summit next month on the situation in war-ravaged Syria.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to meet Macron, Putin, Erdogan on Syria in October German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday she and the leaders of Turkey, Russia and France planned to hold a summit next month on the situation in war-ravaged Syria. Supriya Sule says Pawar has been misunderstood on Rafale remarks NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday said party chief Sharad Pawar`s comment on the Prime Minister and the Rafale deal have been misunderstood as he has actually demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it. Smartphone users in India consuming average 1GB data a day: Report Smartphone users in India are using up to one 1GB data a day, jumping from an average use of 4GB a month before, a Neilson India report said. US Senate panel heads to vote on Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to a lifetime seat on the US Supreme Court hung in the balance on Friday after a jarring and raucous hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against him. Indonesia rocked by 7.5 magnitude quake, tsunami warning called off Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to a lifetime seat on the US&nbsp;Supreme Court hung in the balance on Friday after a jarring and raucous hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against him.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, with 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats, is set to meet at 9:30 a.m. (1330 GMT), giving its members little time to review Thursday's remarkable testimony from Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were high school students.

President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee could be the deciding vote on several contentious cases if he is confirmed, with disputes involving abortion, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading toward the justices soon.

Confirmation of Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge, would cement conservative control of the nation's highest court.

The committee could vote in several ways, recommending either that the full Senate approve the nomination, that the Senate reject it, or making no recommendation at all.

After a procedural vote that could come over the weekend, the full 100-member Senate was expected to take action next week.

During testimony that one senator described as "riveting," Ford said she was "100 percent certain" that Kavanaugh assaulted her in 1982. Kavanaugh angrily said he was innocent and the victim of "grotesque and obvious character assassination."

Attention to the hearings has moved far beyond the world of Washington politics. Ford has emerged in the eyes of many American women as a compelling figure in the #MeToo movement usually associated less with the names of victims and more with a list of high-profile men accused of misconduct.

If all 10 Democrats on the committee vote against Kavanaugh, which is possible, the spotlight would shine on Republican Senator Jeff Flake, who is retiring from the Senate after this year and has shown a willingness to defy Trump.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is hoping the full Senate will quickly deliver a final, positive verdict on Kavanaugh - possibly as soon as Tuesday.

Ford's allegations have thrown the outcome in doubt, however, in the 51-49 Republican-controlled Senate.

Ford, her voice sometimes cracking with emotion, appeared in public for the first time at the hearing to detail her allegation against Kavanaugh.

She told the committee she feared Kavanaugh would rape and accidentally kill her during the alleged assault. "Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. ... I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Ford said.

For his part, Kavanaugh testified he was "100 percent certain" the alleged incident did not occur. He said: "I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process."

After the hearing, Republicans met in private to discuss next steps. Four senators who have not taken firm positions on Kavanaugh met separately after the hearing.

They were Flake, Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Joe Manchin.

The four are seen as swing votes that could decide the outcome of the closely contested nomination.

Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to a lifetime seat on the US Supreme Court hung in the balance on Friday after a jarring and raucous hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to a lifetime seat on the US Supreme Court hung in the balance on Friday after a jarring and raucous hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against him. The Senate Judiciary Committee, with 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats, is set to meet at 9:30 a.m. (1330 GMT), giving its members little time to review Thursday's remarkable testimony from Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were high school students. President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee could be the deciding vote on several contentious cases if he is confirmed, with disputes involving abortion, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading toward the justices soon. Confirmation of Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge, would cement conservative control of the nation's highest court. The committee could vote in several ways, recommending either that the full Senate approve the nomination, that the Senate reject it, or making no recommendation at all. After a procedural vote that could come over the weekend, the full 100-member Senate was expected to take action next week. During testimony that one senator described as "riveting," Ford said she was "100 percent certain" that Kavanaugh assaulted her in 1982. Kavanaugh angrily said he was innocent and the victim of "grotesque and obvious character assassination." Attention to the hearings has moved far beyond the world of Washington politics. Ford has emerged in the eyes of many American women as a compelling figure in the #MeToo movement usually associated less with the names of victims and more with a list of high-profile men accused of misconduct. If all 10 Democrats on the committee vote against Kavanaugh, which is possible, the spotlight would shine on Republican Senator Jeff Flake, who is retiring from the Senate after this year and has shown a willingness to defy Trump. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is hoping the full Senate will quickly deliver a final, positive verdict on Kavanaugh - possibly as soon as Tuesday. Ford's allegations have thrown the outcome in doubt, however, in the 51-49 Republican-controlled Senate. Ford, her voice sometimes cracking with emotion, appeared in public for the first time at the hearing to detail her allegation against Kavanaugh. She told the committee she feared Kavanaugh would rape and accidentally kill her during the alleged assault. "Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. ... I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Ford said. For his part, Kavanaugh testified he was "100 percent certain" the alleged incident did not occur. He said: "I will not be intimidated into withdrawing from this process." After the hearing, Republicans met in private to discuss next steps. Four senators who have not taken firm positions on Kavanaugh met separately after the hearing. They were Flake, Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Joe Manchin. The four are seen as swing votes that could decide the outcome of the closely contested nomination.

US Senate panel heads to vote on Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

A university professor on Thursday said she was "100 per cent" certain that Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her 36 years ago, telling a dramatic US Senate hearing she feared he would rape and perhaps accidentally kill her.

Christine Blasey Ford, her voice sometimes cracking with emotion, appeared in public for the first time to detail her allegation against Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge chosen for a lifetime job on the top US court. He also faces allegations of sexual misconduct by two other women.

Kavanaugh was due to testify later in the day before the Judiciary Committee in a momentous hearing that could determine whether he will be confirmed by the Senate after a pitched political battle between Trump's fellow Republicans and Democrats who oppose the nominee. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations by all three women.

"With what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?" Democratic Senator Richard Durbin asked Ford.

"One hundred per cent," she replied, remaining firm and unruffled through hours of testimony even under questioning by a sex crimes prosecutor hired by the committee's Republicans.

Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, said a drunken Kavanaugh attacked her and tried to remove her clothing at a gathering of teenagers in Maryland when he was 17 years old and she was 15 in 1982.

Ford said "absolutely not" when Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein asked her if it could be a case of mistaken identity, as Kavanaugh has suggested.

The hearing, which has riveted Americans and intensified the political polarization in the United States, occurred against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault.

"I have found your testimony powerful and credible and I believe you," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told Ford.

While some Republicans and Trump have called the allegations by Ford and the two other women against Kavanaugh part of a smear campaign, Ford told the committee, "I am an independent person and I am no pawn."

Ford was seated at a table in the packed hearing room flanked by her lawyers, facing a bank of senators. Cameras from news photographers clicked as she entered the room and took her seat, smiling nervously. Ford told the senators she was "terrified" to testify but felt it was her civic duty come forward. The audience at the hearing remained in rapt attention.

"Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was very inebriated and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothing. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Ford said, adding that Kavanaugh and a friend of his, Mark Judge, were "drunkenly laughing during the attack."

Democratic senators sought to score political points during their five minutes apiece of questioning Ford. The panel's Republican senators, all men, did not question her, assigning that task to Rachel Mitchell, a sex crimes prosecutor.

While Mitchell sought to probe Ford's account including any gaps in her story, her questioning seemed disjointed. She took turns with the Democratic senators to ask questions in five-minute segments, disrupting her flow.

"The first thing that struck me from your statement this morning was that you are terrified. And I just wanted to let you know, I'm very sorry. That's not right," Mitchell said.

Supreme Court appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, and Trump's fellow Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 51-49 margin. That means that a handful of moderate Republican senators who have not announced whether or not they support Kavanaugh could determine his fate.

The committee could vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week.

Some Democrats have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw in light of the allegations.

'Terrified me the most'

Ford said Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming during the assault, adding, "This was what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me."

Ford said she has suffered from claustrophobia and anxiety as a result of her experience and initially struggled when at college.

Her strongest memory of the incident, Ford said, was the "uproarious laughter between the two (Kavanaugh and Judge) and their having fun at my expense." She said the laughter has haunted her ever since.

The controversy has unfolded just weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are trying to seize control of Congress from Trump's fellow Republicans. Kavanaugh's confirmation would cement conservative control of the high court as Trump moves to shift it and the broader federal judiciary to the right.

Falling back on her own professional expertise, Ford fended off Mitchell's questions about her memories by explaining the biological underpinnings of memory formation and what factors can prompt anxiety.

Republican Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee who strongly supported Kavanaugh during confirmation hearings earlier in the month, declined to give his views on Ford's testimony.

"I shouldn't comment until we're all done and maybe not comment until I've slept on it," Grassley told reporters during a break.

Feinstein said Ford should be treated with more respect during the hearing than Anita Hill, who in 1991 accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, was treated. Thomas was ultimately confirmed by the Senate and still sits on the court.

In his prepared testimony, Kavanaugh again "unequivocally and categorically" denied her allegation, as well as "other false and uncorroborated accusations" by his other accusers.

"Sexual assault is horrific. It is morally wrong. It is illegal. It is contrary to my religious faith. And it contradicts the core promise of this nation that all people are created equal and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect," Kavanaugh said.

Two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in the 1980s.

Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself during a drunken dormitory party during the 1983-84 academic year when both attended Yale University.

Swetnick said she witnessed efforts by Kavanaugh and others to get girls drunk at parties so they could be raped. She said Kavanaugh was present at a 1982 party where she was raped.

Trump chose Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired effective in July.

A university professor on Thursday said she was "100 per cent" certain that Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her 36 years ago, telling a dramatic US Senate hearing she feared he would rape and perhaps accidentally kill her.

A university professor on Thursday said she was "100 per cent" certain that Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her 36 years ago, telling a dramatic US Senate hearing she feared he would rape and perhaps accidentally kill her. Christine Blasey Ford, her voice sometimes cracking with emotion, appeared in public for the first time to detail her allegation against Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge chosen for a lifetime job on the top US court. He also faces allegations of sexual misconduct by two other women. Kavanaugh was due to testify later in the day before the Judiciary Committee in a momentous hearing that could determine whether he will be confirmed by the Senate after a pitched political battle between Trump's fellow Republicans and Democrats who oppose the nominee. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations by all three women. "With what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?" Democratic Senator Richard Durbin asked Ford. "One hundred per cent," she replied, remaining firm and unruffled through hours of testimony even under questioning by a sex crimes prosecutor hired by the committee's Republicans. Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, said a drunken Kavanaugh attacked her and tried to remove her clothing at a gathering of teenagers in Maryland when he was 17 years old and she was 15 in 1982. Ford said "absolutely not" when Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein asked her if it could be a case of mistaken identity, as Kavanaugh has suggested. The hearing, which has riveted Americans and intensified the political polarization in the United States, occurred against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault. "I have found your testimony powerful and credible and I believe you," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told Ford. While some Republicans and Trump have called the allegations by Ford and the two other women against Kavanaugh part of a smear campaign, Ford told the committee, "I am an independent person and I am no pawn." Ford was seated at a table in the packed hearing room flanked by her lawyers, facing a bank of senators. Cameras from news photographers clicked as she entered the room and took her seat, smiling nervously. Ford told the senators she was "terrified" to testify but felt it was her civic duty come forward. The audience at the hearing remained in rapt attention. "Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was very inebriated and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothing. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Ford said, adding that Kavanaugh and a friend of his, Mark Judge, were "drunkenly laughing during the attack." Democratic senators sought to score political points during their five minutes apiece of questioning Ford. The panel's Republican senators, all men, did not question her, assigning that task to Rachel Mitchell, a sex crimes prosecutor. While Mitchell sought to probe Ford's account including any gaps in her story, her questioning seemed disjointed. She took turns with the Democratic senators to ask questions in five-minute segments, disrupting her flow. "The first thing that struck me from your statement this morning was that you are terrified. And I just wanted to let you know, I'm very sorry. That's not right," Mitchell said. Supreme Court appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, and Trump's fellow Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 51-49 margin. That means that a handful of moderate Republican senators who have not announced whether or not they support Kavanaugh could determine his fate. The committee could vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week. Some Democrats have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw in light of the allegations. 'Terrified me the most' Ford said Kavanaugh put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming during the assault, adding, "This was what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me." Ford said she has suffered from claustrophobia and anxiety as a result of her experience and initially struggled when at college. Her strongest memory of the incident, Ford said, was the "uproarious laughter between the two (Kavanaugh and Judge) and their having fun at my expense." She said the laughter has haunted her ever since. The controversy has unfolded just weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are trying to seize control of Congress from Trump's fellow Republicans. Kavanaugh's confirmation would cement conservative control of the high court as Trump moves to shift it and the broader federal judiciary to the right. Falling back on her own professional expertise, Ford fended off Mitchell's questions about her memories by explaining the biological underpinnings of memory formation and what factors can prompt anxiety. Republican Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee who strongly supported Kavanaugh during confirmation hearings earlier in the month, declined to give his views on Ford's testimony. "I shouldn't comment until we're all done and maybe not comment until I've slept on it," Grassley told reporters during a break. Feinstein said Ford should be treated with more respect during the hearing than Anita Hill, who in 1991 accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, was treated. Thomas was ultimately confirmed by the Senate and still sits on the court. In his prepared testimony, Kavanaugh again "unequivocally and categorically" denied her allegation, as well as "other false and uncorroborated accusations" by his other accusers. "Sexual assault is horrific. It is morally wrong. It is illegal. It is contrary to my religious faith. And it contradicts the core promise of this nation that all people are created equal and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect," Kavanaugh said. Two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in the 1980s. Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself during a drunken dormitory party during the 1983-84 academic year when both attended Yale University. Swetnick said she witnessed efforts by Kavanaugh and others to get girls drunk at parties so they could be raped. She said Kavanaugh was present at a 1982 party where she was raped. Trump chose Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired effective in July.

'100 per cent' certain he assaulted me, says Brett Kavanaugh accuser in US Senate hearing

University professor Christine Blasey Ford offered gripping testimony before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday about the alleged sex assault she says she suffered at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

The following are key quotes from her remarks:

No doubt

"100 per cent"

Blasey Ford, when asked her degree of certainty as to the identity of her attacker

'Uproarious laughter'&nbsp;

"Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two, and they are having fun at my expense. (...) &nbsp;I was underneath one of them while the two laughed."

Blasey Ford about her most stark memory about the incident in question

'Terrified'

"I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school."

Blasey Ford, in her opening statement

'Brett groped me'

"I was pushed from behind into a bedroom across from the bathroom. I couldn't see who pushed me. Brett and Mark came into the bedroom and locked the door behind them. There was music playing in the bedroom. (...) I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding into me. (...) Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes."

Blasey Ford, recounting what she says happened at a party in 1982 when she and Kavanaugh were attending private high schools in the Washington area

Fears of rape, or worse

"I believed he was going to rape me. (...) It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me."

-- Blasey Ford, describing the alleged sexual assault&nbsp;

Long term

"Brett's assault on me drastically altered my life for a very long time."

Blasey Ford, explaining how the alleged attack has affected her

Reality bites

"My greatest fears have been realized and the reality has been far worse than what I expected."

Blasey Ford, on the effect her claims have had on her life

University professor Christine Blasey Ford offered gripping testimony before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday about the alleged sex assault she says she suffered at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

University professor Christine Blasey Ford offered gripping testimony before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday about the alleged sex assault she says she suffered at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The following are key quotes from her remarks: No doubt "100 per cent" Blasey Ford, when asked her degree of certainty as to the identity of her attacker 'Uproarious laughter' "Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two, and they are having fun at my expense. (...) I was underneath one of them while the two laughed." Blasey Ford about her most stark memory about the incident in question 'Terrified' "I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school." Blasey Ford, in her opening statement 'Brett groped me' "I was pushed from behind into a bedroom across from the bathroom. I couldn't see who pushed me. Brett and Mark came into the bedroom and locked the door behind them. There was music playing in the bedroom. (...) I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding into me. (...) Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes." Blasey Ford, recounting what she says happened at a party in 1982 when she and Kavanaugh were attending private high schools in the Washington area Fears of rape, or worse "I believed he was going to rape me. (...) It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me." -- Blasey Ford, describing the alleged sexual assault Long term "Brett's assault on me drastically altered my life for a very long time." Blasey Ford, explaining how the alleged attack has affected her Reality bites "My greatest fears have been realized and the reality has been far worse than what I expected." Blasey Ford, on the effect her claims have had on her life

Key quotes from Kavanaugh accuser hearing

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/antiguan-prime-minister-government-committed-extraditing-choksi-ministry-external">Antiguan Prime Minister, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/antiguan-prime-minister-government-committed-extraditing-choksi-ministry-external">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/antiguan-prime-minister-government-committed-extraditing-choksi-ministry-external"> committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs</a>

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-supreme-court-pick-kavanaugh-says-could-change-mind-167882">Trump defends Supreme Court pick Kavanaugh but says could change </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-supreme-court-pick-kavanaugh-says-could-change-mind-167882">mind</a>

US President Donald Trump praised his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh on Wednesday but said he would be open to withdrawing his nomination if he finds sexual assault allegations against him to be credible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-verdict-babri-masjid-ram-mandir-today-timeline-key-events-167874">SC verdict on Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir today: A timeline of key events&nbsp;</a>

The Supreme Court is set to pronounce its landmark judgement today on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will give its verdict on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on title dispute seeking reconsideration of the 1994 verdict that stated that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-foreign-minister-claims-he-had-informal-meeting-trump-white-house-says-only">Pak foreign minister claims he had 'informal meeting' with Trump, US says only handshake&nbsp;</a>

US President Donald Trump had a handshake with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a luncheon in New York, the White House said, but Qureshi described it as an "informal meeting" when they discussed bilateral ties.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-abe-agree-two-way-trade-talks-japan-dodges-us-auto-tariffs-167878">Trump, Abe </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-abe-agree-two-way-trade-talks-japan-dodges-us-auto-tariffs-167878">agree</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-abe-agree-two-way-trade-talks-japan-dodges-us-auto-tariffs-167878"> two-way trade talks, Japan dodges US auto tariffs</a>

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on Wednesday to start trade talks in an arrangement that, for now, protects Japanese automakers from further tariffs, seen as a major threat to the export-dependent economy.

Antiguan Prime Minister, government committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.

Antiguan Prime Minister, government committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported. Trump defends Supreme Court pick Kavanaugh but says could change mind US President Donald Trump praised his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh on Wednesday but said he would be open to withdrawing his nomination if he finds sexual assault allegations against him to be credible. SC verdict on Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir today: A timeline of key events The Supreme Court is set to pronounce its landmark judgement today on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will give its verdict on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on title dispute seeking reconsideration of the 1994 verdict that stated that a mosque was not integral to Islam. Pak foreign minister claims he had 'informal meeting' with Trump, US says only handshake US President Donald Trump had a handshake with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a luncheon in New York, the White House said, but Qureshi described it as an "informal meeting" when they discussed bilateral ties. Trump, Abe agree two-way trade talks, Japan dodges US auto tariffs US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on Wednesday to start trade talks in an arrangement that, for now, protects Japanese automakers from further tariffs, seen as a major threat to the export-dependent economy.

A university professor detailed her allegations that Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her 36 years ago during a momentous Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he will be confirmed to the lifetime job after a pitched political battle.

The hearing, which has riveted Americans and intensified the political polarization in the United States, occurred against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault.

Christine Blasey Ford and Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge picked by Trump in July for a lifetime job on the high court, were the only two witnesses scheduled for the Judiciary Committee. Kavanaugh has been accused of sexual misconduct by two other women as well. He has denied all the allegations.

"I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school," Ford said, reading from her prepared testimony, her voice breaking with emotion.

Ford was seated at a table in the packed hearing room flanked by her lawyers, facing a bank of senators. Cameras from news photographers clicked as she entered the room and took her seat, smiling nervously.

Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, said a drunken Kavanaugh attacked her and tried to remove her clothing at a gathering of teenagers in Maryland when he was 17 years old and she was 15.

"Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was very inebriated and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothing. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Ford said, adding that Kavanaugh and a friend of his were "drunkenly laughing during the attack."

Ford said that when she tried to yell out, he put his hand over her mouth. She said she was able to escape when Kavanaugh and another boy she said was in the room fell off the bed.

Republican Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee, said at the opening of the hearing that he wanted it to be "safe comfortable and dignified for both of our witnesses." He decried the "media circus" around the allegations against Kavanaugh and said the nominee and Ford had been through a terrible couple of weeks since Ford leveled her accusation.

"What they have endured ought to be considered by all of us as unacceptable and a poor reflection on the state of civility in our democracy," Grassley said. "So I want to apologize to you both for the way you've been treated."

"I lament how this hearing has come about," he added, noting that Ford's allegations emerged only after Kavanaugh's original confirmation hearing earlier this month was over. Grassley said it was up to the Senate to assess the credibility of Kavanaugh and Ford.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee, said in her opening statement that sexual violence is a serious problem in the United States "and one that goes largely unseen." She thanked Ford for coming forward and referenced the #MeToo movement.

'Rush to judgment'

"What I find most inexcusable is this rush to judgment, the unwillingness to take these kinds of allegations at face value and look at them for what they are: a real question of character for someone who is asking for a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court," Feinstein said.

Feinstein said Ford should be treated with more respect than Anita Hill, who in 1991 accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. Thomas was ultimately confirmed by the Senate and still sits on the court.

Ford, who before the hearing had not spoken or appeared publicly, will give her account of an alleged incident in which she has said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982 at a gathering of teenagers in Maryland when both of them were in high school.

Supporters of Ford were spotted throughout the Senate office building where the hearing was being held, including a group of about 50 women who attended the same school that Ford did at the time of the alleged incident.

The all-male Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has hired a female lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes, Rachel Mitchell, to question Ford. Democratic senators are set to ask their own questions.

In his prepared testimony, Kavanaugh again "unequivocally and categorically" denied her allegation, as well as "other false and uncorroborated accusations" by his other accusers.

"Sexual assault is horrific. It is morally wrong. It is illegal. It is contrary to my religious faith. And it contradicts the core promise of this nation that all people are created equal and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect," Kavanaugh said.

Supreme Court appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, and Trump's fellow Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 51-49 margin. That means that a handful of moderate Republican senators who have not announced whether or not they support Kavanaugh could determine his fate. Committee member Jeff Flake is among these.

The committee could vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week.

Some Democrats have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw in light of the allegations.

The controversy has unfolded just weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are trying to seize control of Congress from Trump's fellow Republicans. Kavanaugh's confirmation would cement conservative control of the high court as Trump moves to shift it and the broader federal judiciary to the right.

Two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have also accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in the 1980s.

Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself during a drunken dormitory party during the 1983-84 academic year when both attended Yale University.

Swetnick, whose allegations emerged on Wednesday, said she witnessed efforts by Kavanaugh and others to get girls drunk at parties so that they could be raped. She also said Kavanaugh was present at a 1982 party at which she was raped.

Trump and some other Republicans described the allegations as part of a last-minute "smear" campaign, though the president indicated that he will be paying close attention to the hearing. "I can always be convinced," Trump said on Wednesday.

Trump chose Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired effective in July.

A university professor detailed her allegations that Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her 36 years ago during a momentous Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he will be confirmed to the lifetime job after a pitched political battle.

A university professor detailed her allegations that Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, sexually assaulted her 36 years ago during a momentous Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he will be confirmed to the lifetime job after a pitched political battle. The hearing, which has riveted Americans and intensified the political polarization in the United States, occurred against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault. Christine Blasey Ford and Kavanaugh, a conservative federal appeals court judge picked by Trump in July for a lifetime job on the high court, were the only two witnesses scheduled for the Judiciary Committee. Kavanaugh has been accused of sexual misconduct by two other women as well. He has denied all the allegations. "I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school," Ford said, reading from her prepared testimony, her voice breaking with emotion. Ford was seated at a table in the packed hearing room flanked by her lawyers, facing a bank of senators. Cameras from news photographers clicked as she entered the room and took her seat, smiling nervously. Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, said a drunken Kavanaugh attacked her and tried to remove her clothing at a gathering of teenagers in Maryland when he was 17 years old and she was 15. "Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was very inebriated and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothing. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help," Ford said, adding that Kavanaugh and a friend of his were "drunkenly laughing during the attack." Ford said that when she tried to yell out, he put his hand over her mouth. She said she was able to escape when Kavanaugh and another boy she said was in the room fell off the bed. Republican Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee, said at the opening of the hearing that he wanted it to be "safe comfortable and dignified for both of our witnesses." He decried the "media circus" around the allegations against Kavanaugh and said the nominee and Ford had been through a terrible couple of weeks since Ford leveled her accusation. "What they have endured ought to be considered by all of us as unacceptable and a poor reflection on the state of civility in our democracy," Grassley said. "So I want to apologize to you both for the way you've been treated." "I lament how this hearing has come about," he added, noting that Ford's allegations emerged only after Kavanaugh's original confirmation hearing earlier this month was over. Grassley said it was up to the Senate to assess the credibility of Kavanaugh and Ford. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee, said in her opening statement that sexual violence is a serious problem in the United States "and one that goes largely unseen." She thanked Ford for coming forward and referenced the #MeToo movement. 'Rush to judgment' "What I find most inexcusable is this rush to judgment, the unwillingness to take these kinds of allegations at face value and look at them for what they are: a real question of character for someone who is asking for a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court," Feinstein said. Feinstein said Ford should be treated with more respect than Anita Hill, who in 1991 accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. Thomas was ultimately confirmed by the Senate and still sits on the court. Ford, who before the hearing had not spoken or appeared publicly, will give her account of an alleged incident in which she has said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982 at a gathering of teenagers in Maryland when both of them were in high school. Supporters of Ford were spotted throughout the Senate office building where the hearing was being held, including a group of about 50 women who attended the same school that Ford did at the time of the alleged incident. The all-male Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has hired a female lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes, Rachel Mitchell, to question Ford. Democratic senators are set to ask their own questions. In his prepared testimony, Kavanaugh again "unequivocally and categorically" denied her allegation, as well as "other false and uncorroborated accusations" by his other accusers. "Sexual assault is horrific. It is morally wrong. It is illegal. It is contrary to my religious faith. And it contradicts the core promise of this nation that all people are created equal and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect," Kavanaugh said. Supreme Court appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, and Trump's fellow Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 51-49 margin. That means that a handful of moderate Republican senators who have not announced whether or not they support Kavanaugh could determine his fate. Committee member Jeff Flake is among these. The committee could vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week. Some Democrats have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw in light of the allegations. The controversy has unfolded just weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are trying to seize control of Congress from Trump's fellow Republicans. Kavanaugh's confirmation would cement conservative control of the high court as Trump moves to shift it and the broader federal judiciary to the right. Two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have also accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in the 1980s. Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself during a drunken dormitory party during the 1983-84 academic year when both attended Yale University. Swetnick, whose allegations emerged on Wednesday, said she witnessed efforts by Kavanaugh and others to get girls drunk at parties so that they could be raped. She also said Kavanaugh was present at a 1982 party at which she was raped. Trump and some other Republicans described the allegations as part of a last-minute "smear" campaign, though the president indicated that he will be paying close attention to the hearing. "I can always be convinced," Trump said on Wednesday. Trump chose Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired effective in July.

Woman details sexual assault allegation against Trump supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh

A high-stakes hearing over the future of the US Supreme Court opened Thursday with university professor Christine Blasey Ford set to testify that President Donald Trump's nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her 36 years ago.

The accusation, which Kavanaugh steadfastly denies, has thrust the Trump administration into the #MeToo movement's harsh glare, and threatens to derail a conservative effort to tilt the high court to the right for years to come.

In prepared testimony, Blasey Ford alleges a drunken Kavanaugh shut her in a bedroom and tried to forcibly remove her clothing while they were in high school in the Washington area in 1982.

The all-male Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has hired a female lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes, Rachel Mitchell, to question Ford.

Democratic senators are also set to ask their own questions.

A conservative appeals court judge, Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump in July and appeared to be heading toward confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate until Ford's allegations became public earlier this month.

If Kavanaugh's nomination survives what is expected to be tough questioning from Democratic senators on Thursday, the committee could vote on his appointment on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week.

A high-stakes hearing over the future of the US Supreme Court opened Thursday with university professor Christine Blasey Ford set to testify that President Donald Trump's nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her 36 years ago.

A high-stakes hearing over the future of the US Supreme Court opened Thursday with university professor Christine Blasey Ford set to testify that President Donald Trump's nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her 36 years ago. The accusation, which Kavanaugh steadfastly denies, has thrust the Trump administration into the #MeToo movement's harsh glare, and threatens to derail a conservative effort to tilt the high court to the right for years to come. In prepared testimony, Blasey Ford alleges a drunken Kavanaugh shut her in a bedroom and tried to forcibly remove her clothing while they were in high school in the Washington area in 1982. The all-male Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has hired a female lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes, Rachel Mitchell, to question Ford. Democratic senators are also set to ask their own questions. A conservative appeals court judge, Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump in July and appeared to be heading toward confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate until Ford's allegations became public earlier this month. If Kavanaugh's nomination survives what is expected to be tough questioning from Democratic senators on Thursday, the committee could vote on his appointment on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week.

Brett Kavanaugh and accuser Christine Blasey Ford testify at historic Senate hearing 

US President Donald Trump praised his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh on Wednesday but said he would be open to withdrawing his nomination if he finds sexual assault allegations against him to be credible.

"I can always be convinced," Trump said on the eve of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring one of Kavanaugh's accusers.

"If I thought he was guilty of something like this, yes, sure," Trump said at a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

"It's possible I'll hear that, and I'll say, 'Hey, I'm changing my mind.'

"I want to watch," Trump said ahead of the hearing featuring Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor who has accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers.

"I look forward to what she has to say," Trump said. "I also look forward to what Judge Kavanaugh has to say. I think it's going to be a very important day in the history of our country."

In prepared testimony released on Wednesday, the 51-year-old Blasey Ford said she feared Kavanaugh would rape her during the attack, which she said occurred in the summer of 1982.

Blasey Ford said the incident left her "drastically altered," but it was her "civic duty" to tell lawmakers what happened.&nbsp;

Kavanaugh has also been accused of exposing himself to a classmate, Deborah Ramirez, during an alcohol-fueled Yale University party a few years later.

On Wednesday a third woman came forward with explosive allegations, saying she witnessed sexually abusive behaviour by Kavanaugh when he was a teenager.

Trump described Kavanaugh as a "great gentleman" and a "great intellect" and said he believed the accusations against the conservative judge were "false."

'Big, fat con job'&nbsp;

Trump said he was skeptical because he personally had been the target of "false statements" in the past made by various women.

"I've had a lot of false charges made against me," he said. "People want fame, they want money, they want whatever."

He also slammed his Democratic opponents, accusing them of being "con artists" and destroying the 53-year-old judge's reputation.

The Kavanaugh nomination has turned into a political firestorm ahead of November congressional elections and is threatening to derail Trump's push to get a conservative-minded majority on the top court ahead of the vote.

Democrats on Wednesday demanded that Trump withdraw Kavanaugh's nomination or order an FBI investigation.

"He is asking for a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court where he will have the opportunity to rule on matters that will impact Americans for decades," the 10 Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee said in a letter to the president.

The third woman to come forward, Julie Swetnick, said she saw Kavanaugh engage in sexually abusive behaviour as a teenager and claimed she had been drugged and gang-raped at a party he attended in approximately 1982.

Kavanaugh strongly denied the allegations by Swetnick, 55, who has worked extensively for the federal government.

"This is ridiculous and from the Twilight Zone," he said in a statement. "I don't know who this is and this never happened."

Later, the judiciary committee said it had received the fourth allegation, this time in a letter from an anonymous source who said their daughter and others had witnessed Kavanaugh physically assault a woman while intoxicated in Washington in 1998, shoving her "up against the wall very aggressively and sexually."

"There were at least four witnesses including my daughter," the source wrote, adding that the alleged victim was "still traumatized."

But a spokesman for the committee told AFP the letter lacked credibility and the panel had no way to investigate the matter because the complaint was anonymous.

'Physically aggressive behaviour'&nbsp;

Swetnick said she saw Kavanaugh behave as a "mean drunk" at parties they both attended growing up in suburban Maryland.

"I observed Brett Kavanaugh drink excessively at many of these parties and engage in abusive and physically aggressive behaviour towards girls, including pressing girls against him without their consent, 'grinding' against girls, and attempting to remove or shift girls' clothing to expose private body parts," Swetnick said.

She did not specifically claim Kavanaugh took part or that he was aware of her rape, but said that he and other boys in his circle engaged in similar behaviour.

She said she saw efforts by "Kavanaugh and others to cause girls to become inebriated and disoriented so they could then be 'gang-raped' in a side room or bedroom by a 'train' of numerous boys.

"I have a firm recollection of seeing boys lined up outside rooms at many of these parties waiting for their 'turn' with a girl inside the room," she said.

"These boys included Mark Judge and Brett Kavanaugh," she said. Judge is a boyhood friend of Kavanaugh who has written a book describing the debauchery of his high school years.

Kavanaugh, in prepared testimony released on Wednesday, repeated his denial of Blasey Ford's allegation and said: "this effort to destroy my good name will not drive me out."

US President Donald Trump praised his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh on Wednesday but said he would be open to withdrawing his nomination if he finds sexual assault allegations against him to be credible.

US President Donald Trump praised his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh on Wednesday but said he would be open to withdrawing his nomination if he finds sexual assault allegations against him to be credible. "I can always be convinced," Trump said on the eve of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring one of Kavanaugh's accusers. "If I thought he was guilty of something like this, yes, sure," Trump said at a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. "It's possible I'll hear that, and I'll say, 'Hey, I'm changing my mind.' "I want to watch," Trump said ahead of the hearing featuring Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor who has accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers. "I look forward to what she has to say," Trump said. "I also look forward to what Judge Kavanaugh has to say. I think it's going to be a very important day in the history of our country." In prepared testimony released on Wednesday, the 51-year-old Blasey Ford said she feared Kavanaugh would rape her during the attack, which she said occurred in the summer of 1982. Blasey Ford said the incident left her "drastically altered," but it was her "civic duty" to tell lawmakers what happened. Kavanaugh has also been accused of exposing himself to a classmate, Deborah Ramirez, during an alcohol-fueled Yale University party a few years later. On Wednesday a third woman came forward with explosive allegations, saying she witnessed sexually abusive behaviour by Kavanaugh when he was a teenager. Trump described Kavanaugh as a "great gentleman" and a "great intellect" and said he believed the accusations against the conservative judge were "false." 'Big, fat con job' Trump said he was skeptical because he personally had been the target of "false statements" in the past made by various women. "I've had a lot of false charges made against me," he said. "People want fame, they want money, they want whatever." He also slammed his Democratic opponents, accusing them of being "con artists" and destroying the 53-year-old judge's reputation. The Kavanaugh nomination has turned into a political firestorm ahead of November congressional elections and is threatening to derail Trump's push to get a conservative-minded majority on the top court ahead of the vote. Democrats on Wednesday demanded that Trump withdraw Kavanaugh's nomination or order an FBI investigation. "He is asking for a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court where he will have the opportunity to rule on matters that will impact Americans for decades," the 10 Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee said in a letter to the president. The third woman to come forward, Julie Swetnick, said she saw Kavanaugh engage in sexually abusive behaviour as a teenager and claimed she had been drugged and gang-raped at a party he attended in approximately 1982. Kavanaugh strongly denied the allegations by Swetnick, 55, who has worked extensively for the federal government. "This is ridiculous and from the Twilight Zone," he said in a statement. "I don't know who this is and this never happened." Later, the judiciary committee said it had received the fourth allegation, this time in a letter from an anonymous source who said their daughter and others had witnessed Kavanaugh physically assault a woman while intoxicated in Washington in 1998, shoving her "up against the wall very aggressively and sexually." "There were at least four witnesses including my daughter," the source wrote, adding that the alleged victim was "still traumatized." But a spokesman for the committee told AFP the letter lacked credibility and the panel had no way to investigate the matter because the complaint was anonymous. 'Physically aggressive behaviour' Swetnick said she saw Kavanaugh behave as a "mean drunk" at parties they both attended growing up in suburban Maryland. "I observed Brett Kavanaugh drink excessively at many of these parties and engage in abusive and physically aggressive behaviour towards girls, including pressing girls against him without their consent, 'grinding' against girls, and attempting to remove or shift girls' clothing to expose private body parts," Swetnick said. She did not specifically claim Kavanaugh took part or that he was aware of her rape, but said that he and other boys in his circle engaged in similar behaviour. She said she saw efforts by "Kavanaugh and others to cause girls to become inebriated and disoriented so they could then be 'gang-raped' in a side room or bedroom by a 'train' of numerous boys. "I have a firm recollection of seeing boys lined up outside rooms at many of these parties waiting for their 'turn' with a girl inside the room," she said. "These boys included Mark Judge and Brett Kavanaugh," she said. Judge is a boyhood friend of Kavanaugh who has written a book describing the debauchery of his high school years. Kavanaugh, in prepared testimony released on Wednesday, repeated his denial of Blasey Ford's allegation and said: "this effort to destroy my good name will not drive me out."

Trump defends Supreme Court pick Kavanaugh but says could change mind

A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court.

Christine Blasey Ford will give her account of an alleged incident, in which she said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when both of them were in high school.

Kavanaugh, who denies the allegations made by Ford as well as two other women who have come forward, will also testify, although he will not be in the room when Ford is speaking.

The all-male Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has hired a female lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes, Rachel Mitchell, to question Ford.

Democratic senators are set to ask their own questions.

A conservative appeals court judge, Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump in July and appeared to be heading toward confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate until Ford's allegations became public earlier this month.

Now his fate is unclear. Although Republican leaders say they want to move forward with a confirmation vote, some moderate Republicans have not yet committed to voting for him.

They include Senator Jeff Flake, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A line had begun to form outside Capitol Hill hours ahead of the hearing that begins at 10 am&nbsp;(1400 GMT).

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and all the Democrats on the judiciary panel have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw in light of the allegations, and said if he does not, an FBI investigation is needed before any Senate confirmation vote.

If Kavanaugh's nomination survives what is expected to be tough questioning from Democratic senators on Thursday, the committee could vote on his appointment on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week.

Supreme Court appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, and Trump's fellow Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 51-49 margin.

The controversy in Kavanaugh's nomination process has unfolded just weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm congressional elections. Kavanaugh's confirmation would cement conservative control of the high court as Trump moves to shift it and the broader federal judiciary to the right.

Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, has said a drunk Kavanaugh attacked her and tried to remove her clothing at a party in Maryland when he was 17 years old and she was 15.

Two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have also accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his youth. Their allegations will also likely be discussed at the hearing.

Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself during a drunken dormitory party during the 1983-84 academic year when both attended Yale University.

Swetnick, whose allegations emerged on Wednesday, said she witnessed efforts by Kavanaugh and others to get girls drunk at parties so that they could be raped. She also said Kavanaugh was present at a 1982 party at which she was raped.

Reuters has not verified the accusations.

Kavanaugh has denied all the allegations, which Trump and some other Republicans described as last-minute smear campaigns.

Julie Swetnick, in an interview on MSNBC on Thursday, said she had not planned to air her allegations one day before the hearing. Her attorney Michael Avenatti, who also represents adult film star Stormy Daniels in a lawsuit against Trump, echoed Democrats in an CNN interview on Thursday in calling for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate.

"Kavanaugh is going for a seat where he's going to have that seat on the Supreme Court for the rest of his life. And, if he's going to have that seat legitimately, all of these things should be investigated," Swetnick told MSNBC.

A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court.

A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court. Christine Blasey Ford will give her account of an alleged incident, in which she said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when both of them were in high school. Kavanaugh, who denies the allegations made by Ford as well as two other women who have come forward, will also testify, although he will not be in the room when Ford is speaking. The all-male Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee has hired a female lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes, Rachel Mitchell, to question Ford. Democratic senators are set to ask their own questions. A conservative appeals court judge, Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump in July and appeared to be heading toward confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate until Ford's allegations became public earlier this month. Now his fate is unclear. Although Republican leaders say they want to move forward with a confirmation vote, some moderate Republicans have not yet committed to voting for him. They include Senator Jeff Flake, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee. A line had begun to form outside Capitol Hill hours ahead of the hearing that begins at 10 am (1400 GMT). Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and all the Democrats on the judiciary panel have called on Kavanaugh to withdraw in light of the allegations, and said if he does not, an FBI investigation is needed before any Senate confirmation vote. If Kavanaugh's nomination survives what is expected to be tough questioning from Democratic senators on Thursday, the committee could vote on his appointment on Friday, with a final Senate vote early next week. Supreme Court appointments must be confirmed by the Senate, and Trump's fellow Republicans control the chamber by a narrow 51-49 margin. The controversy in Kavanaugh's nomination process has unfolded just weeks ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm congressional elections. Kavanaugh's confirmation would cement conservative control of the high court as Trump moves to shift it and the broader federal judiciary to the right. Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, has said a drunk Kavanaugh attacked her and tried to remove her clothing at a party in Maryland when he was 17 years old and she was 15. Two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have also accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct during his youth. Their allegations will also likely be discussed at the hearing. Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself during a drunken dormitory party during the 1983-84 academic year when both attended Yale University. Swetnick, whose allegations emerged on Wednesday, said she witnessed efforts by Kavanaugh and others to get girls drunk at parties so that they could be raped. She also said Kavanaugh was present at a 1982 party at which she was raped. Reuters has not verified the accusations. Kavanaugh has denied all the allegations, which Trump and some other Republicans described as last-minute smear campaigns. Julie Swetnick, in an interview on MSNBC on Thursday, said she had not planned to air her allegations one day before the hearing. Her attorney Michael Avenatti, who also represents adult film star Stormy Daniels in a lawsuit against Trump, echoed Democrats in an CNN interview on Thursday in calling for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate. "Kavanaugh is going for a seat where he's going to have that seat on the Supreme Court for the rest of his life. And, if he's going to have that seat legitimately, all of these things should be investigated," Swetnick told MSNBC.

Woman who accused Trump's Supreme Court nominee of sexual assault to face high-stakes hearing

President Donald Trump's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brett-kavanaugh-accuser-agrees-testify-us-senate-167171">Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh</a>, under fire over two accusations of sexual misconduct, claimed Monday that he "never" sexually assaulted anyone and was a virgin for "many years" after high school.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-conservative-judge-brett-kavanaugh-for-us-supreme-court-150328">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump picks conservative judge Brett Kavanaugh for US Supreme Court</a>

As part of a concerted pushback by Brett Kavanaugh and the White House against mounting calls to put his nomination on hold, the federal judge appeared alongside his wife in a televised interview where he provided intimate details of his youth.

"I've never sexually assaulted anyone, not in high school, not ever. I've always treated women with dignity and respect," Kavanaugh told Fox News, likely telegraphing the line he will take when he appears before the Senate to testify on the matter on Thursday.

He also presented an image of his character that departed radically from what was portrayed in the allegations, seemingly claiming his virginity at the time of the accusations as a defense.

"I did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter. And the girls from the schools I went to and I were friends."

Kavanaugh's accusers have claimed he sexually assaulted them, but did not make allegations of rape or consensual sexual intercourse.

His wife Ashley, a one-time personal secretary to president George W. Bush, said she backed her husband's version of the events.

"It's really hard to believe... This is not consistent with Brett," she said, adding it had been "very difficult" to discuss the developments with their daughters.

The first woman to come forward with accusations against Kavanaugh, Christine Blasey Ford, told the Senate Judiciary Committee she was telling "the truth" in claiming a drunken Kavanaugh tried to undress her and that she had feared for her life during a high school party.

"While I am frightened, please know, my fear will not hold me back from testifying and you will be provided with answers to all of your questions," she said in a letter sent to panel Chairman Chuck Grassley over the weekend that was released Monday.

"I ask for fair and respectful treatment."

Deborah Ramirez, 53, separately claimed over the weekend that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a 1980s college party at Yale University, thrust his genitals in her face and caused her to touch them without her consent, according to The New Yorker.

Kavanaugh has denied ever attending the parties described by the two women or even being present at gatherings where such behavior took place.

"I never saw any such thing... I certainly never participated in any such thing. I never saw or heard of any such thing," he added.

Kavanaugh said he was "focused on trying to be number one in my class and captain of the varsity football team and going to church."

"I'm not going to let false accusations drive us out of this process," he added. "I'm not going anywhere."

He repeatedly called for a "fair process," saying Trump called him earlier Monday to say "he is standing by me."

President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, under fire over two accusations of sexual misconduct, claimed Monday that he "never" sexually assaulted anyone and was a virgin for "many years" after high school.

President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, under fire over two accusations of sexual misconduct, claimed Monday that he "never" sexually assaulted anyone and was a virgin for "many years" after high school. Also Read: Trump picks conservative judge Brett Kavanaugh for US Supreme Court As part of a concerted pushback by Brett Kavanaugh and the White House against mounting calls to put his nomination on hold, the federal judge appeared alongside his wife in a televised interview where he provided intimate details of his youth. "I've never sexually assaulted anyone, not in high school, not ever. I've always treated women with dignity and respect," Kavanaugh told Fox News, likely telegraphing the line he will take when he appears before the Senate to testify on the matter on Thursday. He also presented an image of his character that departed radically from what was portrayed in the allegations, seemingly claiming his virginity at the time of the accusations as a defense. "I did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter. And the girls from the schools I went to and I were friends." Kavanaugh's accusers have claimed he sexually assaulted them, but did not make allegations of rape or consensual sexual intercourse. His wife Ashley, a one-time personal secretary to president George W. Bush, said she backed her husband's version of the events. "It's really hard to believe... This is not consistent with Brett," she said, adding it had been "very difficult" to discuss the developments with their daughters. The first woman to come forward with accusations against Kavanaugh, Christine Blasey Ford, told the Senate Judiciary Committee she was telling "the truth" in claiming a drunken Kavanaugh tried to undress her and that she had feared for her life during a high school party. "While I am frightened, please know, my fear will not hold me back from testifying and you will be provided with answers to all of your questions," she said in a letter sent to panel Chairman Chuck Grassley over the weekend that was released Monday. "I ask for fair and respectful treatment." Deborah Ramirez, 53, separately claimed over the weekend that Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a 1980s college party at Yale University, thrust his genitals in her face and caused her to touch them without her consent, according to The New Yorker. Kavanaugh has denied ever attending the parties described by the two women or even being present at gatherings where such behavior took place. "I never saw any such thing... I certainly never participated in any such thing. I never saw or heard of any such thing," he added. Kavanaugh said he was "focused on trying to be number one in my class and captain of the varsity football team and going to church." "I'm not going to let false accusations drive us out of this process," he added. "I'm not going anywhere." He repeatedly called for a "fair process," saying Trump called him earlier Monday to say "he is standing by me."

I did not have sexual intercourse in high school: Kavanaugh

United States President Donald Trump&nbsp;defended his Supreme Court pick, Brett Kavanaugh, as he termed the sexual misconduct&nbsp;allegations against him "totally political" on Monday.

Donald Trump who is in New York to attend the United Nations annual assembly was quoted by CNN saying that, "There's a chance that this could be one of the single most unfair, unjust things to happen to a candidate but I am with Judge Kavanaugh.

He went on praising Kavanaugh saying that he is a fine man with an "unblemished past" and added that "there are highly unsubstantiated statements from people rep&nbsp;represented by lawyers."

"For people to come out of the woodwork from 36 years ago and 30 years ago and never mention it, all of a sudden it happens -- in my opinion, it's totally political," he then said.

Meanwhile, Brett Kavanaugh who is already facing sexual misconduct allegation by a University professor, Christine Blasey Ford, faced another similar accusation.

On Sunday, The New Yorker magazine published a report&nbsp;in which Deborah Ramirez said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a 1980s college party at Yale University, forcing her to touch his genitals.

However, Kavanaugh has strongly denied any wrongdoing in both cases.

Like&nbsp;Ford, Ramirez is calling for an FBI investigation into the incident, and Democratic lawmakers are backing their demand.

The scandal is set for a showdown in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday when Kavanaugh will try to clear his name as Ford will testify that he sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers.

At stake is not only the fate of Trump's hand-picked Supreme Court nominee, but also Republican chances in November's midterm elections that face increased risk if the polarizing confirmation battle drags on.

For Democrats, the row is a golden opportunity to build on anger among female voters at Trump's often dismissive attitude to allegations of sexual misconduct -- including against the president himself.

In the #MeToo era, when accounts by women of past sexual abuse have brought down a string of previously powerful men, Trump's defiant stand could not be more divisive, appalling many, but likely stirring his Republican base frustrated at what it sees as political correctness run amok.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Donald Trump defended his Supreme Court pick, Brett Kavanaugh, as he termed the sexual misconduct allegations against him "totally political" on Monday.

United States President Donald Trump defended his Supreme Court pick, Brett Kavanaugh, as he termed the sexual misconduct allegations against him "totally political" on Monday. Donald Trump who is in New York to attend the United Nations annual assembly was quoted by CNN saying that, "There's a chance that this could be one of the single most unfair, unjust things to happen to a candidate but I am with Judge Kavanaugh. He went on praising Kavanaugh saying that he is a fine man with an "unblemished past" and added that "there are highly unsubstantiated statements from people rep represented by lawyers." "For people to come out of the woodwork from 36 years ago and 30 years ago and never mention it, all of a sudden it happens -- in my opinion, it's totally political," he then said. Meanwhile, Brett Kavanaugh who is already facing sexual misconduct allegation by a University professor, Christine Blasey Ford, faced another similar accusation. On Sunday, The New Yorker magazine published a report in which Deborah Ramirez said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a 1980s college party at Yale University, forcing her to touch his genitals. However, Kavanaugh has strongly denied any wrongdoing in both cases. Like Ford, Ramirez is calling for an FBI investigation into the incident, and Democratic lawmakers are backing their demand. The scandal is set for a showdown in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday when Kavanaugh will try to clear his name as Ford will testify that he sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers. At stake is not only the fate of Trump's hand-picked Supreme Court nominee, but also Republican chances in November's midterm elections that face increased risk if the polarizing confirmation battle drags on. For Democrats, the row is a golden opportunity to build on anger among female voters at Trump's often dismissive attitude to allegations of sexual misconduct -- including against the president himself. In the #MeToo era, when accounts by women of past sexual abuse have brought down a string of previously powerful men, Trump's defiant stand could not be more divisive, appalling many, but likely stirring his Republican base frustrated at what it sees as political correctness run amok. (With inputs from agencies)

Kavanaugh sex assault allegations 'totally political:' Donald Trump

President Donald Trump's embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faced a second accusation of sexual misconduct on Sunday, leaving Republicans scrambling to save a confirmation that until recently had seemed all but certain.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brett-kavanaugh-accuser-agrees-testify-us-senate-167171">Also Read:&nbsp;Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate</a>

The latest claims of impropriety during Kavanaugh's youth came as he was already facing a dramatic hearing where his testimony was to be weighed against that of a university professor who has separately accused him of assault.

Senate Democrats are now investigating a bombshell claim by Deborah Ramirez, 53, who says Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a 1980s college party at Yale University, thrust his genitals in her face and caused her to touch them without her consent, according to The New Yorker.

The story was denied by Kavanaugh, who called it "a smear, plain and simple."

"The people who knew me then know that this did not happen, and have said so," the conservative judge said in a statement.

Like Christine Blasey Ford, the professor accusing him of assaulting her when they were teenagers, &nbsp;Ramirez is calling for an FBI investigation into the incident, and Democratic lawmakers are backing their demand.

Ford agreed to testify Thursday after an increasingly ugly weeklong standoff that saw her forced to leave her California home as she faced death threats and the president openly attacked her credibility.

Kavanaugh, who strongly denies the assault allegation, has said he wishes to testify as soon as possible to clear his name from Ford's claims that he attacked her at a high school party in the 1980s.

The federal judge has calendars from the summer of 1982 he plans to share with senators showing he was out of town most of that time with no indication of the party of concern, The New York Times reported.

The two parties will testify separately -- first Ford, followed by Kavanaugh, who will respond -- the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the judiciary committee, urged the panel to halt proceedings in light of the latest allegation.

"I am writing to request an immediate postponement of any further proceedings related to the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh," she said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I also ask that the newest allegations of sexual misconduct be referred to the FBI for investigation, and that you join our request for the White House to direct the FBI to investigate the allegations of Christine Blasey Ford as well as these new claims."

Confirmation in the balance

At stake is not only the fate of Trump's hand-picked Supreme Court nominee, but also Republican chances in November's midterm elections that face increased risk if the polarizing confirmation battle drags on.

Lindsey Graham -- a member of the panel that must approve Kavanaugh's nomination before it goes to the full chamber -- summed up the position of many Republicans by saying he did not expect Ford's testimony to change his mind.

"What am I supposed to do? Go ahead and ruin this guy's life based on an accusation?" he told "Fox News Sunday." "Unless there's something more, no, I'm not going to ruin Judge Kavanaugh's life over this."

According to a YouGov poll conducted for CBS, more than half of Americans want an FBI investigation before a vote on Kavanaugh, but more than two thirds of Republicans want a vote within days.

Republicans, who hold a paper-thin majority in the Senate, can ill afford defections if Kavanaugh is to be approved.

Danger of defections

"If one Republican senator should decide that Dr Ford's allegations, assertions, are true, and that they are serious, it could make a big difference in the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said on ABC's "This Week."

After days of relative restraint, Trump lashed at Ford on Friday, questioning the credibility of her allegations, and in doing so may already have hurt his nominee's chances with a senator from his own party.

Trump contended that Ford's decision to wait so late before going public shows the incident probably was not "as bad as she says" -- even if this runs counter to what experts say is the typical reaction of sexual assault victims afraid or embarrassed to report.

Susan Collins -- a Republican who sits on the Judiciary Committee -- said she was "appalled" by Trump's tweet, stressing that incidents of sexual assault were known to be chronically under-reported.

Trump's outburst saw an outpouring of sympathy for Ford -- and outrage at the president -- as thousands of women, and men too, shared why they had kept silent after being assaulted, under the Twitter hashtag #WhyIDidntReport.

President Donald Trump's embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faced a second accusation of sexual misconduct on Sunday, leaving Republicans scrambling to save a confirmation that until recently had seemed all but certain.

President Donald Trump's embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faced a second accusation of sexual misconduct on Sunday, leaving Republicans scrambling to save a confirmation that until recently had seemed all but certain. Also Read: Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate The latest claims of impropriety during Kavanaugh's youth came as he was already facing a dramatic hearing where his testimony was to be weighed against that of a university professor who has separately accused him of assault. Senate Democrats are now investigating a bombshell claim by Deborah Ramirez, 53, who says Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a 1980s college party at Yale University, thrust his genitals in her face and caused her to touch them without her consent, according to The New Yorker. The story was denied by Kavanaugh, who called it "a smear, plain and simple." "The people who knew me then know that this did not happen, and have said so," the conservative judge said in a statement. Like Christine Blasey Ford, the professor accusing him of assaulting her when they were teenagers, Ramirez is calling for an FBI investigation into the incident, and Democratic lawmakers are backing their demand. Ford agreed to testify Thursday after an increasingly ugly weeklong standoff that saw her forced to leave her California home as she faced death threats and the president openly attacked her credibility. Kavanaugh, who strongly denies the assault allegation, has said he wishes to testify as soon as possible to clear his name from Ford's claims that he attacked her at a high school party in the 1980s. The federal judge has calendars from the summer of 1982 he plans to share with senators showing he was out of town most of that time with no indication of the party of concern, The New York Times reported. The two parties will testify separately -- first Ford, followed by Kavanaugh, who will respond -- the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the judiciary committee, urged the panel to halt proceedings in light of the latest allegation. "I am writing to request an immediate postponement of any further proceedings related to the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh," she said in a statement. "I also ask that the newest allegations of sexual misconduct be referred to the FBI for investigation, and that you join our request for the White House to direct the FBI to investigate the allegations of Christine Blasey Ford as well as these new claims." Confirmation in the balance At stake is not only the fate of Trump's hand-picked Supreme Court nominee, but also Republican chances in November's midterm elections that face increased risk if the polarizing confirmation battle drags on. Lindsey Graham -- a member of the panel that must approve Kavanaugh's nomination before it goes to the full chamber -- summed up the position of many Republicans by saying he did not expect Ford's testimony to change his mind. "What am I supposed to do? Go ahead and ruin this guy's life based on an accusation?" he told "Fox News Sunday." "Unless there's something more, no, I'm not going to ruin Judge Kavanaugh's life over this." According to a YouGov poll conducted for CBS, more than half of Americans want an FBI investigation before a vote on Kavanaugh, but more than two thirds of Republicans want a vote within days. Republicans, who hold a paper-thin majority in the Senate, can ill afford defections if Kavanaugh is to be approved. Danger of defections "If one Republican senator should decide that Dr Ford's allegations, assertions, are true, and that they are serious, it could make a big difference in the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said on ABC's "This Week." After days of relative restraint, Trump lashed at Ford on Friday, questioning the credibility of her allegations, and in doing so may already have hurt his nominee's chances with a senator from his own party. Trump contended that Ford's decision to wait so late before going public shows the incident probably was not "as bad as she says" -- even if this runs counter to what experts say is the typical reaction of sexual assault victims afraid or embarrassed to report. Susan Collins -- a Republican who sits on the Judiciary Committee -- said she was "appalled" by Trump's tweet, stressing that incidents of sexual assault were known to be chronically under-reported. Trump's outburst saw an outpouring of sympathy for Ford -- and outrage at the president -- as thousands of women, and men too, shared why they had kept silent after being assaulted, under the Twitter hashtag #WhyIDidntReport.

Kavanaugh faces new sexual misconduct claim

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brett-kavanaugh-accuser-agrees-testify-us-senate-167171">Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate</a>

The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paradise-power-and-polls-five-questions-maldives-vote-167176">Paradise, power and polls: Five questions as Maldives vote</a>

The Maldives -- a country of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean best known for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- will vote Sunday in a presidential election.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-summons-3-european-diplomats-over-parade-attack-report-167174">Iran summons 3 European diplomats over parade attack: Report</a>

Iran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain over an attack on an army parade which killed at least 29 people near the Iraqi border, state-run media said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-kicks-presidential-race-currency-slumps-167173">Indonesia kicks off presidential race as currency slumps</a>

Campaigning for Indonesia's presidential election in April kicked off Sunday, pitting incumbent Joko Widodo against a former military general in the race to lead the world's third-biggest democracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145">Death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145"> toll in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145">capsized</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145"> ferry in Tanzania's Lake Victoria rises to 207</a>

The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday.

Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday. Paradise, power and polls: Five questions as Maldives vote The Maldives -- a country of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean best known for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- will vote Sunday in a presidential election. Iran summons 3 European diplomats over parade attack: Report Iran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain over an attack on an army parade which killed at least 29 people near the Iraqi border, state-run media said on Sunday. Indonesia kicks off presidential race as currency slumps Campaigning for Indonesia's presidential election in April kicked off Sunday, pitting incumbent Joko Widodo against a former military general in the race to lead the world's third-biggest democracy. Death toll in capsized ferry in Tanzania's Lake Victoria rises to 207 The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor.

The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday.

Christine Blasey Ford's decision followed days of negotiations and came after Trump turned against her and said her accusation could not be true.

Ford "accepts the Committee's request to provide her first-hand knowledge of Brett Kavanaugh's sexual misconduct next week," said a message from her lawyers to the Senate Judiciary Committee, US media reported.

Time is running out for Trump to get his hand-picked conservative judge confirmed -- thereby tilting the Supreme Court firmly to the right for years to come -- before November elections when Republicans risk losing control of Congress.

The committee had given Ford, a California professor, until 2:30 pm (1830 GMT) Saturday to decide on whether to appear, after she rejected a Friday evening deadline imposed by the committee's Republican leader, Chuck Grassley.

"Although many aspects of the proposal you provided via email, on (Friday) are fundamentally inconsistent with the committee's promise of a fair, impartial investigation into her allegations, and we are disappointed with the leaks and the bullying that have tainted the process, we are hopeful that we can reach agreement on details," the lawyers' letter cited by The Washington Post said.

Denial

Ford alleges that Kavanaugh drunkenly assaulted her at a party when he was 17, she was 15, and they were attending private schools outside Washington in the 1980s.

Kavanaugh denies knowledge of any such assault and wants to give his side of the story to the committee.

Grassley has said the hearing should take place on Wednesday, but Ford said she wanted it on Thursday at the earliest and to be able to call as a witness a man whom she says was present during the assault.

The committee's Republican leadership turned down those demands.&nbsp;

After several days of maintaining a relatively neutral posture, Trump on Friday declared that Ford could not be believed.

"TAKE THE VOTE!" Trump tweeted, blaming "radical left wing politicians" for the controversy.

A call for respect

According to Trump, the fact that Ford remained silent until now shows the incident probably never happened -- even if this runs counter to what experts say is the typical reaction of sexual assault victims afraid or too embarrassed to report.

"I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr Ford was as bad as she says," Trump wrote Friday on Twitter, "charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents."

The senior member of the opposition Democrats in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, called Trump's logic "a highly offensive misunderstanding of surviving trauma," while Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said: "We must treat sexual assault survivors with respect, not bully or try to silence them."

Even one of Trump's own Republican senators, Susan Collins -- &nbsp;who sits on the Judiciary Committee -- said she was "appalled by the president's tweet."&nbsp;

"We know that allegations of sexual assault are some of the most under-reported crimes that exist," Collins said.

Trump's outburst saw a new #MeToo era hashtag storm the internet, with people -- mostly women -- sharing why they did not report being assaulted under the Twitter hashtag #WhyIDidntReport.&nbsp;

Ford had initially guarded her anonymity but decided to waive it, she told the Post, because she felt her "civic responsibility" was "outweighing my anguish and terror about retaliation" after the basic outlines of the story emerged in the media.

Ford's husband, Russell Ford, was quoted by the Post on Saturday as saying the thought that Kavanaugh could be considered for the Supreme Court after Trump took office troubled her so much that she considered moving as far away as New Zealand.

"She was like, 'I can't deal with this,'" Russell Ford said. "I cannot live in this country if he's in the Supreme Court."

Republicans are frustrated over what they say was the deliberate timing of the last-minute revelation of Ford's allegation, accusing Democrats of seeking to prevent the process from finishing before the November midterm elections, when they hope to recapture at least one chamber of Congress.

For their part, Democrats say Republicans are mounting an unseemly rush to get Kavanaugh into the nine-member Supreme Court while they still control the legislature.

The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday.

The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday. Christine Blasey Ford's decision followed days of negotiations and came after Trump turned against her and said her accusation could not be true. Ford "accepts the Committee's request to provide her first-hand knowledge of Brett Kavanaugh's sexual misconduct next week," said a message from her lawyers to the Senate Judiciary Committee, US media reported. Time is running out for Trump to get his hand-picked conservative judge confirmed -- thereby tilting the Supreme Court firmly to the right for years to come -- before November elections when Republicans risk losing control of Congress. The committee had given Ford, a California professor, until 2:30 pm (1830 GMT) Saturday to decide on whether to appear, after she rejected a Friday evening deadline imposed by the committee's Republican leader, Chuck Grassley. "Although many aspects of the proposal you provided via email, on (Friday) are fundamentally inconsistent with the committee's promise of a fair, impartial investigation into her allegations, and we are disappointed with the leaks and the bullying that have tainted the process, we are hopeful that we can reach agreement on details," the lawyers' letter cited by The Washington Post said. Denial Ford alleges that Kavanaugh drunkenly assaulted her at a party when he was 17, she was 15, and they were attending private schools outside Washington in the 1980s. Kavanaugh denies knowledge of any such assault and wants to give his side of the story to the committee. Grassley has said the hearing should take place on Wednesday, but Ford said she wanted it on Thursday at the earliest and to be able to call as a witness a man whom she says was present during the assault. The committee's Republican leadership turned down those demands. After several days of maintaining a relatively neutral posture, Trump on Friday declared that Ford could not be believed. "TAKE THE VOTE!" Trump tweeted, blaming "radical left wing politicians" for the controversy. A call for respect According to Trump, the fact that Ford remained silent until now shows the incident probably never happened -- even if this runs counter to what experts say is the typical reaction of sexual assault victims afraid or too embarrassed to report. "I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr Ford was as bad as she says," Trump wrote Friday on Twitter, "charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents." The senior member of the opposition Democrats in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, called Trump's logic "a highly offensive misunderstanding of surviving trauma," while Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said: "We must treat sexual assault survivors with respect, not bully or try to silence them." Even one of Trump's own Republican senators, Susan Collins -- who sits on the Judiciary Committee -- said she was "appalled by the president's tweet." "We know that allegations of sexual assault are some of the most under-reported crimes that exist," Collins said. Trump's outburst saw a new #MeToo era hashtag storm the internet, with people -- mostly women -- sharing why they did not report being assaulted under the Twitter hashtag #WhyIDidntReport. Ford had initially guarded her anonymity but decided to waive it, she told the Post, because she felt her "civic responsibility" was "outweighing my anguish and terror about retaliation" after the basic outlines of the story emerged in the media. Ford's husband, Russell Ford, was quoted by the Post on Saturday as saying the thought that Kavanaugh could be considered for the Supreme Court after Trump took office troubled her so much that she considered moving as far away as New Zealand. "She was like, 'I can't deal with this,'" Russell Ford said. "I cannot live in this country if he's in the Supreme Court." Republicans are frustrated over what they say was the deliberate timing of the last-minute revelation of Ford's allegation, accusing Democrats of seeking to prevent the process from finishing before the November midterm elections, when they hope to recapture at least one chamber of Congress. For their part, Democrats say Republicans are mounting an unseemly rush to get Kavanaugh into the nine-member Supreme Court while they still control the legislature.

Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump gave a full-throated endorsement to his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday and tip-toed carefully around the sexual assault accusations that are facing him.

At a rally in Las Vegas, Trump appeared with Republican US&nbsp;Senator Dean Heller of Nevada and offered strong support for him in his tough re-election battle against Democrat Jackie Rosen in November congressional elections.

But perhaps more significantly were his words of praise for Kavanaugh, who is battling accusations from a California psychology professor that he assaulted her 36 years ago when both were high school students in the Washington DC area.

The accusations from Christine Blasey Ford, denied vehemently by Kavanaugh, threaten to slow his Senate confirmation vote, with Democrats saying the FBI should investigate the charges, a demand that is not gaining traction among Republicans.

"Brett Kavanaugh, and I’m not saying anything about anybody else, Brett Kavanaugh is one of the finest human beings you will ever have the privilege of knowing or meeting," Trump said.

Trump, steering clear of criticizing Ford on the advice of aides, predicted Kavanaugh will ultimately be confirmed.

"So we'll let it play out, and I think everything is going to be just fine. This is a high quality person," he said.

The crowd at the Las Vegas Convention Center roared its approval.

Speaking to Fox News anchor Sean Hannity prior to the rally, Trump addressed the Democrats' demand for an FBI probe into the Kavanaugh accusations, questioning why the FBI was not notified "36 years ago" when the incident allegedly occurred.

Las Vegas was the first stop on a week-long trip away from Washington for the president. He will headline at political events in Springfield, Missouri, on Friday, spend the weekend at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, then go to New York for the UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

With Republicans fearful that Democrats could wrest control of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives and even the Senate from them in November elections, Trump urged his supporters to get out and vote for the party's candidates, saying the economic measures he has put in place could be hanging in the balance.

US President Donald Trump gave a full-throated endorsement to his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday and tip-toed carefully around the sexual assault accusations that are facing him.

US President Donald Trump gave a full-throated endorsement to his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday and tip-toed carefully around the sexual assault accusations that are facing him. At a rally in Las Vegas, Trump appeared with Republican US Senator Dean Heller of Nevada and offered strong support for him in his tough re-election battle against Democrat Jackie Rosen in November congressional elections. But perhaps more significantly were his words of praise for Kavanaugh, who is battling accusations from a California psychology professor that he assaulted her 36 years ago when both were high school students in the Washington DC area. The accusations from Christine Blasey Ford, denied vehemently by Kavanaugh, threaten to slow his Senate confirmation vote, with Democrats saying the FBI should investigate the charges, a demand that is not gaining traction among Republicans. "Brett Kavanaugh, and I’m not saying anything about anybody else, Brett Kavanaugh is one of the finest human beings you will ever have the privilege of knowing or meeting," Trump said. Trump, steering clear of criticizing Ford on the advice of aides, predicted Kavanaugh will ultimately be confirmed. "So we'll let it play out, and I think everything is going to be just fine. This is a high quality person," he said. The crowd at the Las Vegas Convention Center roared its approval. Speaking to Fox News anchor Sean Hannity prior to the rally, Trump addressed the Democrats' demand for an FBI probe into the Kavanaugh accusations, questioning why the FBI was not notified "36 years ago" when the incident allegedly occurred. Las Vegas was the first stop on a week-long trip away from Washington for the president. He will headline at political events in Springfield, Missouri, on Friday, spend the weekend at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, then go to New York for the UN General Assembly. With Republicans fearful that Democrats could wrest control of the US House of Representatives and even the Senate from them in November elections, Trump urged his supporters to get out and vote for the party's candidates, saying the economic measures he has put in place could be hanging in the balance.

At Las Vegas rally, Trump backs Kavanaugh, treads carefully around accusations

A lawyer for the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's US&nbsp;Supreme Court nominee, of sexual assault told a Senate panel on Thursday the professor will not testify on Monday as Republicans want but would be willing to appear sometime next week if certain terms are met.

Christine Blasey Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, has been given a Friday deadline by the Republican-led Judiciary Committee to decide whether to testify at a high-stakes hearing it has scheduled for Monday.

Her lawyer, Debra Katz, said in an email to committee staff Ford would be willing to testify under "terms that are fair and which ensure her safety" and asked to schedule a call later on Thursday to discuss the conditions.

If Ford agrees to appear, it would set the stage for a potentially explosive hearing just weeks before congressional elections that will decide the balance of power in Congress, against a backdrop of the #MeToo movement fighting sexual harassment and assault.

Kavanaugh, the conservative federal appeals court judge nominated by Trump in July for the lifetime job as a Supreme Court justice, also has been invited to testify on Monday. The Senate must confirm Supreme Court nominees.

Ford has said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982 when both were high school students in Maryland, an allegation Kavanaugh has called "completely false."

"As you are aware, she has been receiving death threats, which have been reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and she and her family have been forced out of their home. She wishes to testify, provided that we can agree on terms that are fair and which ensure her safety," Katz wrote to the committee.

"A hearing on Monday is not possible and the Committee's insistence that it occur then is arbitrary in any event," Katz added.

A senior White House official said Kavanaugh and his wife also have received threats.

Chuck Grassley, the committee's Republican chairman, on Wednesday sent a letter to Ford's lawyers giving her until 10 a.=m&nbsp;(1400 GMT) on Friday to submit prepared testimony if she intended to show up on Monday.

Ford's lawyers had said on Tuesday she would testify only if the FBI first investigated her allegation. The FBI has said it is not investigating, a decision backed by Republicans who have accused Democrats of trying to delay the confirmation process.

In the new email, Katz said Ford's "strong preference continues to be for the Senate Judiciary Committee to allow for a full investigation prior to her testimony."

The confirmation fight has unfolded ahead of Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are seeking to take control of Congress from Trump's fellow Republicans. Kavanaugh's confirmation would solidify conservative control of the Supreme Court and further Trump's goal of moving the high court and the broader federal judiciary to the right.

The Senate is narrowly controlled by Republicans, who have embraced the idea of a quick vote on Kavanaugh's nomination if Ford does not to testify.

U.S. Capitol Police said 56 protesters were arrested in Senate office buildings during demonstrations against Kavanaugh.

Groups of protesters, most of them women, clogged the lobby of Grassley's Senate office on Thursday and targeted other Republican lawmakers. Many wore buttons stating "I believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford."

Ford came forward with the allegation in an interview published in the Washington Post last Sunday. She accused Kavanaugh of attacking her and trying to remove her clothing while he was drunk at a party when he was 17 years old and she was 15.

Democrats, already opposed to Kavanaugh even before Ford made her allegation, accused Republicans of trying to railroad the nomination through the Senate.

"They are totally intent on getting Judge Kavanaugh onto the Supreme Court, come hell or high water," said Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono, who touted a letter of support for Ford signed by more than 1,000 women who graduated from the Maryland school Ford attended in the 1980s.

Responding on Twitter to Democratic criticism, the Republican-led Judiciary Committee defended Grassley's approach and described how its staff members have contacted four people alleged to have been present at the house where the alleged incident occurred.

One of the four has yet to be publicly identified. Two others have said they have no recollection of any incident like the one Ford described.

Twelve of Ford's family members wrote an open letter, posted on Twitter by her niece, actress and singer Bridgit Mendler, calling Ford "highly ethical" and saying "her honesty is above reproach."

"We believe that Chrissy has acted bravely by voicing her experience from the past, and we know how difficult this is for her. Chrissy is not someone who chooses to be in the spotlight," the letter said.

A lawyer for the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's US Supreme Court nominee, of sexual assault told a Senate panel on Thursday the professor will not testify on Monday as Republicans want but would be willing to appear sometime next week if certain terms are met.

A lawyer for the woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's US Supreme Court nominee, of sexual assault told a Senate panel on Thursday the professor will not testify on Monday as Republicans want but would be willing to appear sometime next week if certain terms are met. Christine Blasey Ford, a psychology professor at Palo Alto University in California, has been given a Friday deadline by the Republican-led Judiciary Committee to decide whether to testify at a high-stakes hearing it has scheduled for Monday. Her lawyer, Debra Katz, said in an email to committee staff Ford would be willing to testify under "terms that are fair and which ensure her safety" and asked to schedule a call later on Thursday to discuss the conditions. If Ford agrees to appear, it would set the stage for a potentially explosive hearing just weeks before congressional elections that will decide the balance of power in Congress, against a backdrop of the #MeToo movement fighting sexual harassment and assault. Kavanaugh, the conservative federal appeals court judge nominated by Trump in July for the lifetime job as a Supreme Court justice, also has been invited to testify on Monday. The Senate must confirm Supreme Court nominees. Ford has said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982 when both were high school students in Maryland, an allegation Kavanaugh has called "completely false." "As you are aware, she has been receiving death threats, which have been reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and she and her family have been forced out of their home. She wishes to testify, provided that we can agree on terms that are fair and which ensure her safety," Katz wrote to the committee. "A hearing on Monday is not possible and the Committee's insistence that it occur then is arbitrary in any event," Katz added. A senior White House official said Kavanaugh and his wife also have received threats. Chuck Grassley, the committee's Republican chairman, on Wednesday sent a letter to Ford's lawyers giving her until 10 a.=m (1400 GMT) on Friday to submit prepared testimony if she intended to show up on Monday. Ford's lawyers had said on Tuesday she would testify only if the FBI first investigated her allegation. The FBI has said it is not investigating, a decision backed by Republicans who have accused Democrats of trying to delay the confirmation process. In the new email, Katz said Ford's "strong preference continues to be for the Senate Judiciary Committee to allow for a full investigation prior to her testimony." The confirmation fight has unfolded ahead of Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are seeking to take control of Congress from Trump's fellow Republicans. Kavanaugh's confirmation would solidify conservative control of the Supreme Court and further Trump's goal of moving the high court and the broader federal judiciary to the right. The Senate is narrowly controlled by Republicans, who have embraced the idea of a quick vote on Kavanaugh's nomination if Ford does not to testify. U.S. Capitol Police said 56 protesters were arrested in Senate office buildings during demonstrations against Kavanaugh. Groups of protesters, most of them women, clogged the lobby of Grassley's Senate office on Thursday and targeted other Republican lawmakers. Many wore buttons stating "I believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford." Ford came forward with the allegation in an interview published in the Washington Post last Sunday. She accused Kavanaugh of attacking her and trying to remove her clothing while he was drunk at a party when he was 17 years old and she was 15. Democrats, already opposed to Kavanaugh even before Ford made her allegation, accused Republicans of trying to railroad the nomination through the Senate. "They are totally intent on getting Judge Kavanaugh onto the Supreme Court, come hell or high water," said Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono, who touted a letter of support for Ford signed by more than 1,000 women who graduated from the Maryland school Ford attended in the 1980s. Responding on Twitter to Democratic criticism, the Republican-led Judiciary Committee defended Grassley's approach and described how its staff members have contacted four people alleged to have been present at the house where the alleged incident occurred. One of the four has yet to be publicly identified. Two others have said they have no recollection of any incident like the one Ford described. Twelve of Ford's family members wrote an open letter, posted on Twitter by her niece, actress and singer Bridgit Mendler, calling Ford "highly ethical" and saying "her honesty is above reproach." "We believe that Chrissy has acted bravely by voicing her experience from the past, and we know how difficult this is for her. Chrissy is not someone who chooses to be in the spotlight," the letter said.

Accuser of Trump's court nominee sets conditions for testifying

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