Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right.&nbsp;

The Senate voted 50-48 to approve Kavanaugh as protesters rallied across the country against a nominee who has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man and had questions raised over his candour and partisan rhetoric.

The prolonged nomination battle has roiled American politics and passions -- the vote was disrupted on several occasions by angry protests from the gallery -- but handed Trump one of the biggest victories of his presidency.

It drew the line under a bruising nomination process defined by harrowing testimony from a woman who says Kavanaugh tried to rape her when they were teenagers -- and by his fiery rebuttal.

The two-vote margin of victory made it the closest Supreme Court confirmation vote since 1881 -- and by far the most contentious since Clarence Thomas in 1991.

As Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Kavanaugh during a private Supreme Court ceremony, protesters demonstrated loudly outside, at one point rushing the steps of the court and banging on its ornate bronze doors while some sat on a Lady Justice statue.

The confirmation means Trump has succeeded in having his two picks seated on the court -- tilting it decidedly to the right in a major coup for the Republican leader less than halfway through his term.

During an evening rally in Topeka, Kansas, Trump was greeted by prolonged cheers on what he called a "truly historic night."

"I stand before you today on the heels of a tremendous victory for our nation, our people and our beloved Constitution," he told supporters after signing Kavanaugh's commission aboard Air Force One.

A separate, public swearing-in ceremony is planned for 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) Monday in the White House's East Room.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has railed against Kavanaugh's critics, said he was "proud" of his colleagues while Vice President Mike Pence, who presided in the Senate during the vote, called it a "historic day for our country."

It reflects a high water mark of the Trump presidency: Republican control of the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the judiciary's top court.

But the Kavanaugh spectacle, fueled by extraordinary accusations and counter-claims in nationally televised hearings, and tense battles over an 11th-hour FBI investigation to address the assault allegations, has inflamed political passions.

'Shame!' 
Hours before the vote, scores of protesters broke through barricades and staged a raucous sit-in protest on the US Capitol steps.

As protesters chanted "Shame!" and "November is coming!" police took several dozen demonstrators down the steps and put them in plastic flex-cuffs.&nbsp;

With tensions simmering, Pence got an earful from activists who booed and chanted "Vote them out!" as he walked to his motorcade.

Kavanaugh's confirmation process has laid bare the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill and the political polarization of America just a month before midterm elections.

"You don't hand matches to an arsonist, and you don't give power to an angry left-wing mob. That's what they have become. The democrats have become too extreme and too dangerous to govern," Trump said.&nbsp;

"Republicans are the party of law and order and justice. And we really have become even more so than ever before the party of opportunity and wealth."

Democratic senators, who had battled hard to block the 53-year-old judge, insisted the caustic battle over Kavanaugh would galvanize Democrats at the polls.&nbsp;

"It is a sad day, but the recourse will have to be on election day," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar told reporters.

Kavanaugh's confirmation had already been all but sealed Friday, when he won the support of key Senate Republican Susan Collins and conservative Democrat Joe Manchin.

'Presumption of innocence' 
The choice of Kavanaugh to replace retired justice Anthony Kennedy was controversial from the start -- but the initial focus was solely on the conservative views held by the married father of two.

His ascent to the Supreme Court was thrown into doubt last week after university research psychologist Christine Blasey Ford testified that he had sexually assaulted her at a Washington area gathering in the early 1980s.

The brutal hearing sparked a supplemental FBI dive into Kavanaugh's background and a weeklong delay of the Senate vote.&nbsp;

While many Republicans said they were satisfied with the FBI probe, Democrats and Blasey Ford's lawyers called the investigation insufficient.

'Praying for the country' 
Kavanaugh's nomination seals a conservative majority on the nine-seat high court, possibly for decades to come.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested on Capitol Hill this week -- including several dozen in the hours leading to the final vote.&nbsp;

Authorities took the rare step of putting up low metal fencing around the Capitol, keeping the public some distance from the building. But protesters overran the barricades and defiantly claimed the Capitol steps.

After the confirmation, activists gathered in their hundreds on the steps of the Supreme Court, chanting slogans and banging on its closed front doors.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, the only Republican to oppose Kavanaugh, said it was time for the Senate -- and Americans -- to "heal" after such a divisive few weeks.

She acknowledged the anguish of the protesters who interrupted the historic Senate vote, telling reporters afterward that "I was closing my eyes and praying. Praying for them, praying for us and praying for the country."

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right.

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday as US Supreme Court justice following the closest Senate confirmation vote in more than a century, marking a major win for President Donald Trump's drive to move the country's political institutions to the right. The Senate voted 50-48 to approve Kavanaugh as protesters rallied across the country against a nominee who has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct as a young man and had questions raised over his candour and partisan rhetoric. The prolonged nomination battle has roiled American politics and passions -- the vote was disrupted on several occasions by angry protests from the gallery -- but handed Trump one of the biggest victories of his presidency. It drew the line under a bruising nomination process defined by harrowing testimony from a woman who says Kavanaugh tried to rape her when they were teenagers -- and by his fiery rebuttal. The two-vote margin of victory made it the closest Supreme Court confirmation vote since 1881 -- and by far the most contentious since Clarence Thomas in 1991. As Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Kavanaugh during a private Supreme Court ceremony, protesters demonstrated loudly outside, at one point rushing the steps of the court and banging on its ornate bronze doors while some sat on a Lady Justice statue. The confirmation means Trump has succeeded in having his two picks seated on the court -- tilting it decidedly to the right in a major coup for the Republican leader less than halfway through his term. During an evening rally in Topeka, Kansas, Trump was greeted by prolonged cheers on what he called a "truly historic night." "I stand before you today on the heels of a tremendous victory for our nation, our people and our beloved Constitution," he told supporters after signing Kavanaugh's commission aboard Air Force One. A separate, public swearing-in ceremony is planned for 7:00 pm (2300 GMT) Monday in the White House's East Room. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has railed against Kavanaugh's critics, said he was "proud" of his colleagues while Vice President Mike Pence, who presided in the Senate during the vote, called it a "historic day for our country." It reflects a high water mark of the Trump presidency: Republican control of the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives and the judiciary's top court. But the Kavanaugh spectacle, fueled by extraordinary accusations and counter-claims in nationally televised hearings, and tense battles over an 11th-hour FBI investigation to address the assault allegations, has inflamed political passions. 'Shame!' Hours before the vote, scores of protesters broke through barricades and staged a raucous sit-in protest on the US Capitol steps. As protesters chanted "Shame!" and "November is coming!" police took several dozen demonstrators down the steps and put them in plastic flex-cuffs. With tensions simmering, Pence got an earful from activists who booed and chanted "Vote them out!" as he walked to his motorcade. Kavanaugh's confirmation process has laid bare the partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill and the political polarization of America just a month before midterm elections. "You don't hand matches to an arsonist, and you don't give power to an angry left-wing mob. That's what they have become. The democrats have become too extreme and too dangerous to govern," Trump said. "Republicans are the party of law and order and justice. And we really have become even more so than ever before the party of opportunity and wealth." Democratic senators, who had battled hard to block the 53-year-old judge, insisted the caustic battle over Kavanaugh would galvanize Democrats at the polls. "It is a sad day, but the recourse will have to be on election day," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar told reporters. Kavanaugh's confirmation had already been all but sealed Friday, when he won the support of key Senate Republican Susan Collins and conservative Democrat Joe Manchin. 'Presumption of innocence' The choice of Kavanaugh to replace retired justice Anthony Kennedy was controversial from the start -- but the initial focus was solely on the conservative views held by the married father of two. His ascent to the Supreme Court was thrown into doubt last week after university research psychologist Christine Blasey Ford testified that he had sexually assaulted her at a Washington area gathering in the early 1980s. The brutal hearing sparked a supplemental FBI dive into Kavanaugh's background and a weeklong delay of the Senate vote. While many Republicans said they were satisfied with the FBI probe, Democrats and Blasey Ford's lawyers called the investigation insufficient. 'Praying for the country' Kavanaugh's nomination seals a conservative majority on the nine-seat high court, possibly for decades to come. Hundreds of protesters were arrested on Capitol Hill this week -- including several dozen in the hours leading to the final vote. Authorities took the rare step of putting up low metal fencing around the Capitol, keeping the public some distance from the building. But protesters overran the barricades and defiantly claimed the Capitol steps. After the confirmation, activists gathered in their hundreds on the steps of the Supreme Court, chanting slogans and banging on its closed front doors. Senator Lisa Murkowski, the only Republican to oppose Kavanaugh, said it was time for the Senate -- and Americans -- to "heal" after such a divisive few weeks. She acknowledged the anguish of the protesters who interrupted the historic Senate vote, telling reporters afterward that "I was closing my eyes and praying. Praying for them, praying for us and praying for the country."

Brett Kavanaugh sworn into Supreme Court after fight that divided US

US Senate today approved sending judge&nbsp;Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to Supreme Court to a final vote on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-probe-does-not-support-kavanaugh-assault-claims-senate-judiciary-chairman-169489">Also Read:&nbsp;FBI probe does not support Kavanaugh assault claims, says&nbsp;Republican Senator Grassley</a>

The Senate voted 51-49 to approve Kavanaugh in the procedural cloture vote, with one Republican, Lisa Murkowski, opposing going forward while one Democrat, Joe Manchin, voted to move ahead.

Kavanaugh was nominated by Trump nearly three months ago but misconduct allegation levelled against him by a college professor in California Christine Blasey Ford&nbsp;jolted his chances to become a Supreme Court judge.

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Very proud of the U.S. Senate for voting “YES” to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!
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Although Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against advancing the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh but two other Republicans Susan Collins and Jeff Flake whose vote hung in the balance &nbsp;- each voted to advance the nomination as Trump's pick for Supreme Court judge won the day.

Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate.

Ford had earlier testified before the &nbsp;Senate Judiciary Committee alleging that Kavanaugh had assaulted her as a teenager in 1982 during a&nbsp;college get together. Kavanaugh denied all of the allegations against him during the Senate hearing on the same day.

Senator Chris Coons, who pressed for the FBI probe of the allegations had said Kavanaugh had "crossed a line in terms of judicial behaviour and temperament" with his attack on Democrats at the hearing, something "undecided senators should be weighing very carefully."

The FBI which was given a week to investigate Ford's claims allegation had submitted its report to the Senators on Thursday. The Democrats, however, denounced the FBI report as a whitewash alleging that it was narrow in scope and ignored witnesses.

The (FBI) investigation doesn’t come close to honouring and respecting the women who came forward to share their stories," Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley had said.

US Senate today approved sending judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to Supreme Court to a final vote on Saturday. Also Read: FBI probe does not support Kavanaugh assault claims, says Republican Senator Grassley The Senate voted 51-49 to approve Kavanaugh in the procedural cloture vote, with one Republican, Lisa Murkowski, opposing going forward while one Democrat, Joe Manchin, voted to move ahead.

US Senate today approved sending judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to Supreme Court to a final vote on Saturday. Also Read: FBI probe does not support Kavanaugh assault claims, says Republican Senator Grassley The Senate voted 51-49 to approve Kavanaugh in the procedural cloture vote, with one Republican, Lisa Murkowski, opposing going forward while one Democrat, Joe Manchin, voted to move ahead. Kavanaugh was nominated by Trump nearly three months ago but misconduct allegation levelled against him by a college professor in California Christine Blasey Ford jolted his chances to become a Supreme Court judge. Very proud of the U.S. Senate for voting “YES” to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2018 × Although Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against advancing the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh but two other Republicans Susan Collins and Jeff Flake whose vote hung in the balance - each voted to advance the nomination as Trump's pick for Supreme Court judge won the day. Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate. Ford had earlier testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee alleging that Kavanaugh had assaulted her as a teenager in 1982 during a college get together. Kavanaugh denied all of the allegations against him during the Senate hearing on the same day. Senator Chris Coons, who pressed for the FBI probe of the allegations had said Kavanaugh had "crossed a line in terms of judicial behaviour and temperament" with his attack on Democrats at the hearing, something "undecided senators should be weighing very carefully." The FBI which was given a week to investigate Ford's claims allegation had submitted its report to the Senators on Thursday. The Democrats, however, denounced the FBI report as a whitewash alleging that it was narrow in scope and ignored witnesses. The (FBI) investigation doesn’t come close to honouring and respecting the women who came forward to share their stories," Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley had said.

US Senate approves sending Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination to final vote

A new FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh found nothing to corroborate sexual assault allegations against US President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, a top Republican senator said Thursday.

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said it was now time for the full Senate to vote on Kavanaugh's lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court -- even as opposition leaders slammed the FBI probe as "incomplete."

"This investigation found no hint of misconduct," Grassley said in a statement. "There's nothing in it that we didn't already know."

The FBI, at the request of Democrats and a key Republican senator, Jeff Flake of Arizona, was given a week to look into allegations by a university professor, Christine Blasey Ford, that Kavanaugh attempted to rape her when they were teenagers decades ago.

"These uncorroborated accusations have been unequivocally and repeatedly rejected by Judge Kavanaugh, and neither the Judiciary Committee nor the FBI could locate any third parties who can attest to any of the allegations," Grassley said.

"It's time to vote," he said. "I'll be voting to confirm Judge Kavanaugh."

The Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority, could vote as early as Saturday and all eyes are on three key Republican senators who could make or break the nomination -- Flake, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

The White House received the results overnight of the latest FBI probe into the conservative 53-year-old judge and senators were reviewing it on Thursday.

Trump nominated Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had been a swing vote on a panel now equally divided between four conservative and four liberal justices.

But his Senate confirmation process has been roiled by the allegations from Blasey Ford, who testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

'Incomplete'&nbsp;

Trump took to Twitter on Thursday morning to say the FBI report vindicated his nominee and expressed optimism about Republican chances in the November midterm elections, where control of the House of Representatives and Senate could be at stake.

"The harsh and unfair treatment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh is having an incredible upward impact on voters," Trump said. "The PEOPLE get it far better than the politicians.

"Most importantly, this great life cannot be ruined by mean &amp; despicable Democrats and totally uncorroborated allegations," Trump said.

Democrats, meanwhile, assailed the FBI investigation as being too limited in scope.

The Senate Judicial Committee's top Democrat Dianne Feinstein said she not yet had access to the entire report -- but that from what she had seen it appeared insufficient to lay to rest concerns about Kavanaugh.&nbsp;

"It looks to be a product of an incomplete investigation that was limited perhaps by the White House, I don't know," she told reporters on Capitol Hill.

"We had many fears that this was a very limited process," added Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer. "Those fears have been realized."

Kavanaugh's nomination, which comes amid an atmosphere of bitter political partisanship in Washington, could tilt the court to the right for decades to come.

Even before senators saw the new FBI material, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved to end debate on Kavanaugh's nomination, setting up a Friday procedural vote and a final vote as early as the following day.

Blasey Ford testified last week that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a house party in the early 1980s while they were in high school.

Kavanaugh vehemently denied the allegation and further sexual misconduct claims against him from two other women.

'Just plain wrong'&nbsp;

In the new background probe, the FBI contacted 10 people and interviewed nine, The New York Times reported. It was not clear why the 10th was not interviewed.

They include three people who Ford says were in the house at the time of the party. One is Mark Judge, who the professor says was in the room when Kavanaugh lay on top of her, ground his genitals against her and covered her mouth to keep her from screaming.

On Wednesday, the three Republican senators key to Kavanaugh's approval blasted Trump for mocking Ford's memory lapses at a political rally.

Still undecided on backing the conservative judge, Senator Collins denounced the president's comments ridiculing Ford as "just plain wrong."

Senator Murkowski called Trump's speech "wholly inappropriate" and "unacceptable."

Senator Flake, the third Republican swing vote, said there was "no time and no place for remarks like that."

"It's kind of appalling," he added.

A new FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh found nothing to corroborate sexual assault allegations against US President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, a top Republican senator said Thursday.

A new FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh found nothing to corroborate sexual assault allegations against US President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, a top Republican senator said Thursday. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said it was now time for the full Senate to vote on Kavanaugh's lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court -- even as opposition leaders slammed the FBI probe as "incomplete." "This investigation found no hint of misconduct," Grassley said in a statement. "There's nothing in it that we didn't already know." The FBI, at the request of Democrats and a key Republican senator, Jeff Flake of Arizona, was given a week to look into allegations by a university professor, Christine Blasey Ford, that Kavanaugh attempted to rape her when they were teenagers decades ago. "These uncorroborated accusations have been unequivocally and repeatedly rejected by Judge Kavanaugh, and neither the Judiciary Committee nor the FBI could locate any third parties who can attest to any of the allegations," Grassley said. "It's time to vote," he said. "I'll be voting to confirm Judge Kavanaugh." The Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 51-49 majority, could vote as early as Saturday and all eyes are on three key Republican senators who could make or break the nomination -- Flake, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. The White House received the results overnight of the latest FBI probe into the conservative 53-year-old judge and senators were reviewing it on Thursday. Trump nominated Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had been a swing vote on a panel now equally divided between four conservative and four liberal justices. But his Senate confirmation process has been roiled by the allegations from Blasey Ford, who testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. 'Incomplete' Trump took to Twitter on Thursday morning to say the FBI report vindicated his nominee and expressed optimism about Republican chances in the November midterm elections, where control of the House of Representatives and Senate could be at stake. "The harsh and unfair treatment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh is having an incredible upward impact on voters," Trump said. "The PEOPLE get it far better than the politicians. "Most importantly, this great life cannot be ruined by mean & despicable Democrats and totally uncorroborated allegations," Trump said. Democrats, meanwhile, assailed the FBI investigation as being too limited in scope. The Senate Judicial Committee's top Democrat Dianne Feinstein said she not yet had access to the entire report -- but that from what she had seen it appeared insufficient to lay to rest concerns about Kavanaugh. "It looks to be a product of an incomplete investigation that was limited perhaps by the White House, I don't know," she told reporters on Capitol Hill. "We had many fears that this was a very limited process," added Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer. "Those fears have been realized." Kavanaugh's nomination, which comes amid an atmosphere of bitter political partisanship in Washington, could tilt the court to the right for decades to come. Even before senators saw the new FBI material, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved to end debate on Kavanaugh's nomination, setting up a Friday procedural vote and a final vote as early as the following day. Blasey Ford testified last week that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a house party in the early 1980s while they were in high school. Kavanaugh vehemently denied the allegation and further sexual misconduct claims against him from two other women. 'Just plain wrong' In the new background probe, the FBI contacted 10 people and interviewed nine, The New York Times reported. It was not clear why the 10th was not interviewed. They include three people who Ford says were in the house at the time of the party. One is Mark Judge, who the professor says was in the room when Kavanaugh lay on top of her, ground his genitals against her and covered her mouth to keep her from screaming. On Wednesday, the three Republican senators key to Kavanaugh's approval blasted Trump for mocking Ford's memory lapses at a political rally. Still undecided on backing the conservative judge, Senator Collins denounced the president's comments ridiculing Ford as "just plain wrong." Senator Murkowski called Trump's speech "wholly inappropriate" and "unacceptable." Senator Flake, the third Republican swing vote, said there was "no time and no place for remarks like that." "It's kind of appalling," he added.

FBI probe does not support Kavanaugh assault claims: Republican senator Grassley

US President Donald Trump defended Monday his embattled Supreme Court nominee <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wants-comprehensive-fbi-investigation-kavanaugh-168846">Brett </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-wants-comprehensive-fbi-investigation-kavanaugh-168846">Kavanaugh</a>, but said that the appeals court judge has had a "bit of difficulty" with alcohol.

Trump called Kavanaugh's treatment unfair, days after the FBI opened a Senate-requested probe into allegations by three women that a drunken Kavanaugh sexually abused them or engaged in sexual misconduct while they were students in the 1980s.

In a White House press conference, Trump sought to excuse excessive drinking by teenagers, while going beyond Kavanaugh's own testimony on his past use of alcohol to the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

"I was surprised at how vocal he was about the fact that he likes beer," the president said.

"He's had a little bit of difficulty. He talked about things that happened when he drank. This is not a man that said... he was perfect with respect to alcohol."

He also questioned why investigators needed to examine the 53-year-old Kavanaugh's high school record.

"I think it's very unfair to bring up things like this," Trump said.

"I graduated from high school and while I did not drink, I saw a lot of people drinking," he said.

"They drink beer and go crazy and they were in high school... Does that mean that they can't do something they want to do in their life?"

'I like beer'

In Thursday's extraordinary hearing, Kavanaugh vehemently denied the sexual abuse allegations, and also aggressively challenged suggestions he had a drinking problem at the time.

"I drank beer with my friends. Sometimes I had too many beers," he told the panel. &nbsp;

"Yes, we drank beer. I liked beer. I still like beer," he said.

"If every American who drinks beer or every American who drank beer in high school is suddenly presumed guilty of sexual assault, it will be an ugly, new place in this country."

Trump meanwhile said the White House would not restrict the new FBI probe, requested by senators before they take a final vote on Kavanaugh.

"I think the FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," Trump said.

"I want it to be comprehensive.... With that being said, I would like to go quickly," he added.

"We don't want to go on a witch hunt, do we?"

Senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, struck a deal Friday that gives the FBI one week to conduct its investigation and deliver its report.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate, made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats, will be "voting this week" on advancing the Kavanaugh nomination, setting up a possible final confirmation vote this weekend or early next week.

"The time for endless delay and obstruction has come to a close," McConnell said.

Last week, Flake expressed eagerness to see Kavanaugh confirmed but said he wanted a "better process" for assessing the allegations. Flake said over the weekend that he would vote for Kavanaugh unless the FBI finds something in its investigation.

US President Donald Trump defended Monday his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, but said that the appeals court judge has had a "bit of difficulty" with alcohol.

US President Donald Trump defended Monday his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, but said that the appeals court judge has had a "bit of difficulty" with alcohol. Trump called Kavanaugh's treatment unfair, days after the FBI opened a Senate-requested probe into allegations by three women that a drunken Kavanaugh sexually abused them or engaged in sexual misconduct while they were students in the 1980s. In a White House press conference, Trump sought to excuse excessive drinking by teenagers, while going beyond Kavanaugh's own testimony on his past use of alcohol to the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. "I was surprised at how vocal he was about the fact that he likes beer," the president said. "He's had a little bit of difficulty. He talked about things that happened when he drank. This is not a man that said... he was perfect with respect to alcohol." He also questioned why investigators needed to examine the 53-year-old Kavanaugh's high school record. "I think it's very unfair to bring up things like this," Trump said. "I graduated from high school and while I did not drink, I saw a lot of people drinking," he said. "They drink beer and go crazy and they were in high school... Does that mean that they can't do something they want to do in their life?" 'I like beer' In Thursday's extraordinary hearing, Kavanaugh vehemently denied the sexual abuse allegations, and also aggressively challenged suggestions he had a drinking problem at the time. "I drank beer with my friends. Sometimes I had too many beers," he told the panel. "Yes, we drank beer. I liked beer. I still like beer," he said. "If every American who drinks beer or every American who drank beer in high school is suddenly presumed guilty of sexual assault, it will be an ugly, new place in this country." Trump meanwhile said the White House would not restrict the new FBI probe, requested by senators before they take a final vote on Kavanaugh. "I think the FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," Trump said. "I want it to be comprehensive.... With that being said, I would like to go quickly," he added. "We don't want to go on a witch hunt, do we?" Senators, including Republican Jeff Flake, struck a deal Friday that gives the FBI one week to conduct its investigation and deliver its report. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate, made up of 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats, will be "voting this week" on advancing the Kavanaugh nomination, setting up a possible final confirmation vote this weekend or early next week. "The time for endless delay and obstruction has come to a close," McConnell said. Last week, Flake expressed eagerness to see Kavanaugh confirmed but said he wanted a "better process" for assessing the allegations. Flake said over the weekend that he would vote for Kavanaugh unless the FBI finds something in its investigation.

Trump says Kavanaugh had a 'bit of difficulty' with alcohol

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

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 

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

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

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