“I am here because I believe it is my civic duty. ...” “This confirmation process has become a national disgrace.” “Early in the evening, I went up a very narrow set of stairs leading from the living room to a second floor to use the restroom. When I got to the top of the stairs, I was pushed from behind into a bedroom across from the bathroom. I couldn’t see who pushed me. Brett and Mark came into the bedroom and locked the door behind them. There was music playing in the bedroom. It was turned up louder by either Brett or Mark once we were in the room. I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding into me. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from yelling. This is 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.” “Dr. Ford, with what degree of certainty do you believe Brett Kavanaugh assaulted you?” “One hundred percent.” “What is the strongest memory you have?” “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter — the uproarious laughter between the two, and they’re having fun at my expense.” “You’ve never forgotten that laughter, never forgotten them laughing at you?” “I was underneath one of them while the two laughed — two friends having a really good time with one another.” “Are you aware that the three people at the party besides yourself and Brett Kavanaugh have given statements under penalty of felony to the committee?” “Yes.” “And are you aware of what those statements say?” “Yes.” “Are you aware that they say that they have no memory or knowledge of such a party?” “I don’t expect that P.J. and Leland would remember this evening. It was a very unremarkable party. It was not one of their more notorious parties. Because nothing remarkable happened to them that evening — they were downstairs. And Mr. Judge is a different story — I would expect that he would remember that this happened.” “I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation against me by Dr. Ford. This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside, left-wing opposition groups. The other night, Ashley and my daughter Liza said their prayers. And little Liza, all of 10 years old, said to Ashley, we should pray for the woman.” “Was there ever a time when you drink so much that you couldn’t remember what happened or part of what happened the night before?” “I – no. I remember what happened. And, I think you’ve probably had beers, Senator, and so —” “So you’re saying there’s never been a case where you drank so much that you didn’t remember what happened the night before, or part of what happened?” “That’s — you’re asking about yeah, blackout. I don’t know, have you?” “Could you answer the question, Judge? And just — so you — that’s not happened? Is that your answer?” “Yeah, and I’m curious if you have.” “I have no drinking problem, Judge.” “Yeah, nor do I.” “O.K., thank you.” “In your yearbook, you talked about drinking and sexual exploits, did you not?” “Senator, let me take a step back and explain high school. I was No. 1 in the class, freshman —” “And I thought —” “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.” “I thought only the Senate could filibuster.” “I’m going to talk about my high school —” “I thought only the Senate could filibuster.” “No, no, I’m going to talk —” “Let him answer.” “I’m going to talk about my high school record if you’re going to sit here and mock me.” “You said, ‘I welcome any kind of investigation.’ I quote you. ‘I welcome any kind of investigation.’” “I welcome whatever the committee wants to do, because I’m telling the truth.” “I want to know what you want to do.” “I’m telling the truth.” “I want to know what you want to do, Judge.” “I’m innocent. I’m innocent of this charge.” “Then you’re prepared for an F.B.I. investigation?” “They don‘t reach conclusions. You reach the conclusions, Senator.“ “No, but they do investigate questions.” “If you wanted an F.B.I. investigation, you could’ve come to us. What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020. You said that, not me. You’ve got nothing to apologize for. When you see Sotomayor and Kagan, tell him that Lindsey said hello. Because I voted for them. I would never do to them what you’ve done to this guy. This is the most unethical sham since I’ve been in politics. And if you really wanted to know the truth, you sure as hell wouldn’t have done what you’ve done to this guy. Are you a gang rapist?” “No.” “I cannot imagine what you and your family have gone through.”