“Over the past eight weeks, I’ve witnessed firsthand the Senate’s deep appreciation for the vital role of the American judiciary.” “This confirmation process has become a national disgrace.” “The first thing that makes a good judge is independence, not being swayed by political or public pressure — that takes some backbone.” “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, revenge on behalf of the Clintons, and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups.” “The Supreme Court must never, never be viewed as a partisan institution. The justices on the Supreme Court do not sit on opposite sides of an aisle.” “There has been a frenzy on the left to come up with something, anything.” “The behavior of several of the Democratic members of this committee at my hearing a few weeks ago was an embarrassment.” “This is a circus.” “The Supreme Court is the last line of defense for the separation of powers.” “My judicial philosophy is straightforward: A judge must be independent.” “I do not decide cases based on personal or policy preferences.” “Are you saying that Doctor Ford’s efforts to come forward, to prepare for the very difficult testimony she gave today, have all been part of an orchestrated political hit, and are you basically calling her some kind of political operative?” “I’ve said, my family has no ill will toward Dr. Ford.” “But you’re not saying in any way that she is a political pawn, political operative?” “I said all allegations should be taken seriously.” “And you made the allegation that she was coordinating it. I do not think she was coordinating —” “I did not say that. That‘s a —” “You said — I’m sorry — so you said that others were making a coordinated —” “Coordinated by people in this room.” “Not her. So she was not —” “People in this room coordinated it.”