(CNN) Lindsey Graham is, to my mind, one of the five best senators in the world's greatest deliberative body. Agree or disagree with the South Carolina Republican, but he is transparent about his views, open to listening to views other than his, optimistic about what politics can and should do, and self aware enough to be able to laugh at himself.

Which is why what Graham said about the coming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who alleges Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both in high school, is so disappointing.

"What am I supposed to do, go ahead and ruin this guy's life based on an accusation? I'm just being honest. Unless there's something more, no, I'm not going to ruin Judge Kavanaugh's life over this. But she should come forward. She should have her say. She will be respectfully treated."

Just in case you wondered whether Graham might have misspoken, he emphasized that his mind was largely made up again. "I will listen, but I'm not going to play a game here and tell you this will wipe out his entire life," Graham noted. "'Cause if nothing changes, it won't with me."

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