By constitutional design, this is a political process, this time playing out in a polarized America. Democrats sprang a last-second surprise to derail the nomination, or at least delay it. With Ford’s assent, Senate investigators or the FBI could have promptly and discreetly dealt with these questions over the summer with much less pain for both families. Democrats who had called for this FBI investigation said Thursday they aren’t satisfied with its brevity. It is likely, however, that most opponents would not be satisfied by any length of investigation that gave them no fresh ammunition.