Today's MOZEN: The Only Way

F LoBuono

As a surprise to virtually no one, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted exactly along Party lines (11 Republicans voted YEA. The 10 Democrats all voted NAY) to send the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court to the whole Senate for final approval. However, GOP Senator, Jeff Flake, has proposed a compromise addressing the roiling controversy over the allegations of sexual abuse leveled against Judge Kavanaugh by a college professor, Dr. Chrisitine Blasey Ford. He has suggested that the vote be delayed exactly one week for the FBI to conduct a thorough, but limited, investigation into the alleged incident that occurred over 3 decades ago. At the end of next week, i.e. Friday, 10/5/2018, the committee will deliver the FBI's findings.

The compromise has been met with optimism from both parties. Even the President, normally not prone to compromise, seems willing to give it a shot. As of this posting, it remains to be seen if it will actually occur.

There are a number of take-aways that we can glean from this proposal. And, depending on the outcome, would produce radically different results for both parties:

1. Why didn't Kavanaugh agree to the investigation in the first place? If he is as innocent as he contends, what would it serve him to NOT have that confirmed? It can certainly leave one assuming that he does, indeed, have something to hide. Whether closet skeletons exist at all and are of a sufficiently egregious nature, might determine if the judge himself withdraws his nomination.

2. What if the FBI finds sufficient evidence to support Dr. Ford's claims? Will the GOP and the President have the social consciousness to admit their mistake and vote NOT to confirm or, have him withdraw.

3. What if the FBI finds NO credible evidence to support Dr. Ford's claims? Will the Democrats have the social consciousness to admit their mistake and vote TO confirm him?

The stakes couldn't be higher. This nomination will effect the Court for decades. So, certainly, a week's delay does not seem an unreasonable to attempt to get it right.

For the Republicans, should he be found to have perpetrated the act, even from 36 years ago, their continued support of him would make them seem hopelessly lost in partisan politics, unable to do the right thing. They will have to admit their mistake, apologize (if THAT'S even possible) and, move on. Unless they act quickly and with sincerity, they will face an uphill climb for the midterm elections. On the other hand, if he is "exonerated" completely, they will look like heroes for supporting him.

Should the evidence against judge Kavanaugh be found lacking, the Democrats will be put in an equally tenuous position. They will also be forced to admit their mistake and might even be asked to put their backing behind the judge, eliminating any other objection to his appointment. Should he be further "implicated", they will look heroes for opposing him.

It may not be a perfect solution to this very vexing problem. However, it is at least an attempt for clarity and transparency. Without it, we will left with far more questions than answers at a time when we can ill afford to be wrong.