Trump likely to win whether or not Kavanaugh is confirmed

By John Whitesides

 

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump talks with his nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, at his nomination announcement in the East Room of the White House in Washington, July 9, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Bourg/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The ugly partisan brawl over U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation remains undecided, but President Donald Trump appears likely to come out on top regardless of the outcome.

 

If Kavanaugh is confirmed by the Senate in a vote planned on Saturday, Trump will have succeeded in placing his second justice on the top U.S. court and fulfilled his pledge to solidify its conservative majority.

 

Even if Kavanaugh is rejected, the battle to save his nomination in the face of sexual misconduct allegations has jolted a slumbering Republican base to life just ahead of the Nov. 6 elections, political strategists and new polls suggest.

 

"This has done more to wake up complacent Republican voters than anything I have seen," said Robert Cahaly, a pollster and senior strategist at The Trafalgar Group, a Republican-leaning consulting and polling firm.

 

Trump's pugnacious style was well suited to the messy drama, and his decision to stick by Kavanaugh, mock the woman who accused the nominee of sexual assault and use the controversy to fire up supporters could help Republicans in key Senate races in conservative states - even if it turns off independents and women voters in suburban House of Representatives districts that were already trending away from Republicans.

 

Several recent polls show that Republican enthusiasm about voting, which had lagged behind Democrats, jumped after the dramatic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week in which Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault in 1982 and Kavanaugh angrily denied her accusation and sexual misconduct allegations by two other women.

 

The shift has bolstered Republican hopes of saving their Senate majority in the Nov. 6 elections. Democrats must gain two Senate seats and 23 House seats to claim majorities in each chamber, enabling them to block Trump's agenda and investigate his administration.

 

Fuelled by resistance to Trump, polls have found Democrats were far more enthusiastic about voting than Republicans for most of the year. But a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll showed the Democratic advantage in voter enthusiasm slipping to only 2 points this week from 10 points in July.

 

That newfound enthusiasm, which Republicans strategists say they are seeing around the country, could bolster Republicans in close Senate battles in Florida, North Dakota, Missouri, Montana, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia - all states carried by Trump in 2016.

 

"There is no question the Kavanaugh fight has provided a burst of energy to Republican voters at a critical time," said Brian Walsh, a Republican strategist and former staffer for the party's Senate campaign committee.

 

'WOMEN WILL TURN OUT'

Democrats contend that the Kavanaugh nomination and sexual misconduct allegations have motivated women and independents in contentious House races, many of which are in suburban and swing districts where Trump already was less popular.

 

"I think women are going to turn out in very big numbers to express their opinion," Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, told reporters on Wednesday.

 

"While I believe there is some energy on the other side as well, I don't think it matches the energy that was created on our side that was already at high level," he said.

 

Trump has stoked outrage over the Kavanaugh hearing on the campaign trail, enthusiastically using it as Exhibit A in why Republicans need to retain control of Congress. At stops over the past week in West Virginia, Tennessee and Mississippi, Trump painted Democrats as villains who had to be stopped for trying to sink Kavanaugh's nomination.

 

"Democrats are willing to do anything and to hurt anyone to get their way, like they're doing with Judge Kavanaugh," he told cheering supporters in Johnson City, Tennessee, where Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Phil Bredesen are embroiled in a toss-up race.

 

A source familiar with Trump's campaign strategy said that whatever drawbacks Republican candidates might face from standing with Trump were far outweighed by the benefits of energizing Trump voters.

 

"Democrats can't get more motivated," the source said. "Who can be more motivated is Republican voters."

 

Republican Senate candidates in Missouri and Montana have made the Supreme Court fight part of their campaign message and released television ads referencing it. Incumbent Democrats Claire McCaskill in Missouri and Jon Tester in Montana have both said they will vote against Kavanaugh.

 

"I will fight for the Supreme Court. It's the last line of defence for our values," Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley of Missouri says in his ad.

 

Given the tumultuous political atmosphere and short shelf life of controversies in Washington, it is possible, however, the fallout from the Kavanaugh fight could fade before the election.

 

"The question is whether this will really last for another 30 days." Walsh said. "There are still going to be about 100 news cycles between now and the election."

 

(Reporting by John Whitesides; Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton and Richard Cowan in Washington; Editing by Sue Horton and Peter Cooney)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-10-05

The Mantra of the Far Left before and during the committee meetings

     "We Will Stop At Nothing".

Decent American's are sick of the search and destroy mission tactics of the resistance and those who support it,MSM,Dem's and Far left. 

4 minutes ago, riclag said:

The Mantra of the Far Left before and during the committee meetings

     "We Will Stop At Nothing".

Decent American's are sick of the search and destroy mission tactics of the resistance and those who support it,MSM,Dem's and Far left. 

The "decent American's" who support a racist, woman molester, bullying, tax criminal?

7 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

The "decent American's" who support a racist, woman molester, bullying, tax criminal?

OK, A non American anti Trump opinion

Edited October 5, 20187 yr by riclag

8 minutes ago, riclag said:

Decent American's

555

4 minutes ago, riclag said:

OK, A non American opinion

A fact

Anybody who saw Kavanaugh's behavior last week and still thinks that is the correct person to be Supreme Court Judge should visit a doctor.

 

Forget about left and right and Dems and GOP for a minute. Do you really think someone with the temperament and behavior of this want-to-be supreme court judge is suitable for that job? Is he the best or even one of the best the USA has to offer?

Please check again!

15 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Anybody who saw Kavanaugh's behavior last week and still thinks that is the correct person to be Supreme Court Judge should visit a doctor.

 

Forget about left and right and Dems and GOP for a minute. Do you really think someone with the temperament and behavior of this want-to-be supreme court judge is suitable for that job? Is he the best or even one of the best the USA has to offer?

Please check again!

Don't know what country your from but we use a presumption of innocent until proven guilt ,it's a standard guideline ,in any hearing or court trial to seek the truth,even for a job interview!

7 FBI investigations and no corroboration to the allegations,and most importantly the the steps to destroy a man who try's to defend himself of rape charges by the Far Left lynch him mob,We will stop at nothing movement,In my opinion just bought the mid terms for American people who voted for change

Edited October 5, 20187 yr by riclag

13 minutes ago, riclag said:

Don't know what country your from but we use a presumption of innocent until proven guilt ,it's a standard guideline ,in any hearing or court trial to seek the truth,even for a job interview!

7 FBI investigations and no corroboration to the allegations,and most importantly the the steps to destroy a man who try's to defend himself of rape charges by the Far Left lynch him mob,We will stop at nothing movement,In my opinion just bought the mid terms for American people who voted for change

Did I mention anywhere that he is guilty of a crime? No.

 

But a supreme court judge should be more than only crime free.

He should have the right character for that job. And the way he behaved in that hearing shows clearly that he is not qualified in that way. It seems he just knows that his is his job and anybody who dares to question this must be some leftist supported by the Clintons and paid by some radical left organizations.

He and his supporters want that he gets that job now before the next senate elections. It seems to be the truth is not really important anymore because finding out the truth might just take too long. He has to be confirmed now, he deserves it, the conservative voters deserve it - at least that is what they think.

 

Just pretend for a moment he would be a person who would apply for a job in your company. You would ask him a couple of questions and then he would get in a shitty mood and tell you he deserves that job. Would you hire him - even if he is qualified?

Kav will be confirmed Saturday regardless of the grievance clowns who cannot or will not see that this fine man is ???? % innocent of all the slander. 

46 minutes ago, Boon Mee said:

Kav will be confirmed Saturday regardless of the grievance clowns who cannot or will not see that this fine man is ???? % innocent of all the slander. 

Maybe he should have a beer and forget about it.

2 hours ago, riclag said:

Don't know what country your from but we use a presumption of innocent until proven guilt ,it's a standard guideline ,in any hearing or court trial to seek the truth,even for a job interview!

7 FBI investigations and no corroboration to the allegations,and most importantly the the steps to destroy a man who try's to defend himself of rape charges by the Far Left lynch him mob,We will stop at nothing movement,In my opinion just bought the mid terms for American people who voted for change

 

you're wrong - shame on you

just look to Cuba

guilty until proven not guilty

 

the US is a total disgrace

 

1 hour ago, Boon Mee said:

Kav will be confirmed Saturday regardless of the grievance clowns who cannot or will not see that this fine man is ???? % innocent of all the slander. 

 

FBI not coming up with anything, ok - go ahead -appoint the guy

maybe not particularly suitable -but at  least not criminal according to FBI

 

Galvanize Republicans?

How about galvanizing women voters?

2 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

The "decent American's" who support a racist, woman molester, bullying, tax criminal?

Nooo, the decent Americans who stopped HRC from sitting her arse in the WH.

5 minutes ago, Joe Mcseismic said:

Galvanize Republicans?

How about galvanizing women voters?

Seems to be a toss up at best....People are getting tired of the left's histrionics & distortion.....The rabid supporters for each side will stay in place....

It seems to be galvanizing against the left.....

8 minutes ago, pgrahmm said:

Seems to be a toss up at best....People are getting tired of the left's histrionics & distortion.....The rabid supporters for each side will stay in place....

It seems to be galvanizing against the left.....

I agree about the Democrat's increasing histrionics and distortion, but, people are also tired of the Republican's blatant lies, hypocrisy and bullying.

 

American politics is terminally broken. It's not enough now to win an argument, the loser must be ground into dust, shamed and humiliated. Otherwise, it can't be called a victory.

Compromise and reaching across the aisle is now considered as treason against the party. Most Americans I have talked to are disgusted by both parties and yearn for the days when politicians from opposing parties were at least civil to one another.

The more they come after Trump and the more he tells them to get stuffed the more I love Trump. 

3 hours ago, riclag said:

OK, A non American anti Trump opinion

Dismiss the foreigner opinion? Dismiss those of us who, comparing the goals of both major American political parties, lean Democrat? How convenient, no valid opposition. Well, we will see come November. You may be right that I have no country that I recognize as American.

3 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Anybody who saw Kavanaugh's behavior last week and still thinks that is the correct person to be Supreme Court Judge should visit a doctor.

 

As should Kavanaugh.... 

5 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

So instead, Ill have a nice dinner, relax, and maybe check the stock market. Up up up.

Better not.........it'll spoil your dinner.

A post containing an offensive comment has been removed as well as a reply. 

34 minutes ago, Joe Mcseismic said:

I agree about the Democrat's increasing histrionics and distortion, but, people are also tired of the Republican's blatant lies, hypocrisy and bullying.

 

American politics is terminally broken. It's not enough now to win an argument, the loser must be ground into dust, shamed and humiliated. Otherwise, it can't be called a victory.

Compromise and reaching across the aisle is now considered as treason against the party. Most Americans I have talked to are disgusted by both parties and yearn for the days when politicians from opposing parties were at least civil to one another.

I can honestly say much of what you suggest has a place for discussion.As a  Independent party voter who always voted Dem in my life,I detested mud slinging and political attacks.I have been slighted in the past by promises of the politicians . I voted for change,a non politician .I have been under the impression all my life lawyers have a license to steal and  most politicians are low life,just google "why politicians are despised" ! 

10 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

Cant you guys ever have a thread without name calling?

 

Im almost in the mood to head over to Sukhamvit with a MAGA hat and see what I can stir up. 

 

But I wont...you know why? Because Im too old and that would be as childish as the name calling directed at President Trump and those who support his efforts. So instead, Ill have a nice dinner, relax, and maybe check the stock market. Up up up.

 

Or maybe Ill roll over to MBK and get a MACA hat made...Make America Civil Again. 

 

Bet someone responds to the foregoing with some insult.

Man, now I want a MAGA hat. No, you're not to old, do it and report back.

2 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Man, now I want a MAGA hat. No, you're not to old, do it and report back.

I have influenced a young Thai friend with threats of take care ,take care if she would wear a Make America Great Again  cap.Her response was mai bien rai! As you can see

3 hours ago, riclag said:

Don't know what country your from but we use a presumption of innocent until proven guilt ,it's a standard guideline ,in any hearing or court trial to seek the truth,even for a job interview!

7 FBI investigations and no corroboration to the allegations,and most importantly the the steps to destroy a man who try's to defend himself of rape charges by the Far Left lynch him mob,We will stop at nothing movement,In my opinion just bought the mid terms for American people who voted for change

????????????????????..... ok.... I’ll bite.

 

how do you, in America, determine guilt (or innocence) once an accusation is made... oh right... sorry... there it is in line three... seek the truth.... ????????????.... in my country that’s done by investigation, but I have never heard of an investigation being conducted by restricting its scope in such a way, by a politician

 

that is sort of opposite to “investigate” imo.... and a great way to prevent the truth from being discovered.... lol.. so much for seeking the truth.

 

mmmm... so... we do it with transparency... vs investigative enquiries, under restrictive conditions, designed to obsfugate the outcome.

 

lol... we also require politicians to provide tax returns and transparency in business dealings.

 

and... if we find deceit, those people get the bums rush... (including the elected leader)

 

life time appointments... lol... like the pope giving crusaders absolution for crimes past, present and future. ????????.... medieval America... lol... women where chattels, back then, too.... seems progress is slow in some people.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, riclag said:

The Mantra of the Far Left before and during the committee meetings

     "We Will Stop At Nothing".

Decent American's are sick of the search and destroy mission tactics of the resistance and those who support it,MSM,Dem's and Far left. 

 

You keep inventing mantras. Keep labeling pretty much anyone on the other side as "far left". And keep co-opting "decent Americans" and such as being supportive of Trump. Not much room for discussion there, but do go on about how unreasonable that other side is. Spin it how you like, Trump isn't "decent" - pretty much an anathema to his character.

4 hours ago, riclag said:

Don't know what country your from but we use a presumption of innocent until proven guilt ,it's a standard guideline ,in any hearing or court trial to seek the truth,even for a job interview!

7 FBI investigations and no corroboration to the allegations,and most importantly the the steps to destroy a man who try's to defend himself of rape charges by the Far Left lynch him mob,We will stop at nothing movement,In my opinion just bought the mid terms for American people who voted for change

 

That whole presumption of innocence thing, didn't seem to be much of an issue when it came to them "lock her up" chants. Can't recall you being half as indignant about that. Same goes for the many posts in which you toss the same sort of unverified allegations and generalizations.

Edited October 5, 20187 yr by Morch

23 minutes ago, riclag said:

I can honestly say much of what you suggest has a place for discussion.As a  Independent party voter who always voted Dem in my life,I detested mud slinging and political attacks.I have been slighted in the past by promises of the politicians . I voted for change,a non politician .I have been under the impression all my life lawyers have a license to steal and  most politicians are low life,just google "why politicians are despised" ! 

 

"...I detested mud slinging and political attacks".

 

Nothing in your posts indicates anything remotely in line with that comment. Pull the other one.

19 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

You keep inventing mantras. Keep labeling pretty much anyone on the other side as "far left". And keep co-opting "decent Americans" and such as being supportive of Trump. Not much room for discussion there, but do go on about how unreasonable that other side is. Spin it how you like, Trump isn't "decent" - pretty much an anathema to his character.

Mr. Trump can at times be awkward in his tweets and speeches and at times calculated and conditioned from experience.. IMOP there are three sides to political ideology, two are obvious,the other is very impressionable and reasonable! 

Edited October 5, 20187 yr by riclag