Supreme Court

Kavanaugh Says He May Have Been ‘Too Emotional' During Testimony

Kavanaugh's comments came in The Wall Street Journal

Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged Thursday he "might have been too emotional" when testifying about sexual misconduct allegations as he made a final bid to win over wavering GOP senators on the eve of a crucial vote to advance his confirmation.

Three GOP senators and one Democrat remain undecided about elevating Kavanaugh to the high court. Two of the Republicans signaled Thursday that they were satisfied with the findings of a confidential new FBI report into the assault allegations, boosting the hopes of GOP leaders.

President Donald Trump rallied behind Kavanaugh during a campaign event in Minnesota Thursday night, telling supporters that the "rage-fueled resistance" to his nominee "is starting to backfire at a level nobody has ever seen before."

Still, Kavanaugh's op-ed underscored that his performance at a Senate hearing last week opened new questions about his impartiality and judicial temperament. Democrats say Kavanaugh's assertion that left-wing groups seeking "revenge on behalf of the Clintons" were behind the misconduct allegations suggests he would rule from the bench with a partisan bent.

In an op-ed Thursday in The Wall Street Journal, Kavanaugh said there were "a few things I should not have said" during the hearing.

"Going forward, you can count on me to be the same kind of judge and person I have been for my entire 28-year legal career: hardworking, even-keeled, open-minded, independent and dedicated to the Constitution and the public good," he wrote.

Senate leaders set a pivotal preliminary vote on Kavanaugh's nomination for 10:30 a.m. Friday. If that succeeds, a final roll call was expected Saturday as the long, emotional battle over the conservative jurist drew toward its climax.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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