David Brock I knew Brett Kavanaugh during his years as a Republican operative. Don't let him sit on

[mfcorey1]

I used to know Brett Kavanaugh pretty well. And, when I think of Brett now, in the midst of his hearings for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, all I can think of is the old "Aesop's Fables" adage: "A man is known by the company he keeps."

And that's why I want to tell any senator who cares about our democracy: Vote no.

Twenty years ago, when I was a conservative movement stalwart, I got to know Brett Kavanaugh both professionally and personally.

Brett actually makes a cameo appearance in my memoir of my time in the GOP, "Blinded By The Right." I describe him at a party full of zealous young conservatives gathered to watch President Bill Clinton's 1998 State of the Union address — just weeks after the story of his affair with a White House intern had broken. When the TV camera panned to Hillary Clinton, I saw Brett — at the time a key lieutenant of Ken Starr, the independent counsel investigating various Clinton scandals — mouth the word "bitch."

But there's a lot more to know about Kavanaugh than just his Pavlovian response to Hillary's image. Brett and I were part of a close circle of cold, cynical and ambitious hard-right operatives being groomed by GOP elders for much bigger roles in politics, government and media. And it’s those controversial associations that should give members of the Senate and the American public serious pause.

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/i-knew-brett-kavanaugh-during-his-years-republican-operative-don-ncna907391

[duforsure]

1. What would be interesting

If they brought Hillary in to question him now.

[Sherman A1]

2. I read this yesterday in another thread and

It certainly says a lot about the whole little group of these “charming” individuals.

[watoos]

3. I agree but

the small group has a large group of avid followers. I live in a red area of Pennsylvania, I golf 3 days a week with an 85 year old Korean war vet, who serves at military funerals, did meals on wheels, works at the senior center.

I knew from being around him that he was a racist, hated minorities, we have very few minorities in our tri-county area. One day he really shocked me when he said, "you know when FDR said this is a day that will go down in infamy? FDR was wrong, 1920 was the year that went down in infamy, when we gave women the right to vote."

There are millions of people out there like my golfing buddy. Yes and they all excuse Kavanaugh by saying who didn't try to get into a girl's pants when we were young. I learned not to argue with them because I would be wasting my time trying to change their minds. I once in a while give them snarky responses that I know they have no answers for.

[certainot]

6. just say "yeah, well, that's what limbaugh says"

they may not be proud dittoheads and may not want to admit it but when it comes to excuses and rationalizations for racism and sexism the radio is constant primary or secondary source. whenever they feel any twinge of doubt or shame triggered by a news event or expression of national decency all they have to do is turn on the radio and there is the republican grand poobaugh to lay out a smorgasbord of prechewed talking points for them to choose from.

[ProfessorPlum]

4. I'll K&R this every time it is posted

Brock has done a lot of penance for his time on the wrong side of history. and he knows the players.

[HAB911]

5. K&R

[Kentonio]

7. David Brock can go fuck himself

He might be saying something useful right now, but he himself is pond scum. Or are we supposed to have forgotten what he did to Anita Hill?