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Brett Kavanaugh Just Wrote An Op-Ed Insisting He's An "Independent, Impartial Judge"

by Caroline Burke

Oct. 5, 2018

Win McNamee/Getty Images News/Getty Images

On Thursday evening, a day before the Senate is set to vote on whether debate over his nomination will be curbed, Brett Kavanaugh's op-ed for the Wall Street Journal tried to convince America he's impartial, despite having a "sharp" tone last Thursday. During his testimony, the judge accused Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee of being in on a "calculated and orchestrated political hit," and claimed the Clintons were involved. As a result, people have begun calling his impartiality into question. Now, it seems as though Kavanaugh wants to dispel that notion.

In the op-ed he wrote,

I was very emotional last Thursday, more so than I have ever been. I might have been too emotional at times. I know that my tone was sharp, and I said a few things I should not have said. I hope everyone can understand that I was there as a son, husband and dad. I testified with five people foremost in my mind: my mom, my dad, my wife, and most of all my daughters.

As a judge, I have always treated colleagues and litigants with the utmost respect. I have been known for my courtesy on and off the bench. I have not changed. I will continue to be the same kind of judge I have been for the last 12 years. And I will continue to contribute to our country as a coach, volunteer, and teacher. Every day I will try to be the best husband, dad, and friend I can be. I will remain optimistic, on the sunrise side of the mountain. I will continue to see the day that is coming, not the day that is gone.

Kavanaugh's efforts to clear his name come in the midst of increasing calls by various individuals and groups to delay his vote, or to flat out cancel his nomination. Over 2,400 law professors have signed a petition urging the Senate not to vote Kavanaugh into the Supreme Court, as of Thursday. Published in the form of an op-ed for The New York Times, the petition reads in part,

Instead of being open to the necessary search for accuracy, Judge Kavanaugh was repeatedly aggressive with questioners. ... Instead of trying to sort out with reason and care the allegations that were raised, Judge Kavanaugh responded in an intemperate, inflammatory and partial manner, as he interrupted and, at times, was discourteous to senators.

One particularly tense moment that quickly went viral occurred when Sen. Amy Klobuchar asked Kavanaugh during the hearing if he'd ever lost memory from drinking. Kavanaugh replied, "Have you?"

What's more, a former Supreme Court justice has taken the unusual step of getting actively involved in a Supreme Court nominee's confirmation process. According to CNN, Former Justice John Paul Stevens said to a crowd on Thursday that there was merit to the criticism that "Kavanaugh has demonstrated a potential bias involving enough potential (litigation) before the court that he would not be able to perform his full responsibilities." Stevens further confirmed that he no longer believes Kavanaugh is qualified for the high bench.

During the cloture vote Friday, senators will decide whether or not to speed up Kavanaugh's confirmation process. If at least 50 senators support the motion, then the vote will be held no more than 30 hours later on Saturday. If not, the process could continue for an unknown number of days, or even months. With his confirmation on the line, Kavanaugh's op-ed could be his final effort to influence senators' opinion of him and his qualifications.

In conclusion, Kavanaugh wrote, "If confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Supreme Court, I will keep an open mind in every case and always strive to preserve the Constitution of the United States and the American rule of law."

Brett Kavanaugh Just Wrote An Op-Ed Insisting He's An "Independent, Impartial Judge"

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