NBC News host Megyn Kelly (pictured above) passionately argued Monday on her show that, even amid the #MeToo movement, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh “is entitled to due process.”
The former Fox News personality lectured a discussion panel on her show, saying “whether you believe these women or you don’t, it’s become completely political because it’s a Supreme Court confirmation hearing. It’s not like a regular #MeToo allegation.”
Christine Blasey Ford, who initially wished to remain anonymous, publicly accused Kavanaugh September 16 of sexually assaulting her some 36 years ago at a high school party in suburban Maryland.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary considering Kavanaugh’s nomination, received Ford’s allegations in July but did nothing with them publicly until September 14.
Kavanaugh has denied Ford’s accusations “categorically and unequivocally.” He insisted that he has “never done anything like what the accuser describes — to her or to anyone.”
President Donald Trump nominated Kavanaugh July 9. Kavanaugh experienced another setback late Sunday when former Yale classmate Deborah Ramirez accused him in an article for The New Yorker of exposing himself to her at a drunken dorm party in college.
But Kelly urged people to suspend judgment until both Kavanaugh and Ford have the chance to testify publicly on Thursday. Kelly also said Ford “did herself no favor by aligning with these partisan operatives” and failing to hire “apolitical lawyers who could have helped her navigate this.”
Rolling Stone contributing editor Joe Levy chimed in, saying, “In all fairness, Brett Kavanaugh saw things differently in the [former President Bill] Clinton investigation. I mean, his positions have changed as well.”
Kavanaugh assisted former independent counsel Kenneth Starr in the investigation that led to Clinton’s impeachment in 1998 and 1999 amid sexual misconduct allegations.
“What do you mean? What are you saying?” Kelly asked Levy.
Levy replied, “Kavanaugh thought they were impeachable offenses. He was very clear about the Ken Starr investigation.”
Kelly then launched into a fiery defense of Kavanaugh, saying, “He is saying he didn’t do it, Joe. He’s not saying that those allegations against him amount to nothing if he did. He’s saying he didn’t do it.”
Levy attempted to defend his position, saying, “I’m just saying the positions on both sides have changed over time.”
“Absolutely not. You have no evidence of that, none whatsoever,” Kelly erupted. “What he’s saying is he didn’t do the thing he’s being accused of. He’s not trying to justify it if it’s proven.”
Kelly proceeded to question Ford’s account, saying, “We don’t know whether Christine Blasey Ford is such a victim, OK? That must be stated.”
“In my view, the #MeToo movement does not mean all women must be believed. All women must get a fair hearing. They must be listened to with an open mind,” Kelly insisted. “But it is also true that, I believe … that the vast majority of women who come forward with these allegations are telling the truth.”
“But some lie. We’ve seen that,” Kelly reminded her panel. “Let’s have an open, fair hearing and let the people make up their minds after they hear her testify and him, too. ‘He, Too,’ is entitled to due process.”
But Kelly wasn’t done with her lecturing.
“If you’re a U.S. senator, please give us at least the semblance of fairness, OK? Just at least the appearance of fairness to both sides would be really appreciated,” Kelly asked.
Watch more of Kelly passionate lecture in the video below.
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