Brett Kavanaugh probe must be reopened after FBI allegedly ignored thousands of tips about him:

[UCmeNdc]

Brett Kavanaugh probe must be reopened after FBI allegedly ignored thousands of tips about him: Ex-federal prosecutor

Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner is demanding an investigation into the FBI after it was revealed that there were 4500 complaints filed against then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh that went ignored and were merely handed over to the White House.

The FBI closed their background check after just four days, handing over all 4500 allegations against him to President Donald Trump's White House officials.

Kirschner explained that presumably the new administration has those 4500 accusations and could conduct an investigation into them. He went on to call for the 4500 citizen tips to be subpoenaed by Congress so that they can see the accusations that were ignored.

"Let's start doing some damn justice," he said, noting that women in Texas deserve it as do the rest of America.


https://www.rawstory.com/4500-accusations-brett-kavanaugh-investigation/

[fescuerescue]

1. This will follow the same path as Clarence Thomas

Initial accusations.

No real trial

Confirmation in the Senate.

Demands to open trial.

Demands to impeach.

Long long career with lots of decisions siding with conservatives.

Living in comfort

Retirement

[stopdiggin]

15. +1. I see this going exactly nowhere

And perhaps it's not even intended to. Just talking points. (and maybe that's OK?) But Kavanaugh is ON the bench - and he's not going anywhere.

[whathehell]

34. Of course you do..

Could we stop with the knee jerk pessimism, maybe?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

59. Unless you can find 27 Republicans to vote to impeach

It's reality, not pessimism.

[ProfessorGAC]

67. They Wouldn't Even Get 27 Democrats

I think we all agree kavanaugh is a tool & doesn't deserve to be on the SCOTUS.
But, even dems wouldn't vote to impeach or convict because of negligence on the part of FBI professionals.
They're dereliction of duty is not Kavanaugh's offense.
He's the lucky beneficiary of the terrible job the FBI did. But, the damming information isn't evidence of an impeachable offense on his part.
Those FBI people who failed to do their duty can be fired. Today.

[hibbing]

24. +2

[Karma13612]

2. ??? 4500 ????

How the…, who are all of …., wait,

WHAT???

4500???????

Jeebus that’s a LOT!!!!!

[Pachamama]

4. !!!!!!!!

That is a crazy amount

[Karma13612]

6. Right??? Gawd, I hope

Sen Whitehouse’s questioning leads to something.

This is stunning in it’s magnitude. Even if 50% of the complaints were bogus, that still leaves over 2000 complaints.

Seriously bad 💩

[Pachamama]

7. I think there needs to be a very serious investigation and I believe it will result in Kavanaugh

…being impeached.

This cannot be allowed to go ignored.

[KPN]

13. Not with this Senate.

[StarfishSaver]

31. I think people are mixing up two different things

On the one hand, we're talking about possible FBI wrondoing in the conduct of their background check of Kavanaugh.

On the other hand, we're talking about grounds for impeaching Kavanaugh.

Those are two separate things.

Even if egregious wrongdoing on the part of the FBI in their investigation is found, unless it's determined that Kavanaugh himself committed a high crime or misdemeanor in connection with that investigation, that won't be grounds for impeaching Kavanaugh.

[The Magistrate]

33. I Expect, Ma'am

That a conviction for perjury, which he certainly committed, or for accepting the bribe paid to settle his debts, would make performing the duties of a justice on the court difficult. Even in these days of virtual sessions, holding court from a prison cell oughtn't to be too feasible....

[StarfishSaver]

39. True - but that doesn't have anything to do with the FBI investigation

Unless a probe into how the FBI conducted its background investigation reveals
actual criminal behavior by Kavanaugh - for example, it is revealed that the FBI had information that Kavanaugh had taken a bribe or committed perjury and covered it up - the FBI's wrongdoing is unrelated to and wouldn't form grounds for an impeachment.

My point is that booking into what the FBI did wrong in its background investigation of Kavanaugh will not necessarily lead to anything that would support and impeachment.

[The Magistrate]

41. To Paraphrase A Man I Would Not Quote Here Openly, Ma'am

By one investigation, many can be meant. Looking through that tip line is hardly the only investigation of this wretch it is possible to mount. It is a convenient ice-breaker, though, serving to get people used to the idea this is a drunken skunk with no business on any court, let alone the highest in the land.

[StarfishSaver]

42. True

But unless there are serious grounds to open an impeachment investigation into Kavanaugh, it's not going to happen.

[The Magistrate]

53. Judges Aren't Immune From Criminal Prosecution, Ma'am

He can be charged, arrested, tried, convicted, and slammed into hoosegow with any bother about impeachment....

[StarfishSaver]

60. I think you misunderstood me

I meant an impeachment won't happen, not that he can't "be charged, arrested, tried, convicted, and slammed into hoosegow."

But my point stands - unless the investigation into how the FBI conducted its background check reveals any criminal wrongdoing on Kavanaugh's part, it won't lead to impeachment.

[The Magistrate]

61. We Agree There, Ma'am

In present circumstances I wouldn't bet on impeachment resulting in conviction even if the shit-heel was doing four to six in Club Fed.

[FakeNoose]

37. Is there a way he can be disqualified from the bench

... without having to go the impeachment route?

It just seems that impeachment is so fraught with political overtones. The Repukes are going to circle their wagons, even if Kavanaugh clearly deserves to be removed. I'm hoping maybe there's some technicality we can use to get him removed. Anything?

[StarfishSaver]

40. No.

He can choose to recuse himself from particular cases based on a conflict of interest. But that's totally up to him. He can't be disqualified from the bench except through impeachment and removal.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

64. Which is why MoscowMitch and the GOP rammed the confirmation through...

... another enduring chance to, "own the libs", and offend anyone that respects the institution of the Supreme Court.

I can just see MoscowMitch's neck wobbling chuckle if he should read what I just posted.

[StarfishSaver]

65. Yep

Once installed on the bench, it's next one possible to remove a judge.

[Karma13612]

70. 4500% agree........eom

[bottomofthehill]

35. Almost seems like an unbelievable number.

[FBaggins]

49. It's the number of logged calls... not independent allegations

If someone called the "tip line" and said "I believe Dr. Ford. This guy has to go!" it probably ended up on that list of 4500.

There were also clearly false allegations included. One person called both the tip line and Senator Whitehouse's office with a claim of sexual assault on a boat in Rhode Island that ended up as a question for Kavanaugh during the confirmation process. The caller later recanted.

There's no telling how many of the 4500 calls represent unique credible allegations of wrongdoing that were not considered during the confirmation...

... but that's the point.

[bottomofthehill]

54. Right, if the bs calls did not go through there may have been

Something that was actionable but when thousands of people call in with what if’s….. what do you think can be done. There is about 12500 agents nation wide and maybe 3000 analysts. They cover a wide variety of crimes. Someone had to quickly sift through a mountain of bullshit to find what was real. With all those tips Dr Blasi was brave enough to step into the light subjecting herself to attack. It could not have been easy and she was very brave and patriotic to do it. With 4500 tips no one else came out …..

[UCmeNdc]

63. Normally for a high level of government, the FBI does a full investigation of all allegations.

No matter how small the allegations seem. Then the agents issue a report upon the investigation conclusion. Where is the final report?

[Champp]

3. Republican Brett Boofer twisting in the wind

May justice be done.

[samplegirl]

5. Yeah but Cuomo had to go

This has been swept under a rug since day one.

[KPN]

14. Yup. Gotta be swept back out from under the rug.

[johnthewoodworker]

8. There is no way a Republican/Nazi supreme court judge is worried about justice. He's safe.

[dlk]

9. Chris Wray is a member of the Federalist Society

He cannot be trusted.

[dlk]

55. Except, everything isn't cool

[FailureToCommunicate]

10. I'm no math or numbers guy, but 4500 complaints sounds like a LOT!

[2naSalit]

44. I suspect tat some of those are...

Multiple "tips" about a single event. And these were initially called tips but that may just be semantics.

Regardless, there are a few individuals who could get seriously pinched by this if it's properly executed. A full investigation of prior to being on the bench, Kav's lies at his hearing and lies told by those protecting him. Those include Sen. Graham who manipulated the hearing to ram the confirmation through.

[StarfishSaver]

11. An investigation is definitely warranted

But unless there is evidence that Kavanaugh has committed a high crime or misdemeanor (and the malfeasance would have to be major), he's on the bench for life and isn't going anywhere.

[gab13by13]

16. It seems really unfair to me,

in a jury trial if the prosecution withholds evidence 9 times out of 10 a new trial is held or even the old verdict nullified.

Here we have a life time appointment where it certainly appears that much evidence has been withheld.

A convicted murderer can get a new trial but a SC justice can't, something is wrong with our justice system.

We have 2 men, Clarence Thomas and Justice Beer pong who were accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault of women and they are going to make decisions that affect a woman's right to control her own body.

I say again, hold the hearing, and call for impeachment if the facts warrant it. Just because Republicans are OK with sexual assault doesn't diminish nor should it diminish Democrats fight to remove Kavanaugh, that's on Republicans. I say let the world see the GQP's stance toward women. Shine a light on it.

[StarfishSaver]

18. This is not a criminal trial

But since you're comparing them ...

Criminal defendants can get a new trial only if it's shown they were wrongly convicted. If they were acquitted, the prosecution can't ask for a new trial and try them again if they find new evidence, regardless why they didn't have the evidence the first time around.

Once a defendant is acquitted, he's acquitted for life - the prosecution doesn't get a second bite at the apple.

So, if you're comparing this to a criminal trial, Kavanaugh has essentially been acquitted - i.e., been confirmed - and there's nothing that can be done to vacate his confirmation unless there's proof that he committed an impeachable offense.

I agree that there should definitely be a full investigation into all of this. I just don't think it will result in Kavanaugh being removed from the bench.

[gab13by13]

23. There may also be information

that warrants a criminal indictment of Kavanaugh. How did he pay off his debts? He can serve on the court from prison then.

[StarfishSaver]

32. What high crime or misdemeanor do you think the Senate should impeach Kavanaugh for?

Last edited Thu Sep 16, 2021, 11:37 AM - Edit history (1)

[StarfishSaver]

51. What an odd response to being asked for your opinion

[Calista241]

58. What happens if he's never charged with a crime or if he's acquitted of lying to Congress?

If we impeach him for a criminal offense and he's ultimately not charged, does that look good, bad, or ridiculous? Does he go back on the court then?

We can't impeach people for made up stuff, or we'll look like a straight up banana republic. Proving beyond a reasonable doubt that he was lying to Congress would be impossible.

If we totally ignore the statute of limitations, even getting him charged with a lower standard of proof would be a non starter. There's no evidence, no witnesses, no nothing other than Ford's statements about events from 35 years ago; and he can bring up a 'this is political' defense.

[Chin music]

62. We miss 100% of the chances we don't take.

I think a lot of people think he lied and if the FBI didn't do it's job checking on stuff like you comment on and others (His bills being pad off etc.) then it points to a big problem in the FBI. 4500 complaints or tips? There's a lot to work with there. (If the FBI is impartial.) But then, I thought we were waiting for an answer from somebody else.
I'm just a wandering DUer, pretty sure somebody else has The CORRECT answer.
Kavanaugh never passed the smell test for me. Ford wasn't the only one as i recall. they were sending his confirmation through at lightning speed so really, who knows all of which he's guilty of, that makes him unqualified for.

[Lonestarblue]

12. Nothing will happen to Kavanaugh.

I hope I’m wrong, but I’m just not optimistic on this one. It has been clear for quite some time that the FBI has been hiring too many right-wing Republicans, and, after yesterday’s hearings on the sexual predation of Larry Nasser, too many misogynists. That FBI agents covered up for Nasser and allowed him to continue molesting little girls is beyond reprehensible. Those agents need to be prosecuted.

While everyone has the right to their own political beliefs, there should be no place for federal agents who place politics and biases before the law. I suspect the FBI needs a good house cleaning, as do many other government agencies. The DHS has turned into an enormous, sprawling agency and most likely still has a lot of incompetent Trump sycophants in it because Trump hired mostly incompetents.

[gab13by13]

17. I can guarantee that nothing will happen

if Democrats don't try. Republican women should be outraged at justice Kavanaugh if just half of the complaints against him are true, if just 1 of the complaints is true.

[StarfishSaver]

21. Unless there is evidence that Kavanaugh committed a crime in connection with the investigation

or his confirmation, the FBI wrongdoing won't result in Kavanaugh being removed.

[bluestarone]

46. Actually i believe that even if HIGH CRIMES were found (not saying he shouldn't be investigated)

With THIS senate (look at their record with TFG.These rethugs are like co-conspirators. BUT i still want the public to hear ALL testimony!

[StarfishSaver]

47. I totally agree

[Mr.Bill]

66. Nothing will happen until

there is a republican Senate and a republican President and someone far worse to replace him.

How would you like Justice Jim Jordan? Or Justice Ted Nugent?

[tanyev]

19. "handing over all 4500 allegations against him to President Donald Trump's White House officials"

Jeez.

[PatSeg]

20. Whoa, 4500?

I would have never imagined that there were that many. I would therefore assume there were more from people who didn't contact the FBI with complaints.

[True Blue American]

22. Wray announced yesterday

One agent was allowed to retire, the other quit!

Oh, no, Wray, you need to be fired, you overvsaw these events. Did everything yo could to stay on Trump’s good side.

This guy needs to replace you!

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fbi-deputy-director-fired-days-retirement-kick/story?id=53805919

[Tadpole Raisin]

29. Nobody believes a member of SCOTUS will be removed, but

given what happened to these gymnasts I think it quite appropriate that an external investigation of all FBI ‘investigations’ that went nowhere should be done.

At a minimum it will help to remove agents who have violated FBI rules and potentially committed crimes. To do so without pretext would not fly and not be appropriate.

Unfortunately I don’t trust the insular FBI when it does its own reviews and I think it is very possible that there are loyal TFG followers who have abandoned leaving their politics at the door (hey, even Mike Pence didn’t want to get in the car with his agents on Jan 6th because he wasn’t sure where their loyalty was)!

This is the time to do it!

[StarfishSaver]

43. True

[niyad]

30. Since I share the depressing assessment that the drunken predator will face no legal

consequences, my hope is that his drinking, partying, etc., will have deleterious effect on his lifespan.

[UCmeNdc]

36. FBI / Chris Wray failed to investigate......

[joetheman]

38. The FBI is infested with RWingers. It's ok to be conservative, and for small government but not ok

to be a MAGA and thwarting every ounce of democracy. Not ok to be dishonest in governing. Not ok to favor autocratic bullies over legitimate elected officials. Not ok to allow your personal ideology interfere with your government and Constitutional responsibilities.

[GoodRaisin]

45. Don't know about 4500, but TFG certainly blocked the investigation.

The investigation needs to be allowed and the truth come out.

[LaMouffette]

48. We need to ask, "What would the Republicans do?" If it were a liberal justice with 4,500 accusations

or even just one, they would be in full-on attack mode.

I know that "when they go low, we go high," but when we actually do have a legitimate reason to investigate and possibly impeach a Supreme Court justice, that's not stooping to their level. It's doing the right thing.

[Iggo]

56. Yeah.

[Tetrachloride]

68. First time for everything. Kavanaugh could be for ed off

but there are upfront costs and consequences

[Grasswire2]

69. WHO at FBI culled out "relevant" tips and sent them to WH Counsel?

WHO
WHO
WHO
WHO??

And under what authority was this done??

If it was under the authority of TFG or an underling, then it was the same as compiling a HIT LIST for him.

[Blue Owl]

71. Time for Lindsey Graham to breathlessly express anger through tears