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https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/9/15/2052470/-After-failed-Larry-Nassar-investigation-Sen-Whitehouse-questions-FBI-probe-of-Kavanaugh
After failed Larry Nassar investigation, Sen. Whitehouse questions FBI probe of Kavanaugh
Aysha Qamar
Daily Kos Staff
Wednesday September 15, 2021 · 8:36 PM EDT
Talk about perfect timing. During a hearing on the FBIs mishandling of allegations against Larry Nassar, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse raised questions about whether the Nassar investigation was the only FBI case that was bungled. Whitehouse used the investigation of former USA Gymnastics team doctor and convicted pedophile Nassar to question the legitimacy of the FBIs 2018 background check into Brett Kavanaugh, wondering if that investigation might have been just as flawed.
It appeared to me then, and it appears to me now that her testimony was swept under the rug in a confirmation stampede, he added. It is very possible that the FBI investigation of her allegations was just as flawed, just as constrained, just as inappropriate, as the investigation in this case.
Whitehouse demanded answers regarding the non-investigation of then-Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh and called out FBI Director Christopher Wray over the bureaus investigation of Fords allegation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers.
Link to tweet
Whitehouse noted that he repeatedly requested more information about the FBIs investigation into Fords allegations but had been ignored for two years before finally receiving a response yesterday.
Not coincidentally, I suspect, on the eve of your appearance today, Whitehouse said to Wray.
During the testimony against Nassar, Wray said that he felt "heartsick and furious" once he learned of the agency's failures toward pursuing justice. However, he didnt acknowledge the fault he or the agency as a whole had in the botched investigation and blamed individuals who "betrayed the core duty that they have of protecting people." But he did vow to "make damn sure that everybody at the FBI remembers what happened here in heartbreaking detail."
Whitehouse took this as an opportunity to raise questions about Kavanaugh.
Lets just make sure theres wasnt also a botched handling of another allegation in this committee with regard to Dr. Ford, Whitehouse said after questioning the legitimacy of investigations in the case.
But Whitehouse was not the only one. Other lawmakers also questioned Wray over the bureaus handling of the Kavanaugh probe, including the claim that the FBI lacked the authority to conduct a deeper background investigation into the then-nominee.
Kavanaugh was confirmed to his lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court in October 2018 by a vote of 50-48, helping secure a conservative majority on the bench.
According to The Guardian, the bureau claimed that a 2010 Memorandum of Understanding prevented it from performing a deeper investigation into allegations of misconduct. According to a letter to Whitehouse and Sen. Chris Coons at the time, the FBI said that it did not have the authority under the MOU to unilaterally conduct further investigative activity absent instructions from the requesting entity. It claimed special instructions were needed from then-president Donald Trump under 2010 guidelines on how such investigations could be conducted.
But despite this, Whitehouse has stood his ground and even told The Guardian he would not stop asking questions until the director answers them.
Whitehouse made a promise to Ford in 2018 following Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation to pursue the thorough investigation of her sexual assault allegations. He said he would do whatevers in my power to make sure your claims get a full and proper investigation. Whitehouse was suspicious that the tip line set up for information about Kavanaughs background was not for real. After issues found in Nassars investigation, his suspicions grew stronger.
For those of us in the Senate, it raises questions about the trustworthiness of FBI background investigations for nominees. If this is going to turn into a situation where the FBI can tank a background investigation by sending derogatory information to the White House and Congress never finds out, that is a poor setup for Senate trust.
Whitehouse added that the issue is still relevant three years after Kavanaughs confirmation because thats how long it took for the FBI to respond to his questions. Its not my fault its their fault, he said. This should have come out immediately.
femmedem
(8,201 posts)I've loved him ever since he began making weekly climate change speeches.
gab13by13
(21,304 posts)some day.
BComplex
(8,036 posts)something he tolerates. THAT is what Democrats have needed for decades, and Whitehouse provides it in spades. He's measured, but insists on calling out the elephants in the room! He's also brilliant!
Demsrule86
(68,543 posts)When we lost the Senate in 14 and the presidency in 16, we lost the ability to stop the GOP from appointing anyone they chose to the Supreme Court. We have to win elections.
gab13by13
(21,304 posts)the point is shining a light on a sexual predator, whether he gets impeached or not is a problem for Republicans.
Demsrule86
(68,543 posts)others won't be convinced no matter the evidence...if there was a way to get him off the bench that would be one thing, but there isn't.
JHB
(37,158 posts)...it could be a game changer. Even if it doesn't shift the Republicans about impeachment, I don't think his position makes him immune from being charged and convicted. Or resigning in a plea deal.
Demsrule86
(68,543 posts)He won't resign.
praxEs
(56 posts)be so clearly understood that the drunkin dickwad may follow the path pioneered by Big Al Capone. Let him opine about the law from a federal prison cell. Better yet, encourage state prosecution for the failure to pay their taxes on his windfall debt reduction so he can experience the real prison experience.
Demsrule86
(68,543 posts)If indeed there is a case to be made then Justice will make it.
BlueSky3
(511 posts)+1,000
Girard442
(6,070 posts)...the severed head of his latest murder victim had been placed next to him during his testimony. Republicans have bcome that bad.
milestogo
(16,829 posts)Champp
(2,114 posts)Boofer! Has someone made a Boofer cocktail yet? I try to keep up with these things, but...
Response to Champp (Reply #6)
Chin music This message was self-deleted by its author.
MontanaMama
(23,307 posts)Escurumbele
(3,386 posts)mopinko
(70,077 posts)he's done plenty to warrant removal.
Demsrule86
(68,543 posts)have the votes. In a different era, Kavanaugh would have resigned but that won't happen.
Demsrule86
(68,543 posts)Duppers
(28,118 posts)triron
(21,995 posts)instigating the insurrection?
The Blue Flower
(5,442 posts)Senator Whitehouse is a hero. He's going after dark money, too.
KPN
(15,642 posts)So shine that light brightly and incessantly Senator Whitehouse
and thank you.
UpInArms
(51,280 posts)gordianot
(15,237 posts)Being something of a political creature hearing the very same political creatures who supported Kavanaugh perform outrage was sickening.
Wednesdays
(17,342 posts)It went exactly according to plan.
gab13by13
(21,304 posts)we are going to see withdrawal from Afghanistan hearings until the cows come home, but the mere suggestion of investigating the non-vetting of Kavanaugh gets shot down by Democrats.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)DallasNE
(7,402 posts)Pelosi: "What I'm saying to you is that if they couldn't even stop him from an assault on the Capitol, who even knows what else he may do? And is there anybody in charge at the White House who was doing anything but kissing his fat butt all over this?"
It seems to me that she could have just as well been talking about Director Wray as well.
spanone
(135,820 posts)Ilsa
(61,694 posts)to proceed, and the results released to the public. I think we have a right to know who he really is.