After several days of what Hill sources called a never-ending game of pingpong, Christine Blasey Ford's attorney told the Senate Judiciary Committee her client will testify in an open hearing on Thursday.
Why it matters: The uncertainty and sensitivity of Thursday's showdown has key senators scrambling to prepare for the moment.
The latest:
What to watch: Several Democratic senators on the committee plan to focus on Kavanaugh's behavior in high school and question his character, sources with direct knowledge of their intentions tell Axios.
How it's playing on the right: Conservative activists are increasingly frustrated with the delays, and Republicans involved in the process are sensitive to their complaints.
President Trump defended his Supreme Court nominee — who has been accused of sexual assault — on Twitter Friday and suggested that his accuser should have reported the alleged attack to police when it happened:
Why it matters: Until now, Trump has shown restraint and hasn't questioned Kavanaugh's accuser, Christine Blasey Ford. That ended with this morning's tweet. A source who has been talking to the president throughout the Kavanaugh crisis told Axios' Jonathan Swan that “you have no idea” how hard it has been to keep him from attacking his Supreme Court nominee's accuser. Note that, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), seven out of every 10 victims don't report abuse to the police.
Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who accused the Supreme Court nominee of assaulting her in high school, will testify before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
Why it matters: The extraordinary hearing will likely be a make-or-break moment after Republicans delayed a planned vote this week and Democrats look for ways to derail the nomination.
