Brett Kavanaugh on the verge of winning confirmation in Supreme Court

At the time of the final vote, Republican and Democrat Senators continued to make speeches to debate the candidacy. As a sign of tension on the Capitol, the Republican majority whip John Cornyn of Texas was interrupted twice by shouts of protesters in the senate gallery, open to visitors. Earlier in the day, Cornyn told a group of reporters that the time was "not yet at its best for the Senate," adding that a "better way forward" was needed .

The Senate Speaker of the Judiciary, Chuck Grassley, congratulated the protesters before the vote. Iowa Republican told reporters that his message to protesters would be: "Thank God, you are ready to exercise your rights of association and freedom of expression in the First Amendment. this will make America stronger. "

Ford allegations and partisan fights

Friday morning began with uncertainty as to whether Senate Republicans had the support needed to advance the nomination, but the day ended with an almost assured confirmation after Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona , followed by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Democrat Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, in the Red State, announced that he would also support Kavanaugh.

It was not clear that Kavanaugh would get the votes for confirmation until Collins said in a speech in the Senate that she would support his candidacy.

In highlighting her argument, Collins argued that, although she thinks that Christine Blasey Ford, who testified last month before the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her at the beginning of the 1980s, "is a survivor of a sexual assault". the allegation has been corroborated.

"I do not believe that these charges could fairly prevent Justice Kavanaugh from sitting in court," Collins said. Kavanaugh denied the allegation.

The only Republican to oppose the nomination was Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who told reporters that although she thought Kavanaugh was "a good man", she also believed that the confirmation process had become something "bigger than a candidate."

In a ground speech later Friday, Murkowski expressed sympathy for Ford and Kavanaugh. However, she indicated that she was setting the bar high for candidates to be confirmed and had emphasized the importance of selecting judges who would act at any time to enhance "public trust" in the justice system. .

"In conscience … I can not conclude that he is the right person for the court at the present time," said the senator.

Murkowski opposes but plans to vote "present"

Despite his opposition to Kavanaugh, Murkowski announced his intention to vote "present" in the final vote, as a sign of goodwill to his Republican colleague, Senator Steve Daines of Montana, who supports Kavanaugh, but will be in Montana to walk his daughter . in the alley at his wedding. This decision will have no impact on the final result of the vote, but will allow the margin to be the same as it would have been if Daines had been there to participate and prevent a situation. where Daines would be forced to return Saturday to cast a vote to ensure the result.

"I really hope it reminds us that we can make very small steps to be kind to each other and maybe these little graceful steps can lead to more," said Murkowski.