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In written declarations, in an appearance on television and through allies in his favor, Mr. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh vehemently defended the charges of sexual assault and misconduct. Now, the Supreme Court candidate of President Trump will swear to defend himself. This is what he intends to say Thursday in his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee, according to a testimony released Wednesday by the commission. A note that these were released Wednesday, and his remarks to the delivery have been widely ruled out. We annotated the key parts of his prepared testimony; Click the highlighted link to read the annotations. Preliminary remarks by accuser Christine Blasey Ford are right here.
Mr. Chairman, Member of the Feinstein and Committee Members: Eleven days ago, Dr. Ford publicly accused me of committing a serious offense more than 36 years ago when we were both in high school. I denied the allegation immediately, unequivocally and categorically. The next day, I told the commission that I wanted to testify as soon as possible, under oath, to let me know.
In recent days, other false and unsubstantiated accusations have been released. There has been a frenzy to find something – no matter what, even if it's wacky or obnoxious – that will block a vote on my nomination. These are last minute smears, pure and simple. They belittle our public discourse. And the consequences go beyond any appointment. Such a grotesque and obvious assassination – if he is allowed to succeed – will deter competent and competent people of all political persuasions from serving our country.
As I told the commission the last time I appeared before you, a federal judge must be independent and not be influenced by public or political pressure. That's the kind of judge I am and I will always be. I will not be intimidated to withdraw from this process. This effort to destroy my good name will not lead me. The despicable threats of violence against my family will not drive me away. I am here this morning to respond to these allegations and tell the truth. And the truth is that I have never sexually assaulted anyone – not in high school, not in college, ever.
The sexual assault is horrible. It's morally wrong. It's illegal. It's contrary to my religious faith. And this contradicts the fundamental promise of this nation, that all people are created on an equal footing and have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Allegations of sexual assault must be taken seriously. Those who make allegations deserve to be heard. The subject of the allegations also deserves to be heard. Due process is a basis of the American rule of law.
Dr. Ford's allegation dates back more than 36 years to a party that she said took place during our stay in high school. I spent most of my time in high school in academic, athletic, religious and service areas. But I was not perfect at the time, just as I am not perfect today. I've been drinking beer with my friends, usually on weekends. Sometimes I had it too much. Looking back, I said and did things in high school that make me cringe now. But that is not why we are here today. What I am accused of is much more serious than the bad behavior of minors. I have never done anything that looks like what Dr. Ford describes.
The allegation of misconduct is totally inconsistent with the rest of my life. The recording of my life, from my school years to the present day, shows that I have always promoted the equality and dignity of women.
I categorically and unequivocally deny the allegation made against me by Dr. Ford. I have never had any sexual or physical encounters with Dr. Ford. I have no doubt that Dr. Ford was sexually assaulted by someone at some point. But I never did that to him or anyone. I am innocent of this accusation.
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