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The women protesting against Brett Kavanaugh refused to leave the campaign office of Senator Joe Manchin on October 1, 2018.
A group of West Virginia women are asking Senator Joe Manchin to vote "no" against Brett Kavanaugh J. in the Supreme Court. At least 17 protesters sat in the Democratic Senator's campaign office in Charleston on Monday, October 1. Eleven of them said they were ready to stay all night, until Senator Manchin promised to vote against Kavanaugh.
Here's what you need to know.
The protest began on Monday afternoon and protesters streamed their stories of sexual assault on Facebook
The protesters took Senator Joe Manchin's campaign office in the West Virginia capital on Monday afternoon. The women sat in a circle and broadcast their conversation live on Facebook.
Towards the beginning of the video, a campaign staff member speaks to the protesters. She says their decision to take control of the office is not a good strategy. She said, "It is possible to hold a civil speech. This is not a tactic that is in a normal day. I do not have people coming here and saying, "If you do not, I'll do it." That's not what we are. "
One of the protesters explained that the leaders of his community had tried to convey to Senator Joe Manchin their concerns about Judge Kavanaugh. She said they felt a more visible protest was the only way to ensure that their senator was actually paying attention.
"No one in this room has the power to make a decision that will put a man on the Supreme Court, who has power over every one of our bodies, over every woman's body in this country. It is not possible to sit down and have a good friendly meeting is not … We are talking about a level of power that is not really conducive to a sitting meeting. Especially when we made calls. Senator Manchin had a nice meeting with all kinds of voters and groups. The president of my union was there and she spoke very well and she was very friendly with him about Brett Kavanaugh's criminal record. And a few months later, he did not vote "no". He did not confirm the vote "no". So, these beautiful friendly meetings do not take us anywhere and that's why we're here today. "
During the live broadcast, the women told their own stories of sexual assault. They also shared the stories of other people who commented on the live stream.
Manchin campaign leader: "No women will be arrested"
At the end of the normal day of October 1, the campaign office doors were locked. Eleven women stayed inside and said they were ready to stay all night. It was not clear at what time they intended to stay if Senator Manchin did not promise to vote "no" against Justice Kavanaugh.
US Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) (C) listens to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the third day of the Supreme Court's Supreme Court Deliberation Hearing at Capitol Hill, September 6, 2018 in Washington. .
The police have been called to monitor the situation. However, Senator Manchin's campaign manager told WCHS-TV in Charleston that they would not ask the police to fire the protesters and that no one would be arrested.
The senator issued a statement on Facebook about the protest.
"I will continue to listen to all residents of West Virginia when Brett Kavanaugh is appointed to the Supreme Court and, as with all major issues, I will look at the facts and my decision will be based on the facts.
No man can understand the trauma suffered by a woman following a sexual assault. My heart goes to the brave survivors who have the courage to make themselves known and share their story. – JM
Senator Manchin also publicly congratulated Jeff Flake of Arizona for calling for a delay before the full Senate vote on Justice Kavanaugh's appointment to allow an FBI investigation. He wrote on Twitter: "I applaud Senator Flake's decision to go beyond the partisan circus exhibited throughout this process. That is what is right and just for Dr. Ford, Judge Kavanaugh and the American people. "
Senator Manchin voted with the Republicans to confirm Neil Gorsuch at the Supreme Court
GettySenators Joe Manchin (D-WV) (L) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) arrive for a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting at the US Capitol on September 30, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Senator Joe Manchin is a Democrat in a Red State who overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election. President Trump garnered nearly 68% of the vote, with Hillary Clinton garnering only 26% of the vote.
Manchin is seeking re-election for a second term in the Senate. He was one of three Democrats who voted with the Republicans to confirm Neil Gorsuch's candidacy for the Supreme Court in 2017. The other two were Senators Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota . They must also face tough reelection battles in November.
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