We Believe Christine

Podcast: Play in new window | Embed

Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More Options

UPDATE: Thursday, September 28th, 2018 at 12:45 p.m. PST:

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has concluded four hours of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The courage, the selflessness required to speak up, become a household name overnight, and to relive her trauma before the entire world out of a sense of obligation to others is unfathomable. Whether the United States Senate acts with any moral clarity remains unclear, as they will vote on this confirmation tomorrow. But what remains clear is what Dr. Ford did today is heroism personified. #WeBelieveChristine

PREVIOUSLY: First things first: We believe Christine Blasey Ford. Dr. Ford will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday and testify that Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Donald Trump’s selection for a lifetime appointment to the United States Supreme Court, attempted to rape her when they were 17-years-old.

NPR has obtained Dr. Ford’s opening statement. We believe the contents of the letter are disqualifying.

There was music already playing in the bedroom. It was turned up louder by either Brett or Mark once we were in the room. I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding his hips into me. I yelled, hoping someone downstairs might hear me, and tried to get away from him, but his weight was heavy. Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was so drunk, and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothes. I believed he was going to rape me. I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from screaming. This was what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me. Both Brett and Mark were drunkenly laughing during the attack. They both seemed to be having a good time. Mark was urging Brett on, although at times he told Brett to stop. A couple of times I made eye contact with Mark and thought he might try to help me, but he did not.

But Senate Republicans are not swayed. They will continue with a planned vote on Friday, just 24-hours after this sham hearing. They’re not even trying to pretend to care. Which has prompted protests at the capitol all week by survivors and women like this remarkable unsung hero, the likes of whom are having to beg and relive their trauma for the Senate to vote with moral clarity.

Meanwhile, midterm elections are fast approaching. Register to vote or check on your registration status using our Voter Registration Tools.