White House Allows Expansion Of Reopened Kavanaugh Background Check

After placing limits on the scope of the F.B.I.’s reopened background investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the White House has relented and is allowing a more open-ended investigation.

Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote On Hold Pending Renewed F.B.I. Investigation

Surprise developments yesterday led to a pause in the confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh. Where it goes from here is unclear.

Judiciary Committee Advances Kavanaugh Nomination Amid Talk Of Delay

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the floor, but a last minute maneuver could delay a final vote pending an F.B.I. investigation.

Republicans Proceeding Forward With Kavanaugh Nomination In Doubt

Republicans intend to “plow through” on the Kavanaugh nomination even after yesterday’s hearing, but it’s not clear that they have the votes to confirm him.

Ford/Kavanaugh Hearing Ends With Questions, Doubts, And Only One Option

After eight hours of testimony, the only impression a non-partisan mind could be left with from the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh is that we need a full investigation of the charges against the Supreme Court nominee. Unfortunately, we’re not going to get that.

Kavanaugh/Ford Hearings Begin Amid New Accusations And Questions

Just hours before hearings that will likely determine the fate of Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court, new accusations and revelations are coming to light.

New Allegations Begin A Crucial Week For Brett Kavanaugh

New allegations of sexual misconduct mark the start of a crucial week for the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

My Bottom Line on the Kavanaugh Situation

My last post on this subject for the weekend (I think).

Kavanaugh’s Defenders Aren’t Helping

Prominent supporters of the embattled Supreme Court nominee, including the President, are doing him no favors.

Kavanaugh Hearing Up In The Air Amid Negotiations

Monday’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the charges made against Judge Brett Kavanaugh is still on as scheduled, but the details are still being negotiated.

Kavanaugh Nomination At An Impasse Over Hearing On Sexual Assault Charges

The status of Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation remains up in the air, as does the question of whether or not Christine Blasey Ford will appear for a hearing on Monday morning.

Kavanaugh Accuser Wants F.B.I. Investigation Before Testifying

Attorneys for Christine Blasey Ford want the F.B.I. to investigate the charges she has made against Judge Kavanaugh before she testifies, but it’s entirely unclear what such an investigation would accomplish.

Judiciary Committee To Hold Hearing On Accusations Against Judge Kavanaugh

After a day of political pressure, Senate Republicans have agreed to hold a hearing regarding the sexual assault allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh next week.

Republicans Join Call For Delay In Kavanaugh Vote Pending Investigation

Cracks are beginning to show in the previously united Republican front on the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation notwithstanding what appear to be credible allegations of sexual assault.

California Woman Accusing Brett Kavanaugh Of Sexual Assault Comes Forward

A woman accusing Brett Kavanaugh of having assaulted her when he was 17 and she was 15 has come forward. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

Trump Could Find It Hard To Replace Sesssions

President Trump has made no secret of the fact that he is displeased with the performance of Jeff Sessions, but he could find it hard to replace him.

The Kavanaugh Nomination Heads Toward Its Inevitable Outcome

The nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh is, effectively, assured. Democrats should be careful about how much further they push their opposition.

Kavanaugh’s Second Day Of Questioning Was Bumpy, But Won’t Derail His Nomination

The second day of questioning for Judge Brett Kavanaugh was a bit rockier than the first, but nothing happened that seriously threatens his eventual confirmation.

Kavanaugh Sails Through First Day Of Questioning Unscathed

Day One of questions for Judge Brett Kavanaugh went about as you’d expect.

As Hearings Begin, Support For Kavanaugh Nomination Falls Along Party Lines

The confirmation hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh begin today, but the outcome seems foreordained.

John McCain Was A Strong Moral Voice Against Torture, America Should Be Grateful

Throughout the War On Terror, John McCain stood out as a strong moral voice against the use of torture against prisoners. For that he deserves the thanks of a grateful nation.

Kavanaugh One Step Closer To Confirmation

Judge Brett Kavanaugh reportedly told Senator Susan Collins that he considers Roe v. Wade
“settled law.” This will likely be enough to get her support and that of another holdout Republican Senator.

Confirmation Hearing For Brett Kavanaugh To Begin September 4th

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination appears to be on track for confirmation before the new Supreme Court term begins in October.

Another Poll Shows Majority Opposes Overruling Roe v. Wade

A fourth poll in less than a month shows that most Americans support keeping the rights protected in Roe v. Wade alive.

Most Americans Oppose Overturning Roe v. Wade

Another poll shows that the vast majority of Americans do not want to see the Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade overturned.

On Kavanaugh, Democrats Lack A Coherent Message And A Coherent Strategy

At least in these early days, Democrats appear to lack a coherent message, or a coherent strategy, to propel any effort to block Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Trump Nominates Judge Brett Kavanaugh To Replace Anthony Kennedy

A selection that is likely to keep the Senate GOP united and red-state Democrats up for re-election under pressure to vote to confirm.

Another Name On Trump’s SCOTUS Short List

With the President set to announce his Supreme Court pick Monday evening, another name has entered the game.

Anthony Kennedy’s Right to Retire

A thoughtful liberal argues the Justice has “altered and destroyed his legacy” by allowing Donald Trump to appoint his successor.

Trump’s Supreme Court Short List

President Trump’s short list of potential Supreme Court nominees consists mostly of conventionally conservative, well-qualified, jurists.

Jeff Flake Just Made It Easier For Trump’s Supreme Court Pick To Be Confirmed

Retiring Arizona Senator Jeff Flake says that he will not seek to block President Trump’s nominee to replace Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court.

Two Women Leave GOP Over Policy GOP Has Espoused 38 Years

A Republican organization dedicated to abortion rights is shutting down after 30 years, eight fewer than the Party has opposed them.

Gina Haspel Nomination To Be C.I.A. Director Has A Clear Path To Confirmation

With a third Democrat crossing the aisle to support her, Gina Haspel now has the votes she needs to become the next C.I.A. Director.

Haspel Faces Questions About Torture, But Her Confirmation Seems Assured

Gina Haspel faced some tough questions from Democrats regarding her role in the C.I.A.’s post-9/11 torture programs, but she’s likely to be confirmed anyway.

On Eve Of Confirmation Hearing, Haspel Suggested Withdrawing CIA Nomination

With the start of her confirmation hearings just days away, Gina Haspel’s nomination to be C.I.A. Director is by no means secure.

Mississippi Governor Taps Cindy Hyde-Smith To Replace Thad Cochran

Mississippi’s Governor has chosen a replacement for Thad Cochran, but the White House isn’t too happy about the pick.

Trump’s Immigration Plan Meeting Opposition, From Republicans

The White House’s immigration plan is facing opposition in both chambers of Congress from moderate and conservative Republicans alike.

Senate Votes To Approve Agreement To Reopen Government, House Expected To Go Along

While final votes remain to be taken, the Federal Government shutdown effectively ended this afternoon with an overwhelming bipartisan vote to reopen the government, combined with a commitment from Republicans to consider a DACA bill over the next three weeks. What happens next, though, is entirely uncertain.

Government Shutdown Enters Second Day With Few Signs Of Quick Resolution

It’s Day Two of the Federal Government shutdown and there are few signs of a quick resolution.

Republicans Release Final Version Of Tax Bill, And It Appears Likely To Pass

The final version of the tax bill appears to be on track for passage, but the devil is in the details.

Republicans Say They Have a Final Tax Bill, But Senate Democrats Want A Delay

House and Senate Republicans say they have reached agreement on a final tax bill, and Democrats are engaging in an effort to delay a vote in the Senate until Doug Jones can be seated.

Senate Passes Tax Cut Bill On Party Line Vote

The Senate passed a tax cut bill last night, but it leaves a lot to be desired.

Fate Of Senate Tax Plan Still In Doubt

With time running out in the year, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that the Senate GOP will be able to meet its deadlines on passing a tax reform bill.

House Passes Tax Reform Bill On Party-Line Vote

House Republicans passed their tax reform bill. That was the easy part.

Senate Tax Plan Will Include Provision To Eliminate Obamacare’s Individual Mandate

For some reason, Senate Republicans want to attach a bad health care reform idea onto an already controversial tax reform bill.

Another Roy Moore Accuser Steps Forward As Senate Republicans Turn Against Him

Another Alabama woman accuses Roy Moore of sexually assaulting him when she was a teenager.

An Analogy on Hierarchy (and the Lack thereof) in Party Behavior

An attempt to explain the consequences of institutional design.

Maine Voters Vote To Expand Medicaid, Making An End Run Around Governor LePage

Voters in Maine hand their conservative Governor a setback.

Susan Collins Forgoes Bid For Maine Governor, Will Run For Re-Election Instead

Susan Collins will stay in the Senate rather than running for Governor of Maine next year.

Decertifying The Iran Nuclear Deal Would Be A Foolish, Potentially Dangerous, Error

Reports are indicating that President Trump will decertify the nuclear weapons deal with Iran. This would be a foolish and potentially dangerous mistake.