Brett Kavanaugh confirmation – LIVE: Mitch McConnell hits out at Democrats saying they are ‘untrustworthy’ and wanted ‘media circus’ around Christine Ford
Follow the latest updates on the FBI investigation into claims of sexual assault against the Supreme Court nominee and the political back and forth in Washington
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Your support makes all the difference.Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court has been delayed as the FBI carry out a "limited" additional background check after Republicans were blind-sided by one of their senators who said his vote for the nominee was dependent on such a probe.
Donald Trump later said it "wouldn't bother me at all" if the scope of the investigation was 'expanded' to include interviews of all three of his nominee's accusers and Mr Kavanaugh himself.
Last week's explosive testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee of Dr Christine Blasey Ford, who alleges a drunken Mr Kavanaugh sexually abused her at a college party in 1982, was hotly contested by Mr Kavanaugh in his counter-testimony.
He appeared angry and had several tense exchanges with committee Democrats, accusing them of doing this as a matter of "revenge" and simply to smear his name.
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In the latest twist in the story, Chad Ludington, a former Yale classmate of Mr Kavanaugh, has accused him of seriously misrepresenting his drinking as a student, calling him a “belligerent and aggressive” drunk.
The FBI's investigation is to last no longer than a week from the day from when the original vote on the nominee was supposed to take place, meaning it will conclude at the end of this week.
It is unclear if the investigation could be expanded should more accusers come forward.
Democrats and Dr Ford are particularly keen on Mark Judge to be interviewed, the man she claimed was present in the room during the alleged assault. Two other women have also accused Mr Kavanaugh - Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez.
This line of criticism appears to be an attempt to discredit Dr Ford's testimony, however she noted in her testimony though she had hoped the media pressure - or "media circus" as Mr McConnell just put it - would have not have brought her name to light, she made the decision to come forward out of a sense of "civic duty".
Mr McConnell also complained Dr Ford's allegations made to the media "even before" it made it to Republican Senators' offices.
"It's almost as if Dr Ford didn't want a Washington media circus but those...on whom she was relying wanted exactly that," Mr McConnell said, adding Senate Democrats were untrustworthy with matters of confidentiality.
Mr McConnell is now reading parts of Ms Mitchell's memo in which she said she did not think a case could be brought against Mr Kavanaugh because of Dr Ford's "weak" testimony.
Legal experts with whom The Independent conferred said Ms Mitchell had no opportunity to fully question Dr Ford, get into a rhythm with her as one would in a trial court as a sex crimes prosecutor, and noted she also did not question any other witnesses.
Republicans had blocked any attempts to bring forward and hear from other witnesses per Dr Ford's lawyers' request - particularly Mark Judge, the man Dr Ford said was present during the alleged assault.
Here is the full memo:
Mr McConnell asked "do these actions suggest these actions were ever about finding the truth?...about giving Judge Kavanaugh a fair hearing?"
He said "let me make a small prediction...the goal posts will soon be moved again" on how Democrats have asked for more time, an investigation, and then an expanded investigation in order to give Dr Ford a fair hearing.
"They are committed to delaying, suppressing, and obstructing this nomination with all they've got," Mr McConnell claimed, and referenced Senator Mazie Hirono's comments on how she would fight his nomination with "everything".
"The goal posts keep shifting, but the goal hasn't moved an inch," the Senate Majority Leader said.
"The time for...endless obstruction has come to a close...we'll be voting this week".
It is unclear right now whether Mr McConnell plans to or can call for a vote even before the FBI investigation has finished.
Patrick Smyth is one of the men Dr Ford claimed was at the home where the alleged assault took place as well.
Mr Smyth's lawyers have issued a statement in which they have said their client "has cooperated" with the FBI and that Mr Smyth "has no knowledge of the small party or gathering" Dr Ford described.
"Nor does he have knowledge of the allegations of improper conduct," lawyer Eric Bruce said.
Legal experts have noted this is not a statement indicated the alleged assault did not happen, simply that Mr Smyth did not have knowledge of the party 36 years ago.
That's all we have for now on updates but continue to read our coverage of the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing, the political drama, and the FBI's investigation here.
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