See some passages from his opening statement below. It's one thing for the politicians defending his candidacy to make such remarks accusing the Democrats of conspiring against him and to act as if someone daring to accuse him of sexual assault is a sign of the apocalypse - but another thing entirely for him to make such remarks himself. How can he ever expect anyone to ever see him as a politically neutral SC justice, if he manages to get confirmed?

One thing I also learned from the transcript, which I hadn't realized until now, is that Kavanaugh affirmed, like in a court case, that his testimony would be 'the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth'. Which is certainly interesting considering how his testimony in the hearing seems to contradict his own previous public comments as well as known facts, not necessarily about the assault itself but about his drinking and about what the witnesses named by Dr Ford actually did and did not say.

'This confirmation process has become a national disgrace. The Constitution gives the Senate an important role in the confirmation process, but you have replaced advice and consent with search and destroy.'

'You sowed the wind for decades to come. I fear that the whole country will reap the whirlwind.

The behavior of several of the Democratic members of this committee at my hearing a few weeks ago was an embarrassment. But at least it was just a good old-fashioned attempt at Borking.

Those efforts didn’t work. When I did at least OK enough at the hearings that it looked like I might actually get confirmed, a new tactic was needed.

Some of you were lying in wait and had it ready. This first allegation was held in secret for weeks by a Democratic member of this committee, and by staff. It would be needed only if you couldn’t take me out on the merits.'

'This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election. Fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record. Revenge on behalf of the Clintons. and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups.

This is a circus. The consequences will extend long past my nomination. The consequences will be with us for decades. This grotesque and coordinated character assassination will dissuade competent and good people of all political persuasions, from serving our country.'