Hmm, does the GOP know what the FBI finds is inevitable, or is the fix in and

[themaguffin]

they know that the witnesses won't provide conclusive info and then they can say " hey we gave your background check, now fuck off..."


It's either they know his nomination is doomed and the investigation is an out, or they believe that there is no way that anything can be proven etc.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Maybe some of them are hoping the investigation will come up with things that...

give them cover to vote "no".

Or cause him to step down.

They're not all complete assholes, just most of them.

[procon]

2. Given the antipathy and suspicions that Trump and Republicans have built up about the FBI,

I suspect that that they are already writing the draft for denying the FBI's findings. Republicans will blow off anything that paints Kavanaugh in a negative light, and with the ongoing feud that Trump has already established, they will trash the report as part of an unfounded Democratic witch hunt to hurt the president.

[eleny]

3. Hoping for other women with credible claims to come forward in the meantime

[techne7319]

4. So it seems

The either/or situation you’ve presented seems to be accurate. I think a lot depends on the scope of the investigation: which allegations will be checked, what about the money/ gambling(?) questions surrounding Kavenaugh, what about his drinking “problem.”
Considering the WH’s serious distrust of the FBI, I think the WH would only go this route if they have confidence that nothing substantial will come to light that would disqualify Kavenaugh. In that respect, it’s a means by which the WH and Repubs can save face before midterms and still get Kav appointed

[themaguffin]

5. True. could Flake's elevator moment truly been what fipped him, forcing the GOP's hand?

I still don't trust Flake or any of them until their votes follow their words. But we have this, so we'll see.

[techne7319]

6. Possibly

I heard a recording of that exchange with Flake in the elevator. It was indeed a powerful moment. It may have given him enough insight into the mindset of so many Americans, more specifically women, on how this confirmation process has affected them on a personal and deeply emotional level.