Prosecutor on MSNBC: If a Woman Had Screamed Like Kavanaugh, She Would’ve Been Removed in Straight Jacket
Following an emotional testimony filled with rage and tears from Judge Brett Kavanaugh against sexual assault allegations from Christine Blasey Ford, one MSNBC guest called out what she felt was a double standard.
Cynthia Alksne, who once served as a federal prosecutor, told the network’s Brian Williams Thursday that the repercussions for a female acting in such a manner would have been very different than the response Kavanaugh might receive.
“Can you imagine if a woman came to this hearing and had a temper tantrum and screamed and interrupted senators and behaved in the manner in which he has?” Alksne asked. “She’d be taken out of the room in a straight jacket. And instead because he’s a guy it’s acceptable behavior and the president undoubtedly will be proud of him because he’s fighting back.”
And indeed some have already sympathized with the SCOTUS nominee. Megyn Kelly earlier in the afternoon said that she’d already noticed an outpouring of support for him among those on the right who recognized his frustration with Ford’s accusations.
Alksne added that “it does show the difference in the way we judge how people present themselves.”
Kavanaugh is currently defending his character and past behavior as senators from both sides of the aisle question him regarding Ford’s claims, which he continues to vehemently deny. Republicans have rejected Democratic efforts to push an FBI investigation.
Alksne speculated that “he is afraid of what that FBI investigation would reveal,” particularly in light his friend Mark Judge, who is said to have also been present at the time of the alleged assault. While Judge says he has no recollection of the events discussed by Ford, Alskne explained that facing an investigation could dial up the pressure.
“I think he’s afraid of what Judge is going to say,” she said. “I don’t see how he overcomes that in terms of his credibility.”
Watch the clip above via MSNBC.
[Image via screengrab]
