‘Squeaky clean’ dad who divided a nation

CHRISTINE Blasey Ford’s dramatic testimony has turned upside down a nomination process that Republicans had seen not only as crucial but also as inevitable.

Until she went public with her allegations on September 1 , Mr Kavanaugh was seen as a largely squeaky clean Catholic family man whose worst offence

was a weakness for running up heavy debts on his credit cards.

Democrats and Republicans quickly took sides, with Mr Trump’s opponents rushing to support the judge’s accusers – and Republicans keen to discredit them. Democrats have called for an FBI investigation, but sceptics say it is a ploy to delay confirming Mr Kavanaugh’s nomination until after the midterm elections in November.

The elections might see the Democrats eating into Republican control of the Senate, which would allow them to block Mr Kavanaugh’s appointment.

Mr Trump and Republicans have instead been trying to hurry through Mr Kavanaugh’s confirmation. He would provide a solid 5-4 conservative majority in the Supreme Court, which could be vital on issues such as abortion and religious rights.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on the nomination today, although there is growing speculation it may be delayed.