Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said today that he is “more pissed” than he has ever been at his Democratic colleagues, amid allegations of sexual assault being levied against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Graham grew visibly angry and yelled at Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and other committee Democrats in a fiery exchange during today’s hearing, accusing them of trying to destroy Kavanaugh’s life.
“If you wanted a FBI investigation into Brett Kavanaugh, you could have come to us,” Graham said after asking Kavanaugh if he knew Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) staff had the allegation of sexual assault against him for more than 20 days.
“What you want to do is destroy this guy’s life, hold this seat open and hope you win in 2020. You’ve said that not me,” Graham yelled, his face turning red.
“You’ve got nothing to apologize for,” he said, turning to Kavanaugh. “When you see [Supreme Court justices] Sotomayor and Kagan, tell them that Lindsey said hello, ‘cause I voted for them.”
Turning back to the Durbin and Feinstein, Graham added, “I would never do to them what you do this guy.”
Graham called the fight over Kavanaugh’s confirmation the most “unethical sham” he’s seen since he’s been in politics.
“And if you really wanted to know the truth you sure as hell wouldn’t have done what you’ve done to this guy,” he said.
Turning to his GOP colleagues, Graham vowed: “If you vote ‘no’ you’re legitimizing the most despicable thing I have seen in my time in politics.”
Graham then announced he would be voting to confirm Kavanaugh.