Kavanaugh To Face Hours Of One-On-One Questions From Senators Wednesday

Supreme Court confirmation hearings open with Democratic objections and dozens of protesters

Drew Angerer/Getty Images Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearings Off To A Raucous Start  Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh opened on a contentious note on Tuesday. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee called for a delay and raised objections over Kavanaugh's lengthy paper trail being partially off limits. Before Kavanaugh spoke Tuesday evening, the hearing was repeatedly disrupted by protesters and hecklers whose noisy outbursts led to frequent interruptions in the proceeding. The U.S. Capitol Police said a total of 70 people were charged in connection with protests of Tuesday's hearing. It is unclear whether more protests will occur in the remainder of the hearings, which are expected to last into Friday. Democrats are expected to press Kavanaugh Wednesday on a number of controversial issues such as the Supreme Court’s 1973 ruling Roe v. Wade, Second Amendment rights and whether or not a sitting president should face civil lawsuits or criminal investigations. Republicans, who control the Senate, hope to confirm Kavanaugh in time to join the high court when its fall term begins next month, cementing a 5-4 conservative majority for years to come. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the committee, warned that Kavanaugh would tilt the high court to the right. "The president that nominated you has said, 'I will nominate someone who is anti-choice and pro-gun.' And we believe what he said," Feinstein said. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., scoffed at Democrats who complained that Kavanaugh is too partisan. "You had a chance and you lost," Graham said, referring to the 2016 presidential contest. "If you want to pick judges from your way of thinking, then you better win an election." Trump also chimed in via Twitter, calling the hearings "a display of how mean, angry, and despicable the other side is." Trump charged Democrats "will say anything, and are only looking to inflict pain and embarrassment to one of the most highly renowned jurists to ever appear before Congress." Briefly:  Senators' questions to take center stage on Day 2 Kavanaugh hearings, Day 1: Protesters focus on Roe; attempted handshake goes viral LISTEN: The NPR Politics Podcast Democrats, protesters delay and disrupt Day 1 of Kavanaugh hearings Hearings to focus on 6 hot-button issues Collins says Kavanaugh called Roe v. Wade "settled law" Kavanaugh investigated a president, then voiced concerns about doing just that What a Justice Kavanaugh could mean for the Mueller investigation and Trump Is Trump about to be able to say "You're fired'" to a lot more people? Kavanaugh could tip Supreme Court against gun control laws The Russia Investigations: Big implications for the new Supreme Court justice Kavanaugh supported broad leeway for presidents under investigation Who is Brett Kavanaugh? — The NPR Politics Team Craving more NPR Politics? Our weekly newsletter keeps you informed in this fast-paced political climate with the latest news, analysis and coverage from around the country. Subscribe to NPR Politics You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002