The 400-plus page report, released Monday, found that the FBI had ample evidence to open its investigation — despite allegations of political bias. Copyright © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The live stream has come to an end. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe reports that Ford's husband will not be in attendance at the hearing but is with the couple's children in California, according to a spokeswoman. "I'm ready," she said, as Grassley gaveled the hearing back into session. Emily Tillett is the digital producer at "Face the Nation". Blasey Ford on attackers' "uproarious laughte... Blasey Ford: "Absolutely not" mistaken identi... Blasey Ford coping with "PTSD-like symptoms". "I was panicking because I knew the timeline was short on the decision" to choose Kavanaugh as the Supreme Court nominee, so she contacted the Post on July 6. Turman adds that Flake appeared to be struggling, sad and disgusted. Christine Blasey Ford's opening statement. https://t.co/hib1LKoWh8 pic.twitter.com/Cx0b0e5y3z, "This is not a trial of Dr. Ford, it's a job interview of Brett Kavanaugh," said Feinstein. He added, "I can always be convinced, I have to hear it.". I have been called the most vile and hateful names imaginable. These messages, while far fewer than the expressions of support, have been terrifying to receive and have rocked me to my core. A clearly emotional Ford began her opening statement to the committee saying she is "here today not because I want to be. Could this have been a case of mistaken identity? To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories. Mitchell, speaking on behalf of Sen. Ted Cruz, asked Ford why she had contacted the Washington Post in July with her story. We Insist: A Timeline Of Protest Music In 2020, DOJ Watchdog On Russia Probe: No Evidence Of Bias, But Problems With Surveillance, House Democrats To Begin Amending Impeachment Articles Wednesday Evening, House Democrats Unveil 2 Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump, Big Questions In Russia Case May Be Answered If FISA Documents Are Unredacted, Prosecutors: More Charges Possible In Case Of Giuliani Associates Parnas, Fruman, Now Playing: The Investigation Into The Russia Investigation. ", Graham also asserted, counter to claims by the president and other Republicans, that Russia — not Ukraine — was responsible for meddling in the 2016 election. The committee has recessed for lunch. I have been accused of acting out of partisan political motives," Ford said. She also said that she remembered "the laughter, the uproarious laughter," as well as "the multiple attempts to escape and the final ability to do so.". "The president spoke with Rod Rosenstein a few minutes ago and they plan to meet next week," Sanders said. she asked Ford and wryly noted, "Five minutes at a stretch in public is not the right way.". Ramirez, who had been drinking during the alleged incident, was at first hesitant to speak publicly, but ultimately said that she is confident in her recollection. She also called her congressional representative, Rep. Anna Eshoo. Flake constantly looked down and had his chin resting on his hand on a few occasions. "The reality has been far worse than what I expected. ", "This is not a trial of Dr. Ford, it's a job interview for judge Kavanaugh. Republicans have made it clear that Christine Blasey Ford’s decision to go public with sexual-assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh has irrevocably altered the political calculus. Kavanaugh has responded with a categorical denial, saying in a statement, “I have never done anything like what the accuser describes—to her or to anyone. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford prepares to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Thu., Sept. 27, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Republican prosecutor Rachel Mitchell, who will be questioning Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford, prepares prior to a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Capitol Hill on Thu., Sept. 27, 2018. My responsibility is to tell the truth," Ford wrote in prepared testimony before the Senate. First published on September 27, 2018 / 7:00 AM. Democrats plan to ask their own questions, but Republicans are expected to yield to recently-hired female prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. Pressed by Feinstein why she believes it was Kavanaugh who held his hand over her mouth, Ford explained scientifically how the brain encodes memories of trauma.