Democratic overreach? The Kavanaugh hearings could fuel Republican turnout, as many Americans see the weaponization of #MeToo. By S.E. Cupp.
With a third allegation of sexual misconduct against Brett Kavanaugh — this one by a woman claiming he may have participated or aided in a gang rape in “approximately 1982” — Democrats may think the Kavanaugh confirmation battle is sure to work in their favor. They certainly seem convinced not only of Kavanaugh’s guilt, but of the impact this will have on midterm elections.
Headlines like this one, in The Atlantic, abound: “Brett Kavanaugh Could Make the Midterms a Landmark Election for Women.”
Left-wing groups are audibly salivating: “[I]t is on fire out there, and women voters in particular are ready to see big, big change,” said Stephanie Schriock, the president of EMILY’s List.
Not so fast. …
Much if not most of America likely sees it differently. They see a decent man, who was investigated six times by the FBI already for other appointments, being tarred and feathered over uncorroborated accusations from decades ago. Sure, that hits male voters hard, but women, too — mothers of sons who don’t want mistakes made as teenagers to define their future — are watching closely.
Republican voters in particular have reason to be incensed, and motivated. …
Voters also notice a double standard playing out concurrent to Kavanaugh: The multiple accusations of domestic violence against Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison. While he runs to be Minnesota’s attorney general, the state’s top law enforcer, none of his Democratic colleagues have demanded his ouster. None are demanding the FBI investigate him. In fact, Democrats are quite content to allow the Democratic National Committee, where Ellison serves as deputy chair, to handle the investigation internally. …
Finally, Republicans are having flashbacks to 2012, and seeing shades of Mitt Romney. In the midst of that presidential campaign he was eviscerated by Democrats and the press, many will admit today unfairly, not just over his politics but his character. …
All of this, to be sure, will help drive Republican turnout. But it could also drive independents who think that weaponizing #MeToo for political gain is craven, who believe due process, even in the light of serious accusations, is still important, who believe there shouldn’t be different standards based on party affiliation.
