Yesterday, we noted that Morning Joe expressed surprising support for the Republican decision to move ahead with a vote on Judge Kavanaugh.
Perhaps in a bit of counter-programming, CNN has apparently decided to cast itself as the Christine Ford defender. Opening New Day this morning, co-host John Berman claimed that Republicans have managed to "corner" Ford into testifying only under "excruciating" terms.
Berman also accused Republicans of mounting a campaign of "stealth intimidation" against Ford. And of what does that intimidation consist, according to Berman? That Kavanaugh is known to be preparing for nine hours a day. Berman would presumably prefer that Kavanaugh go into a hearing unprepared to face the tender mercies of Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and the other Dem members of the Judiciary committee.
Note: Alisyn Camerota chipped in, claiming that the fact that "murder boards" are being used to prepare Kavanaugh is a further sign of "intimidation." In fact, "murder boards" is a well-known, non-intimidating, term: "a committee of questioners set up to critically review a proposal and/or help someone prepare for a difficult oral examination."
JOHN BERMAN: Mitch McConnell, one of the best political strategists in the world. And what they've managed to do is to corner Professor Blasey, and present her with this choice, which is now more stark than ever. You excruciating. You have this very narrow option to tell your story. But we're going to give you that option under terms that are excruciating.
. . .
What you're seeing is this stealth intimidation campaign. I really think thats what's going on here. To send a message to Professor Blasey that the world is aligning against you, or at least the power structure of the world is aligning against you in this case. And Abby, you've seen it at the White House. I think there is every reason in the world that it is leaking every day that Judge Kavanaugh is in the White House for nine hours it a day, behind closed doors --
ALISYN CAMEROTA: -- Doing murder boards --
BERMAN: -- With Beth Wilkinson and the best lawyers in the world --
CAMEROTA: -- fascinating, for intimidation.
BERMAN: And they are ready. The message to Professor Blasey is, we are ready for whatever you bring.
