Former Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) said after Brett Kavanaugh's testimony Thursday that he is the sort of man "who you could now see attacking a woman."
Kavanaugh was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Donald Trump and in his testimony denied a sexual assault accusation from California psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford. Boxer argued his public image as a "choir boy" was exposed by the his "personality transformation" at the hearing, where he showed visible anger at the process.
"It was an exhausting day for everybody and especially for women who have had this experience and for women who have had relationships with very angry men," Boxer said. "All of a sudden we see a man transformed from a choir boy who, up to now, has said, after hours in front of the committee, he lived this very perfect life, all of a sudden his anger is triggered and what we saw today is someone who you could now see attacking a woman."
Kavanaugh said he was outraged because his family had to go the process of these allegations coming out, none of which have been backed up by corroborating witnesses. He called the charges "smears," and while he said Ford may have experienced an assault like the one she accuses him of, he declared he was 100 percent sure he did not do it.
He also did not say he lived a "perfect life," since he has admitted to making mistakes and sometimes drinking too much.
Boxer did not give credence to the reasons Kavanaugh gave for his emotions, saying his words scared her.
"It’s very frightening," she said. "This guy not only showed this belligerent anger, but he had like a personality transformation."
As for Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Boxer said it is up to the undecided Republicans.
"We all know it is a few Republicans who really hold this decision on their shoulders. I don't know anyone who didn't think that Dr. Ford was credible. And when she said ‘I am a hundred percent sure who this was,’ I believe her," Boxer said.
She also echoed the major Democratic point from the day, which is that Kavanaugh and others should call for an FBI investigation.
"If you are undecided, there is only one way to know, and that is to get an independent FBI background check and frankly anyone who doesn't support that doesn't want to get to the truth, and that includes Judge Kavanaugh," Boxer said.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) has argued repeatedly that the FBI has no need to get involved because the Senate is handling the investigation in accordance with its advice and consent mandate.
Trump tweeted his support for Kavanaugh soon after the hearing ended, and senators such as Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) expressed support for him.