Mitch McConnell whines assault victims are 'harassing' senators

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) took to the floor of the Senate Wednesday to complain about sexual assault survivors who are speaking out against the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.

McConnell has been pushing for a hasty confirmation despite the multiple allegations of sexual assault that have been leveled against the far-right judge.

“I’m not suggesting we’re the victims here,” McConnell said, and then proceeded to suggest senators are the victims. “But I want to make it clear to these people who are chasing my people around the hall here or harassing them at the airports or going to their homes: We will not be intimidated by these people.”

McConnell continued, his voice raised. “There is no chance in the world they’re going to scare us out of doing our duty,” he said.

“I don’t care how many people they chase, how many people they harass here in the halls, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: We will not be intimidated by these people.”

McConnell was referring to a series of public confrontations of Republican senators supporting Kavanaugh that have recently occurred.

Two survivors of sexual assault confronted Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) in an elevator after he said last week that he would vote to confirm Kavanaugh.

“What you are doing is allowing someone who actually violated a woman to sit on the Supreme Court,” one of the women told Flake.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) faced sexual assault survivors as he walked through an airport hallway. Instead of listening to their concerns about the nomination, Corker sarcastically commented, “I know y’all are having — I know this is enjoyable for y’all.”

One of the women replied, “This is not enjoyable, this is our lives. I’m a survivor of sexual assault.”

These are the voices McConnell seeks to silence. He and his party do not want American women, particularly those who have suffered sexual assault, to have a voice and to derail Trump’s handpicked choice for the high court.

Their powerful voices are cutting through the chatter and providing a counter to the Republican campaign to force Kavanaugh on to the court.

McConnell’s combative commentary is proof that these women are having an effect, and Republicans want them to stop.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.