From TPM Reader MR …
One of the most remarkable features of the Kavanaugh vote hasn’t been remarked upon enough in my opinion: the red state Democratic senators dared to come out against Kavanaugh. Heitkamp, Donnelly, McCaskill, Tester, and throw in Nelson as well: all extremely vulnerable, all past the primaries and facing red-state general election voters, and all stood firm against Kavanaugh. (One can quibble about Manchin. My take is that he will always be there when the Democrats really need him (except on coal).)
This is pretty amazing. And it may yet turn out to be disastrous. And the odds are that the best outcome will be one or two of them losing. But it says something about the nature of the parties today that they would take this stand. And if they (all?) survive, it will send a powerful message that party solidarity and faithfulness with the party’s core supporters are the reigning elements in today’s politics — for both parties.
But it also suggests something about the power of Ford’s case. Had she not come forward, no way the confirmation vote would be 51-49 (pace Daines). I’m sure he would have gotten at least two or more additional red state votes.
