WH Grows Optimistic About Kavanaugh’s Fate As GOPers Walk Back Early Hints Of Dissent

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 09: U.S. President Donald Trump introduces U.S. Circuit Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh as his nominee to the United States Supreme Court during an event in the East Room of the White House July 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Judge Kavanaugh would succeed Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, 81, who is retiring after 30 years of service on the high court. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 09: U.S. President Donald Trump introduces U.S. Circuit Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh as his nominee to the United States Supreme Court during an event in the East Room of the White House July 9, 201... WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 09: U.S. President Donald Trump introduces U.S. Circuit Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh as his nominee to the United States Supreme Court during an event in the East Room of the White House July 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Judge Kavanaugh would succeed Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, 81, who is retiring after 30 years of service on the high court. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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President Donald Trump is in good spirits about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s chances as Republicans quell their initial sparks of rebellion and fall in with the party’s desire for a quick confirmation vote, according to a Wednesday Politico report.

One of these lawmakers is Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), who initially called for an investigation into professor Christine Blasey Ford’s accusation against Kavanaugh of sexual assault, but is now advocating a quick confirmation vote if Blasey Ford opts out of the Monday hearing.

A Republican familiar with the confirmation process told Politico that the administration is cautiously trying to walk the line between offending women and disappointing the base, with White House counsel Don McGahn advising Trump to continue showing restraint on the topic. Trump has started to heap sympathy upon Kavanaugh and say that it’s “hard to believe” the accusation, reportedly a sign of his growing confidence.

Per Politico, Trump is also content with the Kavanaugh saturation, because it’s stopped people from talking about his former campaign chair Paul Manafort and special counsel Robert Mueller.

Despite the White House’s optimism, they’re not taking chances. Staffers are reportedly combing through dusty yearbooks to find dirt on Blasey Ford, while Kavanaugh stays ensconced with McGahn, planning strategies and responses for the next twist in the turbulent confirmation process.

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