Why They Fight For Kavanaugh
I'm writing this as the testimony is going on. I am open to the possibility that it could be convincing of Kavanaugh's guilt, clear him, or leave us in the same uncertain place we are now. But I think the feeling I have right now is worth capturing.
As I posted below, I don't think anyone is indispensable, and I am generally of the opinion that it is better to risk a possible innocent candidate to be denied a big job than to risk a victim being denied justice. The world doesn't owe Kavanaugh a Supreme Court seat, just as the world didn't owe Hillary Clinton the presidency. We have the right to pass over someone with doubts, even if those doubts are less than certain. We have the right to have high standards for our leaders.
At the same time, it is a little scary to see how little it takes for someone who may be innocent to be disgraced as a rapist. It is still within the realm of possibility that he is guilty of nothing more than getting drunk at high school and college parties, writing an off color inside joke in his high school yearbook, and having classmates and friends who were guilty of worse.* It's not clear that anyone can establish that Kavanaugh has even ever been in the same room as his accusers. It seems like since then, he has represented himself honorably in both is professional and family life, and put in the effort to get to this point in his life. It is a real concern to think that one could do everything right, and it still isn't enough to prevent you from being ruined, if people are motivated to do so.
I'm not saying this is the only concern. It must also be balanced against the rights of victims. I'm also aware that this is a possibility that less privileged people face in a variety of contexts, and maybe this experience will teach people to be more sensitive to that.
But it is a real concern that cannot be simply be brushed away. So, if people are wondering why people are so hell-bent on defending this nominee in the face of credible accusations, this is why. It doesn't mean they're right, it doesn't mean we need to confirm him anyway, but it is why people are concerned.
* I'm aware of the antipathy for the "boys will be boys" defense. I think it is wrong when applied to the behavior of adult men, or criminally violent behavior. I think it is reasonable to not condemn a middle aged man for drinking too much or making inappropriate jokes in high school.