This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh spoke at the Federalist Society's annual gala, where he reflected on his own confirmation process. The event marked 25 years since Justice Kavanaugh first attended the society's dinners.
Leonard A. Leo, the Federalist Society's executive vice president, has advised Mr. Trump on judicial nominations and worked on the confirmations of Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch. The society's website states that it does not take political positions or endorse nominees.
Justice Kavanaugh emphasized the society's commitment to open-mindedness, saying, “Its primary point of view is to be open to all points of view.” He also described himself as a “proud member” of the Federalist Society.
His comments came as a contrast to his heated response during his confirmation hearings last year, where he denied accusations of sexual assault in high school. He stated, “This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups.”
Justice Kavanaugh was confirmed by a vote of 50 to 48 in October 2018. Since joining the Supreme Court, he has maintained a calm demeanor, asking focused questions of both sides. His written opinions have been clear and accessible, with no strong ideological leanings.
His new colleagues have welcomed and praised him. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the senior member of the court's liberal wing, commended his hiring practices, saying, “Justice Kavanaugh made history by bringing on board an all-female law clerk crew. Thanks to his selections, the court has this term, for the first time ever, more women than men serving as law clerks.”
On Thursday, Justice Kavanaugh praised his new colleagues, saying, “They are patriots. They love our court, and they love our country.”
