In 2018, our nation faced the high stakes and intensely emotional confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s second nominee to the US Supreme Court. This event was enormously controversial because of both Justice Kavanaugh’s potential to give the Court a conservative majority and the sexual assault allegations he faced. As we saw, our country was deeply divided over whether to confirm or reject Judge Kavanaugh. Perhaps no one faced more agony than Maine Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican. When she announced her intention to support Judge Kavanaugh, his confirmation was all but assured. After carefully reading over and thoughtfully reflecting upon Senator Collins’ remarks, write a short essay. Would you have voted to confirm or reject Judge Kavanaugh? Why or why not? In answering this question, you may refer not only to Senator Collins’ considerations but also any other issue(s) you think are important. Note that even if you would have voted against confirmation, you may nevertheless agree with or appreciate some of Senator Collins’ points.
