Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly

Overview

The Education of Brett Kavanaugh, written by Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly, delves into the controversial confirmation process of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The book provides a detailed and comprehensive account of Kavanaugh's background, career, and the allegations of sexual misconduct that arose during his confirmation hearings in 2018. Pogrebin and Kelly, both experienced journalists, conducted extensive research and interviews to present a balanced and incisive examination of the events surrounding Kavanaugh's appointment.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Background and Career: The authors begin by tracing Kavanaugh's upbringing and education, highlighting his privileged background and his close ties to the Republican establishment. They explore his influential positions in the legal community, including his work in the White House under President George W. Bush and his years as a federal judge on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Through this analysis, the authors shed light on Kavanaugh's ideological leanings and his conservative approach to the law.

2. Allegations of Sexual Misconduct: One of the book's central focuses is the allegations of sexual misconduct that emerged during Kavanaugh's confirmation process. Pogrebin and Kelly delve into the accusations made by Christine Blasey Ford, who testified that Kavanaugh had assaulted her in high school. The authors provide a detailed account of Ford's testimony and examine the subsequent testimonies and investigations that followed. They also explore other allegations and the controversies surrounding the limited FBI investigation into these claims.

3. Political and Partisan Manipulation: The Education of Brett Kavanaugh emphasizes the political and partisan nature of the confirmation process. Pogrebin and Kelly delve into the strategies employed by Republicans and Democrats, including how each party attempted to manipulate public opinion and sway the outcome of the confirmation hearings. By examining the actions of both sides, the authors shed light on the broader implications of Kavanaugh's appointment and the increasing politicization of the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

The Education of Brett Kavanaugh offers readers a thorough and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most contentious Supreme Court confirmations in recent history. Pogrebin and Kelly provide insights into Kavanaugh's background, career, and alleged misconduct, shedding light on the broader political landscape that shaped his appointment. Through their meticulous research and interviews, the authors build a compelling case that forces readers to confront the complexities and challenges surrounding the confirmation process of a Supreme Court Justice.

This book is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of politics and the judiciary, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the #MeToo movement and its impact on public discourse. Other books that provide similar insights into the confirmation process and the Supreme Court include "Confirmation Bias: Inside Washington’s War Over the Supreme Court"

by Carl Hulse and "The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court" by Jeffrey Toobin.