Thanking Kennedy for lifetime of distinguished service.
I think I see Maureen Scalia in the front row. Anyone?
Now talking about Gorsuch, nominated to replace "the late great justice Antonin Scalia."
Says he chose Gorsuch b/c he would be faithful servant of Constitution. Introduces Maureen Scalia, who stands up.
Kennedy and Scalia appointed by Reagan, who understood judges should apply Constitution as written.
Says he doesn't ask about a nominee's personal opinions. What matters, he says, is setting aside personal views to do what laws and Constitution require.
Kavanaugh is coming out now, joined by his wife Ashley and their daughters.
All four Kavanaughs are standing on the stage/dais/whatever it is.
Everyone is still just clapping. Kavanaugh is wearing a dark blue tie to contrast with Trump's light-ish blue tie.
Says Kavanaugh has impeccable credentials, commitment to equal justice under the law.
Considered judge's judge, says Trump. A true thought leader among his peers. Universally regarded as one of the finest and sharpest legal minds of our times.
Has devoted his life to public services, says Trump. Authored over 300 opinions (reporters groan inwardly).
Active in community. Coaches Catholic Youth Org basketball, serves meals to needy families, tutors children at local elementary schools. NO one more qualified or deserving for this position, says Trump.
This incredibly qualified nominee deserves swift confirmation, says Trump.
Kavanaugh about to speak.
Thank you, says BK. I have witnessed your appreciation for the vital role of the American judiciary. NO president has ever consulted more widely, talked to more people with more backgrounds to seek input about nomination.
BK praising AMK. Devoted his career to securing the blessings of liberty.
Deeply honored to fill AMK seat. (I wish they would let the family members sit down!)
BK says his parents are there. Says he is an only child.
Says mother taught history at two predominantly African-American high schools in DC. Taught him importance of equality.
Mother went to law school when BK was 10. Says she taught him, "use your common sense. What rings true is true. What rings false is false." She was one of first woman prosecutors, was the first Judge Kavanaugh. Dad went to law school at night while working full time, passed on work ethic, love for sports.
Model of Georgetown Prep, his high school, was "men for others." Tried to live out that creed.
Judicial philosophy: Interpret the law, not make it. Interpret laws and Constitution as written.
Teaches law school, hired by then-Dean Elena Kagan.
Proud that a majority of his law clerks have been women. Proud member of vibrant D.C. Catholic community. Introduces priest for whom he used to serve as altar boy. Introduces daughter Margaret -- loves sports and reading. Liza loves sports and talking. She laughs
Talking up law clerk hiring practicesânow we're getting to the good stuff! (Says he's had people of diverse perspectives. Will BK hire counter-clerks?!)
Someone has asked about the priest in the front row -- that's Msgr. Enzler who was just mentioned.
Says he tried to create bonds with daughters like his father did with him. Says girls on his basketball team call him Coach K (draws a laugh), they just won city championship. Says they also go to lots of games, including Women's Final Four.
Ashley is West Texan, graduated from public school and UT-Austin, she's a town manager in Chevy Chase. First date was September 10, 2001; they sprinted out of Bush White House together the next day.
Ashley was a source of strength in days that followed September 11, for Bush and rest of White House. Says he thanks God every day for his family.
Tomorrow I begin meeting with senators, says BK.
I will tell each senator that I revere the Constitution. I believe an independent judiciary is the crown jewel of our republic. If confirmed, will keep an open mind in every case, strive to preserve constitution and American rule of law.
Thank you Mr. President. Kavanaugh family group hug.
BK looks extremely happy.
And that is all. They walk out with Trump, now there is a lot of milling around.
I believe that is all we will get tonight. I am going to get to work on my post on the nomination, but hopefully Ian, Dan and Leah will stick around to talk amongst themselves and answer your questions. We'll be back again live blogging the hearings, though!
We are going to collect statements about Kavanaugh's nomination. These can be sent to nominationstatements [at] gmail [dot] com.
We're going to shut down the live blog. Thanks for joining us! We'll have a post up about the nomination soon.
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