[Bruce Campbells Chin]

Problem is that McConnell would need a majority to invoke cloture and end debate, so Flake/Murkowski/Collins could prevent a vote from taking place without voting "no" simply by refusing to invoke cloture. Essentially, you have a filibuster unless/until the three squishes decide to proceed.

The interesting thing about this is that the FBI's avenue for investigation is very limited. Judge likely will refuse to speak to them, and they can't make him. The other witnesses identified by Ford as the only other people present have sword they don't remember anything. So all they can really do is interview Kavanaugh again -- which is pointless given his flat denial. Or Ford, and try to ask her about more of the odd details in her story.

Not sure where that gets anyone other than a delay, which is obviously part of the point. But Flake himself said it is limited to one week, so even that isn't much.

[Paul R.]

Did I or did I not hear Grassley say that the investigation would be limited to one week and “this (Ford’s) allegation” only, and then he called for the vote? It seems to me that “this allegation” could cover how the allegation came to be.

I was listening on radio & may have heard wrong, but if the making of the allegation itself can be investigated, Grassley may have snuck one in & the Dems may have gotten more than they bargained for.