Remarks by Chris Wallace, a Fox News anchor, illustrate the political problem Republicans will have if they try to challenge the testimony of one of Brett Kananaugh’s accusers in today’s hearings. Wallace described Ford as being “extremely emotional, extremely raw, and extremely credible.” He also said the hearings were “a disaster for the Republicans.”
Fox News' Chris Wallace at the first break in Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony: Her testimony is "extremely emotional, extremely raw, and extremely credible," while cross-examination format "is a disaster for the Republicans." pic.twitter.com/fHy0rcwAV2
— Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) September 27, 2018
Even more tellingly, Wallace told a story about how Ford’s story has led two of his daughters to speak about sexual misconduct they themselves experienced in high school. “Over the course of this week, like I think a lot of American families, my family —a lot of it on email—has been discussing this and disagreeing and arguing about it,” Wallace remarked. “And two of my daughters have told me stories that I had never heard before about things that happened to them in high school.”
Fox News' CHRIS WALLACE says in wake of Kavanaugh allegations "two of my daughters have told me stories that I have never heard before about things that happened in high school & hadn't told their parents... I don't this we can disregard Ford and the seriousness of this." pic.twitter.com/5lKaTDo9Cy
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 27, 2018
Another Fox News stalwart, Brit Hume, was more ambiguous. He acknowledged that Ford was a “very sympathetic witness” but also said her testimony “remains uncorroborated.”
As writer David Dayen observes, Fox News shouldn’t be given too much credit since their coverage still seems designed to give cover to the Republican Party:
Chris Wallace getting WAY too much credit. Just said that Mitchell's role is to "help (Republican Senators) make their case"... "they thought she was going to be tougher challenging the credibility of this woman"
— David Dayen (@ddayen) September 27, 2018
Baier trying to raise hopes, Mitchell "has got 40 minutes to make her case"
— David Dayen (@ddayen) September 27, 2018
Still, President Donald Trump and many Republican politicians will likely be watching Fox News, so Wallace’s comments could have a real impact in shaping how the hearings are interpreted.