[link:
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/kavanaugh-s-accuser-should-unfortunately-expect-anita-hill-treatment-republicans-ncna910226|
Kanaugh's accuser should unfortunately expect the Anita Hill treatment from Republicans
I wrongly helped orchestrate the character assassination of Clarence Thomas' accusers. This is how it all worked.
Watching the news of allegations by Christine Blasey Ford of attempted rape against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh play out on cable television, millions of Americans probably feel like they've seen this movie before — but few feel that way more than me.
It was 27 years ago that law professor Anita Hill came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. What unfolded during the Thomas confirmation was ugly and, after a brutal attack on Hill's motives and credibility by the Republicans, Thomas was confirmed by the Senate on a narrow 52-48 vote.
Based on my own role inside the Republican attack machine at that time, I can predict that similarly hard-knuckled tactics will be used against Ford, even though the times have thankfully changed. The stakes for the organized right are just as high now as they were then: Like Thomas, Kavanaugh is a cause célèbre for the conservative movement as they seek to cement a majority on the Supreme Court for a generation.
They will defend him at any cost.
