"The sneering still photos of Kavanaugh will never disappear no matter what happens to him."

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Once again, something Trump has touched is turning to crap.

Kavanaugh was informed that in order to keep Trump's support he'd have to come across as "strong" - that is, angry, insulting and aggressive, like Trump himself. It was reported that Trump loved his performance. But if Kavanaugh had ignored Trump's advice, restrained himself and behaved in a calm, measured way (like Dr. Ford), he'd have been a lot better off. As a result of his assholish, entitled frat boy behavior he's getting slammed by everybody but the hardest-core GOPers. He trashed whatever nice-guy reputation he had cultivated over the years because Trump wanted him to drop the mask and be an asshole. But if it all backfires and the confirmation vote fails, Trump will act like he never knew him.