while I don’t know much about judges should be, I agree with UFNY, that it would be unfair to judge Kavanaugh’s judicial or even general temperament based on yesterday.  High stress over an extended period of time can cause even the best of us to become overly emotional and inappropriate.  And given the extensive overcoaching he probably had on how to nail every nuance (attack the Dems and their circus - pretend to feel sorry for the woman accusing you, maybe even tell a story about your daughter praying for her), it is not surprising that Kavanaugh acted almost maniacal in his defense.  

Also, it is unpleasant, but we should remind ourselves at times like these that we don’t truly know why we come to the conclusions we do.  We know the arguments we use to justify those conclusions.  Perhaps those argulnents are truly why we believe as we do, but we don’t know that.  The only time we have strong evidence (on contentious matters) that it really was evidence and logic that won the day is when we come to a position contrary to our orientation and interests.

That didn’t happen for either of us, though I believe we both did try to be fair. 

Anyone can remain composed, or even act contrary to their own nature, in everyday situations.   You learn the most about a person when the chips are down.

Hobbes take very neatly summarized what I posted yesterday (he always steals my takes).   I really didn't care much about Kavanaugh's nomination; we are going to get a conservative Justice on the bench, it is just a question of which one.  But yesterday showed me he is probably the wrong guy.  It at least created enough doubt about his fitness for the Court that the Senate should not confirm him.

His anger was misplaced.  Yes, the Democrats have used this situation to delay his confirmation, but they did not fabricate these allegations.   The fact that the media storm came down, and that other accusers have come out of the woodwork, was perhaps predictable, but was not the Dems fault.

And no matter what games the Dems may be playing, he should just remain patient and jump through their hoops.  I have to do this every single day with both opposing counsel and judges, and I always counsel my clients to remain patient and believe that the facts are on their side.  Kavanaugh should have just answered their questions fully and honestly, no matter how ridiculous the questions seemed, rather than filibustering, being evasive, and even straight up lying.

FTR, I believe he lied about his yearbook quotes.  It seems silly and unimportant, but lying under oath in a judicial confirmation hearing is serious.  Those quotes are filled with alcohol and sex references, and he should just admit that he was a stupid teenager who liked to drink and joke about sex.   I was in High School in 1981, and I am positive that "boofed" did not refer to flatulence.   "Devil's Triangle" I'm not as sure of.