DPCC Co-Chair Cicilline: Trump’s Comments on Ford ‘Despicable’
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman David Cicilline, Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) and Member of the Judiciary Committee, appeared on Fox News' Outnumbered to discuss the need for a thorough FBI investigation of Dr. Ford's sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Below are excerpts from the interview. Click here to watch the video.
"Sure, I think we should take this very serious allegation seriously…the President has directed an FBI investigation on these claims and I think it's important to wait for that. But I think the President's statements last night were despicable when you consider that more than 70% of sexual assault crimes go unreported because victims are fearful for a variety of reasons.
"We ought to take this allegation very seriously. I think Dr. Ford was credible, her testimony, even the President described as credible after he heard it…the Democrats pushed for an FBI investigation so we could know what the facts are and that seems to be a modest and reasonable proposal. And obviously we hope the FBI has ability to do a full investigation to assist the committee to understand what really happened, and I think we ought to await that.
"Well, I think the reporting you just reported on, the letter or statement from the individual who in fact took that polygraph said that Dr. Ford never at any time coached her or helped her prepare. So look I think that's why the FBI investigation matters because those are interviews done where people are required to tell the truth or face criminal prosecution. That's why they should interview all the witnesses that are necessary to complete the investigation. But you know a lot has been made about Dr. Ford's testimony and lack of corroboration. I remind your viewers that in a criminal case, truthful testimony of a victim if believed by a jury is sufficient to convict someone of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If it's good enough to convict someone in a criminal trial, it surely is a good enough reason to prevent someone from going on the highest court in the land.
"Look, I think there's been a lot of reporting about the testimony from Judge Kavanaugh that is inconsistent with what this report will find. Let's wait for the FBI report. We should have a full investigation."