Five takeaways on Kavanaugh and Fords testimony

-Source-The Hill- Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh combined to provided one of the most dramatic and memorable hearings in Senate history on Thursday. Millions watched on cable television as Blasey Ford held the Senate Judiciary Committee rapt with her account of a sexual assault on her as a teenager that she says was carried out by Kavanaugh. The Supreme Court nominee hours later offered an angry and indignant response ripping Senate Democrats for their attacks on his character and denying Fords accusations. Here are five takeaways. Ford came off as credible As Ford wrapped her testimony both sides praised the 51-year-old professor for being credible and effective under hours of interrogation by senators and Rachel Mitchell the lawyer hired to question her on behalf of Republicans. Sen. Richard Shelby (Ala.) told reporters that he found Ford to be credible." Meanwhile GOP Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) the No. 2 GOP senator and member of the committee told reporters he found no reason to find her not credible." Fords testimony left Republicans grim faced and commentators on Fox News pronounced it a disaster for the GOP. Democrats rallied behind her with Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) a 2020 White House candidate telling Ford: I believe you and I believe many Americans across this country believe you." Kavanaughs aggressive tact paid off Fords testimony was so powerful and so good commentators said Kavanaugh really needed to deliver. He did with a forceful denial notable for its passion and indignation. Kavanaugh was visibly angry red faced and appeared to be at times on the verge of yelling at senators as he began his opening statement.He ripped the committee process and specifically Democrats calling the attacks a national disgrace" and saying senators had gone from advise and consent to search and destroy." It seemed to light a fire under the GOP as some panel members began laying into Democrats themselves.