Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., went head-to-head with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh late Wednesday regarding any possible discussions he may have had about special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference, including with the law firm founded by President Trump’s longtime lawyer.
Harris began her questioning of Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee by asking whether he discussed the ongoing Russia probe with anyone at the law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres, founded by Marc Kasowitz, President Trump’s attorney.
“Be sure about your answer, sir,” Harris warned.
“I’m not sure I know everyone who works at that law firm,” Kavanaugh told Harris.
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The Supreme Court hopeful told Harris that he could not recall if such discussions had occurred, but was “happy to be refreshed.”
“With all that you remember, you have an impeccable memory, you’ve been speaking for almost eight hours, maybe more with this committee, about all sorts of things you’ve been asked,” Harris said. “How can you not remember whether or not you had a conversation about Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone at that law firm?”
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, interjected during the exchange to assert there was no way for Kavanaugh to know the full roster of people who work at specific law firms in D.C.
“Law firms have a lot of names, there are a lot of people who work at law firms,” Lee said. “They’re like rabbits, they spawn new firms.”
Kavanaugh asked Harris to share the identity of the person at Kasowitz Benson Torres who Harris had in mind, but she refused to do so.
“I think you’re thinking of someone and you don’t want to tell us,” she said.
Kavanaugh did admit to speaking with his fellow judges about Mueller’s probe given the media attention it has received and its continuation.
Harris’s line of questioning prompted additional protests from members of the public, who urged the senators — many on the Judiciary Committee had left — to oppose Kavanaugh’s nomination.
The demonstrators were removed from the hearing room by U.S. Capitol Police.
