Blasey Ford says '100 percent' certain Kavanaugh assaulted her

"You're not guilty if someone makes an allegation against you in this country".

After an awkward pause, Mitchell explained the line of questioning: "I ask that because it's been reported by the press that you would not submit to an interview with the committee because of your fear of flying", she said.

Before Swirling approached Graham, the South Carolina Republican lamented the scrutiny that Kavanaugh has faced following the allegations. Which Kavanaugh did emphatically, calling today's hearing and the two weeks leading up to it "a calculated and orchestrated political hit, fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election", and "revenge on behalf of the Clintons".

"This is the most unethical sham since I've been in politics", said Senator Lindsey Graham of SC. She said she came forward not for political reasons, but because it was her "civic duty".

He finished his speech by declaring, "To my Republican colleagues, if you vote no, you are legitimizing the most despicable thing I've seen in my time in politics". She said at the beginning of her testimony, when asked if she would need a break after her opening remarks, that she might need some coffee.

Other politicians also immediately took to social media after the hearing, including former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. You know, you had the testimony both from (Christine Blasey Ford) and from (Brett) Kavanaugh. Speaking in NY on Wednesday, President Donald Trump maintained support for Kavanaugh but said he was open to having his mind changed by Ford's testimony and mused about having to pick a different nominee.

Kavanaugh has adamantly denied assaulting her or anybody.

"Contrary to what the public has been led to believe" Grassley said, "the FBI doesn't perform any credibility assessments or verify the truth of any events in these background investigations".

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A spokesman for Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said committee rules require these types of votes must be posted three days in advance.

Ford told senators that one night in the summer of 1982, a drunken Kavanaugh forced her down on a bed, groped her and tried to take off her clothes.

Graham, who is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was discussing Ford's testimony, when a woman who later identified herself on Twitter as Robyn Swirling spoke to Graham.

Kavanaugh, who has two daughters, said one of his girls said they should "pray for the woman" making the allegations against him, referring to Ford.

Ms Ford will testify first at the hearing, which starts at 10am (3pm United Kingdom time) and at her request is being held in a small hearing room that seats only a few dozen spectators. "I believe Judge Kavanaugh has conducted himself as well as anyone could expect throughout this process and plan to vote to confirm him".

However Trump softened his position on Wednesday, telling journalists that he was ready to change his mind, depending on the testimony.

Mr Kavanaugh has steadfastly denied all the allegations. Aides said they thought Kavanaugh was effectively fighting back and expressed optimism he could survive the process. If Kavanaugh seemed doomed at midday Thursday and revived by the end of the day, anything could still happen before the final vote, especially if additional accusations continue to pile up.