UPDATE: CNN's Chris Cuomo claimed Tuesday on late night TV that Kavanaugh absolutely snubbed Mr. Guttenberg.
"I believe you will see the judge recognize the man and the gesture," Cuomo said during an interview with Seth Meyers. "He does nothing. Turns away. And then security escorts him. [But] the White House says I’m completely wrong, that the video is clear evidence of the judge wanting to connect, not having time because he was whisked away by security.”
Marjory Stoneman Douglas student Kyle Kashuv defended Kavanaugh, however, insisting it was just a misunderstanding.
All that was said before Judge Kavanuagh was being pulled away is: "I am Fred Guttenberg", what did Kavanaugh do wrong again? Fred said: "he pulled his hand back" which never happened.
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) September 4, 2018
These happenings are quick and confusing in the moment, but nothing was done with malice. https://t.co/KZKnZ2mOyS
ORIGINAL POST
Matt already debunked one controversy to arise from the Brett Kavanaugh hearing Tuesday. Critics charged that one of Kavanaugh's assistants was giving the white power hand signal. In reality, she was just sitting with her hand on her arm.
Then, Fred Guttenberg, a father who lost a daughter during the Parkland shooting in February, suggested that Kavanaugh snubbed him during the hearing.
Just walked up to Judge Kavanaugh as morning session ended. Put out my hand to introduce myself as Jaime Guttenberg's dad. He pulled his hand back, turned his back to me and walked away. I guess he did not want to deal with the reality of gun violence.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) September 4, 2018
Democrats like Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) shamed the nominee for his behavior and she too suggested it had something to do with his politics.
If Kavanaugh won’t even give him a handshake, how can we believe he would give gun violence victims a fair shake in court? https://t.co/OiDP6lB1Ez
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) September 4, 2018
Recommended
However, Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air shared a couple videos that show Kavanaugh may not have heard Guttenberg or had been confused because security had quickly intervened before he had a chance to react.
Fred Guttenberg, father of Parkland victim, Jaime, tries to shakes hands with Brett Kavanaugh: "My daughter was murdered at Parkland."
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 4, 2018
White House says an "unidentified individual approached" Kavanaugh, but "before the judge was able to shake his hand, security had intervened." pic.twitter.com/IerpDMOW0h
NEW VIDEO of hearing room clearly shows security intervened when Judge #Kavanaugh was approached. pic.twitter.com/ZGRRCcWroW
— Raj Shah (@RajShah45) September 4, 2018
In addition to these two odd controversies, there were plenty of fireworks during the hearing itself.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member