The difference between rugby and politics is the best team usually wins, and when they don’t there’re usually still things to take comfort from like the last game, or a great match, or the spirit in which the game was played etc.

I’ve gotta say, as a NZer those last few minutes of the game were pretty exciting!!!!

If it’s 4-4, the law stays as it is. The 9th justice cannot come in and change things.

Mr Flake not just got some info in the elevator (how ironic is that?), he also hinted at some woman (women?) close to him that revealed she (they?) had been sexually assaulted (raped?), while having no idea about it.
So yes, I think he indeed wants to vote against Mr Kavanaugh.

Johann Cruyff, arguably the greatest footballer ever, once mentioned, while he was coaching Barcelona: “In Spain all 22 players make the sign of the cross before they enter the pitch, if it works therefore all matches must end in a draw.”
My apologies for revealing the results.

Yes, I wonder how the SC will rule on ‘Gamble vs US’ if the SC vacancy is not filled. Probably 4-4. I gather that in such a case the present law will not be changed?
The stakes appear very high indeed. I was worried about women’s rights and Jim Crow, but this will give the POTUS truly dictatorial powers.
However, it seems that Mr Kavanaugh is toast indeed, especially if the FBI is diligent and examines witnesses such as Mr Judge, Ms Swetnick and the like. I gather the only constraint laid upon the FBI is one of time.

I also have a question for some expert: if the Gamble vs US case is presented to the SC before a 9th Justice is sworn in, does the latter have a vote in the case?

Because of the time difference, I once again missed the rugby and have stayed away from all media where I might find out the results. (not purposely – you haven’t spoiled things for me!). I’m very glad to hear about both those results! I’ll see the games at some point. I’m loving the idea that Aussie will finish last! Not just because it’s Australia and we have a little brother complex here, but because I don’t like their coach and a couple of their players. e.g. I like that all the praying isn’t getting Israel Folau the win he expects God to give him for going public with his anti-gay message. I would like him to take it that God prefers the players that gave the supportive message like some All Blacks, the Black Ferns, and especially the Aussie league team (who’ve been most vociferous). I doubt he will though. Religious people always stick to or join the religion that most closely mirrors their own beliefs, then attribute those beliefs to God.

All they care about is getting someone that will do their bidding on the SC. Here is something I copied from a Facebook comment on the group I get all my cartoons from:

“[Written by] Scientia Rules. Google: Gamble vs. United States

This case comes up before the Supreme Court SOON. This disaster of a judge (appointed by 44.5) is being rushed through the process so that he can cast the deciding vote to protect many GOP folks from possible prosecution. The corruption and Russian money runs deep in the GOP.

Passing on these specifics:

On next month’s SCOTUS docket is Gamble vs US. No 17-646. This is the reason behind the rush to confirm this person. Yes, they want him to overturn Roe. Yes, they want him to drag us all back to the Dark Ages with women’s rights, healthcare and environmental protection; but they need him seated by October to rule on this specific case.

At stake is the “separate sovereigns” exception to double jeopardy. If he (and the other 4 conservative judges) vote to overrule it, people given presidential pardons for federal crimes cannot be tried for that crime at the state level. Bam. Trump can pardon the lot of them, and they have nothing to fear from state’s attorneys.

Everyone is looking at the shiny coin, and not seeing the bigger picture. CALL YOUR SENATORS and tell them to VOTE NO!”

I didn’t know about this case. Very interesting!. I for one have been satisfying myself with the knowledge that Trump can’t pardon people convicted by state courts – only federal courts. This is a VERY BIG DEAL.

I profoundly hope so (the beginning of the end).
Mr Kavanaugh’s performance revealed he is a deeply partisan hack, and emotionally completely unsuited as a judge. I mean, apart from the lying, a candidate for the SC going into a Clinton conspiracy? How deep can one sink?
Unsuited for the SC is putting it mildly, he is unsuited for any court.