A New York Times investigative journalist's unexpected message of contrition reaches a central figure in the controversial Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
According to Fox News, New York Times reporter David Enrich acknowledged to Mark Judge that he would approach his coverage of the Kavanaugh allegations differently, expressing a willingness to discuss his role in the 2018 reporting.
The exchange came to light through Judge's article in Chronicles Magazine, where he revealed the surprising communication from Enrich. Judge, who was implicated in Christine Blasey Ford's sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, had endured significant media scrutiny during the confirmation process. The accusations centered around an alleged incident in the early 1980s when both Kavanaugh and Judge were teenagers attending Georgetown Preparatory School.
Enrich wrote to Judge expressing his evolving perspective on the coverage. According to Judge's account, the reporter stated:
I've spent a lot of time thinking about my role in the Kavanaugh coverage, and I would be happy to talk to you about it at some point. For now, I will just say that I have learned some lessons and would probably do certain things differently next time.
The revelation marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the media's handling of the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. Judge claims that several reporters involved in covering the story have been wrestling with their conscience over their role in damaging his reputation. The impact of the coverage had severe consequences for Judge, who revealed that the intense scrutiny had affected his mental health and personal relationships.
Judge contends that the New York Times relied heavily on opposition research provided by Michael Avenatti and other sources, which he describes as "totally bogus."
The investigation by Enrich and his colleague Kate Kelly focused on uncovering potentially embarrassing details about Judge's adolescent years. Their reporting included references to Judge's involvement in his high school's party scene and his contributions to an underground student newspaper.
The Times' coverage extensively examined Judge's high school activities, including a controversial yearbook photo featuring both him and Kavanaugh. The photo's caption and its implications became part of the broader narrative during the confirmation hearings. These investigative methods have now come under renewed scrutiny following Enrich's message.
Judge's conversation with Fox News host Martha MacCallum revealed additional layers to the story, including an alleged extortion attempt.
He described receiving a threatening phone call demanding he change his testimony, which was subsequently reported to the FBI through his attorney. This incident adds another dimension to the complex aftermath of the confirmation hearings.
The New York Times has maintained its position on the coverage, with a spokesperson defending the reporting as "thorough, independent and fair." Both Enrich and Kelly declined to provide additional comments on the matter. The newspaper's stance contrasts with Enrich's personal communication with Judge, highlighting the tension between institutional positions and individual perspectives.
The exchange between Enrich and Judge represents a significant development in the ongoing discourse about media coverage of the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.
Judge's revelations about the impact of the investigation on his life, combined with Enrich's acknowledgment of potential missteps, provide new context to the 2018 coverage. This development raises questions about journalistic practices and their real-world consequences, particularly in high-profile political cases involving serious allegations.