Hawaii Sen Hirono Stuns By Asking Judge Barrett if She Has Ever Committed Sexual Assault

In the middle of a lecture to Judge Barrett about the dangers of the Supreme Court overruling the Affordable Care Act, Hawaii Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono paused to ask if she has a history with sexual harassment and assault.

Hirono prefaced the question by saying that it was necessary to “ensure the fitness nominees for a lifetime appointment appointment to the federal bench or to any of the other positions, or any of the committees for which they appear.”

Hirono asked, “Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?”

“No, Sen. Hirono,” was Barrett’s response. Hirono asked additionally, “Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to this kind of conduct,” to which Barrett responded “no” again, without this time addressing her by name, simply her title, “senator.”

Michigan Republican House Candidate David Dudenhofer, who is running against “The Squad” member Rashida Talib, shared video of the exchange, asking, “Is this real life?” He believes, “Hawaii can surely do better than Mazie Hirono.”

Is this real life?

Hawaii can surely do better than Mazie Hirono.pic.twitter.com/DsZxaGwFSH

— David Dudenhoefer #ReplaceRashida Tlaib (@Dude4Liberty) October 13, 2020

Comedian Tim Young also shared the video and wondered, “When will Hirono ask Joe Biden these same questions?”

When will Hirono ask Joe Biden these same questions? https://t.co/5S2wmH4DWB

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) October 13, 2020

CNN commentator Jess McIntosh, however, applauded Hirono’s efforts, saying, “Mazie Hirono is the most underrated member of the Senate I will die on this hill.”

Mazie Hirono is the most underrated member of the Senate I will die on this hill.

— jess mcintosh (@jess_mc) October 13, 2020

According to The Daily Caller, Hirono announced in January 2018 that she would ask all Supreme Court nominees this question in efforts to root out sexual misconduct.

Hirono said on Twitter Jan. 10, 2018, “Starting today, I’m asking nominees to our courts, under oath, whether or not they have a history of sexual assault or harassment. Like in other industries, our judges are in positions of power & #TimesUp.”

In a six part tweet last month on September 26th, Hirono announced that she would not support Judge Barrett’s nomination and listed her reasons.

She will vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act after being rushed on the Supreme Court in time to hear the case on November 10.

Millions of Americans will lose their health care – catastrophic in the middle of a pandemic.

— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) September 26, 2020

Senate Republicans have gone back on their word about confirming a Supreme Court justice in an election year and disrespected the final, fervent wish of Justice Ginsburg to not be replaced until a new president is installed.

— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) September 26, 2020

I oppose her nomination and will fight to deny her a lifetime position on the United States Supreme Court, and in doing so, will tell the American people the danger she poses to hard-won rights.

— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) September 26, 2020