10 of the most inspirational political events of 2018

3. Christine Blasey Ford testified

Professor Christine Blasey Ford took a huge chance when she testified in front of Congress as part of now-Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court. In an already divisive political climate with tensions cranked up nearly to the breaking point, her decision to bring allegations against Kavanaugh had the potential to disrupt her entire life. Ford received death threats, had to move her family, and generally received more public attention than any standard human being ever really wants to get.

Prior to her appearance in September, Ford was as anonymous as the rest of us. But, when Kavanaugh appeared on Donald Trump’s shortlist to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, Ford felt that she had to speak up. In a sense, anyway. At first, Ford contacted The Washington Post and her congresswoman, Representative Anna Eshoo. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who was on the Senate Judiciary Committee that would take part in Kavanaugh’s confirmation, eventually forwarded the information.

According to Ford’s account, Kavanaugh and his friend assaulted a teenaged Ford when they were all teenagers in the summer of 1982. Kavanaugh himself was incensed by the allegations, putting in a testimony of his own this fall that many described as emotional and angry.

Kavanaugh was eventually confirmed anyway. We are left with a complex story — Ford was a “credible witness” who, despite the risks to her reputation and life, stood up and related what appeared to be a traumatic experience in front of the whole nation. Even though Kavanaugh is now a Justice on the Supreme Court, Ford’s bravery in the face of frightening odds remains inspirational indeed.