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Valley law and political experts weigh in on Kavanaugh hearing

Posted at 7:57 PM, Sep 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 01:18:26-04

Fired up, emotional, with the eyes of the nation staring right at him. Thursday, Judge Brett Kavanaugh fought back against allegations of sexual assault - and also fought to maintain his reputation and decades-long career. 

"I think he had to give the performance of his life," says Jason Rose, a Valley political consultant. "The speech of his life. The approach of his life. And I think he did that." 

Rose argues Judge Kavanaugh's fiery performance is earning him accolades in conservative circles and also giving him a fighting chance. 

"His statement and his combativeness blew me away, but most importantly for him, it kept him alive as a contender," Rose said.

FULL COVERAGE: Ford, Kavanaugh testify in Judiciary Committee hearing

But not everyone sees it that way. 

"You saw how angry he got and how he lost himself," explained Paul Bender, a law professor at Arizona State University who has also tried more than twenty cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Bender believes all the emotions will work against him.

"You get angry like that, at least in my mind, and I begin to wonder whether you're saying everything absolutely truthful," Bender said.

RELATED: Flake, other swing vote senators, hold closed-door meeting after hearing

Confirmed or rejected, both experts agree, the damage has already been done. 

"From a PR standpoint, Judge Kavanaugh will never be the same," explains Rose. 

"If he's confirmed, there will be a mark on him for blowing up in that way," adds Bender.