As Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s character is scrutinized after two women accused him of sexual assault, many have demanded answers from the politicians that have the power to secure his place in the country’s highest court. On Monday night, Senator Ted Cruz – a member of the Senate’s Judiciary Committee – and his wife, Heidi, headed to Fiola in Washington DC, where protesters asked the Texan if he stood by women. Eventually, it was enough to force the couple to leave the restaurant.
As Ted and Heidi settled in, protesters gathered around them and chanted, “We believe survivors.” Then, a woman says, “I’d love to talk to you about Brett Kavanaugh tonight. I’m a constituent, love to know what your vote is going to be tonight. I know that you’re very close friends with Mr. Kavanaugh, and do you believe survivors, sir? Do you believe in survivors?… Senator I have a right to know what your position is on Brett Kavanaugh.”
Cruz smiles at the woman and simply adds, “God bless you ma’am.” As the woman keeps taking Cruz to task and other protesters keep chanting, the senator puts his coat back on and tries to leave the restaurant with Heidi. At one point, the demonstrators blocked the couple’s path.
It’s not the first time protesters have ruined a politicians’ dinner plans, and as long as they continue to uphold oppressive systems and vote in ways that are damaging to us, it won’t be the last.