The fools should do the right thing and suffer through an apology

Ruben Navarrette Jr. on Oct 10, 2018

But when he gave them a small taste of their own medicine, they immediately took offense.

As the anti-Trump media became the anti-Kavanaugh media, the narrative emerged that Kavanaugh was way out of line when he, with a smile and a gentle tone, engaged in a banter with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., on whether she had ever blacked out from drinking.

Klobuchar responded that she doesn't have a drinking problem. Kavanaugh said he didn't either.

This was the whole point of the exchange. People have a right to ask:

If Democrats can drink an occasional beer without it being assumed that they have a drinking problem, why don't we afford the same benefit of the doubt to Republicans?

Kavanaugh eventually apologized to Klobuchar. Case closed.

But here's what was left unresolved. Senators of both parties have to decide whether they're royalty or regular folks. When they're in Washington, they act like monarchs who are above reproach by commoners. But when they're back home -- glad-handing at the fish fry or chili contest or menudo cook-off -- why, they're just like you and me.

During his interrogation, I think Brett Kavanaugh showed a lot of class, patience and self-control. He also proved that he has the ability to suffer fools.

Now the fools should do the right thing and suffer through an apology.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.