Dr Ford sat before a US Senate committee hearing that was held to explore her charge that Brett Kavanaugh, nominated for a lifetime appointment to the US Supreme Court, attempted to sexually assault her at a party when they were in high school.
Dr Ford’s accusation came to light just as it looked like Mr Kavanaugh would have an easy time winning approval from the committee, which would then send his nomination to the full Senate for a vote.
That still may happen. But the image of Dr Ford, giving her testimony, now will accompany Mr Kavanaugh for the rest of his career.
The image, in fact, is that of American women of her generation and everything that they have tried to become, and what they have had to endure to do so.