I read the New York Times article of April 12 (updated April 29), “Examining Tara Reade’s Sexual Assault Allegation Against Joe Biden”. The writers did not express an ultimate opinion about the truth or falsity of Ms. Reade’s accusation, but the overall weight of the article seemed to raise serious questions about the veracity of her claim. The article had a link to the podcast of Ms. Reade’s interview by Katie Halper in March. So I listened to the podcast of the full interview, more than one hour. She is totally credible. I was spellbound. She describes the incident so well that I can see it in my mind’s eye as if I had been there watching. I can say that about very few of the witnesses I have questioned over the years. I can see Joe Biden saying and doing exactly what Ms. Reade describes.
There are people in the media attempting to find inconsistencies but they focus mainly on outlying and second hand facts that are largely immaterial to the alleged incident itself. And Ms. Reade herself explained why it took so many years for this allegation to evolve, and why Joe Biden still triggers self-doubt and ambivalence for her. Well, there is no doubt in my mind that the incident happened and that it happened exactly or very nearly as she describes it.
The podcast interview is not testimony, in the legal sense. It is a statement, in a loose question and answer format. Ms. Reade is a victim/witness. Because people vary so much in so many ways, witness statements can range from extremely poor to unsatisfactory to average to good to great. In her interview by Katie Halper, Ms. Reade is a great witness. She is not merely credible or plausible, she is just about as good a witness as you could ask for. That’s based on forty years spent mostly in court. To use a well-worn descriptive formula, if I’ve seen one witness I’ve seen fifty thousand. Tara Reade is perceptive and articulate. She has depth and sensibility. She reminds me of my daughter. There are details and nuances in Ms. Reade’s statement. She puts everything in the real-life context of her own personal situation and the atmosphere of Senator Biden’s office. She has insight. Insight into her reactions, as well as Senator Biden’s actions and reactions. She is responsive, she is direct. Her reluctance to answer one of the particular questions is completely appropriate, it’s understandable. It hurts. There are things that she remembers and things she doesn’t. That is also appropriate. She does not try to make up answers for what she doesn’t remember. She is testifying from real memories, for better or for worse.
So, what does Joe Biden do? I will still vote for him either way. But I hope he does what Brett Kavanaugh didn’t do. I hope Joe Biden does what he did last year and admits that he’s not a saint, that he used to take liberties with women and their bodies, that he did something in 1993 that he is very ashamed of and that caused Tara Reade a lot of pain, and that he hopes he has begun to atone by becoming a better person and a champion of women and all the other segments of humanity who really need a champion in the White House right now.
Chuck Redman 
Chuck,
So sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. I really appreciate your inquiry.
Two major things have happened. One, of course, is Covid-19. That has become an increasingly existential experience for me. On top of that, it has changed my every day routine, expectations and plans. I’ve also seen the passing of at least six people whom I knew of through family, or was actually friends with. Without exception too, every oNe of them had a significance in my heart, memories or both.
The other change and major adaptation was the introduction of a new family member, Mario Cavanagh.
He’s a British Short Hair. He’s going on five months and I picked him up on the 20th of April (Hash-Bash Day, recall?). He’s really a bundle of energy but I know how to tire him out. He follows me around like my shadow. He also “fetches”, knows his name and responds to a few other words. That is its own reward.
“Fetch Mode ( w/ attitude)”
I see that you are “acting”. Is that true? I saw you with beard but no clip. Is there one to send? I’d love to see it.
Funny to me…it seems like you’re doing all the things in your life you wanted to do but couldn’t? True? The talent is evident. Always has been to me. Plus, you have someone narrating your book? That’s terrific too. Maybe you could narrate your next one? That seems to be pretty common place.
I’m glad everyone is well. What do you foresee as the effects with this virus. More importantly, will Trump survive the election with a win? God!!! What does it take?
Til soon, Me
Mark Jerome Cavanagh Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals Troy, MI 248-877-1991
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Thanks, Mark, for this reply! I will send you my little video reel of my first film clips. Mario sounds great. Dogs are the best.
Chuck,
What blows my mind is why this is going through the same process that Trump underwent….and survived. Why is it worth discussing in light of that? I’m not sanctioning, but with this country on the brink, I don’t see why we should be trying to somehow NOW hold ourselves to a higher standard in one, slight and possibly injurious regard.
Mark Jerome Cavanagh Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals Troy, MI 248-877-1991
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I know what you’re saying but I just feel that if we want integrity in our political system we have to have it all the time, even when it’s in the other guy’s favor. . .
I agree- we need politicians with integrity. On one hand, I wish Biden would atone for what he did (assuming he did). I would have a lot of respect for that (although I’d still strongly question the morality of a person who does something like that, even if it was 25 years ago). On the other hand, if he did admit and atone for what he did, it would be the kiss of death for him in the elections and for us as a country (not to be overly dramatic!)
Maybe I’m naive but I think people appreciate honesty so much, these days (it’s such a rare thing), that they would be inclined to forgive and forget. Like with Bill Clinton, though he didn’t do anything violent so it’s not quite the same. Thanks, Beth.