The Education of Brett Kavanaugh

An Investigation

By: Robin Pogrebin, Kate Kelly

Narrated by: Robin Pogrebin, Kate Kelly

"A remarkable work of slowed-down journalism...They are doing their jobs as journalists and writing the first draft of history." —Jill Filipovic, The Washington Post

"...Generous but also damning." —Hanna Rosin, The New York Times

From two New York Times reporters, a deeper look at the formative years of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and his confirmation.

In September 2018, the F.B.I. was given only a week to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump's Supreme Court nominee. But even as Kavanaugh was sworn in to his lifetime position, many questions remained unanswered, leaving millions of Americans unsettled.

During the Senate confirmation hearings that preceded the bureau's brief probe, New York Times reporters Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly broke critical stories about Kavanaugh's past, including the "Renate Alumni" yearbook story. They were inundated with tips from former classmates, friends, and associates that couldn't be fully investigated before the confirmation process closed. Now, their book fills in the blanks and explores the essential question: Who is Brett Kavanaugh?

The Education of Brett Kavanaugh paints a picture of the prep-school and Ivy-League worlds that formed our newest Supreme Court Justice. By offering commentary from key players from his confirmation process who haven't yet spoken publicly and pursuing lines of inquiry that were left hanging, it will be essential reading for anyone who wants to understand our political system and Kavanaugh's unexpectedly emblematic role in it.

Critic reviews

"At last, the deep, serious, and complete story of Brett Kavanaugh. All of us subject to the Supreme Court must read it." —Gloria Steinem

"A revision that adds to the existing story rather than fundamentally changing it." —The Atlantic

“Pogrebin and Kelly uncovered crucial information about the hurried (or nonexistent) FBI investigations into both Blasey Ford and Ramirez’s allegations before Kavanaugh was added for life to the Supreme Court.” —The Cut

Thoughtful and balanced

Fascinating book, and I really appreciated how thoughtful and balanced the reporting seemed to be. The author managed to write a book about a pretty controversial topic without taking sides.

The Past is the Present

This was informative and offered an opportunity to know more of who he is outside the public performer of political life. Kelli and Pogrebin did their research and wrote this in factual form, and not their opinions. It opens up so many ways in which Kavanaugh was expected to a Judge since birth. To prove his worth, to perform and not be who he may have been inside. Addiction seems obvious and yet has never been addressed throughout his constant display of symptoms. He was never even vetted for this. The only investigation was whether he was acting out sexually against girls, and young women who were not consenting. He had little respect/knowledge/empathy for how he affected others. It appeared he had never been taught many socialization skills. And in all his many obvious drunken episodes it is tragic that no parents, schools, colleges, offered him help. It was focus in the hearings and he was more defensive about his beer than the sexual abuse allegations. There were many witnesses, and character witnesses who had come forward to the FBI prior to the hearing and Trump did not allow a thorough investigation on them. That was a disservice to both the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator. Excellent writing to make one ponder about how much has really changed when it comes to justice and the law.

It was ok

Not as good as I thought it would be. Not that much new that wasn’t already covered in public sources.

Fast talker

Interesting information. Speaker talks too quickly. All in all, worth the listen. She got a dirty deal.

Very good!

Good narration, interesting story. Paints a very full picture, traces many interpersonal connections I wasn't aware of. Draws out a thorough timeline of the many parties involved and made it easy to follow. Not an easy task!