
Sen. Jeff Flake was at the center of today's drama over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
The Arizona Republican started his day with a statement saying he'd vote yes, but then ended a committee meeting by saying he'd vote to move the nominee to the Senate floor -- only if the main vote is delayed for an FBI investigation.
Between then, he was confronted by protesters, huddled privately with one of his Democratic friends and went missing for a committee meeting for more than an hour.
Here's the play-by-play of how Flake's day unfolded:
- Around 9:30 a.m. ET: Flake releases a statement saying he will vote to confirm Kavanaugh.
- A minute later, at 9:31 a.m. ET: As Flake is trying to get into an elevator to head to the committee meeting, two women confront him. They tell him they were victims of sexual assault and say his decision to back Kavanaugh sends a message that women's voices don't matter. Flake is visibly uncomfortable. He quietly listens to the women.
- Soon after that: Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat who is good friends with Flake, gets emotional when he learns of Flake's decision. CNN asks him for comment, and he tears up. “We each make choices for our own reason. I’m struggling, sorry," he says.
- 12:16 p.m. ET: During the committee hearing, Flake stands up and approaches Coons. The two walk out together. Several other Democrats follow.
- 1:30 p.m. ET: The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote, but Flake still isn't in the room. He's been out of the meeting room for more than an hour at this point.
- 1:51 p.m. ET: Flake begins speaking to the committee. He says he will vote to move Kavanaugh out of the committee and to the floor of the Senate as long as the main vote will be delayed by up to one week to allow for an FBI investigation.
- 1:53 p.m. ET: The committee votes 11-10 to send Kavanaugh to the floor.
- After the meeting: Flake says he would only vote yes on the floor if there is a delay and an additional FBI investigation.