President Donald Trump said Wednesday it would be "unfortunate" if the woman who has accused his nominee for the Supreme Court of a sexual assault failed to show up at a Senate hearing into the allegations.
Christine Blasey Ford, a clinical psychology professor, alleges that conservative jurist Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her more than three decades ago.
"Really, they're hurting somebody's life," Trump said of the lengthy confirmation process. "I think it's a very unfair thing what's going on."
While defending his nominee as "an extraordinary man" who has "an unblemished record," the president refrained from attacking his accuser.
"I really would want to see what she has to say. I want to give it all the time they need," Trump said to reporters at the White House as he left for the Carolinas to view the devastation of Hurricane Florence.
"I really want to see her. I really would want to see what she has to say," Trump repeated. "If she shows up, that would be wonderful. If she doesn’t show up, that would be unfortunate."
In response to another question, he added, "Look, if she shows up and makes a credible showing, that'll be very interesting, and we'll have to make a decision."