In the end, this may very well amount to no difference for all involved. But procedurally, it may help solidify a precedent. Anita Hill’s accusations yielded an investigation (followed by a confirmation). Similarly, although it wasn’t looking like this way until the very last minute, Ford’s accusation will be afforded the same degree of respect, at least in terms of an investigation. Probably to be followed by a confirmation as well.

But the precedent will be harder to ignore next time. The next time a credible accusation of a serious crime is made, the argument of “we can’t afford to waste a few days investigating, we have a letter right here that says nothing happened and that’s good enough for us, so let’s vote right now!” will seem even more spurious than before.

The histrionics of Sen. Graham’s dire warnings aside, the man still had a point. The next time a Democratic president nominates a judge, and that judge faces a credible accusation of criminal behavior, there will be payback. That judge quite simply will have to suffer the indignity of an FBI investigation. And good. That sounds like the way it ought to be for everyone.