Here's why New Yorker reporters jumped on second Kavanaugh allegation -- it has to do with Ford

Two weeks ago, The New Yorker published a highly criticized report detailing allegations by Deborah Ramirez of sexual misconduct by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh while the two were at Yale. On Monday, one of the authors of the report explained their motivation.

In an interview with Elle, reporter Jane Mayer explained that the Ramirez allegation was so attractive for them to report on because of what it could mean, if true, it would add credibility to Christine Blasey Ford's allegation.

“Her allegation showed that, if true, yes, there was a pattern of misconduct, and likely another side of the judge,” Mayer said.

What was her explanation?

Here's what Mayer said when she was asked to contrast the Kavanaugh confirmation with that of Justice Clarence Thomas, which she also covered:

"So having watched this before, I knew that key issues would be whether the judge had a pattern of similar behavior, since that helps establish who is telling the truth when there is a standoff, and whether there were credible corroborators on either side. Knowing this is why Ronan Farrow and I were so alert to the significance of other accusers, such as Deborah Ramirez. Her allegation showed that, if true, yes, there was a pattern of misconduct, and likely another side of the judge."

How was this comment received?

The allegation by Ramirez was widely questioned by those on the right who noted that The New Yorker could not find any corroborating witnesses, despite its best effort. So Mayer's implication that their motivation for reporting the allegation was to boost Ford's credibility raised some eyebrows.

Ramirez was ultimately interviewed by the FBI, but the report has not been made public. Neither Republicans nor Democrats indicated that the report revealed any new information about whether Ramirez's allegation against Kavanaugh was true, although Democrats did complain that the FBI didn't interview a number of people who came forward claiming to have information.