General Discussion

Swalwell resigned very quickly. A criminal investigation has been opened in NYC for just one of the accusations. There may well be charges being readied in California. There may well be more women coming forward who have chosen not to tell the media, but are talking with police investigators.

There are certain things that sexual assault investigators look for. Did the accuser tell other people shortly after the alleged assault, and do those people's memories of what was said at the time generally corroborate the accuser's story? Did the accuser seek medical care and if so, does the medical record tend to corroborate the accuser? If more than one accuser comes forward, are there consistencies in their stories that suggest a pattern of behavior on the part of the accused?

All of these elements and more appear to be there for Swalwell's accusers.

These elements and patterns certainly don't prove anything, but they're often enough for criminal investigators to continue looking. That's how cases are built. Step by step.

Politicians lead public lives. They give up the right to privacy in a lot of ways.

This is the CA primary for governor, with a deep bench of strong Democrats who can win. Why on earth would the people of CA want to take such a risk in the GE when they don't have to?

If this turns out to be some elaborate hoax then Swalwell can make a triumphant return. I don't think it is a hoax.