That's not how it happened. Dr. Ford asked for anonymity in her
July 2018 letter to Feinstein and she remained anonymous until she herself gave an interview to WaPo on Sept. 16, 2018. This is Feinstein's statement of Sept. 13, 2018.
“I have received information from an individual concerning the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court,” she wrote. “
That individual strongly requested confidentiality, declined to come forward or press the matter further, and I have honored that decision. I have, however, referred the matter to federal investigative authorities.”
Dr. Ford also considered going public with her story months before it came out. She was neither used nor blindsided by the Democrats.
"A person familiar with Ford's story said that at around the time she sent Eshoo the letter,
Ford discussed with friends how she might go public with her story. Over the past few months, Ford has felt pressure on a personal level to share her story and has grappled with the idea, which partly prompted the letter, the source said."