WASHINGTON (AP) — The often low-key Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono has been thrust into the spotlight as she has unexpectedly become one of the most outspoken senators in defense of a woman who says she was assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh denies that account, which Christine Blasey Ford says happened when they were teenagers. But Ford's accusation has upended his confirmation process. Hirono said at a news conference Tuesday that she wanted the men in this country to "just shut up and step up."

The Democrat says her "shut up and step up" comments haven't just resonated with women.

In an interview with The Associated Press, she says she has talked to men who were happy she said that, because they want to be part of the movement too.