Ted Cruz’s Book Explores Justice Clarence Thomas’s Influence
Senator Ted Cruz from Texas wrote a new book titled Going Further.
The book details the journey of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. It follows his rise from a life of poverty to becoming a leading conservative figure.
By the 1980s, Thomas embraced the Republican Party. He served in the Reagan administration and led the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His upbringing taught him the value of individualism.
Now, Thomas is the Supreme Court’s senior justice and one of its most conservative.
Cruz highlights Thomas’s comfort in dissenting. Even an 8-1 disagreement does not deter him.
There has never been a Supreme Court justice more willing to go back to the original Constitution, go back to the original understanding and to overturn precedent,Cruz stated on Morning Edition.
The book includes an exchange with the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalia remarked on Thomas’s desire to overrule old precedents, stating, Clarence, you’re tilting at windmills.
Thomas’s response was, Nino, windmills are dangerous.
Cruz asserts Thomas’s dedication to the Constitution. In an NPR interview, Cruz addressed criticisms of Thomas’s opinions, which some view as beyond the Constitution’s text.
Thomas dissented in a case upholding birthright citizenship. Cruz noted a constitutional phrase that allows for such latitude.
Cruz defended a ruling favorable to President Trump, who sought immunity from prosecution between terms. He argued it aligned with the separation of powers.
Cruz also referenced Thomas’s past challenge to conservative views. Back when Thomas opposed Bob Jones University’s interracial dating ban.
Discussing with NPR’s Steve Inskeep, Cruz covered Thomas’s views on precedent, the Constitution, and presidential power. He also shared his thoughts on what qualities a Supreme Court justice should have.
For more, listen to the interview by using the audio player above.
This digital version was written by Majd Al-Waheidi and edited by Treye Green.