Rep. James Clyburn says his decision to support Clarence Thomas during the justice’s 1991 U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing “was a mistake.” He also characterizes Thomas as having moved away from expectations formed from Thomas’ background and earlier promises.
Clyburn’s remarks, reported by multiple outlets, follow his earlier role as a prominent Democratic lawmaker who testified in support of Thomas in 1991, when the confirmation process drew intense scrutiny and conflict. In the years since, Clyburn now argues that Thomas has not adhered to the principles he expected at the time.
One outlet also reports that Clyburn calls for expanding the Supreme Court by adding seats, suggesting a larger court as a response to the current composition. While the outlets agree on Clyburn’s regret and criticism of Thomas, they differ in emphasis—one foregrounds his characterization of Thomas’ departure from his own background, while another highlights his policy proposal for court expansion.
