Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has released a book titled Going Further, which delves into the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The narrative follows Thomas’s journey from poverty to becoming a key figure in the political right. During the 1980s, he served in the Reagan administration and was at the helm of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, valuing individualism shaped by his upbringing.
Presently, Thomas holds the position of the court’s senior justice, recognized for his conservative stance. Cruz highlights Thomas’s comfort in voicing dissents even if it means being the sole dissenting vote, showcasing his readiness to challenge the status quo. “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 remarked in an interview with Morning Edition.
The book also recounts a conversation between Thomas and the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalia remarked to Thomas, who was advocating for the reversal of older precedents, “Clarence, you’re tilting at windmills.” Thomas retorted, “Nino, windmills are dangerous.” Cruz points out Thomas’s commitment to adhering strictly to the Constitution.
During an NPR interview, Cruz addressed critics who believe Thomas sometimes extends beyond the constitution’s text. For instance, Thomas dissented when the court upheld birthright citizenship, interpreting a constitutional phrase differently. Cruz defended Thomas’s perspective, arguing it allows for interpretative flexibility.
Cruz also supported a ruling in favor of President Trump regarding immunity from prosecution between terms, viewing it as consistent with the separation of powers doctrine. He recalled an instance where Thomas defied conservative views at Bob Jones University by opposing a ban on interracial dating.
In a discussion with NPR’s Steve Inskeep, Cruz shared insights on Thomas’s willingness to break with precedent, his constitutional interpretation, and presidential power. Cruz also contemplated what qualities he would seek in a Supreme Court justice should he have the opportunity to appoint one.
The book combines these elements to provide a comprehensive look at Thomas’s influence and decisions on the Supreme Court.