Newly released memo from Clinton Library harshly critiques Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ouch.
In the latest release from the Clinton administration document dump, the White House paints a less-than-flattering picture of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, at that time still just a candidate for the Supreme Court.
"She sees us as having a stake in presenting her as a moderate and in getting along well with the Senate," wrote then-White House Associate Counsel Ron Klain in a memo. "She sees her interests as 'being herself,' preserving her 'dignity,' and promoting her 'independence.'"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The memo, reported on by Time, goes on to list Ginsburg's other faults. Among them: "She has an instinct for defending some rather extreme liberal views" held by the American Civil Liberties Union; and she would face difficulty in her Senate confirmation hearings because of "her failure to make eye contact, her halting speech," and "her 'laconic' nature."
To sum up Ginsburg's viability as a candidate, Klain wrote, "Judge Ginsburg views the White House's interest and her interests as being at odds with each other."
So take note, aspiring Supreme Court judges: If you value being yourself, preserving your dignity, or promoting your independence, you may find the road to D.C. a tough one to tread. (On the other hand, Justice Ginsburg has sat on the Supreme Court since 1993 in spite of this memo, so maybe those same qualities proved helpful.)
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures A flooded island, a ballistic missile, and more
By Anahi Valenzuela, The Week US Published
-
Who actually needs life insurance?
The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotels
The Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published