Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton explain what they want in a Supreme Court justice

Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton talk SCOTUS nominees

(Image credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

published 20 October 2016

Chris Wallace's first question at the final debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was about the Supreme Court, and what each candidate would do with the likely one to three openings on the court expected in his or her first term. Clinton went first, and she said she would look for a Supreme Court justice that would "stand up and say no to Citizens United," believe in the principle of "standing up to the powerful," and support the Roe v. Wade abortion ruling.

Trump began by noting that we need "the right justices," and said that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg "made some very, very inappropriate statements" about him. He also said he would appoint justices who would vote to uphold the Second Amendment, adding that "all amendments are important" but especially the Second Amendment. His justices would also be pro-life, he said, and would interpret the "the Constitution the way it was meant to be." Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.