Justice Clarence Thomas One-on-One (Part 2)

In Part 2 of Sen. Ted Cruz’s exclusive conversation with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Thomas reflects on his more than three decades on the nation’s highest court—and the constitutional principles that guide his work.

Justice Thomas discusses his intellectual journey, including the influence of Thomas Sowell; the personal and political attacks he faced after being labeled a “Black conservative”; and why he believes no one should be told what to think.

He shares lessons from his grandfather, the meaning of equality, and why the Declaration of Independence must remain central to how Americans understand liberty and limited government.

Sen. Cruz and Justice Thomas also examine some of the most consequential questions in constitutional law: when the Supreme Court should reconsider precedent, why the Constitution belongs to ordinary Americans—not merely legal experts—the difference between “public use” and “public purpose” in eminent-domain cases such as Kelo, and the connection between property rights and liberty.

Justice Thomas explains why Reconstruction and the 14th Amendment represent a “Second Founding,” recounting the history of freedmen’s right to defend themselves and the importance of understanding the historical context behind the Constitution’s protections. He also offers a candid, humorous story about Justice Stephen Breyer, reflects on his relationships with colleagues across the Court, and addresses the increasingly hostile environment surrounding the judiciary.

Watch Part 2 for a rare and wide-ranging conversation about the Supreme Court, the Declaration, natural rights, precedent, property, self-defense, and the enduring duty to stand up for what is right.

This conversation is the perfect companion to Ted Cruz’s brand-new book, Going Further: The Incomparable Clarence Thomas, available now at goingfurther.com.

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