Ted Cruz Discusses Clarence Thomas and Affirmative Action on 'The View'

<p>Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, defended Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' stance on affirmative action during an appearance on "The View" on Wednesday, where he was questioned by the co-hosts about his new book, "The Incomparable Clarence Thomas."</p><p>Co-host Sunny Hostin remarked that Thomas stated affirmative action diminishes achievements, as it led others to believe he had not earned his place at Yale. She noted that affirmative action was intended to provide opportunities to qualified Black students, like Thomas, who historically faced barriers in accessing such opportunities.</p><p>Hostin questioned Cruz about the lesson derived from Thomas' experience, asking why it suggests eliminating affirmative action rather than addressing the underlying racism that necessitated it. Cruz responded that affirmative action encompasses various aspects and articulated Thomas' viewpoint on the matter.</p><p>Cruz stated, "If you're talking about removing barriers, if you're talking about expanding access, then I'm for that, he's for that, everyone is for that. If you're talking about quotas and discriminating based on race, then Justice Thomas has been the clearest defender of the principle that the Constitution prohibits the government discriminating based on race." Hostin then asked why Thomas felt his Yale degree was diminished by perceptions of affirmative action.</p><p>Cruz explained that after graduating from Yale Law School, Thomas faced difficulties in securing employment, as no law firm would hire him despite his strong academic performance. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg interjected, saying, "Welcome to being Black," and emphasized the historical context of Black individuals not being included in the Constitution.</p><p>Cruz argued that Thomas discussed the significance of the Civil War and Reconstruction, referencing the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery, ensured equal protection, and protected voting rights for African Americans, respectively. Goldberg questioned why the discussion continues if these amendments provide such protections.</p><p>Earlier in the program, Goldberg addressed the audience's reaction to Cruz's appearance, encouraging respectful engagement with differing viewpoints.</p><p>Cruz's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>