During his 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden claimed to have believed Anita Hill's allegations of sexual harassment against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. In a 2019 interview on ABC's The View, Biden stated, "Not only didn’t I vote for Clarence Thomas, I believed [Hill] from the beginning." (CourtListener) However, a voicemail obtained by The Federalist reveals Biden praised Thomas as a "person of character" after his confirmation to the Supreme Court.
The voicemail, left after the Senate's confirmation vote, raises questions about Biden's public statements regarding Hill's accusations. As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden played a significant role in the contentious confirmation process for Thomas, who was nominated by President George H.W. Bush.
In his memoir, Thomas recounted a conversation with Biden before the committee's vote, where Biden expressed being "torn" over his decision but ultimately chose to oppose Thomas. Thomas claimed Biden assured him he would be his " (CourtListener)biggest defender" if any issues arose during the confirmation process.
NPR's Nina Totenberg, who reported on Hill's allegations in 1991, noted Biden's contradictory behavior during the confirmation hearings. He praised Thomas's character while voting against advancing his nomination, stating, "I believe there are certain things that are not at issue at all, and that is his character or characterization of his character." (CourtListener)
The confirmation hearings were marked by chaos, with both Hill and Thomas testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Thomas famously described the process as a "circus" (CourtListener) and a "national disgrace," arguing that it represented a "high-tech lynching" of African Americans who think independently.
Polling conducted after the hearings indicated that the public largely believed Thomas over Hill, leading to his eventual confirmation to the Supreme Court. In the voicemail, Biden congratulated Thomas and encouraged him, stating, "Don’t let this part get you down. Congratulations. Enjoy it." (CourtListener)
Mark Paoletta, a former White House lawyer involved in Thomas's confirmation, verified the authenticity of the voicemail. He recalled that Biden's call was played during a gathering at Thomas's home to celebrate his confirmation.
Despite his claims of believing Hill, Biden reportedly admitted in later years that he did not. Former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter noted in his memoir that Biden had told him in 1998 that he believed Hill was lying. Similarly, former Utah Senator Orrin Hatch stated that Biden confided in him that he did not believe Hill's accusations.
Paoletta criticized Biden's actions during the confirmation process, suggesting they reflect a broader strategy among Democrats to undermine opponents with unfounded claims. He stated, "This entire episode captures the Democrats’ MO — smear people with claims they know are fake and made up — all in the service of trying to destroy your opponent." (CourtListener)
Requests for comment from the offices of Clarence Thomas and Joe Biden were not returned by press time.
Why it matters
- Legal or policy outcomes depend on hearings, rulemaking, and potential court challenges.
- Biden's contradictory statements about Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas raise questions about his integrity during the 1991 confirmation hearings.
- The voicemail revealing Biden's praise for Thomas contrasts sharply with his public support for Hill, highlighting potential political hypocrisy.
- The fallout from Biden's past actions may impact his credibility and public perception as he navigates current political challenges.
What’s next
- Investigations into Biden's past statements and actions during the Thomas confirmation may be pursued by political opponents.
- Calls for Biden to clarify his stance on Hill's allegations could intensify as the 2024 election approaches.