Corey Robin

Corey Robin, a political science professor and author of "The Enigma of Clarence Thomas," delves into the intricate ideological journey of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He explores how Thomas's hard-right views emerged from the failures of 1960s social movements and evolved into a mainstream conservative philosophy. Robin discusses Thomas's pessimism about racial progress, the complexities of his legacy on issues like capital punishment and abortion rights, and his influential judicial philosophy amidst the shifting landscape of American conservatism.

Corey Robin, a distinguished political science professor and author, examines the parallels between current events and the Red Scare, particularly in the context of Mahmoud Khalil's recent detention. He discusses how government crackdowns on free speech can erode political culture. David Enrich, business investigations editor for The New York Times, highlights the growing threats to press freedom and the dangerous rise of defamation lawsuits, warning of their implications for journalists and the First Amendment.

The guest on this podcast is Corey Robin, a Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College. They discuss the importance of understanding the right, dispelling misconceptions about them, and exploring the historical context of the right-wing movement. They also touch on topics such as the impact of election interference, analyzing the political views of Clarence Thomas, and signs of change in politics beyond the traditional red and blue divide.

To many Americans, Clarence Thomas makes no sense. For more than 30 years on the Court, he seems to have been on a mission — to take away rights that benefit Black people. As a young man, though, Thomas listened to records of Malcolm X speeches on a loop and strongly identified with the tenets of Black Nationalism. This week on More Perfect, we dig into his writings and lectures, talk to scholars and confidants, and explore his past, all in an attempt to answer: what does Clarence Thomas think Clarence Thomas is doing? Voices in the episode include: • Juan Williams — senior political analyst at Fox News • Corey Robin — professor of political science at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center • Angela Onwuachi-Willig — Dean of Boston University School of Law • Stephen F. Smith — Notre Dame Law School professor Learn more: • 1993: Graham v. Collins • 1994: Holder v. Hall • 1999: Chicago v. Morales • 2003: Grutter v. Bollinger • 2022: Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College • 2022: Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina • “The Enigma of Clarence Thomas” by Corey Robin • “Black Conservatives, Center Stage” by Juan Williams • “Just Another Brother on the SCT?: What Justice Clarence Thomas Teaches Us About the Influence of Racial Identity” by Angela Onwuachi-Willig • “Clarence X?: The Black Nationalist Behind Justice Thomas's Constitutionalism” by Stephen F. Smith • “My Grandfather’s Son” by Justice Clarence Thomas Supreme Court archival audio comes from Oyez®, a free law project by Justia and the Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School. Support for More Perfect is provided in part by The Smart Family Fund. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @moreperfectpodcast, and Twitter @moreperfect.

Corey Robin, a political science professor and author of 'The Enigma of Clarence Thomas,' delves into the complexities of the Supreme Court Justice's life and ideology. He discusses Thomas's shift from black nationalism to conservatism, revealing how historical movements shaped his views on race and progress. The conversation uncovers Thomas's judicial philosophy, his role in pivotal decisions, and the intersections of his personal beliefs with contemporary Republican ideology, providing a nuanced portrait of a controversial figure.