Think Progress

The Cover-Up of Alito’s True Opinion on Roe

On Tuesday morning, Princeton’s daily student newspaper published on article online about Samuel Alito that caused a momentary storm. The paper wrote:

[Alito’s senior thesis adviser Walter] Murphy said he and Alito agree that the 1973 landmark abortion-rights case Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided.

On Tuesday morning, the story began to quickly gain wider circulation. Fred Barbash at Washington Post’s Campaign for the Court blog emailed Murphy to determine whether the reporting was accurate. Murphy adamantly claimed that he “did NOT say that Sam & I agreed that Roe was wrongly decided.” He offered this striking clarification:

The point I was trying to make was that, even if Sam thought that Roe was wrong, he would not necessarily vote to overturn it.

The Princetonian subsequently offered a correction, claiming there was a “misinterpretation.” It was hard for us to believe. So we contacted the Princetonian and asked the paper if Murphy had told them that he believed Alito would not vote to overturn Roe. Here’s their response:

Based on a review of our transcript, Professor Murphy did not tell us that even if Judge Alito believed Roe to be wrongly decided, he would not necessarily vote to overturn it. Though we’re not sure why it was suggested that this was said in the interview, we’re reluctant to draw any conclusions. That said, had the transcript reflected the assertion that Judge Alito would be unlikely to overturn Roe, we would most certainly have included the point in the story, given the importance of this claim.

What we know is Murphy’s account dramatically changed once he realized that his comments were receiving greater media attention. What we still don’t know is Alito’s true opinion on Roe.



42 Responses to “The Cover-Up of Alito’s True Opinion on Roe”

  1. dragon says:

    This Murphy guy sounds like a grade A liar.


  2. Ryan Neat says:

    Republicans are liars by nature, it’s their pathology.


  3. Quisp says:

    Well, Alito lied to the Senate in his previous confirmation hearings.


  4. Ringo says:

    A Republican cover-up? No! You better believe there’s one reason and one reason only that Bush appoints anyone to the Supreme Court: That person will vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. By doing so, his “base” will forgive him of any and all of his sins. It will all be okay as long as the BAYBAYS are saved. All the wrong wars, all the murdering in Iraq, all the non-support for our troops and veterans, the loss of civil rights, the raping of the American people, the corruption of our government, the lining of Halliburton’s pockets — all okay with these numbskulls as long as Roe v. Wade is overturned. Anyone appointment by Bush cannot be trusted. As usual, Bush has an agenda, and it is not in favor of the majority of the American people.


  5. mighty aphrodite says:

    Don’t worry, Bingo and RyANNE, you’ll still be able to have an abortion after your state enacts an abortion statute.


  6. Ringo says:

    Oooooh, Mighty Bunghole has surfaced with her patented witty repartee! Since it’s abundantly clear you’re barren, we know you’d never be in need of ending an unwanted pregnancy. However, other women are not as lucky as you, and should not have their freedom of choice and controlling what happens to and with their own bodies robbed from them by a bunch of religious fanatics.


  7. Chris in AZ says:

    Mighty Afro – bite me,
    If you and your party feels so strong against abortion, then why not state that clearly with this nomination? Why the double talk and cover ups? Why lie with nothing to hide? (a reoccuring question)


  8. Chris in AZ says:

    Mighty Afro – bite me,
    it’s none of your business, what ringo, ryan, or anyone else does in terms of a pregnancy they are facing…how a nominee for SCOTUS (or any judge for that matter) feels and his personal convictions is all of our business


  9. Zippy the Other Pinhead says:

    Chris/Ringo: be gentle with Wimpy Aphro-loser…she’s still down in the dumps about what we Virginians did on Tuesday, and what that’ll mean for her and the rest of her slime-dwellers next year and in 2008. She doesn’t mean to be a gnarly, whiny bee-yotch — but since she IS a FoF (friend of the fascists), she can’t help herself…


  10. Ringo says:

    Yeah, well, she can still go F herself. I’m not cutting these a–holes any slack. They want to open their big, flappy jaws, then they better be prepared to get dumped on. We’ve all been way to nice to this particular minority for way too long.


  11. Ringo says:

    By the way, Zippy, way to go in Virginia! I’m in California, and we couldn’t be prouder of how yours and our voters trounced the Repubs. We’re sending the message to theym that they are on their way out!


  12. Chris in AZ says:

    Gentle? I agree with Ringo F her! If she is going to step into this black-ops prison we will torture her (sorry wrong thread)


  13. i-right-i says:

    “What we know is Murphy’s account dramatically changed once he realized that his comments were receiving greater media attention. What we still don’t know is Alito’s true opinion on Roe.”

    Whatareya stupid? He thinks abortion is murder. Just ax his momma.


  14. i-right-i says:

    By the way, Zippy, way to go in Virginia! I’m in California, and we couldn’t be prouder of how yours and our voters trounced the Repubs. We’re sending the message to theym that they are on their way out!

    Comment by Ringo

    You didn’t trounce the Republicans. You cut your own throats.


  15. Ryan Neat says:

    The only way republicans can win is with lies, deceipt and election fraud. They have no ideas, they have no values, the have no leadership and they have no ability to implement policy. Republicans are by nature inept!


  16. Chris in AZ says:

    wait isn’t IRI usually in all caps, c’mon afro, or righty, or whatever handle you are using…be consistent!!!


  17. mighty aphrodite says:

    #6 – Since it’s abundantly clear you’re barren, we know you’d never be in need of ending an unwanted pregnancy. However, other women are not as lucky as you….” Comment by Bingo
    **** Bing, You might be confusing me with RyANNE, Marie or Susan. Mr. Aphrodite and I are the proud parents of four little Republicans – angels one and all!!!!


  18. Ryan Neat says:

    Republican angel – that’s an OxyMoron – Bahahaha!


  19. to the right of you says:

    since some are posting about the election…

    i am just wondering if anyone thinks there was election fraud that took place in this election? everytime a republican wins, ‘they stole the election’…

    or were the voting machines exempt from ‘fraud’ this year…cause a democrat won? did democracy work this time cause democrats won, and republicans lost?

    this double standard has shown itself in posts from some people that regularly visit.


  20. Ryan Neat says:

    right of you,

    There was actually a lot of voter fraud reported in this election as well – unfortunately. There were lots of cases of electronic voting machines picking candidates (suspiciously they tended to be republicans), but there was still a lot reported.

    We REALLY need to get a better handle on this if we want to continue to live in a democracy.


  21. Ryan Neat says:

    MightyZionistWhore,

    How does a busy mother of 4 who’s a practicing attorney have so much time to post republican propaganda? Clearly you must be neglecting your children, and that could explain why you ‘think’ they’re angels. Absentee parents are often the last to know what retarded little suburban monsters they’ve raised.


  22. to the right of you says:

    ryan –

    i agree. about electronic voting, its a shame to vote at an electronic machine without a verification…some shady stuff goes on, unfortunately – we have a right to at least a verification / receipt.


  23. Ryan Neat says:

    RightOfYou,

    I fear for all voters with these machines, because frankly it isn’t ‘just’ republicans who could suffer under it’s thumb, it’s anyone in any district where you get a voting czar who’s hateful. While in my personal experience this tends to be republicans more than democrats – Chicago has historically shown us that this isn’t just a republican problem! There are legitimate concerns republicans have had in the past with some districts – but those concerns have largely been overblown, whereas their own actions have only gotten criminal!


  24. Chris in AZ says:

    Mighty Afro – Bite Me,
    You want to throw your kids into the thread, why? They will just be poked fun at and mocked, which no parent wants for their young’uns…it took a lot of restraint not to goof on them since you brought them out, but here is one on the left that’ll take the moral high-ground
    (at least regarding this, i still want to see frist fisted and Michelle and Ann mud wrestle, buts thats just me!)


  25. Ryan Neat says:

    I’m confused MightyZionistWhore, your facts don’t add up just like your ‘republican reasoning – boy that’s an OxyMoron.

    1) You say you have 4 children.
    2) You say you were a JAG for 12 years.

    If you went to law school before becoming a JAG, you were likely 24 on entry to the military, meaning that you were at least 36 on leaving it. Now assuming that you had 4 children before joining the military, it’s hard to imagine how you could have done so and both you and your husband actually serving. Now assuming you waited until you left the military, unless you have stock in a fertility clinic it’s hard to imagine how you could have had 4 children after you left.

    The inconsistent nature of your cover story makes me believe you’re making up your identity in the same way you make up all the propaganda lies you post… You know, like those embarrassing little yacht tax lies I debunked that you posted…


  26. Styve says:

    Fritz is a Princeton alumnus~~I think we can be sure that he stuck his nose in this matter, quite possibly in response to his new status in federal politics as inconsequential, corrupt, and about to be indicted!!

    As I told my brother, another Princetonian, in May, ‘05…”Fritz is a mockery!!”

    Bring out the brooms…it’s time to clean house!!


  27. Ringo says:

    #17: Attorney, 12-year career in the military, and a mother of 4 little angels! Mighty allrighty then! You’re quite the woman of today. A mother and a career girl! Do your kids a favor and don’t raise them with your beliefs. You’d be shortchanging them if you do.


  28. Ringo says:

    #14. Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that.


  29. Styve says:

    Freudian slip??

    Fritz for Frist?!?! Sorry…


  30. bill says:

    The real question is : why does anyone find it a surprise that a transcript interpretation has to be changed so that it reflects the current gop position? Mcclellan, allito,cheney, libby, …. is it necessary to continue?
    billjpa@aol.com


  31. FOADL says:

    #7

    One could say the same thing about your party and cause. Why use the term “Pro-Choice”? Why not say, “Pro Abortion” or “Pro Death” because isn’t that what it really is? Libs are such hypocrits.


  32. Cheryl says:

    #32
    Why use the term “Pro-Life?” Why not say, “No-Choicers, Pro-Slavery, Pro-sticking yer noses into other people’s business, Pro-Theocracy, Pro-Dominionist, Pro-Fascist, Pro-Rich-White-Evangelical-Males-Only, Pro-Chauvinist, Pro-War, Pro-Religious Reich. Assholes-all.


  33. TheRef says:

    Ryan! There you are! And you have your little friend Ringo with you too. Isn’t that just the cutest thing ever?! Ryan, I’m so proud of your post about voting machines. It was light on facts but a fair and well written opinion. Good for you! Can’t praise you for the unfair post about someone you never met neglecting their children though. Your evidence for this neglect seems to consist of them not agreeing with you. Very poor form. As for your little friend posting things like “go f herself” and “Mighty Bunghole” even though she said you can have your dear legal abortions. Tsk! Tsk! Write 100 times “I will not call adults names”. Then clean the erasers and you can go to recess.


  34. Ryan Neat says:

    Actually it’s MightyHermaphrodite, although I have to admit that I like MightyBunghole about as much. Sorry, but she provided the ‘numbers’ and ‘evidence’, and since the military has a military code that discharges pregnant women, the numbers don’t add up. Sorry you don’t like this, but it’s true.

    Then again, what republicans say virtually never adds up, it appears to be what draws them (you?) to republicanism. As for my thoughtful reponse, I’m always toughtful with my writeups, you just tend to be too partisan and too brainwashed to notice. This is more of an indictment of your lack of reading comprehension than it is the actual event occurring. But nice ‘rant’ and ’smear’ on your part of me – the swiftboat unamerican thugs would be proud of you. For someone who came to dismiss me for ‘my personal attack’, how ironic that you delivered on yourself. That would – yes folks imagine it – make you TheRef – THE HYPOCRITE. Surprise, Surprise.


  35. truth4achange says:

    Turns out that the Harriet Miers story is still alive as well – a terrific piece by John Kenny, from the New Yorker, here:

    http://www.hairytruth.blogspot.com


  36. Ringo says:

    Yo, TheRef, it’s the “little friend” Ringo. Mighty Brainfart slings the s**t everytime she opens her piehole, and others shouldn’t shoot back? Come now. As far as recess goes, you and your fellow Repubs are about to take a life-long recess. Enjoy!


  37. TheRef says:

    Glad you found time to reply there Ryan! Oops, and Ringo (how’s Barbara?) TheRef is proud of you. And only 1 serious spelling error too! Praise for using “indictment” correctly. Gotta correct your failed understanding of the military though. Pregnant women are not discharged from the military. Wherever did you get that silly idea? I spent 20 years in the military and never, ever saw any woman have to quit the service due to pregnancy. A couple were allowed to leave by their choice but that was during the post-Cold War draw down. Nice try though. You get a B- for this one. I wasn’t ranting or smearing, I was being condescending. Stop acting up in class and you too can learn to do that. Poor little Ringo! I’m going to check those erasers young man! I’ve got no problem with a rational answer to a rational post. You however, seem to think that insult equals discussion or rather that name calling equals scoring a debating point. This works in elementary school but not often after that. When you get to high school maybe they will have a debating team you can join to learn from. Don’t be so upset. We all hit puberty at different times and your time will come. I’ll be happy to have an adult discussion with you both as soon as you demonstrate you can act like adults. Someone having a different opinion does not make them evil, stupid or brainwashed. Fortunately you seem incapable of grasping this so doubtless my fun will continue. Now run along or you’ll both be late for class!


  38. Ringo says:

    And what are you doing? Typical Republican. You can dish it out, but you can’t take it. Rules are meant for everyone else but you. When Republicans learn to act like adults and take responsibility for their mistakes, then you will be taken seriously. And not until, young man. Run along. Mommy needs to change your diaper. So, so sorry TheRef. Isn’t it awful to have the same s**t you sling, slung back at you?


  39. TheRef says:

    One at a time please. Line is over there (points right, oops, points left) Ryan first: We’ve already covered your mistake about my political affiliation but you never learn. “Obsessed” with spelling? Hmm, the free diagnosis is truly appreciated. Thank you. Just thought you would want to know. I certainly don’t mind if you correct my spelling. Actually, if you will read any or all of my prior posts you will see that I never tried to silence anyone. I did rebuke you for the childishness of many of your posts. Asking for more maturity isn’t “silencing”. As for my “perception of the world”, you haven’t the slightest idea how I view the world yet you proclaim my view “naive and childish”. Another free diagnosis? If you asked nicely I would probably tell you. Now for the “Two FULL TIME Jag’s wouldn’t have had the time to be parents to 4 children” remark. A JAG is a lawyer. Are you seriously suggesting that all 2 lawyer families are irresponsible parents? Or only 2 military member families? And this from a self-described progressive? Sounds hopelessly regressive to me. The parental tone is how adults commonly address children in each of the 2 dozen countries I have visited or lived in. It seems appropriate here. Glad to see the ol’ caps lock key still works though. I was genuinly concerned. Now on to Ringo (loved the Beatles by the way): Can’t take what? More of your childish insults? Flame away! I can always use another chuckle. You make the same logical mistake that Ryan did by assuming that my asking you to make more mature posts means I must be a republican. Since when is writing without swearing a purely republican idea? Maybe there is something to that family values stuff after all. Taking responsibility for mistakes is an individual thing. Some people do it and others don’t. It knows no politics. Point out my mistake and I’ll apologize (I notice neither of you have apologized for yours). As for having it slung back at me, sling away! Just please don’t “sling” while I’m eating because I get embarrassed when I laugh so hard I spew food. Other than that I relish further proof of your immaturity. Courtesy please ;)
    Almost forgot, the whole “TheRed-ucedBrainCapacity” is below par Ryan. Nearly as bad as Ringo’s pathetic takes on Mighty Aphrodite (C-). Your “TheRedneck” was better. I give it a D. Do try harder.


  40. mighty aphrodite says:

    21 – MightyZionistWhore,How does a busy mother of 4 who’s a practicing attorney have so much time to post republican propaganda? Clearly you must be neglecting your children>” Comment by RyANNe
    ****As usual, your lack of substantive reasoning is….laughable. You need to think outside your rigid, tightly wound little box. Maybe you are transferring your own feelings of neglect – I don’t know, nor do I care. But let me assure you, I didn’t park my kids in daycare when they were pre-school age. A certain parental flexibility needs to be applied in caring for and raising responsible little Republican angels.


  41. I-RIGHT-I says:

    “What we know is Murphy’s account dramatically changed once he realized that his comments were receiving greater media attention. What we still don’t know is Alito’s true opinion on Roe.”

    You don’t need to know his opinion of anything in any generalized context. I mean really, if Ruth “Buzzy” Ginsberg can hide the fact that she thinks the age of consent for little boys and girls should be 12 and that people ought to be able to screw a dog if they so desire Alito’s opinion on abortion which ever way it goes should be of no consequence.




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