
Lani Guinier, the Ivy League trained, Professor of some of the best laws schools in the western world was nominated by Bill Clinton in 1993 for Assistant Attorney General. An onslaught of attacks by the right labeled her the “quota queen” a similar racial tactic occurring today with Barak Obama. Bill Clinton caved under the political pressure. Unlike George Bush who supported his extreme Supreme Court nominees Joseph Alito and John Roberts. The Clintons have a history, which is consistent.
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Remarks announcing withdrawal of the nomination of Lani Guinier and an exchange with reporters - Bill Clinton's speech, June 3, 1993 - Attorney General nominee - Transcript
June 3, 1993
The President. Good evening. It is with deep regret that I am announcing tonight the withdrawal of the nomination of Lani Guinier to be Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
Earlier this evening I met with Ms. Guinier to talk through the issues that prompted my decision. I told her that had I known all along the intense controversy this nomination would inspire I would not have asked her to undergo the ordeal, and I am sorry that she has suffered as much as she has.
At the time of the nomination I had not read her writings. In retrospect, I wish I had. Today, as a matter of fairness to her, I read some of them again in good detail. They clearly lend themselves to interpretations that do not represent the views that I expressed on civil rights during my campaign and views that I hold very dearly, even though there is much in them with which I agree. I have to tell you that had I read them before I nominated her, I would not have done so.
Now, I want to make it clear that that is not to say that I agree with all the attacks on her. She has been subject to a vicious series of willful distortions on many issues, including the quota issue. And that has made this decision all the more difficult.
The Lani Guinier I know is a person of high integrity, great intellect, strong character, and a superb civil rights record. That's why I nominated her. I agree with civil rights leaders and members of the Congressional Black Caucus that she is a wonderful lawyer. And I want all of you to know that if this nomination could be fought out on her character or her record as a civil rights lawyer, I would stay with it to the end, if we didn't get but one or two votes in the Senate.