For Want of a Nail

In the end-game of the Bork nomination fight, Senator George Mitchell gave the Democratic explanation of Bork’s failure. “Judge Bork will not be confirmed for one simple reason. The American people agree with the Supreme Court. They don’t agree with Judge Bork.”

Rubbish. Bork was not confirmed because the American people heard only two messages. Senate liberals said Bork favored sterilization and Jim Crow, and that he opposed contraception, civil rights for women, and free speech. The White House said Bork was a distinguished egghead. When it is framed this way, Bork loses.

About the Author

Maggie Gallagher

Maggie Gallagher is the author of four books on marriage and is a longtime contributor to National Review.

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In the end-game of the Bork nomination fight, Senator George Mitchell gave the Democratic explanation of Bork’s failure. “Judge Bork will not be confirmed for one simple reason. The American people agree with the Supreme Court. They don’t agree with Judge Bork.”

Rubbish. Bork was not confirmed because the American people heard only two messages. Senate liberals said Bork favored sterilization and Jim Crow, and that he opposed contraception, civil rights for women, and free speech. The White House said Bork was a distinguished egghead. When it is framed this way, Bork loses.