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Clarence and Ginni Thomas: Politics, Power and the Supreme Court (full documentary) | FRONTLINE



As controversy erupts around Clarence and Ginni Thomas, this two-hour documentary special tells the inside story of their path to power.

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Over the past three decades, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has risen to the center of power in Washington, impacting issues affecting millions of Americans — from abortion to affirmative action. By his side has been his wife and best friend, Ginni Thomas. Together, the Thomases have left an indelible mark on America — in the legal realm and in conservative politics. But what has fueled their rise and expanded influence, and what have been the consequences?

“Clarence and Ginni Thomas: Politics, Power and the Supreme Court” is a FRONTLINE production with the Kirk Documentary Group. The director is Michael Kirk. The producers are Michael Kirk, Mike Wiser and Vanessa Fica. The writers are Michael Kirk and Mike Wiser. The reporters are Vanessa Fica and Jane Mayer. The editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE is Raney Aronson-Rath.

Explore additional reporting related to “Clarence and Ginni Thomas: Politics, Power and the Supreme Court” on our website:

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FRONTLINE is produced at GBH in Boston and airs nationwide on PBS.

Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation; Park Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen.

Funding for “Clarence and Ginni Thomas: Politics, Power and the Supreme Court” is provided by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation and The WNET Group’s Preserving Democracy, a public media reporting initiative.

CHAPTERS:
Prologue – 0:00
Clarence and Ginni Thomas – 0:34
Clarence Thomas’ Childhood in the Segregated South – 3:33
Clarence Thomas’ Catholic School Experience – 9:23
Ginni Thomas’ Childhood – 12:15
Clarence Thomas’ Time in the Seminary – 18:15
Clarence Thomas and the Black Power Movement – 24:38
Ginni Lamp’s Role Model: Phyllis Schlafly – 32:37
Clarence Thomas’ Experience at Yale Law School – 36:13
Ginni Lamp’s Experience with Lifespring, a ‘Cult’ – 42:16
Clarence Thomas’ Role in Ronald Reagan’s Administration – 48:34
How Ginni Lamp and Clarence Thomas Met and Married – 1:00:06
Clarence Thomas Becomes a Supreme Court Justice – 1:04:24
Anita Hill, Sexual Harassment Allegations and Clarence Thomas – 1:21:33
How Clarence Thomas Came to Know Conservative Figures Like Rush Limbaugh & Harlan Crow – 1:25:32
Ginni Thomas’ Rise in Republican Politics – 1:36:05
Ginni and Clarence Thomas, “Right-Wing Royalty” – 1:40:06
Clarence Thomas’ Influence on the Supreme Court and Key Issues Like Abortion and Affirmative Action – 1:48:06
Credits – 1:51:58

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38 comments
@douglashogg4848

Thomas’ life was tough and you do feel sympathy for him and you can understand the bitterness. However, I feel his hatred was misguided. Unlike MLK or Malcolm X, Thomas has done nothing for the “black community”and in fact made their situation worse.

@jljones6343

Thanks for this, Frontline; the mystery attraction for these two might be that they are both dutifully doing/behaving exactly as her parents wish. A strange couple on the surface, but considering the "Mind of the South", not so much.

@circussounds855

i believed Anita Hill then & i will
always believe Anita Hill! Ginny Pig disgusts me.

@louisrago1635

I have Anita Hill was right. This guy should have never ever been on the Supreme Court.

@Scorch428

I think Anita would have had a better chance if she didnt embellish and try to embarrass him and stuck to the harassment.
Liking adult films or women's breasts is normal for all males, and not a crime.
I constantly see this – where people feel they need to embellish their story when they really dont.

@Scorch428

Well, if ya wanna know if it was Clarence or Anita that lied, just ask yourself who had motive, who had more to gain… its pretty obvious.

@joanlantis4497

Thomas never had any moral bearing. He swung from stance to opposite stance depending on who liked him. So he's very susceptible to flattery etc. Dangerous traits for a supreme court justice. Ginni is behind the times as far as women's rights are concerned. She is a danger to women.