Federal judges are often viewed as impartial arbiters of justice, expected to set aside personal biases and beliefs when making decisions of great importance. However, recent events have brought into question this perception of objectivity.
At a private event, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was recorded engaging in a conversation with journalist Lauren Windsor, where he expressed his views on the polarization in the country and the need to “win” certain moral arguments. While some may find his comments controversial, it is not entirely surprising given Alito’s known conservative and religious beliefs.
Windsor: I know it’s got to be terrible what your family, what you and your family are going through right now, so I’m just so sorry.
Alito: Thank you. Thank you very much. I appreciate you.
Windsor: But, and I’m sure you don’t remember this at all, but what I’d asked you about was about the polarization in this country, about, like, how do we repair that rift. And considering everything that’s been going on in the past year, you know, as a Catholic, and as someone who, like, really cherishes my faith, I just don’t know that we can negotiate with the left in the way that needs to happen for the polarization to end. I think it’s a matter of, like, winning.
Alito: I think you’re probably right. On one side or the other, one side or the other is going to win. I don’t know. I mean, there can be a way of working, a way of living together peacefully. But it’s difficult, you know, because there are differences on fundamental things that really can’t be compromised. They really can’t be compromised. So it’s not like you’re going to split the difference.
Windsor: And that’s what I’m saying. It’s just, I think that the solution really is, like, winning the moral argument. Like, people in this country who believe in God have got to keep fighting for that, to return our country to a place of godliness.
Alito: I agree with you. I agree with you.
While some may find Alito’s agreement with Windsor’s views on returning the country to “godliness” concerning, it is in line with his known religious beliefs. Chief Justice John Roberts also made remarks about the role of the Supreme Court in guiding the country morally, highlighting differing perspectives within the judiciary.
