Had Bill Clark been interested in the Supreme Court in 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor may not have been the one to shatter the glass ceiling on the Supreme Court.
According to “The Judge,” Paul and Patricia Clark Doerner’s new book on the Reagan aide and cabinet secretary, Reagan asked Clark if he wanted to be considered for the Supreme Court, after hearing of Justice Potter Stewart’s retirement.
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Clark told him, “Well, it’s an honor to be considered, but I’ve served on the court now for 12 years at three levels. I’m truly enjoying the work I’m doing for you now. I’d rather stay where I am.”
Reagan replied, “That’s what I thought you’d say, Bill,” pulled a “piece of paper from inside his coat pocket and crossed Bill Clark’s name off the list. Reagan than asked Clark to interview Sandra Day O’Connor for the U.S. Supreme Court seat.”
Clark would go on to serve as deputy secretary of state, national security adviser and secretary of the interior.
