Speaker 1 (00:00):
More controversy this morning surrounding Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and his wife after they were secretly recorded at a gala dinner last week. Alito approached by Lauren Windsor, a progressive activist known for recording conservative political figures while posing as an ally, Alito asked by Windsor about a nation divided between left and right, saying "One side or the other is going to win. There can be a way of living together peacefully, but it's difficult because there are differences on fundamental things that really can't be compromised". After Windsor said the country needs to return to a place of godliness, Alito responding "I agree". The conversation recorded during the Supreme Court historical Society's annual dinner, June 3rd, Alito, who's on the conservative wing of the court, has recently been embroiled in controversy after pictures emerged of flags associated with, among other things, election denial and January 6th, rioters flying outside his house. (01:03) Alito had responded that his wife, Martha-Ann, raised the flags. She was also recorded by Windsor who told her she was being persecuted. Mrs. Alito responding, "I'm German from I'm German. My heritage is German. You come after me, I'm going to give it back to you". And discussing other flags she wanted to fly at their house. "You know what I want? I want a sacred heart of Jesus flag because I have to look across the lagoon at the pride flag for the next month". Windsor also approached Chief Justice John Roberts, who responded more cautiously to her questioning, asked about whether the court should lead the country on a more moral path. "No, I think the role for the court is deciding the cases". The Chief Justice, also pushing back on Windsor's assertion that the US is a Christian nation and the court's role is to guide it on that path. (01:52) "I don't know that we live in a Christian nation. I know a lot of Jewish and Muslim friends who would say maybe not, and it's not our job to do that". The court has not responded to a request for comment but the historical society, which hosted the event where the recordings were made, says in a statement they condemn the surreptitious recording of justices there, which they say is inconsistent with the spirit of the evening. Hoda.
Speaker 2 (02:17): All right, Hallie Jackson for us there in D.C. Halle, thank you.
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