What the Senators Said

Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del.

“Achieving fairness, in the atmosphere in which these hearings are being held, may be the most difficult task . . . I have ever undertaken in my close to 19 years in the United States Senate.” Strom Thurmond, R-S.C.

“This will be an exceedingly uncomfortable process for us all, but a great deal hangs in the balance and our duty is clear. We must find the truth.” Arlen Specter, R-Pa.

“The integrity of the court, that is very important. The Supreme Court ought not have any member who is tainted or have a cloud.” Howell Heflin, D-Ala.

“You think that he (Thomas) got some pleasure out of seeing you (Hill) ill at ease and vulnerable?” Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah

“The public deserves to know now, one way or the other, and the public is going to know, if I have anything to say about it.” Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt.

“Did you (Hill) . . . at some time when he (Thomas) was (discussing pornography or sexual acts), did you say: ‘Look, I don’t want to hear about this,’ just walk out the door?”