Ruth Bader Ginsburg an example for a divided America: Bill Clinton

Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “symbolizes everything that’s best about America,” former President Bill Clinton said Sunday.

Discussing the iconic judge he nominated to the Supreme Court in 1993, he praised her as an example for all Americans.

“In a time where people were so cynical, Ruth Ginsburg symbolizes everything that’s best about America,” Clinton said on ABC’s “This Week.” “She was always completely on the level. And people need that. They need to be able to hang on to something that’s on the level.”

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Ginsburg died Friday of complications from cancer at age 87, leaving a legacy of decisions advancing gender equality. She was also known for her friendships with justices with opposing points of view, most notably late Justice Antonin Scalia.

“She maintained her relationships with Justice Scalia and cordiality with the others, even when she was clearly in deep disagreement with them over a variety of cases,” Clinton said. “I think that’s important.”

President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell say they want to fill the Supreme Court vacancy soon, though some Senate Republicans have demurred.

“[Ginsburg] would be saying today, just wait until we see what happens in the election and see if people think that we should move court even further to the right, or is somebody who represents all views and everybody fairly should be given a chance to serve,” Clinton said.