On Monday, msnbc’s Irin Carmon interviewed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, discussing everything from abortion and women’s rights to race relations, Ginsburg’s health, and her marriage. In recent years, Ginsburg has become an icon to many for her outspoken opinions on women’s rights, same-sex marriage, and more. msnbc asked several leaders in politics and media, from msnbc hosts to progressive activists, to share their thoughts on Ginsburg, her legacy, and what she means to them. Here’s what they said.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
“Justice Ginsburg is an accomplished public servant, and I’m particularly inspired by her work to reach out to and engage with young women. She was among the first to confront the barriers that kept women from pursuing careers, and now urges other women to complete graduate programs, become partners and enter board rooms. Justice Ginsburg has lived her life off of the sidelines, I respect her service and thank her for the inspiration.”
Andrea Mitchell, host of msnbc’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports”
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been an icon long before she became ‘Notorious RBG.’ For decades, long before she joined the court, she has been fighting legal battles for women’s rights. Most recently, the court’s oldest justice pulled an all-nighter on a Friday night to work on her impassioned dissent on the Texas voter ID law. But for me, she will always have a special place as the person who officiated at my wedding. Not only did she perform the ceremony in a country garden — in the rain, no less – but she had to be bonded by the state of Virginia in order to do it. For some reason that still mystifies me: Being a Supreme Court justice did not carry enough legal authority to officiate at a wedding in the state that advertises ‘Virginia is for Lovers.’ Enough said.”
Krystal Ball, co-host of msnbc’s “The Cycle” and host of “Krystal Clear” on msnbc’s Shift
“When you look up ‘fierce’ in the dictionary, there ought to be a picture of RBG. Her mental clarity and logical reasoning has reached iconic status. Every day I am grateful that we have the benefit of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s principled wisdom at the nation’s highest court.”
Neera Tanden, President, Center for American Progress
“Justice Ginsburg has been an unwavering champion of basic civil rights and remains an esteemed voice for fundamental fairness under the law. Throughout her remarkable career she has been a voice for the advancement and rights of women, but her amazing career and example has also inspired a nation that aims to value its daughters as much as its sons.”
Stephanie Schriock, President, Emily’s List
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become an icon for equality and for women’s rights, and rightfully so. She has been a champion for removing the barriers that keep women from participating in society, arguing for access to school, the right to choose, and the right to fight pay discrimination. It’s hard to think of anyone else whose t-shirts I’d rather see girls buying.”
Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
“Justice Ginsburg is a bold — and badly needed — voice for women on the bench. She is a consistent and unapologetic advocate for equity in health care, reproductive rights, and women’s full participation in society. Perhaps most surprisingly, Justice Ginsburg’s powerful dissents and fierce rejoinders have sparked an interest in the Supreme Court’s proceedings among this generation of young people at a time when critical issues are up for debate — all hail the Notorious RBG!” Seema Iyer, attorney and host of “The Docket” on Shift by msnbc “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the embodiment of work ethic. Perhaps it’s her passion for the law that makes her tireless or that she knows an unending love for justice is the cure to aging, grief, and illness.” Sean Kosofsky, Executive Director, Tyler Clementi Foundation “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a hero. She is a consistent clarion voice for the disadvantaged among us, especially women, minorities and those harmed by unsafe or unfair practices in our country. She has always sought justice and equality for all members of society and exemplifies a balanced and restrained judiciary. “ Ilyse Hogue, President, NARAL Pro-Choice America “How I love Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg! In a town with an attention span of about ten minutes, Justice Ginsburg demonstrates the true power of longevity and perseverance combined with an indomitable wit. Her honesty and commitment to the long arc of justice has been not only an inspiration to me and thousands of other women, but has been a vital north star to the promise of equality and justice for all people living in this great country.”
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