Thomas memoirs try to clear 'untruths' about him

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2007 | by Joan Biskupic

WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas ascends the bench with his colleagues today for the start of a new term, just as his memoirs reopening the wounds of his 1991 Senate confirmation battle go on sale.

In a telephone interview Sunday with USA TODAY, Thomas said he wanted to tell a story that was "honest, straightforward and positive" and could speak to people beyond Washington.

"This city is a little different from the rest of the world. It distorts life. It exaggerates what it wants to exaggerate," he said, explaining that he wanted to counter the "untruths" written about him.

"I didn't cause the divisiveness in '91," Thomas said. "I was just nominated." He decries what he views as political gamesmanship over his reputation, saying,...