Conflicted Clarence Thomas has 'no business' hearing Trump's Colorado appeal: ex-judge

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is too conflicted to hear any appeal of the decision blocking former President Donald Trump from the ballot in Colorado, former California Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell said on MSNBC Tuesday.

Trump was disqualified by the Colorado Supreme Court under the Insurrection Clause of the 14th Amendment, for his role in the January 6 attack. Clarence Thomas' wife, Ginni, has been implicated in many of the efforts to overturn the election that preceded that attack.

"Judge Cordell, I imagine you have the same interpretation, that this is not an accident to quote then-Judge Gorsuch to Justice Gorsuch in possible Supreme Court review," said anchor Chris Hayes.

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"These justices know who their audience is: their audience is the Supreme Court," said Cordell. "They know this is headed that way. I will tell you, there should be only eight justices on the Supreme Court hearing this case when it comes up. I say that because Clarence Thomas has no business hearing this case. Why? because his wife was a major player in the whole insurrection. And he should, if he had principles, recuse himself."

Nonetheless, Cordell added, "I will guarantee you this, Clarence Thomas will recuse himself when Ginni flies."

"I think you're right," said Hayes, adding, "I was wondering, could Ginni Thomas hold office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment?"

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