Clarence Thomas says an 'arrogant' reporter once argued with his mother about how many children she had: book

Clarence Thomas knew that there would be questions about his legal record when he was confirmed to the Supreme Court in 1991.

The media uproar caused reporters to explore more of the judge's background.

The small community of Pin Point, Georgia, where Thomas was born, was doubted by some in the media, with a reporter questioning his mother's fertility rate.

In the book "Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words," co-edited by Michael Pack and Mark Paoletta, Clarence Thomas sat down with Pack for over 30 hours over the course of a year.

Thomas questioned why he would lie about his birthplace and his mother told a reporter to leave her home.

The media initially said that Pin Point didn't exist. He told Pack that it was hilarious.

The guys know a lot. "You're a liar," they said. Who would tell the truth about where you come from? Who would lie about that?

Thomas was angry at the reporter who looked into his mother's background.

The reporter argued with my mother about the number of children she had. He asked how he could argue with a woman about the number of children she had. She told them to leave.

They can only find records for two children. How could you tell a woman how many children she had? I don't think it's smart to tell people what their views should be.

After a heated set of hearings, Thomas was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote.