Biden Praises O'Connor as First Woman Justice Who Sought Common Ground
• Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman Supreme Court justice, confirmed in 1981 with a 99-0 Senate vote.
• As a key swing vote, O'Connor tried to find compromises on contentious issues like abortion. She supported upholding Roe v. Wade.
• During her confirmation hearings, Biden urged O'Connor to be an outspoken advocate for women's rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. She declined.
• Biden said O'Connor brought decency, fact-based reasoning, and a commitment to the "stable center" and "common ground" to the Court.
• Biden praised O'Connor after her death for breaking barriers for women, proving women can outperform men, and devotion to active citizenship.