Ronald Reagan: The Original "Reverse-Sexist" (VIDEO)

Conservative pundits have railed seemingly endessly about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's supposed "reverse racism." But it appears conservative hero Ronald Reagan would disagree.

Jed Lewison has unearthed footage that suggests Ronald Reagan was "the original reverse sexist."

In the 1981 footage, then-President Reagan says, "It is time for a woman to sit among our highest jurists." He goes on to say that his nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor for the Supreme Court fulfills his pledge to nominate "the most qualified woman I could possibly find."

"As I said during the campaign, I've long believed that the time has come for the highest court in our land to include not only distinguished men, but distinguished women as well. ... I had the pleasure of meeting with Mrs. O'Connor last week and I can report to you that she not only has a long and brilliant record as a legislator and jurist, but she also impressed me as a thoughtful, capable woman whose judicial temperament is highly appropriate for the court."

Reagan also says:

"Needless to say, most of the speculation has centered on the question of whether I would consider a woman to fill this first vacancy. As the press has accurately pointed out, during my campaign for the Presidency I made a commitment that one of my first appointments to a Supreme Court vacancy would be the most qualified woman I could possibly find."

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