In a recent interview with CNN, Senator John Cornyn of Texas staunchly defended Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in the midst of a flag controversy that has caused a rift among Democrats and Republicans alike. Cornyn accused Democrats of targeting Alito and engaging in a long-standing campaign to harass members of the Supreme Court.

Cornyn stated, "I just think Democrats are determined to harass members of the Supreme Court. I don't see them criticizing Sotomayor, Kagan, or others. So obviously, they don't like Justice Alito or the decisions he makes. And this is just part of long-standing harassment of the courts, going back to when Clarence Thomas was talked about a high-tech lynching during his confirmation process."

The controversy stems from reports by The New York Times, which revealed that a second flag associated with the events of January 6th was spotted outside Alito's vacation home in New Jersey last summer. Previously, an upside-down American flag, a symbol carried by Donald Trump's supporters during the Capitol riot, was flown outside Alito's Virginia house before Joe Biden's inauguration.

Alito had explained that the upside-down flag was placed there by his wife during a neighborhood dispute. However, the discovery of two antidemocratic symbols displayed on the properties of one of the nation's most influential public officials, particularly as he is set to rule on significant Jan. 6-related cases, ignited a firestorm of criticism.

In response, some Democrats have called for Justice Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the January 6th events and the 2020 election. While Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell decried the "nonstop attacks on the Supreme Court," even some Republican senators have expressed mild criticism of Alito, highlighting the unusual nature of these flag incidents.

Nonetheless, Senator Cornyn remained firmly in Alito's corner, asserting, "People who are judges on the Supreme Court have personal lives, they have families. And I don't think they're necessarily responsible for everything their families do or say."

The clash over Alito's flags has showcased the political divisions over the judiciary, with Democrats scrutinizing ethical concerns and potential biases, while Republicans emphasize the need for separating a judge's personal life from their professional duties. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact Justice Alito's involvement in future cases and public perception of the Supreme Court.