This week on The Confab: Why black Americans are still adrift in the nation's economy and what President Obama needs to do to make up for Clarence Thomas. Plus, identity politics in the court system -- who'da thunk it? Join The Root's Managing Editor Lynette Clemetson as she talks with Deputy Editor Terence Samuel, Washington reporter Dayo Olopade and senior writer Kai Wright.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.