It means nothing that Roberts wrote briefs arguing for the repeal of Roe v. Wade when he worked for Republican administrations. He was arguing on behalf of his client, the United States of America. Roberts has specifically disassociated himself from those cases...I agree with the always-brilliant Ann that it's troubling that some of Roberts's words seem meant to disassociate himself from his "Roe was wrongly decided and should be repealed" statement.
HOWEVER. Something I heard this morning might contradict this:
According to James Rosen of Fox News, the "Roe was wrongly decided" language was included in an "INTERNAL MEMO" written by Roberts, not originally intended for public consumption.
Rosen insisted that that statement therefore was a reflection of Roberts's personal views.
I don't know if Rosen is right, just reporting what I heard him say this morning on WABC radio.
That "wrongly decided" line makes me think of a recent opinion by either Scalia or Thomas. They concurred but said the majority were doing so for the wrong reasons. It is a fine legal point and one that strengthens my view that he is a strict constructionist. He knows that it is not only the decision but the points made in the concurring statement that guide future decisions.