Sen. Robert Byrd on the 1964 Civil Rights laws

Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) explains why he would change his vote on the 1964 civil rights laws. This excerpt is from a Nov. 2005 interview C-SPAN conducted for the 2006 documentary The Capitol. On 11/18/09 Sen. Byrd becomes the longest-serving member of Congress.

[@bobgrobe5022]

One of Joe Biden's best friends!

[@sylentknight]

and Killary's mentor

[@joeyharper4976]

And the Obama's.. ironically enough 🤣🤣

[@marcusmoore7911]

MENTORS

[@billwhite9703]

So, when he was 63 he suddenly realised that people of other races have feelings too. Fucking genius.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

😆

[@professionalnobody651]

Yet he still used terms like wigger, after the fact.

[@TheRedRaven_]

@@professionalnobody651 He dropped the “hard R” on TV back in 2001. You can’t make me believe that someone could simply change their outlook on life at that age. When you’re that old, you’ve pretty much decided who you are and what you believe in. The racist con just wanted to survive long enough to collect that 💰

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

He never changed how he felt he just claimed that to further his political career and status.

[@victorradial1179]

Ai uf you feel free you can make a slave?

[@usssanjacinto1]

And they said the parties switched, when in reality, a lot of these people stayed Democrat until they died.

[@Saiputera]

Yup

[@josecarranza7555]

If the parties didn’t switch, why is the KKK today trump supporters and the South too?

[@usssanjacinto1]

@@josecarranza7555 If the parties switched then why do Democrats of today praise Democrats of the past like FDR and Woodrow Wilson?? FDR vetoed Anti-Lynching Laws and placed Japanese Americans in concentration camps; and Woodrow Wilson segregated the military and the Federal Government, yet Democrats of today praise them. Shouldn't they be praising Republicans of the past? And why would anyone want to call themselves Democrat anyway, when it was the Democrats who created the KKK and defended Slavery. Thats like Jew saying he is a Nazi and that the Nazis today are not the same as Nazis of yesterday.

[@josecarranza7555]

usssanjacinto1 Because it was more of a regional thing, not democrat republican, but a north south thing. The northern democrats were in favor of civil rights, the southern democrats aka Dixiecrats were white southerners who always voted against civil rights acts, they saw it as big government over states rights. And no party created the klan. That’s a myth. KKK was founded by 6 confederate soldiers in 1865 Pulaski Tennessee and spread throughout the Southern states who were against Washington’s reconstruction policies.

[@kevinhousand9297]

@@josecarranza7555 lol I see google became a good friend of yours.

[@col.nugget1524]

he calls the black grandson "it"...

[@julie198]

Col. Nugget I noticed that too!

[@DCUPtoejuice]

Kudos to Ian McDiarmid for portraying Byrd so vividly in episodes II and III.

[@billdavis9286]

Yah, it's used objectively, you stupid idiot. He called it 'it', the same way i just called it, it. Go back to grade 7 English classes and maybe read some of the pages in the books you are given.

[@Lazy_eye_blobFish]

@@billdavis9286 except you don't call Grandsons at, the same way you don't call granddaughters at. If you know the gender of the child then you call it by its gender you idiot.

[@theItalianshamrock]

He thought it was his pet. He was so disappointed his child had a baby with a black person he couldnt come to grips with it

[@e2sguy]

2:28- he calls his black grandson “ IT”

[@jamesbraun9842]

He is being neutral and not assuming it's gender

[@Sldejo]

@@jamesbraun9842 when you use “son” on the end of the word “grand”, you’re already saying it’s a male. This man devalues Black people by referring them to “it”.

[@youreokayboah2128]

@@jamesbraun9842 stop being a Libtard.

[@youreokayboah2128]

@@jamesbraun9842 It’s not neutral. It’s less neutral to ask for gender btw

[@miamiinnovember2668]

Better not vote Democrat

[@DGuerriero]

Oh, I get it: "I didn't vote for the civil rights legislation because I was surrounded by constitutional experts." Maybe that's why he was a Klansman, too. Pathetic.

[@stephenbryant5251]

Exactly.

[@TopSecretVid]

The hero for the Dems!!!

[@billwhite9703]

Yep, constitutional "experts" whose expertise is refusing to recognise the feelings and rights of all people.

[@stevejones5075]

@@billwhite9703 I mean the writers of the constitution owned slaves...so yeah

[@darylhynum1676]

Bidens buddy!

[@garyjaensch7143]

He just admitted he believed in racism and the ku klux klan up until 1982 when he realised black people were actually people. I think 50 years to come to that conclusion and the fact he didn’t care for all the pain he had caused can only indicate he only cared if he was going to be asked whether he was a terrorist .

[@littleme3597]

He was a sadist and used cat-o-nine on Cathy O'Brien. What did he do to blacks? KKK MEMBER. CYCLOPS .

[@joeyharper4976]

He didn't "Change". He still had the same views until he croaked.

[@loralarose9615]

Democrat are slow 😂🤣😂

[@davidx6862]

Its took him that long for him to realize he was wrong.....Man Hillary you say Trumps is bad? This dude was your mentor, hugs, kisses and all. You've got alot of nerve Mrs. Clinton

[@holapuppy1739]

Yep at least this guy saw how wrong he was about black people!!! Better late than never!!!👍👍

[@limerickman8512]

That was a lie, Because Racists President Johnston knew the days of Jim Crow laws were over (As the Republicans have broken the backs of Jim Crow enforcement) and the Democrats hatched up a devious plan to get blacks to enslaves themselves (and gets the workers who supported free blacks to pay for the blacks new Democrat plantation) - in the welfare state. They knew that they will descend into depravity and using the welfare system to get them to be willing slaves to the system that they will violently oppose any freedoms from the welfare system. They relies that Whites after the great depression were descending into crime and trouble making and they voted Democrats for free stuff, so It was an easy decision and to get the blacks that he hated to vote for Democrats for generations.

[@dhoward5757]

@livey oone Roy Cohn was Trumps mentor, totally different ball game.

[@Saiputera]

@@holapuppy1739 lmao too this guy like 70-80years to relise it😂😂😂

[@PainMonkey]

Some of Clinton's supporters were Klansmen. Nearly all of Trump's supporters are currently Nazis.

[@garyjaensch7143]

Interesting it didn’t come to his mind that other people had the capability to love.

[@drampabay1476]

AS SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LOL

[@hermangouw]

Perhaps the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future had caught up with him. Didn’t he realise since young than even animals love and care their offsprings?

[@violetbiggs3069]

Cause he was a dirty snake. Look up Cathy O'Brien

[@allenvestal4474]

Sociopaths do not suddenly grow a conscience. They create rationalizations to explain away past behavior.

[@redpilled299]

Wow... Byrd was relaying some incoherent nonsense here. Midway through the video he almost didn’t realize his rambling rant wasn’t an actual answer and finally decided to answer the question. In the final 10 seconds of the video he incoherently contradicts everything he said in the three minutes prior, saying: “If I had to do it again, I’d vote against that. I’d vote against that law.” You did vote against it! That was Brian’s question! You mean to say that if you had to do it over again you’d vote FOR it - you’d vote FOR that law - not against it! It now makes sense that this guy was Biden’s cherished mentor.

[@000fuyt]

Haha great listening there, your right he did🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nobodyJake]

he said what he meant... he was an awful human being and one party's "hero and icon"

[@malcador]

2:27 he uses the word "it" to refer to the black grandson in his theoretical scenario where he himself is black. 😂😂😂😂

[@isaiahdavis1097]

I noticed that too. what a fucking moron

[@tuadomoni7356]

Hittlery Clinton's mentor lady's and gents

[@ManPursueExcellence]

J Boogie Old habits die hard. Lol

[@stevenmehl721]

Yes J Boogie, good ear, what a phony this guy is, fake story of redemption, he was just marketing himself

[@attilarbismut100]

J Boogie go back to grammar class dirty nigga

[@dillonmazziotto8751]

This is the video we actually need to randomly cycle thru our youtube feed 12 years later

[@douglasharris2516]

In West Virginia, they named roads and bridges after him! They named a new high school after him. They also named a high school after Woodrow Wilson, another devout Klan supporter.

[@luigicadorna8644]

Douglas Harris So what? The Klan did a lot to help people in the South who were being victimized after the Civil War. Learn your real history and not liberal propaganda.

[@michaelkarabin571]

Luigi Cadorna ok just by pass they hate black people and they used to hang them. You are a fucking moron yeah sure they helped innocent people but they killed innocent people and I for sure tell you they wouldn’t help a innocent black person. So just shut the fuck up!!

[@ivanruvalcaba2527]

@@luigicadorna8644 now this is a stupid comment

[@luigicadorna8644]

@@ivanruvalcaba2527 Learn your history. You will be shocked at the cruelty and oppression that southerners were treated with at the hands of the federal government following the civil war. The Klan was created to protect the rights of the south from being trampled on. Without the Klan, radical northern liberals would have turned southern whites into slaves.

[@Saiputera]

@@michaelkarabin571 Black people still playing the guilt tactic. no wonder the asian is surpassing black in term of education,bussniess ect.. HAHAHAHAH

[@HavinSumKindaFun]

He voted the way he did at the time because that is who he was.

[@tailsprowerfan2729]

And still is he’s a klan member and will always will be

[@nobodyJake]

@@tailsprowerfan2729 member?? no no... thats an outright lie... he founded his own chapter and was an "exalted dragon"

[@braddavid902]

No it was because the voters in his state were like that. Politicians don’t vote on morality. Everything they do is based on political calculations.

[@dcyarbrough1]

Listen closely...he refers to the black persons grandson as ‘it’.

[@bleedingcovenant9495]

time stamp ?

[@dcyarbrough1]

@@bleedingcovenant9495 2:28

[@bleedingcovenant9495]

@@dcyarbrough1 crazy

[@erectilereptile7383]

“He’s just senile”

[@isaiahdavis1097]

Have IT go to the restroom???? are you kidding me???

[@CaseyVan]

So from what I gather. He didn't really acknowledge that Black people are created equal, but instead says "IT" in reference to a "he". Then when explaining why he changed his mind it was to be "ahead of the curve". This means that his decision to change his mind was purely strategic, not really from the heart. He thought it was not right that the Black kid was being discriminated against because his Grandma loved him, but nothing about him being equal. If a Republican said this, he would not get re-elected.

[@bannor99]

"If a Republican said this, he would not get re-elected" That would depend entirely on where he was running & who he was up against.

[@MyDarkerSide3]

you know that isn't true

[@seanberge1]

PlushTrumpLips What isn't true?

[@MyDarkerSide3]

Sean Bergeron the second half of what Bannor said

[@jimmyjacuzzi5424]

It never came to his mind before that black peoplelove their kids? Wow, he was really enlightened.

[@melmel3703]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kd5icr1967]

he wrote a letter to a Grand Wizard stating, "The Klan is needed today as never before and I am anxious to see its rebirth here in West Virginia and in every state in the nation."

[@moniquethomas3610]

I read about that note. Pernicious, evil man. Don't let the white hairs or the black grandson he called "it", fool you one bit.

[@littleme3597]

@@moniquethomas3610 He was evil to all people. sounds like biden.

[@poeaugustin2907]

This man is lying through his false teeth🤦🏿‍♀️

[@stephenbryant5251]

Yep.

[@BrandyGray]

Joe biden gave eulogy at his funeral and talked about how good he was and how his way of life was the way!! Yall voted biden🤣🤣

[@trentjackson9793]

Your point? Obama and the naacp also praised him

[@youreokayboah2128]

@@trentjackson9793 There are also some southern African Americans who loved the confederate flag. Does it mean the flag isn’t racist anymore?

[@trentjackson9793]

@@youreokayboah2128 no? Why would it?

[@youreokayboah2128]

@@trentjackson9793 Bruh, so if A Jewish man holds a Nazi Flag, it’s no longer racist by your logic?

[@TheRedRaven_]

@@trentjackson9793 I wouldn’t use “praise” as a defense mechanism, nothing can defend an individual who was actual KKK and filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If it is true that Obama/NAACP praised Byrd, then they are praising racism which is hypocritical and that in itself is a problem, not an excuse.

[@robertfishman3742]

Sen. Byrd changed his views on race and on civil rights because he saw the center of gravity in the Senate Democratic Caucus shifting to the left, with the departure of his fellow Dixiecrats. He wanted to be Senate Majority Leader, with the considerable power that that position brings, and then he wanted to be Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, which allowed him to bring home the bacon to West Virginia.

[@piouswhale]

Democrat party never changed. It always was and always will be the party of racism. It currently takes the form of the soft bigotry of low expectstions.

[@flores4377]

Only like 2 senators switched and one of them did bc he wanted to change

[@nobodyJake]

is that was he and his surrogate you voted for were segregationist in the 70's? endorsed private prisons and wrote asset forfeiture in the 80's? then the surrogate wrote the crime bill targeting inner city black males to fill their donors private prisons (WV had the most)?? that's a weird way to change... by not changing at all and just taking over the educational system to write how you're actually the good guys??

[@dyoung3648]

Never changed...hated black progress his entire life!

[@MacLaw3084]

@@flores4377many many members of congress left the democratic party for the republican party in the 60s

[@l.caddell247]

He should've been thinking like that when he was a "constitutional" lawyer, in 1964

[@CodyCha]

Obama: an icon. Great man. Biden: a great mentor and a friend

[@terarosen7909]

Don’t forget how he Hilary said he was her mentor

[@Hulkitout]

Yo why this nigga look like palpatine from star wars?? lmaoo. on a more serious note atleast he realized the error in his ways and admitted it to the rest of the world.

[@eriknervik9003]

Yes, the black voter base has become essential to winning elections in West Virginia

[@12artman]

Byrd didn't come to this realization until 1982 and it took the death of his son to bring him around? Grossly disingenuous.

[@snuffeldjuret]

black people care about their grandsons as well, who woulda thunked?

[@seansturgill4869]

He discovered... In 1981-1987... That black people might love their grandsons too... This interview was in 2009. So sometime after he was 64, he decided his views were wrong? How can someone not question the judgment of a person who has held such bigoted ideologies for so long? By the time he reached retirement age he realized maybe he should treat other people like people too. What a dunce.

[@TheAaronChand]

He said 1982

[@kevinodom2918]

I thought the parties flipped. Shouldn’t he of joined the Republican Party if that was the case?

[@travelseatsyellowlab]

Shouldn't he have, NOT of.

[@shikat2371]

LOL. Why would all the racist Southern Dems fling themselves to a party that ended Slavery and Jim Crow for good defies common sense. But you're smart enough to know that, right?

[@frankpaya690]

@@shikat2371 only smart enough to repeat what he's been hearing.

[@playps4729]

The Big Flip is a big lie, the switch was blacks moving to the Democrat Party. Under President Johns "Great Society" it was in the blacks economic interest to support the party providing them with welfare, food stamps, and housing money. "Great Society" led to the destruction of the black family since two single people co-habitating received more govt money than a married couple. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_party_switchers_in_the_United_States

[@adamm.6386]

@@playps4729 It was in the Republican party that the advancement for civil rights were spearheaded. Once Republicans felt they did enough for African Americans they removed black people almost entirely from that party and went to promoting the lily white movem't. Southeners saw an ally in the Republican party and stopped voting Democrat. Something they'd been doing long before the Klan was founded. Those who were once voting majority Republican or Democrat, now voted for the other side. Yes there was a switch. Of people and ideologies. The Republican party today is a mess. It's both the closest and furthest from from what it was years ago.

[@wendybaby83]

When all the slave owners...i mean democrats got ahead of "the curb." The Democrat party in a nutshell, I mean in their hoods.

[@Brakathor]

You're kidding... He's trying to act like he was AHEAD of the curve? It's literally adding insult to injury. YOU literally kept them down, under your heel, in a way that affected OUTCOME, well past the time that it cohered with the public consciousness!

[@activxty2101]

He just said it over again towards the end. Lol. That he'd vote against it. He ain't shit.

[@ultrapurple111]

Imagine if he said "no I would not change my vote on civil rights in 1964". He'd never get away with it in today's climate. The truth is, too many politicians say anything that is in line with the current social mood to get ahead or stay out of trouble. There's little integrity left.

[@scottycameron5937]

That's what Barry Goldwater said on Firing Line with William F. Buckley.

[@terarosen7909]

Oh yea he would, go watch the democratic presidential debate and watch mr. Biden answer Harris.

[@mikec2220]

Notice how he called the black grandson, “IT”.

[@evanshiong3557]

He went from a racist and neocon to a quasi progressive and big supporter of the African American community later in life.

[@GBTWC]

“Black peoples are human because they also care about their grandkids, other than that I’m not sure” -Robert Byrd- Democrat icon

[@DRC2060]

n 1997, Byrd told an interviewer he would encourage young people to become involved in politics but also warned, "Be sure you avoid the Ku Klux Klan. Don't get that albatross around your neck. Once you've made that mistake, you inhibit your operations in the political arena." In his last autobiography, Byrd explained that he was a KKK member because he "was sorely afflicted with tunnel vision - a jejune and immature outlook - seeing only what I wanted to see because I thought the Klan could provide an outlet for my talents and ambitions." Byrd also said, in 2005, "I know now I was wrong. Intolerance had no place in America. I apologized a thousand times ... and I don't mind apologizing over and over again. I can't erase what happened." Also at the time of his death the NAACP had given Byrd high praise for disavowing the KKK. Just as Hillary praised him for his change in heart. But I guess if there is no forgiveness then there will be no move forward. Hillary showed great strength in showing this man forgiveness. The man also served in both the House and has the record for the longest tenure in the Senate (59-2010). He wasn't a perfect man but are any of us? At least he used the remainder of his life to denounce racism. Note: the photo going around of Byrd in KKK dress is photo-shopped. Byrd quit the KKK in the 50s before you could get nice shots. You can also see the crop at the neck-line. Show less

[@bestcommenteronyoutube9338]

Don Carson That’s all good and well but we all just watched this interview. It looked like complete disingenuous bs.

[@Nopebrbra]

We can be perfect and none of us here are kkk so nah, i csll it bs, he is a racist peroidt

[@figsigarts4093]

Russell became known as a “senator's senator” due to his mastery of Senate rules and procedures. As the leader of the Senate's Southern Caucus, Russell often used his parliamentary skills to oppose civil rights legislation, including bills to ban lynching and to abolish the poll tax.

[@paleo704]

Great man

[@gr8nesshumility741]

Who is Russell?

[@user-bo7bk9dq3e]

@@gr8nesshumility741 Senator Richard Russell

[@jb-vb8un]

@@gr8nesshumility741 The Southern Manifesto was a document issued in response to the Supreme Court's 1954 ruling Brown v. Board of Education, which integrated public schools. School segregation laws were some of the most enduring and best-known of the Jim Crow laws that characterized the American South at the time. All but twenty-eight of the 138 southern Democrat members of Congress signed this Southern Manifesto, including 19 of the Majority Democrat Senators. John Sparkman, 1952 Vice Presidential candidate as part of the Democrat's Southern Strategy, J. William Fulbright (later a mentor of Bill Clinton), Richard Brevard Russell of the Warren Commission, Sam Ervin later of the Watergate Committee, Hale Boggs (the father of NPR's Cokie Roberts), and Wilbur Mills were all signatories. It reads in part: "This unwarranted exercise of power by the Court, contrary to the Constitution, is creating chaos and confusion in the States principally affected. It is destroying the amicable relations between the white and Negro races that have been created through 90 years of patient effort by the good people of both races. It has planted hatred and suspicion where there has been heretofore friendship and understanding....We commend the motives of those States which have declared the intention to resist forced integration by any lawful means." The Southern Manifesto was signed on a large mahogany conference table in Sen. John Stennis' office which Stennis used as his desk and referred to as "the flagship of the Confederacy." The table was used by segregationist and co-signer of the Southern Manifesto, Sen. Richard Russell, before his retirement. When Stennis retired in 1988, Joe Biden of Delaware took over Stennis' office, including the conference table. When Biden was elected vice-president in 2008, Biden had the conference table moved into the vice-president's office.

[@sketchiefello9002]

@@jb-vb8un NEVER TRUST A SOUTHERNER

[@MOUNTAINEER1976]

Something tells me if your frisbee and/or football landed in his yard, he'd see to it that you'd never see it again..

[@Andy-ht7hg]

They are still in office proof is the current president. 🤣

[@gnomechomskylives]

@jampt1989 He said he lost him in 1982; Byrd was 65. Wisdom does not come from age or learning. It takes an open mind, an open heart and the ability to see & listen to achieve it. When one closes themselves off and sees people -or groups of people- as the "other" they fail to see the things they have in common. Byrd is saying that it took this tragedy to appreciate this fundamental truth.

[@gnomechomskylives]

@@phantomreaver85 There are people who go through life and never learn from their mistakes or experiences, and they never grow. Look at Donald Trump. That is my point. Aging does not _automatically_ convey wisdom on a person. Wisdom is acquired knowledge from experience but also the desire to learn from those experiences, and if one lacks that desire (a matter of disposition and temperament) then they won't acquire wisdom. Unless you misunderstood me, I don't think that my statement is contradictory.

[@veronicaquinn7733]

How are these people allowed to be in charge of anything,when are we gonna change.

[@Richard-jq6ic]

@ 2:27 imagines having a black grandkid and refers to the grandkid as an "it"🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jamesellis701]

The reason was because it wasn't popular

[@blueknight07]

Wow the comments section. Give the guy a break. He moved on from his mistakes.

[@HLJeter1966]

The man said he would change his vote on Civil Rights. In short he changed his views on race. Does that count for something?

[@usssanjacinto1]

Henry Jeter He has no choice but to say that. If the times were the same as they were in 1964, he would say, "Absolutely not! "

[@TiempoNuevo-ew7ty]

It takes lot of courage sometimes and unfortunately sometimes a heartbreak to put ourselves into the situation of others. I'm happy to see that Robert Byrd had a change of heart and mind. It takes an honest and healthy mind to be able to change ones fundamental training. Amazing Grace.

[@jeromedavid7944]

Let alone all the thousands of jobs he helped bring to WVa building Corridor H, FBI Center, Coast Guard Center and Gunter Northrup to name a few which helped people of all shades sexes and sects put bread on table to this day! But that's another story about the "Pope" of WVa!

[@johnpollard744]

So touching. It only took him about 20 years to figure out that he was an asshole.

[@tailsprowerfan2729]

And he still is one

[@katsetuis5ryan600]

​@@tailsprowerfan2729 He Is dead

[@matthewford4050]

I am glad he finally came to that conclusion.

[@quinnfletcher3906]

Better late than never.

[@countrypower3332]

The fact that all he had to do is be interviewed by CSPAN to make yall believe he changed, reminds me of how simple minded most voters are....naive twats!

[@toddsmitts]

To be fair, some white southern politicians have been progressive in respect to race relations. First and foremost would be Lyndon Johnson. Others include Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, William Winter, and Ray Mabus.

[@rasheed9705]

@2:00 was him explaining his realization that black people are people too. Watching the Eulogies given for this man by the people that represent America shows the sickness in our country.

[@dallaslibra8514]

It's to late when the damge is still in effect.

[@piscesdyme]

The fact this man recognizes he was wrong and that his “culture” led him to be a racist and was willing to change, then I applaud him. Better late then never. There are Many ex-KKK members who do try to change, it doesn’t mean they will be perfect during the process, but they are trying and to me that’s progress and a miracle in itself. Good for the ones who try to change, and the ones not seeing that, I understand but when someone is Ignorant.... you have met them half way if they recognize their ignorance. That’s how we grow as a society.

[@timsgta]

You are naive if you think culture had anything to do with it, being racist is a choice, plain and simple. You are also naive if you believe this man EVER changed his views...I bet if you were from Alaska, you'd pay some for snow wouldn't you...

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@timsgta George Wallace in his later years appointed black public servants and tried to help black people even though he opposed integration and wanted segregation forever during his time in office. He said that he was first opposed to the KKK but because if he didn't play the race card, he wouldn't win. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpa0m59od9dgjrs

[@terarosen7909]

I’m a pretty forgiving person. But why wait until you retire after you’ve mentored the next generation with your beliefs.

[@Nopebrbra]

Good? Uh nah, its their problem, once became a racist, you are a racist

[@Nopebrbra]

Why you priase these mayo?

[@Dang3rMouSe]

It's now convenient at this time for my political party's optics if I say I should of supported the Civil Rights Act, so of course I'll say in front of a camera I wish I changed my mind. I'll also throw in the straight from the politician's playbook "I'm so sorry, I'm only human" personal empathy story I had my staff writers create centered around a true family story (the best lies always are😉) to make me come off more relatable & sincere. I'll even write an autobiography for the sake of the careers of politicians associated w/ me to make it seem like I don't still hold the same ignorant views. So can you now please completely forget that I created my very own regional chapter of the Klan, successfully recruited over 150 members, said some of the most hateful & bigoted statements that can't be repeated on a digital platform, became so highly praised as a leader within the KKK that I was given the grand title of "Exalted Cyclops" & was the mentor for many prominent Democrat politician families including the Bidens & the Clintons? 😁 *gives sleazy politician smile*

[@Haaning93]

>>>>>>ATTENTION AMERICANS (WITH AN EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT)

[@jimdake6632]

Went straight from Klansman to Senior Dementia.

[@donsmith1198]

Define “Love”... 😒🤓🧐🤨😡 probably the old school pizza 🍕 gate...

[@pootandbeans5956]

If the parties supposedly switched then why is Robert Byrd still a democrat???? Proves that the parties switching is a myth.

[@sneezabonk]

The parties switched over many years. It changed to new Democrats mainly Liberal new Republican were mainly conservative. There are still some with opposite ideas for their party

[@FayeDancingCloud]

It took him that long to realize Black people love their grandkids? You catch how he referred to the black kid as "it" and not "him"? 2:27. I don't think he changed much... I think he was pressured into changing his tune but his ideology remained the same.

[@AikawaMartialArts]

Notice he called the kid that needed to use the restroom "It...."

[@citronm1405]

Glad to see a person understanding the humanity of others.

[@horus1971]

Very moving...made me cry..lol

[@Richard-jq6ic]

dude started romanticizing the good ole days and forgot the point he was trying to make🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jklmnopjkl]

Wow, that is as much as he had to reason to feel something for people of a different color? Give me a break. So many Democrats call Republicans racist for things that aren't even racist and this man was an open racist and remained in Congress for so long and THIS is his proof of his change of heart?

[@spiderjerusalem4009]

and 2:27 he referred to the black grandson as "it", yeah, he was still racist. If he'd been convinced by a black man, whom you might know from kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYPTZKRnhMaYsNk, his apoligize would atleast have been believable.

[@norahild6908]

I can't believe that people are not moved by the honesty of this great statesman of the U.S. You judge him because he was raised in the South? You judge him for being in the KKK but do not seem to mention that Byrd stopped being in the KKK. I would bet most of his detractors have never lived in the South. Robert Byrd was a tremendous orator and his presence in the Senate was valued by everyone.

[@amberbrittany7546]

+Brian Steele THANK YOU

[@amberbrittany7546]

+Brian Steele the people are so misguided and dumb

[@Bill1977cgo1]

He called blacks the N word into the 90s, he is a true democrat, hope is buring in hell and soon Hillary can I meet her Mentor again

[@gclayjohnson]

He voted down civil rights in 1964 after being in Washington from 1952. He had 12 yrs of experience in Washington to know the reality of the need of black constituents. He voted it down along with all but 1 southern democrat (the president). It would not have passed without huge republican support. To see the white-washing of history with statements such as "Byrd was so eloquent a speaker -we shouldn't forget!" As though his words of inspiration that move us so easily emotionally as to justify his objectively repugnant CHOICES. Another individual who comes easily to mind to inspire the people of his day emotionally but made objectively repugnant CHOICES - Hitler! Flawed reasoning! Of course, he was very sorry 18 years later! Public opinion had made him sorry! He wanted to keep his job along with every Dixy Crat asshole! However, I will stand with mlk who stated in front of the Lincoln memorial that I want to be judged on the content of my character! If the southern republicans agreed with this along with the president from Texas, then we should look not only at one morally repugnant vote but at the character which created that vote. He should not have made excuses to his dying day and neither should anyone else. He should have stood up and shouted from the rooftops his character was morally bankrupt until what age? 12,13 yrs in Washington? Or 1982 when his grandson died - after 30 years in Washington? Not to mention his ties with the KKK. Let alone as a major leader and recruiter in the KKK. Let's be honest, even though someone apologizes for an evil action they still deserve to lose the respect and trust as a leader. Yes, don't put him in jail, but let's not make excuses! unless you're willing to not just listen to a crazy, racist grandpa from any nursing home in America, but follow his ldrship. Even if his stories are compelling! But wait, there's more! All this from me - a grandson of a southern, admitted former racist who stated that he and everyone knew black people were not rightfully treated and the civil rights march on Washington woke them up to the evil of their position. Thank God for real humility, transparency, zeal for truth and equality - the stuff that builds character.

[@schlomogoldberg3785]

I can't believe that people are not moved by the honesty of David Duke. You judge him because he was raised in the South? You judge him for being in the KKK but do not seem to mention that Duke stopped being in the KKK. I would bet most of his detractors have never lived in the South. David Duke was a tremendous orator and his presence in the LA House of Representatives was valued by everyone (especially me).

[@ahabarhossain8747]

Though his vote against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was wrong, and his history of racism was terrible, you have to give credit to the man that he has changed. He said he would change his vote, and he also secured the funding for MLK memorial. Senator Robert Byrd also became a major powerful Senator to endorse the first African-American candidate, and later President, Barack Obama for the office of President of the United States.

[@robertcruz6974]

Lets go Brandon.

[@Perditions]

Deep thinker that Robert Byrd.

[@theseattleexile2327]

Considering he was grand wizard of the KKK? This isn’t surprising.

[@chrisotto5182]

Funny how he has to lose a family member before he has empathy...went to law school for 10 years, pathetic,

[@erinjames4024]

was his grandson a sacrifice

[@bubbiesdad]

Awfully calm for a man who's pants are on fire.

[@healthfadsfade]

Wow empathy is not your strong suit Mr Byrd 😂😂. Why the fuck would it take you losing your grandson to think from another persons shoes?

[@stoneyascension7250]

It takes a big heart, to say I was wrong.

[@AceofDlamonds]

It may seem "slow" of him to reason this way, but this is the way many people eventually gave in to desegregation. Remember, they were essentially brainwashed into thinking segregation was the way to go back then......it just took some logic.

[@Posttrip]

I couldn’t get to my barf bag fast enough! What a TOTAL CROCK of a rehearsed deception!

[@jakestein3235]

That’s what it took for you to suddenly realize? Really?

[@fernandobrown5705]

Quote: “that’s just not right”

[@AmericanNohbuddy]

You didn't do shit. Stop taking credit for something you didn't do. Want to do something? Get people to stop watching BET and wanting to become rap stars and sports stars and get them involved in things that matter.

[@rwbigbear]

We are glad this crook is gone!!!!

[@katherinesparkes6860]

Byrd brain strikes again.

[@co6742]

Haha isn't it funny how Democrats endorsed him, and vice versa

[@halfbreed3056]

Watch his eyes he's lying 🤔

[@gnomechomskylives]

@Haaning93 How did you manage with the paper? I imagine the project has been completed. Had I seen your comment earlier I would have been happy to help :)

[@donmcc6573]

It took him until 1982 to realize that?

[@adaptiveplexus]

Obama gave a eulogy praising him ... uhhh what?!

[@MDE-11-84]

This man is also a former member of the KKK.

[@rp3804]

I caught the "it" at 2:28 mark. 😡

[@edwinmendezforlife]

Funny how 2005 Was his topping point but when it counted he was the KKK Sob he was when he died

[@jamesaustin7845]

Have to say that is bizarre and I haven't seen Mr. Byrd talk much but do remember him a bit but I don't believe a thing he said although I have to say he is sounding a bit senile in this interview.

[@FrankDaBank25]

This was joe bidens hero....

[@maxpowers3494]

allen west commemorates black history month

[@gtron7692]

I'm confused... Was he saying that the first reason for why he's a racist was due to peer pressure?! He can't just take responsibility for his own stupidity?

[@smoke3571985]

at least he is honest about his racism and how it took him a lifetime to change and realize he was wrong something Trump will never do

[@candaceroberts3238]

Because he isn’t racist…

[@thatguywhosayshi7021]

Maybe because trump isn’t racist?

[@littleme3597]

Trump not racist. Jessie Jackson and Sharpton gave him an award for NOT being racist and helping black people. In fact TRUMP dated black women and has a soft spot for the black race. He really has helped you all a lot. you don't know that?

[@Nopebrbra]

But both are racists, and he is a racist, he hasnt really changed

[@JWM41945]

Sounds like a typical Lyin democrat to me.

[@Julian-jd5yj]

"Black people love their grandsons too." Bruhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I actually laughed out loud

[@raptorair500]

No blacks went to his funeral.

[@sonofsanto]

Biden’s best friend

[@toddsmitts]

At least he reformed. Some of the more conservative southern politicians never did (i.e. Jesse Helms)

[@thatguywhosayshi7021]

Conservatism is when racism, that’s it, that’s all it is. What a political illiteracy

[@Nopebrbra]

Nah

[@ratedrpinto418]

This dude just realized that black people love their grandson after his died? This man has some serious issues