Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Pterodactyl

(1,687 posts)
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 09:56 PM Jul 2013

Notable Southern Democrats: George Wallace



From Wikipedia:

George Corley Wallace Jr. (August 25, 1919 – September 13, 1998) was an American politician and the 45th governor of Alabama, having served two nonconsecutive terms and two consecutive terms: 1963–1967, 1971–1979 and 1983–1987. After four runs for U.S. president (three as a Democrat and one on the American Independent Party ticket), he earned the title "the most influential loser" in 20th-century U.S. politics, according to biographers Dan T. Carter and Stephan Lesher.

A 1972 assassination attempt left Wallace paralyzed, and he used a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. He is remembered for his Southern populist and segregationist attitudes during the desegregation period. He eventually renounced segregationism but remained a populist.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wallace

Hard to believe a racist dinosaur like that was still in office as late as 1987!
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Notable Southern Democrats: George Wallace (Original Post) Pterodactyl Jul 2013 OP
He had long since "repented." David__77 Jul 2013 #1
Yeah, "repented". Pterodactyl Jul 2013 #2

David__77

(23,868 posts)
1. He had long since "repented."
Mon Jul 1, 2013, 10:42 PM
Jul 2013

And some plenty of black support in his 1982 run for governor. Wallace was much better in this incarnation than the vast majority of Republicans today.

Pterodactyl

(1,687 posts)
2. Yeah, "repented".
Tue Jul 2, 2013, 08:24 AM
Jul 2013

I can see forgiving such people if they are truly remorseful, but I don't see why people continue to vote for politicians with such dark pasts. Same thing with Robert Byrd.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Southern Democrats and Progressives»Notable Southern Democrat...