In one of last speeches in office, Biden attempts to rehabilitate image of late segregationist Strom Thurmond

President Biden’s Attempt to Rehabilitate the Image of Strom Thurmond

President Biden made a surprising move on Monday during one of the final speeches of his presidency by attempting to rehabilitate the image of the notorious late pro-segregation Sen. Strom Thurmond. Speaking at a White House reception for new Democratic members of Congress, Biden shared some redeeming details about Thurmond while clarifying that he was not defending the man.

Biden recounted a story from his career where he was asked to deliver the eulogy for Strom Thurmond, who was 100 years old at the time. Despite Thurmond’s history of supporting segregation, Biden highlighted that Thurmond eventually came to the realization that separate but equal was not right. He acknowledged that Thurmond pushed for equal funding for Black schools as well as White schools during his time in the Senate.

Furthermore, Biden pointed out that Thurmond had more African-Americans on his staff than any other United States senator at the time. He also mentioned Thurmond’s relationship with a Black woman that resulted in an illegitimate child, noting that Thurmond never denied it and continued to support the child financially.

This attempt to humanize Thurmond and highlight some of his positive actions may come as a surprise to many, especially given Thurmond’s controversial legacy. However, Biden has mentioned his relationship with Thurmond on several occasions throughout his presidency. He previously claimed that he had convinced Thurmond to vote for the Voting Rights Act before his death in 2003, emphasizing that hate never dies but only hides.

While some may question Biden’s decision to shine a positive light on a figure like Thurmond, it is clear that the president sees value in acknowledging the complexities of individuals and their legacies. By sharing these stories, Biden is encouraging a nuanced understanding of history and reminding us that people are capable of change and growth, even in the face of deeply ingrained beliefs.

As we reflect on Biden’s words and his efforts to reframe Thurmond’s image, it serves as a reminder that our perceptions of individuals and their actions are not always black and white. By recognizing the complexities of individuals like Thurmond, we can strive for a more comprehensive understanding of history and the potential for growth and progress.