As a teenager and college student in the 1960s and early 1970's, I considered Byrd to be an embarrassment. Thought him contemptuous. Over time, that contempt changed to a deep respect, even when I disagreed with his positions, as I came to understand his absolute focus on the goals of serving West Virginia and the nation. His dedication to those goals was evident in his willingness to learn, observe, listen, and to change his mind based on new information and observations.

He was powerful and pragmatic about the exercise of power, and a masterful operator within the Senate. And as best I can tell, he exercised that power by thoroughly mastering and respecting the rules of the Senate. His knowledge of and respect for the Constitution guided him.