Reply #3: I grew up with a town full of David Duke supporters

[shockandawed]

The problem with Duke is that he is a smart, very likable guy. During the governor's race in the early 90's, he ran against a governor who was indicted and on trial for corruption and was living in the governor's mansion with his girlfriend 30 years his junior. Against that backdrop, Duke seemed conservative to some.

Additionally, you have to understand that the colonial relationship between the white and black communities still exists in many small Louisiana towns. His real appeal is that he is smart, he causes some to look past his KKK membership by advocating very impressive political positions. I mean, had he not been the KKK wizard, he might still be the governor. I liked what he had to say when he was talking policy, but you cannot ignore such an abhorrent past.

Duke convinced even some blacks I knew that he wasn't racist anymore.