CNN

This reinforces the need for age limits for Senators. New blood needs to come in and the Senate refreshed. Look at the bigot and unyielding segragionist Strom Thurmond.
A Senate seat is not a throne but a seat of trust and accountability bestowed by American voters and taxpayers.

TERM LIMITS!!!!

Step down? The last remaining sane person in the Senate? He was one of the few who spoke out against the rediculous "war" in Iraq resolution on the floor of the Senate. He's the last real example of what a senator should be!

What, slow news day for the pundits.

Anon,

No one is asking McCain to leave the senate due to his age. He's just too old to be President!

You can't seriously compare a senate job to President of the US... I mean, come on!

You depraved folks chuckle about Byrd's speaking of his love for his dog after the loss of his wife of 50 years, yet fail to comprehend that Byrd was one of the very few courageous Senators who - unlike EVERY presidential candidate who was in office in 2003 - VOTED AGAINST BUSH'S BLOODTHIRSTY NEOCON IRAQ WAR OF OIL CONQUEST that has killed and wounded HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of PEOPLE. Where is your humanity? He was re-elected to his Senate seat by a landslide by voters of his state. There is no constitutional age limit for Senators. He should remain in office until HE decides he is incapacitated.

How old did you say – 90 years!!!!! The man can hardly walk and talk at the same time, how can he intelligently represents us. Mandatory retirement is needed for all government officicals.

A great man but time to retire

President Obama? When was he elected? Pride goeth before the fall.

I THINK IT IS TIME FOR OLD GUARDS TO LEAVE AND LET THE YOUNG GENERATION TO LEAD.

Not only do I support term limits for rep's and senators I wouldn't even be opposed to age limits and/or so some type of qualifier of experience in local politics (city or state level) before serving in Washington.

Term limits would serve the greater good in breaking up the long term lobbyist ties that career politicans develop. By having a narrow window in which to serve they would hopefully arrive in Washington with a sense or urgency instead of a sense of entitlement.

As far as Byrd goes, respect the man, if you have been to WV then you would know the streets are not paved in gold. He has done nothing more or less with entitlements for his state then your own elected politicans. Pork is pork not matter the amount, but I bet dollar vs years served you would be surprised at how much he has NOT lined WV up for. Respect his expereince, respect the WV voters for sending him back. We all have career politicans, Byrd is no different then the ones you sent abck from your state during your last election. Like the one poster said, we are basically to blame for incumbents.

Senator Byrd should consider retirement and I agree that if he is as wise as some say then he would realize that his time has past. He probably uses his day job to help him get up each day.

I am so pleased that the President has a term limit......can you imagine John McCain in thirteen years......he will be 90 years old?

This is the reason we should have term limits for all Congressman! The position should not be an entitlement!

Every democrat who said McCain is too old needs to call for Byrd to resign!

It time for Sen Byrd to go, This why we need term limited

hmmmm he is too old i think but age does not matter sometimes

Byrd is a breath of fresh air, unafraid of criticizing the new Washington establishment and he has a perspective that is rate, based on days gone by (unfortunately) when this society was a lot better than it is today.

As far as sending money back to West Virginia is concerned, why are there some many nasty posters who seem worried to death about this poor small state getting a fraction of the largesse that this corrupt Republican administration is speading all around among its corporate friends.

Getting stuff for your district is an honest use of political power–stuffing the bank accounts of Halliburton etc. is not.

I'm sure you have a better photo of Senator Byrd whom I neither like, dislike nor know much about. However, I think he deserves some respect and this photo of him is out of line. I've seen other photos of him and this is not a true representation.

So it was okay for Byrd to join the KKK because all males had to back then if they wanted to be in political office?

Good thing Rosa Parks didn't feel that she had to stay in the back in the bus.

If he had had any guts, integrity or courage he would have said no. This didn't happen in the 1870s.

And no. As long as he can do the duties of a senator, his age should not be a factor.

Call it ageism – fine, I'm guilty. This guy is TOO OLD.

In an institution that is based on seniority, why should he give up the post. This was just a few senators in washington, doing the insider way of asking byrd if he was retiring and the answer was a resounding no.

While I have enjoyed hearing Senator Byrd talk about his little dog, Bily, many times, I, too, think he should retire. How many more earmarks can he funnel into West Virginia? Even the Democrat senators are trying toget rid of him; not that they would ever admit it! The Senator should find something else to do. His retirement fund runneth over.

Retirement age for Congress is reasonable. That does not mean that someone with Mr Byrd's experience could not contribute on some other level. Chair of a powerful committee is inappropriate for someone his age.

His past is his past. If the people of West Va continue to elect him, the rest of the country must accept that.

Out with the old, in with the new. Wouldnt senator Byrd be happier on a golf course in florida?

It is time for him to let go of the job. I don't think he can continue to get more pork for West Virginia since it has so much already.

Byrd was the most eloquent voice against the war and the prez grab for power, the patriot act etc. It is a gift to have this man and his judgment on the committee–any committee. If I live to be 90, I hope I am as wise as him

Ok so Byrd belonged to a racist organization for about 3 years over 50 years ago. He realized it was wrong, quit and has made amends. When will Obama quit the racist organization he has belonged to for over 20 years?

You know, if this man is still able to do the job, he should. All the years of service he has given this country should count for something. Voting against Bush's war should be enough for all you people out there who want to put him out to pasture. Why is this country so afraid of old people and getting old? We've lost so much over the years. Respect for elders, respect for the consitution, respect for most politicians. Respect for ourselves. Cynicism and apathy abound. Time for some real hope to come back. Time for Obama.

Byrd is 90 years old. He belongs at home with his great grandchildren, not involved in the running of a country with which he is out of touch.

why there should be a retirement age for congressmen/women if the people are too dumb or lazy to vote them out.

Senator Robert Byrd, at 90, is more competent than the rest of the sentate put together. What a kind and gentle man he is! No money taken from lobbyists, no big dinners or trips from special interest people. Yes, he has helped West Virginia – shouldn't he? At least we( WV)don't have a bridge to nowhere as the Republican senator from Alaska proposed. I would trust my United States with him anytime, in any way because he loves it so much! (AND Senator Byrd, in his infinite wisdom, has been against the Iraq war from the beginning) Shame on the Democrats who want him gone!

A poster child for Pork! What in the world is a Coast Guard facility doing in a land locked mountain state? Only this old codger would do that. I like the statue of himself he had made.

I must echo the words of Mark McKee above. We need to vote out all of the incumbents. That means this year we replace the whole house of representatives (who cares about party affiliation?) and we get rid of 1/3 of the Senate. In six years we have totally fresh blood.

Something to think about for a body that only has a 18% approval rating.

Good for Sen. Byrd!! They need to replace do-nothings like Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Pat Leahy. Sen. Byrd might be 90 but he gets things done.

I know one thing about Byrd– he had the wisdom, knowledge and courage to stand up and say no to the war in Iraq. He saw exactly how foolish this little project of the neo-cons was. If we had listened then we would be in much better shape now.

There really needs to be a retirement age set for politicans along with term limits. I would think that an 8 year term limit would be fair for all elected officials. Just my thought on the subject!

When and if the time comes where he cannot fulfill his responsibilities he will be removed but if his mind is sound and his duties performed then let it be.

It's funny and a bit pathetic that so many people responding to this story have to resort to mentioning Sen. Byrd's membership in the Klan. In 1940s West Virginia (as well as all throughout the South), Klan membership was mandatory for men who aspired to political office. Sen. Byrd quit the Klan before most Americans were born, yet so many brain-dead dittoheads us that against him to this day. I guess it shows how little that have to criticize a great man who probably knows more about the US Constitution that Ann Coulter, Mark Levin, and all the other so-called "Constitutional lawyers" put together.

Two words. Term Limits.

Talk about a dynasty! Senator Byrd should have retired years ago. Though he may have done many great things during his time in the senate and really brought the pork home for his state, I think he's overstayed his welcome, as well as many other long term senators have, in the senate. Can you imagine the retirement this guy will knock down every month? They should put every House representative and United States Senator on the social security rolls like the rest of us! I think you would see alot more getting done up there in Washington! Seems to me that they go there just to wield power and get rich off the backs of the working people of our country! One more point! This country needs a 10-year moratorium on any immigration into the U.S.!!

This man made a serious mistake in his youth, and that is the only thing that anyone can focus on. Most racism in WV is based on ignorance, and when the mountaineer learns things, he or she is capable of change. The fact of the matter is, WV is not a terribly integrated state. That has far less to do with racism than the fact this we are so poor here, with few decent jobs. Senator Byrd has ALWAYS used his position and power to help those who continue to elect him.

This man went to college, and then law school WHILE SERVING in Congress. In the more than 50 years he has been our servant, he has one of the most respected records, is one of the leading authorities on the Constitution, and RARELY misses work. In fact, I defy anyone calling for himto step down to compare his absences against their own Senator and Reps. At least Robert C Byrd has spent his entire life in service to the state, and the country at large.

We will not throw Robert Byrd out of the Senate. He will die in that job, because after such faithful service for 50 years, with one mistake THAT HE HAS CORRECTED, he has earned the right to do so. We love him, and will continue to support him until his 200th birthday.

Go big Daddy! Bring home the Bacon! We be poor here in WV, and that dude living in the White House is killing us, one gallon of gas at a time....

I feel sorry for the old in this country. remember the days when we use to respect elders? Now todays generation just want to send them to pasture to die. much like they just drop there kids of at mom & dads No respect just want what benifits them.......
Why doesnt CNN show how B.O. stumbled on his questioning to the Gen. yesterday. and how the Gen. asked him is this what your asking? looked like a rookie. But did have to point out that he was against the war he didnt have to vote for (Gee I didn't Know that)
Hillary was impressive but you wouldn't say that cause she showed real Pres. questioning
McCain was also very professional just didn't say anything worth listening to

Senator Byrd is one, if not the most renowned Democrat in the Senate. He knows and loves the constitution. Those of you making rude comments about his age, need to show respect.

Americans have become so disrespectful; we are so spoiled as a people, only considering ourselves. This country is in bad shape as far as character of the nation and how we treat one another.

Maybe if the Senators would speak with Senator Byrd as an adult and stop the talking behind his back, then that might be more mature. The Democrats have become a bunch of crybabies.

Exactly why we need term limits. 90!! come on, retire and place shuffle board somewhere. There's absolutely no good reason a 90 year old man should be involved in our Goverenment operation. We need to quit patronizing these old geezers just because they were here during the revolutionary war.

If he is alert and doing a good job, then why does it matter how old he is. Also, how soon the Republicans forget good ol' Strom Thurman. He left office at 100 years old and never moderated his position on segregation and race. Byrd has 10 more years to go before he catches up up Strom.

Mr Pork Barrel is exactly what's wrong with America, why I pay entirely too much in taxes and why we need term limits for Congress. How obvious can the problem be? How pathetic can it get? I have so little respect for our elected leaders. Voted Republican my entire life but they have lost the principles, Dems never had it so now my only avenue may be the Libertarians.

He and other looong term Senators should just 'go fishing'! Enuff already.

We are in the greatest period of rapid technological, cultural, political and just plain change in the history of the world. Should we really continue to elect fossils who have not kept up with the times? Strom Thurmond was in office until he was almost a hundred. I think Stevens from Alaska is around the same age as Byrd.

These guys will make laws on things like the Internet, stem cell research and various biological advances, climate change, alternative energy, wireless technology, business in a more interconnected world, the list goes on. Do we really want people who don't know how to use a computer regulating how we do e-commerce? We need innovation, not the same people who have stuck us in the mess we're in, especially the $7 trillion or so debt of our government.

Great! Now we are discriminating against age! I don't care if he is 200 years old. If he is doing a good job, then let him.

obama is a liar?why do people hate the clintons so much? get ready to vote for mccain?

He needs to retire as do Senator McClain they are over the hill truth be told.

I wish people would do some research before spouting half truths. Byrd was a clansman, for 1 year 1942-43, by far not a grand dragon but did have ties to them till 47. He has also said it was a big mistake. He has done much to make up for it through his terms. He does not name the buildings, parks and schools after himself, the people in the area name them for his dedication to WV. He is quite accomplished consider his under privileged background that so few ever experience. He has gone so far as to earn a BA degree in 1993, while in his 70s. He has brought billions of dollars into WV. Something that each senator should be trying to do, use federal money for the people they serve. Yea, he is old but he has the most experience, is the most knowledgeable about senate procedure and the most dedicated to his constituency. If only other senators were to be as dedicated to their job and stop grandstanding.

no we dont need obama go awayobama?

Why should he leave? He's younger than 2/3rds of Hillary's voters.

When you look at all the disasters in this country, Robert Byrd is a perfect example of where the blame lies.

The guy is 90, and yet they keep electing him, just like every hippie and hayseed in this country keeps re-electing their encumbents, and then crying that they don't have affordable health care, etc.

Well my fellow Americans, that makes you either apathetic, (you don't vote), stupid, (you keep voting for your favorite hippie or hayseed, even though both parties sell you out, and sell you out cheap), or most likely, you are a coward, (too afraid to vote against the encumbent, even behind a curtain, in private).

Who is to blame for this mess? Take a look in the mirror my fellow slacking, stupid cowardly Americans, unless you're too scared to do that as well.

Age is no guarantee of wisdom. I am a Democrat but I still think Byrd needs to go. Oh, and I am no spring chicken myself.
If he was wise, he would have left a long time ago.

Robert Byrd seems to be getting a lot of bashing here, but keep in mind that he bravely voted against the Iraq War Resolution and made some great speeches on exactly why War would be a terrible idea.

At least he had the courage and conviction to oppose the war..

I don't recall anyone asking Strom Thurmond, racist, being asked to step down. Leave Sen. Byrd alone–he is a national treasurer.

Hilarious that the Dems' back up option is Patty Murray, who's been annually voted the Senator whom staffers consider "No Rocket Scientist." If you have to reach down to the bench, at least find someone strong, right?

Byrd has demonstrated a number of times he is getting senile, BUT, the rest of "em ain't nothing to brag about!

If he were like any other Federal employee (civil or military), he would've been FORCED to retire at 65.

The people who make the rules can always find a way to skirt them.

Seth shame on you, if you can't say anything in regards to the article (topic at hand), only commenting on his eye, then go find a hobby!!

Senator Bryd, you did everybody a favor at one time or other but don,t you think that it is time for you to leave your post to someone else

you can say you did your job and acknowledge that it is time to leave or step down,,,, no one will belittle you for doing so. enjoy what time you have left and get out of politics thank you for your service

John Smith, PLEASE go preach with Obama!

Go Hillary!!!!!

It's time for Sen. Bryd and John McCain to enter the nursing home or has the White House become a retirement home for the aged. Most corporations retire their aged that have served well but know it's time for innovative minds. We as Americans deserve the same for a president. John McCain is too old.

Sheets Byrd needs to get back on his meds and quit playing with it before he goes blind, or have the dems hired a mammy to do it for him and pay her with tax-payer money,

Oh John Smith, you hypocritical Repug sympathizer. The story is about Byrd, but you bash the Clintons? And I bet you proudly support the WORST President in the history of the US. That being Dubya.

I too am a Catholic. What does that have to do with anything? But I can see through the fact that Bush is the worst. ever! And what the Clintons did in your eyes has absolutely nothing to do with my religion or beliefs. And are hardly even CLOSE to the never ending list of atrocious things Bush has done and continues to do.

But you are Catholic, so that makes it ok to be blind and clueless?

this old man is one reason that our country is in shambles...he should have been sent packing a heck of a long time ago...senators should be in office for six years and sent packing...congressmen or women four years and sent packing....you could pick up the homeless people off the streets of DC that have more common sense than those bunch of jokers on the hill, put them to work and they would do a better job that what is happening today. What a farce congress is...including the white house.

JOHN SMITH it is obvious you need to get some like Bill did. You'll feel better afterwards.

His only saving grace is that more soldiers have served from West Virginia than any other state, I believe. If that is the case, I guess he can have my tax dollars. I still would like the buildings named after someone else.

with all the money Byrd funneled to West Virginia, the state should be the Taj Mahal of America, but then you are talking about that state. Been there and got out quick.

Thank you Senator Byrd! You are one of the MAIN reasons why I watch the hearings on C-Span! You go right to the issue and put real solutions right on the table including challanging those from the right and left!

Stay where you are Senator, you are a fine example of what ALL Senators should be doing on their post!

There's no sin in being old. It is sinful to hate people because of the color of their skin.

This man does not deserve to have building named after him, with our tax money.

Shameful.

There should be a time limit on being a Congressperson or
a Senator. The same as for Presidident. That would limit the damage they could do. And keep the senile old men at home.
It's time for a change !

Nice eye! That's scary. Just prop him up and give him a couple of Red Bulls and he'll be good to go! But seriously, retire would ya?

We don't hate old people, we just hate anybody who thinks the KKK was a good thing. It was a stain on American history, and no one should be celebrated for joining. This was awful, and I hate that my tax money was used for buildings named after this man. West Virginia should be ashamed. Use your own money, not mine.

What a bunch of know-nothings you people who make comments are. You know nothing about Senator Byrd, nothing about anything. Go back to your video games. Or BETTER STILL, read some history! Shame!

this old fool doesn't care about the American people, he is an old fool who thinks he is some kind of poet and great American statesman. He is a con from way back.

Hope Barbara walters wasn't tslking about Bryd living to 150.

We need Senator Byrd. He is one of the few senators with a sense of history and knowledge of the Constitution.

How soon the Republicans forget good ol' Strom Thurman. He left office at 100 years old and never moderated his position on segregation and race. Byrd has 10 more years to go before he catches up up Strom...

His eye is all messed up because it said he fell in his home. Methuselah can't even keep his balance let alone make rational decisions....SCARY !

CLINTON 08'

John Smith, stay on topic, this is not about bible beating.

Senility seems to be the common denominator in the democratic party. Apparently, it starts early (Howard Dean) and then progresses over time.

This guy's incapable of driving a car, and he's driving our appropriations?

If he were to step down the only thing WBGV would have left to get national recognition, would be bad jokes.

Byrd is a dinosaur represents the past and old time mind set. WVA you have already named everything after this old geezer so do us a favor replace him with a fresh young bright intelligent mind free of hate for others who don’t think like him.

That's a very creepy picture of Senator Byrd. His looks like he doesn't have a right eye in the picture which is not the case.

What the liberal right is made up of......Klansmen (Byrd) , pathological liars (Clinton) and racists and blame America first wackos (Obama).

Get rid of the old pork barrel machine, he has wasted more money than we have spent in Iraq.

So he's old. Its sad to see how much this country hates old people. A sign of its complete lack of respect for the wisest amongst us. He will stay and geriphobes can always focus on McCain being to old to be of any value.May you each grow old enough to feel the ignorance of people just like you.

Attn: JOHN SMIITH: Save your Rosary for someone else, I'm agnostic and you are way off topic!!!

When Byrd was a young man the Dead Sea was only critical and Moby Dick was a minnow. They should show respect for someone who served on Lincoln's cabinet.

I think it is funny that the Clinton haters manage to take a shot at the Clintons even when the story is not about them.

Stop the hating.

Ninty Years Old and still at the public trough/ What the matter can't the democrats get a better a qualified person. His kind is exactly what is
wrong in washington. He is a burden and getting lame and should
look for a pasture to go relax in.

get rid of the antique

How sad this guy does not have anything better to do. He has been in office this long so whats a little longer I guess. I sure hope he is out by 2009. The man is taking our tax dollars and doing nothing in return for it. Of course so is a lot of other politicians. When is Ted Kennedy leaving?

As a Catholic, I will continue to say the Rosary for all those who vote for Hillary. Great nations and empires (with all their wealth) fell because of "lack of moral integrity, deceit, greed, moral corruption and so on."

I do not hate the Clintons. But what the Clintons did to this nation will require a change in generations to wipe out the SINS of this nation. The Clintons have too much blood in their hands. I am over 50years now and a successful professional; I lived through the Clinton years with shame and humiliation. "Give to Ceaser what is Ceaser's and to God what is God's."

Now there's a bright young face for you!

Never liked him. I think he was a member of the KKK.

What's up with his eye?

I hate that any Congressman or woman is taking taxpayer dollars and naming buildings, etc. after themselves. I think this is a travesty and just shameful.

So I have no sympathy for Byrd, I think he has over twenty something buildings and parks named after him. How conceited and down right dirty. Use your own money Byrd, not my tax dollars to make yourself the God of West Virginia.

And not just Byrd, but Charlie Rangel in New York as well. Shameful.

Shame on both of them. Next they'll be putting themselves on US currency. If I'm going to pay for something, I should have a say in who's name get's on it.

Give it up, Sheets. I don't think that President Obama will have any room for former grand dragons of the KKK in his Democratic party.

Good heavens... are the democratic leaders JUST NOW figuring out this man is 5 cans short of a 6-pack? Republicans love to goat the old windbag into melodramatic speeches from the floor. This former Klansman needs to step down and retire.

Keep working...........we NEED all the Democrats we can get!!!!!

Would you? He has taken money and entire government agencies back to West Virginia. Why would he want to leave the money pit.