I won't say what Northam should do...

[Adrahil]

It’s not my place. But I will add that I’ve changed a LOT since 1984. I hope I am never in the position of having explain some things I said or did then. I am embrassed of them. I was an idiot. But then I had a change of heart. I am different now than I was then. Does that excuse Northam? No, not excuse actually. And like I said, I’m not going to express an opinion on what he should do. I’m a white man, so that’s a bit awkward to say the least. But understand.... people can and do have genuine changes of heart.

[manor321]

1. I'm white and was a teenager in 1984. I knew that type of behavior was immoral.

This is not hard to judge. 1984 is not 1954. He needs to go.

[Adrahil]

2. Then you are saying folks cannot change?

Like I said... I said and did stupid shit in 1984.

Again, not saying he should not resign. Just not happy with the narrative that we are saddled with idiot behavior forever.

[MaryMagdaline]

3. People can change. Doesn't mean they get to demand forgiveness.

They have to come clean, and the voters can accept or reject them.

With Northam? Doesn’t look as though he ever got over his basic arrogance and contempt. Can’t even tell us if he wore blackface or KKK hood. Our racist Florida governor just withdrew Secretary of State appointee for same behavior. I know tons of racists and tons of great people. Not even the racists have worn a hood or black face. I think this type of behavior appeals to arrogant assholes in particular. He might have dumped the racism, but he’s kept the arrogance.

[Adrahil]

4. Demand it? Certainly not.

But do we have reason to believe he continues to hold those views, or behaves in that way?

IN any case, I've said my peace. I hope folks would forgive my youthful idiocy. I certainly regret it.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

5. People can and do change. It helps when we can see it, though.

[Adrahil]

6. Absolutely agree. NT

[0rganism]

7. i sincerely hope that if you decide to run for office...

... you disclose every damn thing you think could incriminate you later well before the first election.

[cwydro]

8. Yeah well, this sudden changing of the story is ridiculous.

It shows he’s dishonest. Not a good look.

[SMC22307]

9. I believe in redemption.

Is the guy perfect? No, no such beasts exists. But I'm not going to castigate a guy for a shitty 35-year-old photo when he seems to have grown. Evidently Northam serves on some board that oversees Fort Monroe, where a Union general sheltered freed slaves. Many of his policy positions seem sound. Hell, we were told people "evolve" -- look at Hillary and Obama on marriage equality. Yes, people do have changes of heart.