On the recordOctober 2, 2002
There is an extraordinary disconnect between the Jesse Helms that we know and love and the one portrayed in the media, an incredible disconnect, because nothing could be further from the real Jesse Helms than the one frequently portrayed by the fourth estate. How did that come about? I think it came about for this reason, as was said of our friend Jesse by Fred Barns, one of the most respected conservative columnists and commentators around town: Helms has gained respect, not as many conservatives have, by moving left. Helms has earned it the hard way, by not moving at all. By not moving at all. There are convenience politicians and politicians with conviction. Jesse Helms is the most conspicuous example in the Senate today of a politician who acts on conviction. So as a result of that, he enjoys wide respect throughout the Senate, both left and right, because we know when Jesse speaks he is speaking from the heart.
Source
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