In February 1968 , Byrd questioned General Earle Wheeler during the latter 's testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee . During a White House meeting between President Johnson and congressional Democratic leaders on February 6 , Byrd stated his concern for the ongoing Vietnam War , citing the US 's lack of intelligence , preparation , underestimating of the morale and vitality of the Viet Cong , and overestimated how backed Americans would be by the South Vietnam government . President Johnson rejected Byrd 's observations . " Anyone can kick a barn down . It takes a good carpenter to build one . " During the 1968 Democratic Party presidential primaries , Byrd supported the incumbent President Johnson . Of the challenging Robert F. Kennedy , Byrd said , " Bobby-come-lately has made a mistake . I wo n't even listen to him . There are many who liked his brother — as Bobby will find out — but who do n't like him . " Byrd praised Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley 's police response to protest activity at that year 's Democratic National Convention , stating that the violence that resulted was the fault of the protesters , while the police only tried to restore order . Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey won the presidential nomination , and Byrd campaigned for him that fall
Democratic National Convention
1968 Democratic National Convention
Robert Byrd