November 20, 2008 Byrd: Ted Stevens did a lot of good Play video

(NECN) - Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) used his time on the Senate floor on Thursday to offer kind words for Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), who had just finished his farewell speech.

"I lived a long time, and so has the Senator from Alaska," Byrd said. "Although he is just a youngster compared to me, some in this town would say we've lived too long. But a long life is a blessing. One learns to separate the phonies from the friends... One learns to appreciate the really good things in life -- like a good laugh, a good cry, a good dog, and a good meal. Politics is a rough business with lots of highs and lots of lows -- after a long, long time in politics, one finally comes to understand that the point of it all is in helping people. Ted Stevens has helped a lot of people."

But Stevens may be remembered, at least partly, for his recent conviction on corruption charges. Byrd acknowledged that Stevens has made his share of mistakes.

"We all make mistakes. I have made more of them than I have hair follicles, but thank God, that we are judged in the next world by the good we do in this world," Byrd said. "And Ted Stevens has done a lot of good."

Byrd ended his speech by wishing Stevens well.