Younger readers -- say, those not in rest homes -- were likely bewildered by this exchange between outgoing lunatic Conrad Burns and Civil War-era Senator Robert Byrd:

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Mr. Byrd then asked Mr. Burns, a professional livestock auctioneer, to regale him with one last yodel, and Mr. Burns obliged, in expert fashion.

"Almost as good as the fiddle," Mr. Burns said, referring to Mr. Byrd's instrument of choice. "Almost," responded the Democrat.

A Wonkette operative kindly forwarded this image as explanation:

A Sometimes Awkward Changing of the Guard [New York Times]

Earlier:We Miss You Already, Conrad