Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore gained attention in November after a string of sexual misconduct allegations came to light. But months before that, the Republican candidate’s controversial remarks about slavery largely flew under the radar.
A tweet by Eric Columbus, who previously worked for the Obama administration, highlighting comments Moore made in September went viral Thursday.
WATCH: Trump standing firmly behind Roy Moore
In the tweet, Columbus flagged an article from the L.A. Times, which explains that Moore once said the 1860s were a “great” time in American history — while also acknowledging slavery existed.
According to the L.A. Times article, Moore made the comments at a rally in Florence, Ala. The former judge was asked by a black member of the audience when he thought the “last time” America was great.
WATCH: More coverage of Roy Moore’s sexual misconduct allegations
This was his response: “I think it was great at the time when families were united — even though we had slavery — they cared for one another…. Our families were strong, our country had a direction.”
READ MORE: Roy Moore spokeswoman tells pregnant CNN host that Democrat would support killing your unborn baby
The newspaper also noted that during the same event, Moore referred to Indigenous Peoples as “reds” and Asians as “yellows.”
Moore’s comments on slavery resulted in an outcry on Twitter, many people pointing out that slavery actually tore apart families as members were auctioned off.
“Possibly at no time in U.S. history when families were less united than during this time,” one user by the name of Sistermagpie wrote.
While many denounced Moore’s words on slavery Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted hours later urging the people of Alabama to vote for him on Dec. 12.
READ MORE: Donald Trump backs Roy Moore despite sexual misconduct allegations, dubs him ‘fighter’ in phone call
Meanwhile, Moore’s Democrat opponent attempted to gain the support of black voters with a campaign that backfired.
Doug Jones mailed out flyers to black voters this week, posing a question that was criticized as racist.
The poster reads: “Think if a black man went after high school girls anyone would try to make him senator?”
Even with the poster problem, the Washington Post reported Friday that 90 per cent of black voters in Alabama are planning to vote for the Democrat.