I don't like debating out of context quotes, but I suspect he was describing Strom Thurmond's campaign strategy. He worked for Strom Thurmond and that would fit

I don't like debating out of context quotes, but I suspect he was describing Strom Thurmond's campaign strategy. He worked for Strom Thurmond and that would fit in 1954 as well. But one politician's strategy is a far cry from a general Republican southern strategy. I certainly agree that parties' political positions change. That doesn't mean any particular claim of change is true.