Why do Democrats often feel like Republicans are racist?

Senator Robt. Byrd (D) is the ONLY member of congress who was formerly KKK... in fact he held a high office in that group.

Inasmuch as this DEMOCRAT is known to have been an active member of a racist group, perhaps he can explain why so many ill-informed Americans make the same absurd assertion referenced in your question.

To deflect judgment away from themselves, who are the true, remaining racists in the US.

I think republicans are not very smart, in the fact that they don't seem to think as deeply and clearly as the dems.

I'm not trying to put them down, but dems seem to be clearer thinkers and more intelligent in their assessments.