On Thursday, The New York Times first reported on a nearly 20-year-old photo of first-term U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler dressing up as performer Michael Jackson while in college.

Wearing blackface as it’s called, is reminiscent of 19th century minstrel shows in which white performers made cruel fun of African Americans and it has long been considered racist.

Lawler, who represents New York's 17th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley, joined Capital Tonight anchor Susan Arbetter to discuss the situation.