Well, it IS the Democrat's fault.
Well, yeah, this entire foofaraw IS the Democrats' fault. Lott made a statement that probably would have barely made the local paper, if that, if someone in the DNC hadn't seen the opening they've been looking for since November of 2000. They're goosing it along enthusiastically, with their press buddies, for all it's worth. Do you really think this isn't political?
That being said, the simplest thing would be for Lott to resign as leader, whether he deserves it or not, or like Newt Gingrich, he's going to be spending all his time being a lightning rod.