Her conclusion that by Lott stepping aside anything will change is erroneous. Lott's replacement and every republican has already been smeared by the Lott-racist witch hunt.

If Lott truly longs for the old days he is to be pitied. I just don't buy it. I think he was pandering to the large number of remaining democrat-turned-GOP racists in his state and the south in general, and he fell back into the "vague" politic-speak which means all things to all people. The fact that he said almost word for word the same thing in '80 means it is likley part of that calculated rhetoric that is developed for just that purpose.

If Lott steps down - what happens? The democrats pretend like Lott never said it? The republicans are off the hook? Hardly!

If he steps aside - it says to the world "I AM a racist. The republican party IS racist."

Trent has to fight past it - use the spotlight to further the integration and inclusive policies of the GOP. Everyone will be watching him - which also means more media coverage and a soapbox.

The bloodbath is appropriate - they ALL have denounced him - and so can't be blamed by any further misdeeds. Bush didn't call for his resignation and his speech was pure Rove. (I can tell the difference between a Hughes speech, a Rove speech and some of the others)

Rove clearly told Bush to give the speech. Bush was probably on the fence. Hughes was probably called to see how it was playing on main street and she said "go for it - but leave it open ended."

The reality is this whole issue is part of the new bloodthirsty way the dems are going to play politics. They lost and they will dig up dirt on any of Trent's would be replacements. Who knows what dirt they might find?

The devil you know is always better than the devil you don't know. Trent can always step aside later if the need arises.

The Pelosi led house is going to be an endless "rhymes with rich"-a-thon, that's fairly obvious. Let her speak and it will turn off so many centrists that all will work out ok in the long run. If democrats box themselves into the anti-white Black Caucus & SF liberal mold - the Clinton voters will be left wondering when they became evil whitey soccer moms in the fuel consuming SUV's who should be stoned because they have a US flag by the garage door.

Trent as the immediate martyr accomplishes less than Trent the endlessly hounded majority leader who resigns after the first salvos of legislation have been passed by the Daschle-Lott friendship.

That's my take on it.

SDAI-Tech1