[hchutch]

The thing is, he did get the black vote out - and if the Dems figure out a way for Clinton to get out the black vote in a low-key fashion, we're going to have serious trouble in elections, particularly in places where we should win.

We don't have much margin for error here, and Lott made a BIG mistake which WILL show up in 2004 election ads. Count on it.

[Douglas]

Yes, Lott's comments will be used to galvanize black voters in 2004. They stayed home in November in states like Missouri and Georgia and the Republicans won squeakers. The black vote turned out in Lousisiana and the Dems won.

This could be a pre-cursor of 2004. Its why Lott needs to step down. This is just his latest blunder. He should have stepped down before this.

If Lott remains as speaker I see it hurting the conservative cause and the Republicans chances in 2004.

[Illbay]

Sorry, there is no way that the voters are going to focus TWO YEARS FROM NOW on a flap-of-the-week throwaway line from Trent Lott. The great majority of voters don't even get the connection between Strom Thurmond and the "Dixiecrats" platform of 1948 (nine years before I was even born!)

Stop believing everything the Democrats' media consultants (a.k.a. the Big Three networks plus CNN) are telling you.

Good grief.

[LS]

Ah, but Hutch, what YOU forget is that the Dems are ALREADY getting 90% of the 10% of the vote that is black, and thus can't GET any more.

I don't care what Lott said or what Clinton does. Blacks will not elect another president. Ever. Hispanics will decide many races, but not blacks, as their numbers and political flexibility continues to plummet.