He just said some silly things at a birthday party, that's all he did. ***
But as leader of the Senate GOP he doesn't have the luxury of saying silly things at a birthday party, on the floor of the Senate or anywhere else.
If you want to wear the mantle of leadership, you must also bear the responsibility of being circumspect in all of your actions and public expressions.
Yes, Lott has the free speech right to say whatever he pleases.
But as the leader of the GOP Senate he has a responsibility to NOT say silly things.
Yes, even people in positions of high responsibility sometimes make foolish remarks that attract opposition. haunt them. When Democrats say "silly things," I haven't heard a clamor for their resignations. When EMK can run his car off a bridge and drown a woman with near impunity, why can't Trent say a "silly thing" at Strom's birthday party? If I were Trent, I would not step down over this. However, I do not think Trent has been an effective majority leader. My discontent grew within his first year on the job. But his effectiveness as leader is a separate issue from a "silly remark" at a birthday party.