Actually, Daschle is NOT using this. He is siding with Lott, saying that he misspoke. There's a reason for that--he wants to retain Lott in the leadership because he can get Lott to "negotiate" on Democrats terms.
All of us are entitled to our opinions; I don't consider myself a Lott basher. He's just not the kind of Republican I think needs to be in the leadership seat at such a critical moment. I happen to appreciate having a president who, though loyal to his associates, isn't afraid to make changes when necessary. Lott needs to be changed.
And Bush has come out in defense of Lott. The Senate elected him Majority Leader, it's their call to ask for his removal.
All of you complainers who have done nothing but belly-ache about Lott, have no idea what kind of skill it takes to get legislation to the floor while riding herd on the liberal GOP senators. Lott is extremely skillful at the delicate dance required on every vote. He's personally a bit too much like a televangelist for me, but if he wasn't good at his job Don Nickles would be Majority Leader.
He should not go.