I also did not want Lott as majority leader, I expressed that opinion here 3 weeks back.
I hold Republican politicians entirely responsible. It's their job to finish off the Democrats who've shot themselves in the foot, and they've repeatedly failed to even try to get it done.
What you have written here is very very important and is where the Republicans have utterly failed. We all know one big reason why they have failed is because of media bias. Now is the time they can possibly change this by using the bully pulpit of the presidency and the majority in the senate and house to point out these inequities and if the media does not report fairly what is said, this inequity should also be pointed out with every means available.
I think GOP politicians secretly adore media bias, as it often gives thier cowardice an alibi.