They know attacking Bush hasn't been working very well so they have to have a different boogeyman to scare folks into voting Democrat. Hastert is too bland and Cheney and Ashcroft are too removed from the day-to-day of politics. So the only logical meanie to beat up on is Trent Lott.
The LAST thing they want is for Trent Lott to go away. Who would they have around to demonize? Tom DeLay, second banana in the House? That's not a compelling target.
Other than the CBC, you'll notice the elected Dems have shut up about Lott after realizing their destruction machine was working too well. They only wanted to soften him up. He's too useful for them right where he is to see him quit.
The real question is why some Republicans feel inclined to keep this man in a position for which he is so obviously ill-suited. Can we possibly get somebody to take his place who won't drop his shorts every time the Democrats pout about something being unfair? Can we possibly get somebody in there who treats the Democrats the way the Democrats treat us? Sounds like McConnell's ready for the job. judging from his "censure" threat...
I know what you're saying, but I think reactions across the board, pro and con, are way beyond any Democrat manipulations.
I do agree that some of the Machiavellians on the other side wouldn't mind seeing Lott hang around, but I think most of the Republicans defending him are sincere, but reacting instinctively, rather than thinking it through.