Civil Rights Leader John Lewis (D-GA) Accepts Trent Lott's Apology

Los Angeles Times ^ | December 17, 2002 | Nick Anderson

[ewing]

Embattled Misssissippi Senator Trent Lott recieved a boost late Monday evening from one of the most prominent Black Democrats in Congress.

Representative John Lewis of Georgia, a leader in the 1960's civil rights movement, said he and Senator Lott had 'a very productive' conversation earlier in the day.

Representative Lewis, who has been among those highly critical of Lott's remarks, said he accepted Lott's apology as sincere.

'Just like so many leaders of the Old South, Trent Lott has the potential to become a better person and a better politcal leader,' Lewis said, adding that he had invited Senator Lott to join a bipartisan delegation to Selma, Alabama, next spring to commemorate the historic 1965 march for civil rights.

But leaders for the all Democrat Congressional Black Caucus still issued [even after the apology acceptance] a new statement reiterating their demand for a formal Senate censure of Lott.

[ewing]

You can access any U.S. major registered newspaper article by tying in these codes- Name: Hildebeast Password: isaliar

FR folks have a wicked sense of humor, this code works for LA Times, NY Times, Chicago Trib etc.

[mewzilla]

So much for principle, eh Lewis?

[ewing]

Lewis is getting out front here, hoping to draw the headlines..I would think

[leadpenny]

The dems know that Lott is on his way out and they do not what to be hit by the backlash.

[ilgipper]

Or the dems realized they took this so far, and that Lott might resign as ML rather than remain as a great target for their future attacks. Now, they may all come back and do what they can to keep him at his post for their own long-term gain.

[ewing]

Excellent analysis.

Lott is much more valuable to the Dims in the Senate not as Majority leader.

[Mo1]

The dems know that Lott is on his way out and they do not what to be hit by the backlash.

Too late now

[guitfiddlist]

Lewis is getting out front here, hoping to draw the headlines..I would think

Lewis is smart. He knows he can now milk Trott for a whole lot of taxpayer money (maybe even Reparations), just like Trott promised to do on BET, to make amends for his own f-ups.

It doesn't matter now whether Trent is a racist or not - what is increasingly clear is that he's going to start appeasing a whole new set of liberals, with the public treasury. Get the hook ready.

[ilgipper]

Lott is much more valuable to the Dims in the Senate not as Majority leader

...Which is causing me some confusing thoughts. I have been hoping the Senate Repubs would choose a new leader for some time and like the idea of someone else in charge. I hate seeing it happen this way, though. At this point, I am viewing it as an opportunity for better leadership.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

so this is what John Lewis has been doing since the end of the Modern Jazz Quartet? Frnkly, I like hime better as a pianist.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

So this is what John Lewis has been doing since the end of the Modern Jazz Quartet? Frankly, I like him better as a pianist.

(It's early and I've only had one cup a coffee.)

[anniegetyourgun]

Thanks for the user name and password....should be disabled by now. Yes, they lurk here.....but would never admit it!

[anniegetyourgun]

There is no backlash on this issue for the Dems. It works for them and Lewis is just there to make it look like 'balance' within the party - rather than a strategy which they tend to employ long past Lott.

[PLK]

said he and Senator Lott had 'a very productive' conversation earlier in the day.

Translation: Lott has personally given me his assurance that he will cave on every civil rights issue conservatives have fought as unconstitutional, i.e. affirmative action, racial quotas, etc.

[joebuck]

"Or the dems realized they took this so far, and that Lott might resign as ML rather than remain as a great target for their future attacks. Now, they may all come back and do what they can to keep him at his post for their own long-term gain."

I think you hit the nail right on the head, ilgipper. They want to wound Lott (and by extension Republicans as a whole) not kill him. Dems and the Black Caucus will feign forgiveness now and come next election cycle they will howl about Repblicans all being "Trent Lott racists". That's why Trent has to go.

[Mo1]

There is no backlash on this issue for the Dems

Maybe, but I'm not too sure of that.

[leadpenny]

I'm thinking 6-12 months down the road. BTW, Ed Gordon is on Imus right now.

[LibWhacker]

Lott's always been suspect as a conservative. If Pubbies allow him to stay, they might as well elect Jesse Jackson as ML.

[Real Cynic No More]

It doesn't matter now whether Trent is a racist or not - what is increasingly clear is that he's going to start appeasing a whole new set of liberals, with the public treasury.

Appeasement begets appeasement.

[Licensed-To-Carry]

If Lewis is for Lott, then I'm not.