Moment of Truth-National Review Asks for Added Clarification of Lott's Remarks to Thurmond

National Review Magazine ^ | Dec. 9, 2002 | David Frum

[ewing]

I cannot help thinking that this story is not over

-That Republicans will hear Sen. Lott's words quoted at them again and again in the coming months.

I for one do not believe Trent Lott is a racist or segregationist.

My guess is a speechwriter gave him note cards with a few jokes, and when Lott finished reading them, he launched himself into what he probably intended to be nothing more than a big squirt of greasy flattery.

But that's not what came out of Lott's mouth.

[Southern Federalist]

Lott's either a retard or a segregationist. We don't need either of the two qualities in a Majority Leader.

All that needs to be said, summed up with superb brevity.

[steveegg]

Do you not remember that NOT ONE SINGLE DEMOCRAT VOTED FOR CONVICTION?

That's the point; had Cave-A-Lott showed as much discipline as D'Asshole and kept all 55 Pubbies on the reservation, that fact would not have been lost in the "bi-partisan" excusing of S(l)ick Willie's crimes.

[sinkspur]

That's the point; had Cave-A-Lott showed as much discipline as D'Asshole and kept all 55 Pubbies on the reservation, that fact would not have been lost in the "bi-partisan" excusing of S(l)ick Willie's crimes.

If you think 5 Senators voting with the Democrats made it a "bipartisan excusing" of obstruction of justice, well, you just go right ahead and think that.

It's bizarre logic.

[gnarledmaw]

As someone who falls into the catagory of "Southpark Republican", no I dont claim to speak for all of them, and one familiar with the quote, Id say that just the opposite is true. We, as a group, understand the concept of humor. Even if its bad humor, we recognize it for what it is and are likely to leave it lie.

That group as a whole has something of a libertarian streak and isnt likely to get too riled up just because someone said something stupid.

Overall Id say its an "actions speak louder than words" group and the ones who take the most decisive yet Constitutional actions while stealing the least from our pockets is going to get the vote regardless of sex, color, religion or stupid comments.

The day of the sound bite and network media control are over.

[Poohbah]

That's the point; had Cave-A-Lott showed as much discipline as D'Asshole and kept all 55 Pubbies on the reservation,

One the first charge (perjury), he did: 55-45 vote. On the second charge (obstruction of justice), it was a 50-50 split. The second count was worthless; if you couldn't get a conviction on the first, you weren't going to get one on the second.

[steveegg]

If you think 5 Senators voting with the Democrats made it a "bipartisan excusing" of obstruction of justice, well, you just go right ahead and think that.

It's bizarre logic.

It sure did for the RATs, and on the other charge, it was 10.

FWIW, politics is all about bizarre "logic". For worse (it definitely isn't "for better"), that's the environment we operate in. Funny thing is, when we get 5 RATs on our side, THAT isn't called "bi-partisanship".

[steveegg]

Er, you have the 55-45 vote total right, but, sadly, the 55 was to acquit, not to convict.

[Poohbah]

Wrong. 55-45 in favor of conviction.

I just looked it up.

[gnarledmaw]

"younger generation"

If Im interpreting your bookmarks and homepage pictures correctly, the people on the older end of that group are you and I...

[steveegg]

Try again; may I suggest looking here?

[Poohbah]

Very well, I stand corrected.

[steveegg]

No prob; the key was that we failed to get 67 in any case.

[Mo1]

Well I can't say I'm at the older end of the group .. more like the middle

But I still remember not being to bright at 20 .. I just thought I knew everything

I am now at the age that I have learned from past mistakes and know that I still have much to learn ..

And what better place to do that then here at FR

[cookcounty]

"Klu Klux Klan Grand Dragon -- Senator Byrd of West Virginia .."

Byrd was not a "GRAND DRAGON," he was merely a RECRUITER, or "REKLUTER" or somesuch KLAPTRAP.

[Poohbah]

There was no way in hell we ever would, either, short of video showing Bill Clinton in the Oval Office, shooting Vince Foster in the head, while personally trading an MX missile post-boost vehicle with 10 warheads to the ChiCom ambassador in exchange for millions in cash AND getting a hummer from Monica at the same time.

And even then, I'd be exceedingly unoptimistic.

In 1974, the economy was in the toilet. In 1999, it was the best economy ever, or so it seemed.

[lonestar]

I agree. I think it was Lott's way of bringing up that Strom had been a presidential candidate at one time without thinking of the side-issues.

I saw Frank Gifford doing a eulogy for Roone Arledge today and he is looking like Strom.

[afraid]

This issue was on radio ALL day. From sports talk to national and local talk radio. Republicans just stepped in it. We are done in 2004. Its all over. This must have spread like wildfire through the black community, cause they all heard about it.

I say lets get rid of him for this comment, if the dems go along, they will HAVE to get rid of Bird also. I say pound that old KKK bastard in the ground.

[headsonpikes]

Lott blundered; that should be enough to condemn him.

The Senatorial Republicans need a backbone, not a bonehead.

[Mo1]

Republicans just stepped in it. We are done in 2004. Its all over.

I think that is stretching it a bit ..

[Poohbah]

Republicans just stepped in it. We are done in 2004.

It's two years (Thank God). But recovering from this means we're going to have to visibly get rid of Lott.

Its all over.

I really don't think so.

This must have spread like wildfire through the black community, cause they all heard about it.

Yup. Thanks, Trent, for giving us Senator Landrieu redux.

The man has got to go. You do that quickly and ruthlessly enough, it defuses the crisis.