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.

[ewing]

Nickels is pretty conservative, don't know much about his PR skills..but the same could be said of Denny Hastert when he took the job of house speaker

[hchutch]

And people wonder why the "race card" works?

Trent Lott's comments were stupid. In no uncertain terms. We wonder why Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton hang around, why we can't seem to dent their legitimacy? It's right here folks: Exhibit A post-election.

The fact is, conservatives who operate in politics need to be aware of a few things:

1. There is this thing called the press corps.

2. Most of the folks in the press corps are NOT your friends. In fact, the press corps is about 85% Democrap.

3. They will bend or break the truth to sink you in favor of their friends.

4. Even in a private setting, comments will get out to the press. Ask Al D'Amato if you don't believe me.

What does one conclude from statements 1-4? A person who is not freeping stupid should conclude they should not say anything they do not want to appear on the front page of a newspaper or in the press releases of the opposition. Trent Lott has royally screwed the pooch on this one, and in this case, an apology might not be enough.

He ought to step down as Senate Majority Leader and in 2006, he ought to retire. With the press corps, we cannot afford stupid mistakes, nor should those who make such stupid mistakes be allowed to continue in positions of influence.

That's my two cents, with apologies to JohnHuang2.

[Mo1]

I'm sorry Lott must go. There are better Senators who can be Majority Leader. We cannot abide someone who hands our political adversaries ammunition

I have to agree with you there .. Lott has been given too many chances .. and he still continues to screw up

With that said .. the comment Lott made wasn't as bad as they are claiming .. but enough that the Dems will beat him over the head for it

[sinkspur]

When is the vote scheduled for electing Majority Leader?

Lott was elected Republican leader for the upcoming session at the end of October.

That makes him majority leader.

[laconic]

I agree, Lott is incompetent and prone to gaffes; but this is not going to hurt with black voters. When you only get 5 percent of the vote, there ain't much to lose to begin with.

[ewing]

Rush says the same thing all the time.

Lott was lulled into the trap of thinking a birthday celebration would not be used for political advantage against the GOP.

The mainstream liberal press our not our friends or buddies on the whole.

[Poohbah]

Good Lord, what a f***ing idiot.

Trent needs to go. NOW.

[topher]

Klu Klux Klan Grand Dragon -- Senator Byrd of West Virginia -- does not deserve some time in the spotlight
for his "racist" past? Seems to be a double standard
here.

[Mo1]

That is true .. but we don't want to send a message that the black community is not welcomed into the republican party ..

And that is what the Dems are gonna continue to do ..

[Poohbah]

Lott was elected Republican leader for the upcoming session at the end of October.

That makes him majority leader.

Can the GOP force another election?

[Poohbah]

Klu Klux Klan Grand Dragon -- Senator Byrd of West Virginia -- does not deserve some time in the spotlight for his "racist" past? Seems to be a double standard here.

No kdidding? You think he's ever going to get that spotlight face time he so richly deserves?

[mg39]

"Lott is an air head." I assume you're talking about what's inside his head, as opposed to the mass of plastic on top of it. ;)

[Poohbah]

He can't have air inside his head--it would implode from the pressure exerted by his colon and rectal sphincter.

[mhking]

I cannot help thinking that this story is not over

Lott has succomed to foot-in-mouth disease. While hailing the good things that Thurmond has done over the years, along with his about face on his more racist past, Lott decided to taste the shoe leather in such a way that he practically handed the left a tube of lubricant and dropped trou. (I'm sorry for the graphic description, but you can't get any more plain than that)

How does the old saying go? 'Tis better to remain silent and leave people wondering if you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Lott has removed all doubt. To quote "Survivor's" Jeff Probst, "The tribe has spoken. It's time for you to go."

[linn37]

whats all the fuss its not like he called a former president a white n*gger is it? like novak said its a bunch of crap and should be treated as such.

[Darnright]

"But that’s not what came out of Lott’s mouth. What came out of his mouth was the most emphatic repudiation of desegregation to be heard from a national political figure since George Wallace’s first presidential campaign."

Way to go, Trent. You know, every time I have a chance to talk to a black person about the Republican Party, I do my best to let them know that the party wants to include everyone, not just rich white people.

Trent Lott has singlehandedly set the party back another 200 years. What a maroon.

[Poohbah]

Vote him off the island bump.

Trent, you ARE the weakest link. G'bye.

[ewing]

Agreed, the New Orleans election and the Treasury thing kept this off of the politcal front page for the weekend..

[Malesherbes]

This is simply a tempest in a teacup - occasioned by David Frum (in National Review of all places) reading the tea leaves looking for any sign of racism at Strom's birthday party. I'm not fan of Lott, but trying to make an issue out of this is absurd.

[sinkspur]

Can the GOP force another election?

I suppose the Senators could, but why would they?