[xzins]

I agree with Sowell.

We cannot have Lott resign the senate, but he can easily step aside from the Maj.Ldr role. It will send a message to blacks that the Pubbies are serious about this...they can contrast it so easily with 3K Byrd of WV.

Lott need not even admit that he meant anything racist, but that he's doing it to avoid distraction.

[William McKinley]

Unfortunately, I don't believe any longer that doing this could be used as a sign to blacks that we are serious about this. We had that opportunity if we got out in front of this. At this point, with the drumbeats from the left being the loudest, it won't show we are serious as much as it will show that we react to political forces.

It does not change in my view the fact that Lott needs to step down as leader, but the opportunity to use this as a positive passed during the four days it took for there to be any response.