LOTT THREATENS TO QUIT THE SENATE IF FORCED FROM LEADERSHIP

Newsnight with Aaron Brown | 12/13/2002 | Jonathan Karl

[sinkspur]

Trent Lott, in a conference call with 27 GOP Senate Republicans today, said that he would leave the Senate if forced from the Leader position.

Jonathan Karl said three or four of the Senators viewed this as "blackmail," but that the majority still support Lott and want him to continue as Leader.

[Jhoffa_]

No, they are saying you are a hopeless dumbass, step down before you do any more damage.

Well, you're half right. Lott is a dunbass.

I still think it's not prudent to risk out majority over a false charge of racism.

I mean, if you really think he is, then by all means call for him to quit the Senate completely. We don't need a racist leading the Party of Lincon. No Way.

But if it's a political calculation for the sake of appeasing the unappeaseable then I have to question the logic behind it. If that's the case then it's a total contradiction and it's self destructive.

[Bluntpoint]

Dixycrat, Dixiecrup, Dixiecup

[ApesForEvolution]

"He's not a racist"

That's been opened for debate I'd say. Sadly. If I were in the Lott's shoes, being me, I'd never have said it. Running the good ole boys club and sounding like a good ole boy isn't politically expedient for a GOP Senate Majority Leader. At this point, he needs to admit stupidity and allow a challenge while staying on until it's feasible for him to quit. He could give back some of what he's taken if he wants any standing with Republicans and conservatives ever again.

[Helms]

What showed through to me was Trent's ego. He fashoins himself way bigger than he really is. Hopefully pride is coming before a big fall.

[Mr Rogers]

Agree. For one thing, sometimes principles sometimes need to count more than power. However, reality is Lott has no where to go. If he resigns & effectively gives power to the Democrats, he'll be finished. He won't have any influence to peddle, and there's no elective office for him to hold. What would he do - get a real job? Not likely. Someone needs to sit down with him, explain the facts of life, and then cut him off at the knees. There was no excuse for praising Strom for running on a 'hate them niggers' platform. NONE!

[Bluntpoint]

The charge is shameless dumbass. Not a false charge.

Ojectively speaking, he may or may not be a racist.

However, he wears his "dumbassist" badge proudly.

[ApesForEvolution]

This will get worse and worse and worse until the Lott has given away the 'set-aside' farm to blacks out of shame and guilt ('cuz maybe he got caught not just being stupid?), with no one able to touch it politically with a ten foot pole, having to go along with it. This is what the Lott is good for. 100% liability for the GOP and tool of the RATS. I just hope they don't paint him a conservative too.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

What have people around this place got to do with Lotts bad deed.

Err...like what bad deed? Are you saying Trent Lott is as evil as the former president of the senate Strom Thurmond?

[SauronOfMordor]

Rick Santorum or Don Nickles.

Rick Santorum. Young, energetic, pro-life, pro-gun.

[Jhoffa_]

Assuming you both don't think he is a racist (like I said, if you honestly do, your opinion. No argument.) how would you feel about risking the majority we have been lusting after for so long?

I mean, we have been effectively locked out and praying for the power to do some of these good things all of us have been bitching about for years.

And what about the potential of this tainting the SC?

If confirmations go south we are going to be screwed, literally for decades.

Are you really sure want to go for broke here? Knowing what might be at stake...

[ApesForEvolution]

I'd call his bluff the minute the next 'blast from the Trent's past' comes to light. However, the RATS might have tenderized him enough now for their purposes and will allow him to pander to BET next week before leaving him in place.

[Bluntpoint]

But can he sing in senate choir? Can he flash pom poms? Is he capable of asinine statements like Trent? Can he fold to democrats?

[linn37]

.We need Lott,if we cave now we as a party are toast for two more years,can you take two more years of them blocking judical nominations? Its time to call this what it is a lynch mob going after Lott.

[Helms]

As I understand it, Robert Johnson is about a black as OJ Simpson was. Johnson is a capitalist first and foremost.

There is an uncomfortable air of defiance coming from this 50's retro barber shop singing group member.

[Bluntpoint]

Assuming you both don't think he is a racist (like I said, if you honestly do, your opinion. No argument.) how would you feel about risking the majority we have been lusting after for so long?

Trent is risking that by his blackmail. Trent is to blame for what he said. Trent is to blame if he pusses out and quits the senate if he has to step down as leader.

Trent. Trent. Trent. Lay the blame where it is deserving.

Trent is the self-serving prick here.

[Bluntpoint]

Huh?

[Helms]

Perhaps old Trent is in some heavy duty Viagra in combination with seritonin boosters which has strangely convinced him that he is an Alpha, and not a Beta Male.

[Jhoffa_]

Yes, he's a moron and, actually it's odd that I would wind up defending the guy because to tell you the truth I hate Trent Lott.

But, as to the other points: The potential tanking of the SC and our agenda, that's what I was curious about.

[Bluntpoint]

He struts like a rooster but clucks like a hen.

[Mr Rogers]

I believe in free speech for white power nuts, anarchists, or leftist socialists. Destroy Lott and you end free speech in America.

I believe in free speech. I do not believe I have to support someone regardless of their views. Lott was free to praise Strom any way he wanted. He chose to praise him for running on a no-black platform, and said he was proud Mississippi voted for him. That is obscene - Lott has the right to say it, and I have the right to say Lott should NOT!!! represent Republicans.