[Scott from the Left Coast]

I've thought for some time now that the only good way out of this would be for Lott himself to stand up and do something very LARGE. Something self-sacrificing. I would raise his stature greatly -- amongst Republicans (who really don't like him very much for other reasons) and amongst the great a-political American masses (who admire self-sacrifice for a greater cause above most anything).

The GOOD solution is in Lott's hands -- voluntarily step down from leadership and become one-of-the-majority, one with a great deal of seniority.

But this would require self-sacrifice on Lott's part, an act for the greater good, the larger agenda that he has been talking about since this broke.

It would be an act that would be seen as all as the answer to Clintonism -- the anti-Clinton -- "it's all about ME." It's there for him. But the rule of the road today is that honor is for suckers. Especially true in the U.S. Senate, I'm afraid.

I'm not counting on it.

[Howlin]

I was very torn about this whole situation until I heard that he said he would resign if forced out.

That told me all I need to know about how much Lott cares about the party and this country.

And if he stays on, I won't be able to respect the OTHER senators who let Lott blackmail them.