[McGavin999]

I don't think so rintense. I think this is all about how poorly handled this thing was. Lott allowed it to go entirely too long before he even addressed the matter. It was political ineptness that was mind boggling. He could have reduced this thing to nothing by coming out immediately, acting horrified that anyone would even think he meant anything by it, apologizing if anyone was hurt and launched a full frontal attack on the race baiters. He didn't do that and Bush gave him a full week to take the reins on this. When he didn't, Bush HAD to step forward.

This entire fiasco is of Lott's own making. Not just what he said, because he could have easily explained that away, but in the amount of time he gave the democrats to mount a campagin against him AND the republican party.

If you remember, when this first happened, Bush made a mild remark and stated his belief in Lott. Then a whole week passed in which Lott made TELEPHONE calls to RADIO stations! And what's worse, he even thought that should take care of the matter. He dragged Bush into this, then he tried to drag Condi and Powell into it.

I'm sorry, you know how much I love you, but I think President Bush bent over backward to help Lott and Lott let him down.

[TLBSHOW]

I disagree with you 100% and now only Bush can fix it or show his true nature.

I support Bush and have always, except over the religion of Peace bs, but this one is really boiling my blood!

[rintense]

I'm sorry, you know how much I love you, but I think President Bush bent over backward to help Lott and Lott let him down.

I luv ya too, my dear, but we'll have to disagree, because I think Bush hung Lott out to dry. Or should I say Rove hung Lott out to dry. Bush stated his belief in Lott, and now he's showing that to not be true.

[cyncooper]

I agree with your entire post. You have articulated exactly what I think about it.

When this first started I fully expected Lott to set the record straight much in the fashion you outlined--horrified, etc. President Bush acted as you said. But Lott's ineptness did start a drumbeat from the left to paint the party as supporting the thought that Lott did leave hanging out there--he had not repudiated what was being said of him.

I respect rintense, too, and I am sorry to disagree with her about this issue. I believe Rove is an advisor, not a puppetmaster.