A lot of people didn't want Lott to step down as Majority Leader simply because of this one off hand statement that was obviously a stupid remark., (myself included). Many also didn't want conservatives to abandon Lott, (again, myself included). I think there were many here that wanted him to step down because of his inability to lead effectively in the past and his stupid remark was just an opportunity to show him the door. (I understood that) BUT Trent Lott has made it completely clear that he DOES NOT have what it takes to be the Majority Leader and should step down and become the Chairman of some little known Committee.
On the very first day of this controversy he should of came out an issued a public (Written Statement) that apologized for his insensitive comments that were intended to patronize a 100 year old Senator on his retirement and then apologized to the President for hurting the Republican Party and reversing much of the progress he and the Republican Party have accomplished in convincing African Americans that the party of Lincoln is for the advancement of all the people equally.