Now this I agree with you on. Let's suppose, for the sake of argument, that Lott stays. The minute he caves to Daschle, he is likely to engender a revolt within the Senate Republican Conference. The loyalty of people like Santorum, McConnell, and Ted Stevens does not come cheap. So if Lott stays, it's because he's made a bargain with those conservatives less disposed to compromise with Daschle.
Lott's loyalty to Judge Pickering will be an early "manhood" test. Either he meant what he said about Pickering last year, or it was all a travesty. I see no indication that Pickering's nomination will be pulled, as of yet, despite what Lott said last Monday night.
What I am counting on is that the Democrats will, as is their fashion, overreach. They will tend to because their political center has gravitated to the left. The Democratic left is filled with zealous ideologues and such people always believe their own bullshit. Thus, the Rats cannot help but attempt to ride this horse as far as it will take them.
Until, wanting for food and drink, the horse keels over and meets its maker.
Meanwhile, Bush will remain in the center, being the guy who is trying to solve the problems. As you indicated to us over a year ago, that makes all the difference.
Be Seeing You,
Chris