YUP...they secretly wanted the "Face of Reparations" to be the hillbilly from Mississippi! They overplayed their hand...they secretly were trying to get more doofus Republicans to stand behind Lott, to be tarred and feathered too...the Dems weren't expecting the Republicans to live UP to their principles and values.
William Bennett has the moral authority to lead this party and when he quietly asked Lott to step aside...Lott had NO choice!