Even so, that doesn't mean that what Lott said was outside the bounds of civilized expression. Isn't there an obligation to give people the benefit of the doubt in social situations, whatever one knows was in fact meant?
Even if you take Lott quite literally (which I would argue you should not do,) did he say anything more then the antisegregationist Mencken did?
This was not an ordinary social event. Lott's a high profile conservative southern Senator. That means he has to watch everything he says. Because if he doesn't, it's not just his bacon in the fire but his party's. Comes with the territory.