# Trent Lott **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 11, 2002, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127 "2002-12-11T22:56:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Spavined\_Gelding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Spavined\_Gelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spavined_Gelding)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/81 "2002-12-13T19:14:29Z")
In a radio interview with the local NPR station broadcast this morning, Friday, December 13, Senator Chas Grassley, R-IA, said that he would be a lot more impressed with Democratic calls/demands/howls for Lott to step down as Senate Majority Leader if the Democrats had taken any action on [paraphrase] very racist remarks made on TV by Senator Robert Byrd. What is this about? Did poor old Senator Byrd actually say something nasty with no rebuke, and if so, what was it? Grassley, in my book carries water for the Republican Central Committee but every once in a while he does some independent thinking. Which is it this time? ---
**Author:** ![joshmaker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a587f6/32.png) [@joshmaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joshmaker)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/82 "2002-12-13T19:39:02Z")
I love the fact that even the racists are mad at Trent Lott. (Of course, they are upset for completely the wrong reason) Check it out at: [The Nationalist](http://www.nationalist.org/alt/2002/dec/lott.html) Here is a small sample: > [@](#): > > “The reason that you have been elected is because you have been a segregationist, pitted against integrationists in your various elections.” > > "Notably, you have not practiced miscegenation in your own family nor is it evident that you are encouraging the practice by others. In fact, Mississippians fondly recall how you fought against funding for Martin Luther King, as well as showed your support for segregated private schools. So, there should be no need for hypocrisy… " :eek: I thought that the photo of the author and Trent Lott together was a nice touch… ---
**Author:** ![ElJeffe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/958977/32.png) [@ElJeffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElJeffe)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/83 "2002-12-13T19:53:27Z")
I really hope Lott _does_ step down. I can see him becoming a huge liability for the Pubs if he sticks around. The Dems will be able to use him to achieve much of their agenda by appealing to “Black America”. We need more money for welfare! Think of the black people! More Affirmative Action! Think of the black people! No school vouchers! Think of the black people! Lott won’t be in much of a position to argue. “No, [insert issue here] is bad for the blacks, and for America” will be viewed as “screw the damn darkies!” - or at least it will be painted as that way by the CBC. We need to punt him, before the Dems use him to their advantage. In a way, this whole thing could work to the Pub’s advantage. Lott isn’t much of a leader anyway, and if this allows us to put someone competent in his place, we may come out ahead. Jeff ---
**Author:** ![december](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/84 "2002-12-13T20:00:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Spavined Gelding \* > \*\* Did poor old Senator Byrd actually say something nasty with no rebuke, and if so, what was it? \*\* Byrd used the N-word during a TV interview a year or two ago. [http://www.bannerofliberty.com/OS3-01MQC/3-5-2001.1.html](http://www.bannerofliberty.com/OS3-01MQC/3-5-2001.1.html) ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/85 "2002-12-13T20:25:44Z")
The whole Trent Lott thing seems to be flipping. Now, conservatives are giving him hell and liberals are calling it a pile-on. I just heard Alan Colmes say exactly that. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/86 "2002-12-13T21:06:12Z")
by **ElJeffe** > [@](#): > > I really hope Lott _does_ step down. I can see him becoming a huge liability for the Pubs if he sticks around.The Dems will be able to use him to achieve much of their agenda by appealing to “Black America”. We need more money for welfare! Think of the black people! More Affirmative Action! Think of the black people! Riiiight. The real problem has nothing to do with the fact that Lott is an asshole who opened his mouth and let racist glurg come flying out like shit from a bovine’s rectum. The problem has nothing to do with the fact that this identifiably tactless bigot has a significant amount of control over how this country is run. Rather, the real problem is that black people will now have an excuse to whine and complain some more. And _that’s_ what we should all be focusing on. Riiight. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/87 "2002-12-13T21:21:56Z")
I’m listening to Mario Cuomo on Cavuot defending Lott, and decrying the pile-on. To my astonishment, Cuomo just said that he himself used to be a segregationist. :eek: Oh, and he brought up Jesse Jackson and Heimy Town. I had forgotten about that. ---
**Author:** ![ElJeffe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/958977/32.png) [@ElJeffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElJeffe)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/88 "2002-12-13T22:01:11Z")
> [@](#): > > Riiiight. The real problem has nothing to do with the fact that Lott is an asshole who opened his mouth and let racist glurg come flying out like shit from a bovine’s rectum. The problem has nothing to do with the fact that this identifiably tactless bigot has a significant amount of control over how this country is run. > > Rather, the real problem is that black people will now have an excuse to whine and complain some more. And that’s what we should all be focusing on. > > Riiight. Whether or not Lott is a racist asshole or just an idiot is largely academic in terms of what Congress is going to be doing. Even if he’s the biggest racist prick to ever be in office, it’s not like we’re going to see the re-emergence of Jim Crow laws. He may be a high-ranking politician, but he can’t pass legislation by himself. His role now is more political than practical - the Democrats can use him to help pass their agenda by bringing up his dumbass comment every time he stands in their way. The fact of the matter is that he is a problem for the GOP, and should be made to step down on those grounds. We can argue about whether or not he deserves to be in office, morally speaking, but from a practical standpoint, I don’t think there’s much there to discuss. Jeff ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/89 "2002-12-13T22:01:16Z")
> [@](#): > > **elucidator** quote] **elucidator:** He will be led to a quiet room. There, on a coffee table, a pistol with a single bullet. It seems to be the only reasonable option. This is one of the great political mistakes of our times. For the Majority Leader - Elect to come out in favor of segregation in the 21st Century, I’m actually surprised. No wonder some Libpunds are defending the guy. He has become the greatest energizer of the Democrats in a while. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/90 "2002-12-13T22:04:59Z")
When it comes time to list the most surreal political events of the decade, this little brouhaha should place near the top of the list. ---
**Author:** ![hansel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@hansel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hansel)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/91 "2002-12-13T22:30:34Z")
Let’s not forget that Lott is also the guy who was surprised when Jim Jeffords bolted, handing the Senate to the Democrats. Even without the racist comments, I have to wonder why he’s still around. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/92 "2002-12-13T22:35:59Z")
There’s talk of censuring him also. What exactly do you censure him for: a compliment made at a centenarian’s birthday bash or comments made a generation ago? (Don’t misunderstand: I detest Lott, but I don’t think this comment should destroy the career I don’t think he ever should have had in the first place.) ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/93 "2002-12-13T22:41:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Even if he’s the biggest racist prick to ever be in office, it’s not like we’re going to see the re-emergence of Jim Crow laws. I don’t think Jim Crow will re-emerge, but it certainly is troubling to think that a man with a record of advocating racist principles will be assuming a leadership position in my country’s government. If you believe that personal ideology have little influence on policy-making, then I can understand why you wouldn’t feel troubled in the way that I do. > [@](#): > > His role now is more political than practical - the Democrats can use him to help pass their agenda by bringing up his dumbass comment every time he stands in their way. This speculation is all well and good, but I _seriously_ doubt Democrats are going to use this to lobby for “black folk handouts”. A lot of people are taking Lott to task, and it’s not just black groups who are seeking to further their agendas and it’s not just Dems who are trying to look like precious angels. > [@](#): > > The fact of the matter is that he is a problem for the GOP, and should be made to step down on those grounds. See, this is where me and you differ. You believe that it is in the best interest of the GOP, in their eternal chess-game with the Democrats, that Lott steps down from his chair. And I believe that it is in the best interest of the nation, regardless of the political agendas on either side, that Lott steps down. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/94 "2002-12-13T22:51:12Z")
It occurs that there’s almost a Harry Potter parallel: Lott and Thurmond and Helms and crew are almost like the Malfoys who followed the evil Lord Voldemort, then plead insanity when he was destroyed but secretly hope for his return. So who would be Harry? ---
**Author:** ![Spavined\_Gelding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Spavined\_Gelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spavined_Gelding)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/95 "2002-12-13T22:58:34Z")
This editorial might ad some fuel to this discussion: [http://www.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.html](http://www.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/96 "2002-12-13T23:02:44Z")
Lott just spoke. Apparently, it was all just a big misunderstanding. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2002, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/97 "2002-12-13T23:29:01Z")
Reading the [CNN.com](http://CNN.com) story, I still didn’t see him explaining exactly what “problems” he was referring to. Of course, they may not have had the whole speech, anybody hear the thing or read a complete text? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2002, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/98 "2002-12-14T00:43:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Libertarian \* > \*\*I’m listening to Mario Cuomo on Cavuot defending Lott, and decrying the pile-on. To my astonishment, Cuomo just said that he himself used to be a segregationist. :eek: > > Oh, and he brought up Jesse Jackson and Heimy Town. I had forgotten about that. \*\* Jesse Jackson isn’t fit to hold public office either. ---
**Author:** ![december](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2002, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/99 "2002-12-14T00:57:09Z")
Lott’s press conference made me embarassed to be a Republican. The guy is so shallow politically and so insensitive, as far as race is concerned, he makes me sick. He thinks he should keep his leadership position because he’ll give my money to Mississippians. BFD. This is the best interpretation. OTOH at worst, he’s a flat-out racist. If the Republicans can’t muster the will to find a new Senate leader, I will be even more embarassed. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![ElJeffe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/958977/32.png) [@ElJeffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElJeffe)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2002, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127/100 "2002-12-14T01:27:04Z")
Yeah, Lott has utterly failed to give anyone any reason to support him. At best, his apology amounts to “I’m not racist, just insensitive and stupid.” Swell. Jeff [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trent-lott/142127.md?page=6)