An interesting two weeks; what’s next?

Published 6:00 am Monday, December 23, 2002

“It is an understatement to say that Senator Lott misspoke,” afriend of mine, who has Washington connections, wrote me in ane-mail this week. “However, a lifetime of work and achievement onbehalf of Mississippi — and the nation — should not be allowed toerode away based on an errant remark.”

He went on to predict Senator Lott would step down at least fromthe leadership role if not resign from the Senate before the firstof the year. Friday morning the Senator kept his seat but resignedhis leadership position.

If the DAILY LEADER’s weekly Internet poll is any indication,Lott’s decision was met with a sigh of relief across the state.Here in Lincoln County, a Lott stronghold, 53 percent ofrespondents to our unscientific poll said he should step down fromthe leadership.

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It has been a sad and frustrating 14 days. Here is a man who hasaccomplished so much for so many in this state and an off the cuffremark at Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday bash brings him down.

There is no question he made a terrible and repugnant comment.His words insulted an entire generation of both blacks and whites,who have worked so hard to correct past wrongs and find ways tolive in harmony. His words opened old wounds. They also openedopportunities for those whose motives were more political thanmoral.

What did in Trent Lott? He can only look to himself for theinitial blame. His comments about Thurmond’s past set the stage.His slowness to react and explain his comments gave fuel to thefire. The quick abandonment by right wing conservative punditsopened the doors, but it was President Bush’s comments on Dec. 12that fatally wounded Lott’s chances to be Senate MajorityLeader.

By last weekend, politics had taken over and the political powerstruggle had begun — after Lott’s appearance on BlackEntertainment Television on Monday the die was cast.

The past 14 days may be a defining moment for the RepublicanParty. The GOP pendulum that swung so far to the right during theClinton years was slowing. It will now be forced to swing even moreto the moderate center if President Bush’s “compassionateconservative” agenda and the Republican “Big Tent” philosophy areto succeed.

What is Trent Lott’s future? Although he has pledged to completehis term, he very well could change his mind and throw in thetowel. When one has been at the top, it is hard to sit on thesidelines.

But, the thought of Democrat Gov. Ronnie Musgrove appointing hisreplacement could keep Lott in Washington. Lott may be hoping for aRepublican victory in the governor’s race next year, thengracefully bow out. That would leave the seat safely in Republicanhands with an appointment by the new governor.

Then again, Lott could decide he still has work to do. Never oneto sit on the sidelines, we could see a new Trent Lott emerge. Itwill be interesting to watch.

Write to Bill Jacobs at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, Miss.39602.