Lott Is Unfit To Run the Senate (Conason)

The New York Observer. ^ | December 11, 2002 | Joe Conason

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It seems clear that whatever Lott decides or is coerced to do in the next couple weeks, the democrats see this as a win-win situation, hence the obvious glee. Most of the people who are regular participants at this forum have been arguing for years that Lott should be pushed out of the leadership, but at the same time giving a single inch to anything the democrats want is for most of us unthinkable.

Therein lies the dilemma.

Faced with a Hobsons Choice, the usual best solution is to rationally assess what the longer term implications would be for both of the possibilities. If Lott (and the party) hang tough, and in spite of concerns which we have had for many years about the man, he remains leader the whole issue will be a distraction from every policy and nomination the administration puts before the Senate. If he falls or is pushed onto his sword, the pain may be a bit worse for a time, but this particular stick will be removed from the hands of the democrats.

Between the two options, only one has a long term benefit and that is the selection of a new leader with sharp teeth and something between his (or her) legs besides a pair of pom poms will permit the focus to shift to the administration's priorities and goals.

It also happens to be the only end game scenario that the democrats fear.