The Stout Republican

I remember way back in the year of twenty and oh-two (thanks to a memory jog by OpinionJournal) when Trent Lott tried to be “funny” and let this nugget slip at Strom Thurmonds 100th birthday party.

“You know, if we had elected this man 30 years ago, we wouldn’t be in the mess we are today.”

The backlash was incredible. Obviously it was a stupid thing to say, and while we can’t be sure of the intent, most recognize it as non-malicious…but you know what, Lott did something Kerry didn’t:

I am sorry for my words, they were poorly chosen and insensitive and I regret the way it has been interpreted. This was a mistake of the head, not of the heart because I don’t accept those policies of the past at all.

And what was Kerry’s measured response to this verbal flub?

Earlier Wednesday, Sen. John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat and 2004 presidential contender, became the first member of the Senate to suggest Lott was now unfit to lead the upper chamber. “It saddens me greatly to suggest this, but in the interests of the Senate, his party, and the nation, I believe Trent Lott should step aside as majority leader,” Kerry said. “I simply do not believe the country can today afford to have someone who has made these statements again and again be the leader of the United States Senate.”

I hereby think Kerry should follow his own advice…

John Kerry