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OK - here's the problem:
Lott's statement wasn't "We're glad we voted for Strom Thurmond, because he was Segregationalist" - it also wasn't "We wouldn't be in all this mess we have with the Negros" . . .
These are all added by the reader - now, from his past record, it is very easy to see how these assumptions could be added, and they may actually be valid. But realistically, they're still assumptions - it seems well within the realm of possibility that Lott was simply making empty statements to build up his associate, without thinking of how they'd apply to a certain segment of his past.
Lott's recent commentary has stated as such, saying he was "winging it" and that "no venal thoughts entered [his] mind" - now, whether that's covering his ass is up for debate, but again it's just that - UP FOR DEBATE.
While certainly less than intelligent, it seems like something where we can't assign value statements without making a leap to judge meaning behind somewhat vague statements. Should that lead to his resignation? He's the one that has to live in his own skin . . .
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