Trent Lott's Future As Senate Majority Leader in Doubt, But Undercurrent of Racism Persists in GOP

Interview with Earl Ofari Hutchinson, author and commentator, conducted by Scott Harris

Since Senate Majority Leader designate Trent Lott stated his support for Strom Thurmond's 1948 run for the presidency on a segregationist platform at the senator's 100th birthday celebration, a political firestorm has erupted. After some delay, the media focused considerable attention on Mr. Lott's comments, for which the Mississippi Republican has spent the past two weeks apologizing.

While President Bush used strong language to condemn Lott's words, he stopped short of asking him to step down as majority leader. But other powerful Republicans, some who are candid about their ambition to replace Lott, have openly questioned their colleague's ability to effectively preside over the Senate after the uproar. A vote of Senate Republicans to decide Mr. Lott's future is scheduled for Jan. 6. In a bizarre attempt to survive the scandal, Lott appeared on Black Entertainment Television on Dec. 16 and spoke of his newly found support for affirmative action and the Martin Luther King holiday - both of which he has a long history of opposing.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with author and commentator Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, who looks at the controversy surrounding the comments of Trent Lott and the legacy of racism within the Republican party.

Contact Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson's group, the National Alliance for Positive Action at (310) 672-2542 or visit his web site at www.thehutchinsonreport.com

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