"He is the most effective racist I know"

So Trent Lott is the #2 senate republican. Somehow I find #2 to be symbolic, but I am not in mood for any scatological humor right now.

Time spoke thusly:

G.O.P. Senators said they were eager to have Lott back in the leadership, as he's known as a clever back-room dealer and tactician on the Senate floor, which operates through a bizarre, complicated rules that at times outgoing Majority Leader Bill Frist didn't seem to understand. "He's the most effective leader I know," said Arizona's John McCain, who has won Lott's support for his likely presidential bid. Minnesota's Norm Coleman called Lott "the master of the Senate."

How desperate is that?