Politics: Mixed Blessing

The departure of Senator Trent Lott as Senate Majority leader is both opportunity and loss for progressive legislators in the Senate. There can be no question that a powerful campaign to oust a sitting leader is an impressive notch on the belt of Democrats. But the White House machine has fingerprints all over this one, and following the predicted coronation of Bush buddy (and the Senator who orchestrated November’s sweep to power) Bill Frist means that Karl Rove is solidifying power in a stunning single stroke.

Remember, Democrats thought they had it made when Newt Gingrich was ousted, followed by the embarrassing departure of Bob Livingston. However, the triumphant entry of a no-nonsense House administrator like Denny Hastert has made the House of Representatives a place where no progressive initiatives ever take root. Behind Bill Frist stands a wave of Republican confidence and a huge bounce from purging their own ranks of the spoiled product that was Trent Lott.

Lott was a bad man, but he knew how to compromise and he was resented on his side of the aisle for that very fact. Frist threatens to run the Senate with Rove’s Iron Hand, and it could get worse before it gets better.