Colin Powell is a big enough hitter that he gets to go public with a restrained (though welcome and honorable) dissent from the White House’s position on the Michigan affirmative action case. But it seems not everyone gets a chance to speak their mind. Remember, Colin Powell isn’t the only high-profile Republican who supports affirmative action. It took him a long time to go public about his views. But Trent Lott (R-MS) is also a big-time supporter of affirmative action.
Unfortunately, Lott now appears to be in such a weakened state — because of his recent resignation as Majority Leader-designate — that the White House and/or Bill Frist won’t let him speak his mind on this critical issue.
What happened to the big tent? Rove and Frist would never have been able to muzzle Lott if he were still Majority Leader. Let Trent speak!
P.S. Special thanks to TPM reader EAP.
