Actually Carp, I stand corrected. Slate has a story by Noah Gray called The legend of Strom's remorce, which is worth reading.

Thurmond, supposedly changed his views with time. later, he sent his daughter to a government school which was integrated.

Americans (I am not one, so I should not really babble!), specially in the South, seem to believe strongly in the idea of redemption ..

I am sure at least some other active politicians have a similar history. But he is the one who made that statement, has a history of making similar statements and associations and has the potential to become a lame duck majority leader that the white house would prefer not to have.

How come people are not going after Thurmond? Isn't HE the one who is racist? Because Lott said he should have been president, does that make him responsible for Thurmonds actions and ideology? Hmmm...kinda like me killing someone..and because you think I should be set free...for whatever reason...then should YOU go to prison for my crimes?