If all Washington thought he was finished, all Washington is stooopit.

Black folks (Republican flavors not withstanding) said all along he hadn't changed ("little bump" indeed) and that he hadn't really been punished. We knew he spoke and speaks for his constituency. And we know he remains an enemy, as do those that support him.

Lott Puts 'Little Bump' Behind Him
Ex-Senate Leader Rebuilds Power Base
By Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 14, 2005; Page A01

LEAKESVILLE, Miss. -- Trent Lott is reminiscing with supporters at the Rocky Creek Catfish Cottage, recalling the goat barbecues and Jaycee meetings that marked his first House campaign 33 years ago. But the senator draws the biggest whoops when he mentions the "little bump in the road" he hit in December 2002, when his return to the position of Senate majority leader was scuttled by what some saw as nostalgic words about segregation.

All Washington thought he was finished. "But they don't know us as Mississippians," Lott chortles as heads nod around the dining room. "You get back up on it and you ride again."