Having abstained from the Beep vs. *the usual mob* feeding frenzy above, I feel it reasonable to observe this: Lott is a political animal, probably because he is too stupid to do anything productive.
He was probably a good political animal because:
a) He probably had no convictions that he wouldn't pitch for a vote
b) He would toe whatever party line that was required of him.
c) He was too frigging stupid to have original (contradicting) ideas.

When those who owned his skinny behind wanted racist, he was racist. It is now impolitic to be racist, so he is no longer racist. He probably believes that, at the time, it was the proper thing to do. Now it's not. No problem.

A political animal that make serious political mistakes is roadkill. Either/all parties.

This is just beltway evolution in action. No BFD.