I partially recall when Byrd made those comments and believe the press has mischaracterized the full context of his interview. I But again, I go back to my original point in the difference between Lott and people like Byrd. Decades and decades ago Byrd made changes and has the legislative record to prove it. Lott does not. Byrd has the proof to show he has changed his ways, while Lott has shown the contrary by his voting record and actions as a senator.

In a very brief nutshell, the "Southern Strategy" was a strategy by the GOP to attract Southern democrats who were angry with the Democratic party for its pursuit of the Civil RIghts Act and voting reforms and offered them a place to go out of their anger.