The controversy stems from Lott's December 5, 2002 birthday praise of Thurmond, R-South Carolina. In his tribute, Lott said: "When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we [Mississippians] voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years." On the following day, a two-year-old videotape surfaced that showed Lott making similar comments.

     Drawing charges of racism from the African-American community and harsh criticism from prominent Democratic and Repulican leaders; Lott, fighting for his political life, offered a series of public apologies. Lott, in the end, relinquished his seat as majoirty leader.

The following snippets do not resemble a comprehensive account and are not chronologically listed.

"For those of you I may have offended by my apology, I apologize. And in case that's not good enough, I apologize for that."

"What I meant to say was that if Lester Maddox had been elected president in '48, we wouldn't have the problems we have today,"

"A poor choice of words conveyed to some the impression that I embraced the discarded policies of the past, nothing could be further from the truth, and I apologize to anyone who was offended by my statement.''

"The words were terrible, and I regret this,"

“I apologize for opening old wounds and hurting many Americans who feel so deeply in this area”

"In the interest of pursuing the best possible agenda for the future of our country, I will not seek to remain as majority leader of the United States Senate,"