This is just one dumb thread. Just exactly who are the "dixiecrats" in the Democratic party? Name a "right-wing southern democratic Dixiecrat?" Such people may exist, but they are getting awfully scarce. I would think that the "rightwing democrats" of today are still well to the left of any "left wing republican" who actually holds office. Possibly not in Georgia. Define "Dixiecrat"? If you define it carefully enough, you can prove there aren't any, in either party. It's an old fashioned word.   
But Doug, contrary to your apparent belief, racism is not dead. I've even heard some lively racist sentiments expressed in this wonderfull Forum. Trent Lott is a racist. Admittedly, he would not have said such dumb things if he had been thinking. Had he been more astute, he would have avoided mistakes. Right. Lott is not known for his outstanding smarts. That is why the Party will make him step down as its leader. But he also would not have said those dumb things has he not believed them.

I had it figured, Dan Nickles would probably replace Sen. Lott, but clearly I've not been listening closely enough. As I understand it Nickles is as astute as Lott is slow-witted. Of course, if Lott steps down, its the Democrats who get hurt. And possibly the State of Mississippi; Lott as Majority Leader has been an unequalled source of pork.