Meaning: The quote in question was made by Trent Lott, a former United States Senator from Mississippi, during a celebration of Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday in 2002. Thurmond was a prominent political figure who served as a United States Senator for South Carolina for 48 years. However, the quote itself is controversial and has been widely criticized for its racial undertones.

When Lott refers to the time when Strom Thurmond ran for president, he is alluding to Thurmond's 1948 presidential campaign as the nominee of the States' Rights Democratic Party, also known as the Dixiecrats. The Dixiecrats were a segregationist political party that opposed the civil rights platform of the Democratic Party. Thurmond's campaign was based on a platform of racial segregation and white supremacy.

Lott's statement that "we voted for him" and "we're proud of it" is a direct reference to the support Thurmond received from the state of Mississippi. This statement has been widely criticized for its insensitivity and for glorifying a candidate who ran on a platform of racial segregation and discrimination.

The latter part of the quote, "And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years either," has been interpreted as Lott suggesting that the country would have been better off if Thurmond's segregationist views had been embraced nationwide. This assertion has drawn significant backlash as it downplays the impact of racial segregation and the struggles of African Americans in the United States.

The quote sparked outrage and condemnation from various political leaders, civil rights organizations, and the public. Critics argued that Lott's remarks were racially insensitive and indicated a lack of understanding of the painful history of racial discrimination in the United States. Many called for Lott to apologize and some even called for his resignation from his position as Senate Majority Leader.

In response to the backlash, Lott issued a public apology, acknowledging that his words were insensitive and hurtful. He stated, "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 controversy surrounding Lott's quote brought attention to the lingering racial tensions in American society and the importance of openly addressing and confronting issues of racial discrimination and inequality. It also highlighted the significance of understanding the historical context and impact of political statements, particularly those related to race and civil rights.

In conclusion, Trent Lott's quote regarding Strom Thurmond's presidential campaign and the support he received from Mississippi reflects a problematic and controversial viewpoint. The quote has been widely criticized for its insensitivity and for glorifying a candidate who espoused segregationist beliefs. The ensuing backlash and Lott's subsequent apology underscore the need for greater awareness and understanding of the historical and ongoing issues of racial discrimination in the United States. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the impact of past injustices while working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.