Hardball, 11-1:

CHRIS MATTHEWS: On that, I have to ask you the toughest question. Is Karl Rove the President's top political kick? Who is pretty rough when he got rid of John McCain down in South Carolina, and pretty rough when they helped get rid of John Kerry, all "Hardball," not illegal, is he good for American politics? Should he stay at the White House?

TRENT LOTT: Well, the question is, that you asked, is he good for American politics? Look, he has been very successful, very effective in the political arena. The question is should he be the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy under the current circumstances? I don't know all that's going on, so I can't make that final conclusion. But, you know, how many times has the top political person become also the top policy advisor? Maybe you can make that transition, but it's a real challenge, and I think they have to – I do think they need to look at bringing in some more people, you know, old gray beards that have been around this town for a while, help them out a little bit at the White House.

CHRIS MATTHEWS: Do you think it's a little unseemly to have Svengali on the federal payroll? That sounds like that’s what you’re saying? I’m trying to reconsider what you said. Do you think he should go?

TRENT LOTT: Well, I didn't say that. I mean, I said, you know, is he in the right position? I mean, a lot of political advisors, in fact, most presidents in recent years have a political advisor in the White House. The question is, should they be making, you know, policy decisions. That's the question you've got to evaluate.

CHRIS MATTHEWS: He is. Anyway, thank you very much, Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi. When we return, why there was a closed session today. You're watching "hardball" on MSNBC.

Transcript via Americablog.

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