Bill Bennett: “one of the words we often hear as people talk about relationships is the word ``mentor.'' It is always assumed that the…”

“one of the words we often hear as people talk about relationships is the word ``mentor.'' It is always assumed that the older person mentors the younger person. The record is clear that I am 8 years older than Trent Lott. But the record is also clear that he has acted as my mentor as I have come here to the Senate. We have all heard about his legislative accomplishments. I wish to pick out three items of my relationship with Trent where he has taught me things that have been valuable. When Trent ran for the whip position, I worked for the election of Alan Simpson. I didn't know Trent all that well. Alan and I were friends from long ago. We first met up in the family gallery when our respective fathers were being sworn in as Senators. He introduced me to his child bride and I introduced him to mine. He made the Simpson-like comment. He said: Having married younger women, this means in our older age we will smell perfume instead of liniment. After I got to know Trent and appreciate his abilities, I made the comment, If I had known you to have been as good a leader as you are, I would have voted for you in the beginning. He corrected me and said, No, your relationship with Simpson was so strong and so personal that you should have supported him, and I didn't even ask you because I respected that relationship. That was a very important thing he taught me there about relationships and commitments that I have tried to remember ever since.”