Dodd-gate morphing into Daschle-gate?

I'm back. Sorry, I didn't realize I'd have access to the internet. Happily, I do. Anyway, see the latest:

Andrew Sullivan has coined the term "Dodd-gate" to describe the uproar over Senator Chris Dodd's remarks praising Senator Robert Byrd, an old segregationist. The remarks are reminiscent of Senator Trent Lott's remarks about Strom Thurmond that eventually toppled Lott from his leadership post. Byrd "would have been right during the great conflict of Civil War in this nation," said Dodd.

Now Tom Daschle has leapt to Dodd's defense, according to a story in today's Washington Times headlined "Dodd praise for Byrd hit by GOP." Excerpt:

Sen. Tom Daschle said there was "no parallel" between Sen. Christopher J. Dodd's praise of Mr. Byrd and Republican Sen. Trent Lott's praise of former segregationist Sen. Strom Thurmond.

The piece continues:

But Mr. Daschle of South Dakota said Mr. Dodd's speech was not comparable to the remarks that cost Mr. Lott his leadership post.

"I wasn't on the floor when Senator Dodd made his comments," Mr. Daschle told reporters yesterday. "I don't know what he said. But I would think even he would tell you there's no parallel."

Why is Tom Daschle injecting himself into this? Making these statements only jeopardizes his leadership position.