He knows very well what the purpose of a trial is. He's still pandering and trying to make it sound like Nifong was motivated by wanting to bring justice for a sistuh rather than get himself elected by using the case to garner the black vote. Ignorant people, such as those who voted for him because they hoped and thought he was going to get whitey for them, will believe the statement because they're uneducated racists.
Sadly, I must agree; and the explanation you gave is the exact message that must be broadcast far and wide.