The story tells it like the Bush campaign worked hard to get her to show and was rebuffed. I would be willing to bet that they actually had enough class to know that she was still in mourning, that she would not want to be a counterpoint to Ron Jr., give the impression of gutter fighting in the family, and that she believes that stem cell research is the way to go which runs counter to the President. The combination makes it an awkward situation. I would bet that the Bushies offered her the opportunity and didn't put any expectations or pressure on it.
And exactly who was this mysterious "Senior GOP Official" who called the morning and sympathetic widow's excuse "bull----?"
The Dems are making this into an issue and it's such a non-issue. They want us to be bicking over something as stupid as this. Personally, I've seen enough of Nancy to last me for quite awhile, thank you.