Do all U. S. Presidents surrender their right freely to comment on issues of the day, when asked, or only Republican presidents?
THis is not about their RIGHT to comment. This is about a President understanding the symbolic importance of witholding comment to make clear that certain areas ought not be the province of the federal government.
And yes, I think it behooves all such presidents to remember that there are times when it is best not to comment on a subject. THis is one of those times.