No, actually, it doesn't. It proves that GHWB has the political instincts of a nanny goat. Always did; always will.
I can understand why he wanted to stay out of his son's way during the first term, but this is a time when a strong defense of his son could help. Instead, he refuses to do so but kisses the butt of his own and his son's political enemy. I have lost a huge amount of respect for GHWB.
A couple of weeks ago, in the immediate aftermath of Katrina when his son was being called a racist of the worst kind, GHWB and Barbara were on Larry King and had a perfect opportunity to speak out in defense of their son. Instead, GHWB almost seemed to agree with the critics.
He's a very nice man, and from all accounts from every source, xlinton is charming. There was no lie here.
I haven't lost a single bit of respect for him. A lot of people mellow as they age, and he's just mellowing from sweetness to an 80 year old version of it. He doesn't like controversy, that's all, and he respects the presidency, so he is NEVER going to break the rule of respect that Carter and Clinton have trashed.
This comment is of absolutely no consequence, and those who are saying he isn't a man, or saying that there is some sinister conspiracy here are just wrong.