This is a bit over the top, no? Laura Bush didn't SAY it was sexism: she was asked by a reporter and then simply responded by saying it was possible. The question was dumb, as there's no way to answer it, since no one can guarantee that it ISN'T sexism, either. Perhaps the best answer would be an "I certainly hope not," but it's not as though Mrs Bush is making the allegation in her response
Yes, there is a way to answer it.
She could have said "No Matt, I don't believe that opposition to H Miers is necessarily borne out of sexism. Here's why I believe she is a good nominee: ______"
Laura Bush knew what she was doing. She knew this question was coming. I can promise you she prepared for this very question, and had her answer in mind before he asked it.
Politicians (or their spokespeople) don't say things they don't mean and they never say things by accident.
Gillespie was first with the charge, she is just sontinuing the same approach.