Yes, but at some point campaigns run by the same organizations/personnel exhibit patterns that are discernible. At that point, it is appropriate to acknowledge that patterns of poorly-executed campaigns indicate poorly-executed campaigns.
The media is always "against you." While I agree this can seem insurmountable, I do not agree that a candidate has "no control" over the tenor of the race.
Control may have to start in the proactive phase--as in controlling one's mouth in the first place--but that can go a long way toward not feeding the media monster.
Sad. The closest Senate race in VA history---
State Elections Board Makes Webb's Win Official by 9,329 Votes
Washington Post, United States - Nov 27, 2006
... 27 -- The Virginia State Board of Elections on Monday certified Democrat James Webb as the winner of one of the closest US Senate races in state history ...