Technically, you're correct. But for all intents and purposes, Alan Keyes presidential bid in 2000 was viewed by most republicans and conservatives, as a third party effort. Keyes' unwillingness to relinquish his campaign, after he was soundly defeated, showed him to be a bitter and angry candidate. All of the President's challengers in 2000, pulled out and allowed George W.Bush to have an open field. Even John McCain placed the party interests before his personal ambitions. No apology is necessary on my part. I do think, Keyes still owes President Bush an apology, for acting like a spoiled brat, during the primaries and just prior to, the general elction.
I strongly doubt that this is true, and if it is true, so what? Back during the days when most (uneducated) people believed that the world was flat, it was no flatter than it is today. A fact is not subject to a democratic vote.