This is also correct. If Rove was such a genius then he would have called Lott ASAP to tell him to CLARIFY the remarks NOT apologize. This was not done. The Bushies were silent, then distanced themselves as soon as possible to leave Lott (and the party) dangling by fingernails.
The problem is that, in today's world, no matter how principled a position is, it will never hold up to cold, calculated political opportunism. Therefore, the first order of business is to stand against trumped up politically motivated charges. Then deal with the principles on your own terms.
One can only hope that extreme demagoguery from Democrats, coupled with principled responses from Republicans, will reinforce the concept that "adults are [still] in charge."
-PJ