This reminds me of a West Wing episode. Sam, the president’s speechwriter, convinces a friend to run for office and promises the White House will be behind him. A story is published that the candidate was in an all-white frat in college, implying he is a racist. Sam, who went to the same college, said that since there was a few all-black frats, many other frats tended to be all white. Not by choice, but by circumstance.

The White House decided to not stand behind the guy, because they figured it wasn’t worth the headache and was a distraction to other mid-term races. They basically issued a no comment.

Sam: “Well, he’s a racist now.”

Chief of Staff (Leo): “No, he isn’t.”

Sam: “Sure he is. The White House just said so.”