I think GregF has nailed it with this:

"This is just a case of re-arranging the Republican deck chairs on the Titanic..."

Until the Republicans actually demonstrate that they are done using race baiting as their favored campaign tactic, attacking affirmative action, and promoting the symbols of our racist history like the Confederate flag and cross burnings, and the media continues to refuse to challenge them on it, the Republicans will continue to be given free mainstream media coverage while espousing their hate agenda.