[if Trump had read a statement written by them, saying exactly what they wanted — as he basically did Monday — they would still lay the events at his feet.]
While I cannot comment on how others would judge Trump I think it is safe to say LESS people would have still laid the events at his feet.  More pointedly LESS REPUBLICANS would have laid the events at his feet.
[There's no apology for their hate.]
But given Trump's actions today there are certainly a lot of attempts to distract from their hate.
[An honest conversation about race...]
is nigh impossible in this current politically entrenched environment.  It doesn't help any that Trump hates on anyone who disagrees with him even if they are from his own party (McConnell) even if they are one of his earliest supporters (Sessions).  His every action condones if not and arguably outright officially sanctions hatred and bullying in his belief of what he does is right and good or to put it another way, "Modern Day Presidential."