The thrust of Herbert's column is not that Ashcroft's conduct in the White case was revealed to be racist, but it showed Ashcroft to be a political scumbag. I agree it is well put. But note Herbert's close:
. . . A Republican senator, who asked not to be identified, told me this
week that he could not justify Mr. Ashcroft's treatment of Ronnie
White, but that it would be wrong to suggest that the attack on his
nomination was racially motivated.
That may or may not be so. It would be easier to believe if Mr.
Ashcroft did not have such a dismal record on matters related to
race. . . . "
In other words, the race dimension of the White case is raised by inference, not by anything simple & explicit.
You are right to focus on the demagogic aspect of A's conduct, and with some explanation this can be related to race.
mbs