Yes. That "innocent until proven guilty" comes in useful sometimes, doesn't it?
Or does it not apply to Republicans?
It does, of course.... but note... that receiving the benefit of a reasonable doubt (or in this case, lack of evidence) is not the same as "exoneration".
"Exoneration" as I see it, is positive proof of one's innocence. In some cases exoneration is as impossible as presuming a negative (I think this case counts as that).
Well, that's me... let me look at a dictionary.
exculpate
One entry found for
exculpate.
Main Entry:
ex·cul·pate 
Pronunciation: 'ek-(")sk&l-"pAt, (")ek-'
Function:
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):
-pat·ed;
-pat·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin
exculpatus, past participle of
exculpare, from Latin
ex- + culpa blame
: to clear from alleged fault or guilt
-
ex·cul·pa·tion /"ek-(")sk&l-'pA-sh&n/
noun
synonyms [SIZE=-1]EXCULPATE[/SIZE],
[SIZE=-1]ABSOLVE[/SIZE],
[SIZE=-1]EXONERATE[/SIZE],
[SIZE=-1]ACQUIT[/SIZE],
[SIZE=-1]VINDICATE [/SIZE]mean to free from a charge.
[SIZE=-1]EXCULPATE [/SIZE]implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance <
exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm>.
[SIZE=-1]ABSOLVE [/SIZE]implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin <cannot be
absolved of blame>.
[SIZE=-1]EXONERATE [/SIZE]implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt <exonerated by the investigation>.
[SIZE=-1]ACQUIT [/SIZE]implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge <voted to
acquit the defendant>.
[SIZE=-1]VINDICATE [/SIZE]may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame <her judgment was
vindicated>.
