Suppose that a public figure has said or done something that many people consider offensive, outrageous or despicable — for example, lied about his military service or insulted people’s religious convictions. Should he apologize?
Let’s assume that his goal is not to be a good person, but only to improve his standing — to increase the chance that he will be elected, get confirmed by the Senate or keep his job.
Recent evidence converges on a simple answer: An apology is a risky strategy. CONT.
Cass R. Sunstein (Harvard Law School), New York Times