Talk about hate-based politcs. You have to be pretty deep in it to say this:

In his appearance before the 9-11 Commission, Mr. Clarke's theatrical apology on behalf of the nation was not his right, his privilege. In my view it was not an act of humility, but an act of supreme arrogance and manipulation. Mr Clarke can and will answer for his own conduct but that is all.

I have not heard one relative of a victim express this view. The broader point, though, is this: Clarke did something that is profoundly obviously needed- a simple apology on behalf of the government. It does not matter if the government could have prevented the terrorists. An apology helps. It helps.
Further, Frist is off the wall in suggesting Clarke isn't in the place to offer such an apology. The guy was the anti-terror czar! Who the heck is supposed to apologize?