Girl, anyone over the age of 40, esp those who are already known for their 'views' and are trying to prove otherwise, would not be using that n word, for any reason, as it is a very, very well known (to most in that age group) racial slur, both the shortened and longer version. If he was categorically not racist, he wouldn't be using phrases like that for fear of being branded, well, racist. He knew.
He's not a cute fluffy little old man, it isn't a left wing conspiracy against him, he's a horrible, arrogant twat.