Well, I think they are shading the facts here, if not openly lying.
The 2008 race was McCain v. Giuliani? What about Romney, who was the leading candidate through the early part of the race? What about Huckabee, who looked like a possible winner for a while? They were both running ahead of Giuliani. And Fred Thompson was possible, too.
The 2000 race was Bush v. Elizabeth Dole? What about McCain? 1996 was Dole v. McCain? For a while, it looked as if Pat Buchanan might get it, until Pat Robertson threw his support to Bob Dole.
The main difference this year is that the MSM and the RNC have a lot less control over things than they would like. And if they try to pull their usual tricks, there may be a revolt.
Your observation matches the thought behind Post #19.