You lose medals by being disqualified. But maybe they cheer when Americans don't win. Keep in mind that some of the broadcasters working for NBC in Turin/Turino are Canadian.
If Mr.Whittington's condition deteriorates, I actually think that politically speaking, it might not hurt Cheney that badly. Right now, aside from the press going bonkers, most people think this story is amusing. Nobody thinks Cheney did it on purpose, so if the person he shot is more seriously injured than we initially believed, the comedians will lay off, and people might be more sympathetic towards the Veep for what he accidentally caused.
Yeah, I don't see that happening. 9/11 couldn't keep these people from blaming Bush for it. You think one old guy dying is going to embarrass them?