I'm sure in Lord Zero's own inimitable way, he was acknowledging Slick Willie's superior political skills and downplaying his own weak skills by just going ahead and bowing out of the "conversation", knowing full well that Slick Willie would get the job done.
Zero's insanely stupid comment about keeping the First Wookie waiting was just that - stupid - and in no way indicated any loss of confidence in SW's ability to handle the presser in a way that would be beneficial. He was actually being honest with the press in an effort to find a way to graciously bow out.
Zero, despite this momentary idiocy overall isn't stupid - he's simply out of his element.
And he knows it, way down deep in his soul where there is no bullshit.
After all, the First Wookie knows better than anybody who wears the pants in the family.