I don't think it's inconsistent if you assume he's bending the truth to Kay. Vito's like a senator or president, but thinking "They're all crooks, too." He really can't disavow any business corruption in the meeting.

One interesting aspect of the scene is the double use of the word "family." Did Geary mean that in the mafia sense, and Michael mean it personally? I'm not sure.

"All of these men were good listeners; patient men."