Whether or not Obama intended to call Palin a pig with lipstick and McCain a smelly old fish there are an array of proper responses that rise far above whining, responding in kind, or playing the sympathy card. Alluding to the comment while playing up one of Obama’s previous gaffes and/or noting that he’s just not ready and/or doesn’t have the judgment might be a powerful response. While they don’t need to I think Team McCain can take an elegant shot at Obama’s self-control here if they so desire.

And I concure wholeheartedly with Grace: just turn Sarah loose on Obama. She’ll gut him like a trout and never come close to having as tone-deaf a moment as Obama just had.