"Politely and privately" wouldn't have cut it in this case. This was not Cunningham on his radio show - he was speaking at an official McCain campaign event, and his words are the words of the campaign until the campaign (or better, the candidate) knocks it down. Responding forcefully and immediately was the best move.
Cunningham’s words were about a 2 on a meteer that goes to 100. They were nothing. This is all just ridiculous, demanding phony respect is dishonest. Let people say what they think. McCain should address only things that are lies, not things he fears might hurt someone’s feelings. We need truth. TRUTH TRUTH TRUTH! Feelings will be what they will be. Cunningham told no lies. If what he said hurt Obama’s feelings then Obama is way too sensitve for poltiical office. Just like McCain. Scary part with McCain, he seeks revenge. He pushes laws that will shut people up.