I think that's a bit unfair. He was put into a tight spot. He didn't say, "no maam, that's not true. He's not an Arab, he's a decent family man." He was addressing her fears that Obama can't be trusted. McCain's words can, of course, be taken that way, and may cost him some votes (if any Middle Easterners would have voted for him anyway), but if you hate the guy, there probably isn't much he can say that wouldn't piss you off.