But Obama was only 26 years old at the time of the Tawana Brawley incident!
Seriously, though, I do think a contrast could be made. McCain and Palin simply need to say that they had been told one of their young volunteers was attacked and they called out of concern, and they're horrified to learn that she was a disturbed young woman who needs help. All of which is the truth.
Unlike the people who egged on Tawana Brawley (who supposedly told her lie simply because she had stayed out late that night and was afraid of her violent stepfather's reaction) and created the giant web of lies, the McCain campaign certainly can't be charged with attempting to perpetrate or encourage this in any way.
I'm not sure Obama and friends really want people reminded of the Tawana Brawley case. I'm sure Al Sharpton thinks it would get in the way of his appointment as Secretary of State.