No. This is smart. When your opponent is stinking up the joint, the best thing you can do is act like your not that surprised but resist the temptation to "pile on". When the media acts mortified by something their liberal friends have done, you let that speak for itself.
Otherwise, you risk having it turn around to a "see? they're both alike." comment. The last thing you want is to leave the impression that the Pep Rally Memorial is something other than what it was.
I say again, BS. You don't have to rant and rave but when the media acts mortified you should just agree with them. You sure as hell don't want to let the media off of the hook by saying "Oh no, you are wrong. What they did was fine.". The media will be more than happy to have your blessing, and move on to something else.
Geeeeesh! No wonder we don't win a lot of elections.