Horn I disagree with you plain and simple.
Had the moderator used discression and refered to a past sergery or medical procedure involving one of Cheney family, I'd have come out the box just as hard if Edwards said something like "I respect the fact that you are supporting your wife after her overies were removed," or " I repsect the fact that you supported you wife after her colostomy."
Its rude as hell. If you don't see, I'm sorry for you.
It is the utmost arrogance to compliment someone for doing something that is intrinsic to human beings, like supporting and loving a family member no matter what. I'm sorry you don't see that either.
Its about using extremely personal situations of someone else as a side show. Its disgusting and if you honestly don't see it, it may be a a feux pas dependent on culture