Is the Presidential Race Fueling Hate Speech?

In case you missed this yesterday...we've spoken before about how Words Have Consequences.  FBI statistics have shown a dramatic increase in hate crimes - primarily against Hispanics, but is the Presidential race also providing fuel to the fire? It is astounding that in this day and age someone would stand up and say what this lady says.  It's even more astounding that McCain responds by saying, "No, he is a good and decent citizen," as if being a good man and an Arab were mutually exclusive.