@H2O MAN,
I don't know if he meant it as a joke or directed at Palin. Even though the decit thing to do would be to apologize stating that it was directed at Palin and he meant no offense. A simple two second..." my intention wasn't to offend anyone, I'm sorry it anyone misunderstood and took it that way."
Politicians get too caught up in - I can't look weak so I can't say sorry. It happens to all parties and sometimes just common sense and courtesy should prevail (which doesn't seem to common in policitics).