Does The McCain Campaign Believe It's Supporters Are Sexist?

Today, the New York Times reports on the “heavily male” crowds at rallies for Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), where her “stoutest defenders are often the Joe Sixpacks in her crowds.” A few of the men interviewed noted Palin’s physical appeal:

– “Mr. McLain wore a ‘Proud to be voting for a hot chick’ button[.]”

– “Yes, some men come to ogle the candidate, too. ‘She’s beautiful,’ said a man wearing a John Deere T-shirt in Weirs Beach. ‘I came here to look at her,’ he said, and his admiration for Ms. Palin’s appearance became more and more animated. Sheepish over his ogling, he declined to give his real name (’Just call me “John Deere” ‘).”

In September, a McCain campaign ad argued that complimenting Palin on her appearance was “sexist.” Does the McCain campaign believe that these supporters — who are echoing other prominent conservatives — are sexist too?