"...it seems to me that most politicians put down hecklers as quickly as he/she can. Sarah Palin is the best I've ever seen at it."

If Palin can hear "hecklers" who voice disagreement with her, and is so good at responding to them, how can anyone claim that she (& McCain) couldn't possibly hear loud shouts of "Kill him!" and shouldn't be expected to respond to those inappropriate reactions?

The answer, I think, is that in their desperation, the GOP candidates are intentionally whipping up irrational fear and hatred, and have no intention of interrupting the development of a fully rabble-roused atmosphere at their rallies by scolding any of their most rabid followers.