There would be comments about Hitler and the KKK. The NAACP would start a press campaign and Revs. Jackson and Sharpton would be in the streets with bullhorns. Romney would be shamed out of politics. Same thing for Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum.
Of course, the Democrats would not be the only ones appalled by this behavior. The Republicans would also repudiate a candidate who openly and specifically tried to marshal a racial or religious vote. Santorum might appeal to Catholics because of his positions, but he doesn't try to get an endorsement from the Pope.
So, isn't it strange that this occurred and not one peep has come from ABC, CBS, Fox, CNN, MSNBC, BBC,... any major press outlet. Even the Republican Party hasn't taken out attack ads. Why do you suppose that could be?