Verb Agreement and Politics

Cindy McCain asserted, "I have, and always will be, proud of my country," and repeated the sentiment later in Columbus, Ohio.

I am quick to admit that the grammatical gaff[e] isn't too terribly bad. Remembering that people stumping for candidates speak, for the most part, extemporaneously for hours each day, I can forgive the missing verb "been;" but it still bothers me a little.

Cindy, don't mess with Michelle unless you can do so with correct SAE.

ps-I hope this link is permanent.