McCain's statement strikes the right note, I think:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Kennedy and his family. We hope and pray his doctors will be able to effectively treat his condition and that he will experience a full recovery. I have described Ted Kennedy as the last lion in the Senate, and I have held that view because he remains the single most effective member of the Senate."
If you're going to say nice things about Ted Kennedy the political figure, that's the right choice: the simple fact is, the man has been enormously influential and effective at advancing his policy goals. Many members of the Senate have left far lighter footprints on the national stage.