DeLayed reaction

I apologize for the title of my post, but how could I resist? Tom DeLay, along with other Republicans, recently praised the organizational efforts of the Democrats.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080903/pl_politico/13118

I am always curious about the implications of praising the opposition. It seems like this praise is often limited to the technical proficiency of the other side. This is a sort of non-compliment. It carries the suggestion that the opposition is mainly interested in "playing the game." However, the article also notes some concern about McCain's messages to middle- and working-class voters.