Judging by the number of news articles I saw about this, I suspect they might have done better to 'silence' her by ignoring her. She did this for attention and they gave it to her. It's not like her little speech was going to change anything.
That was my first thought, but I heard Krauthammer express an interesting idea. If Mitch McConnell is thinking far ahead, this was a good move. It gives Warren lots of attention, sympathy, and money. It helps position her for a run in 2020. If the Republicans can help maneuver her into the front spot in the Dem party, 2020 will be a cakewalk.
Now, does McConnell think that far ahead?