Threading the Needle
It’s about as good as he could do given the story had taken off, but it should kill it and shows some backbone:
Subject: EDWARDS STATEMENT ON CAMPAIGN BLOGGERS AMANDA MARCOTTE AND MELISSA McEWEN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2007EDWARDS STATEMENT ON CAMPAIGN BLOGGERS AMANDA MARCOTTE AND MELISSA McEWEN
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – The statements of Senator John Edwards, Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwen in reference to their work as independent bloggers before joining the Edwards campaign are below.
Senator John Edwards:
“The tone and the sentiment of some of Amanda Marcotte’s and Melissa McEwe n’s posts personally offended me. It’s not how I talk to people, and it’s not how I expect the people who work for me to talk to people. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that kind of intolerant language will not be permitted from anyone on my campaign, whether it’s intended as satire, humor, or anything else. But I also believe in giving everyone a fair shake. I’ve talked to Amanda and Melissa; they have both assured me that it was never their intention to malign anyone’s faith, and I take them at their word. We’re beginning a great debate about the future of our country, and we can’t let it be hijacked. It will take discipline, focus, and courage to build the America we believe in.”
Amanda Marcotte:
“My writings on my personal blog, Pandagon on the issue of religion are generally satirical in nature and always intended strictly as a criticism of public policies and politics. My intention is never to offend anyone for his or her personal beliefs, and I am sorry if anyone was personally offended by writings meant only as criticisms of public politics. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are central rights, and the sum of my personal writings is a testament to this fact.”
Melissa McEwen:
“Shakespeare’s Sister is my personal blog, and I certainly don’t expect Senator Edwards to agree with everything I’ve posted. We do, however, share many views – including an unwavering support of religious freedom and a deep respect for diverse beliefs. It has never been my intention to disparage people’s individual faith, and I’m sorry if my words were taken in that way.”
February 8th, 2007 at
Put those shock paddles away. It’s no use; the patient is dead. At least Edwards had a longer run than ol’ DOA Biden!
February 9th, 2007 at
I wonder if these two used the same vitriol but directed it at say, black people, if they’d get the same treatment.
February 9th, 2007 at
“I wonder if these two used the same vitriol but directed it at say, black people, if they’d get the same treatment.”
No, because it’s totally different. There’s a fundamental difference between attacking religious doctrine (which is a personal belief system) and somebody’s race (which is an immutable trait). Now, if Amanda had said, “All Catholics are Bad People”, then you might have a point.
February 10th, 2007 at
So being a bigot is ok, as long as it is to the right people… got it.
February 10th, 2007 at
“So being a bigot is ok, as long as it is to the right people”
I just went looking over at Shakespeare’s Sister for anti-Catholic bigotry. I found some posts where she’s clearly not *fond* of Catholic doctrine and some where she refers to the Pope with something less than unquestioning reverence. There one post where she points out the silliness of banning tampon commercials during the Pope’s visit, so as not to “offend” him. No real bigotry.
Maybe I’m just not sensitive enough to this sort of thing. This whole kerfluffle has been orchestrated by William Donahue, who has in the past complained of the “secular Jews” running Hollywood and the gay “death style” (whatever that is), among other things. I guess if anyone would recognize bigotry, it’s Donahue.
February 10th, 2007 at
“So being a bigot is ok, as long as it is to the right people… got it.”
Again, do you understand the distinction between attacking a group of people and attacking an idea system? Do you think Voltaire, Richard Dawkins, or Salman Rushdie is a bigot?
February 12th, 2007 at
Actually, Shakespeare’s Sister blogger was in trouble for the use of the word Christofacist. Of course, that wasn’t to describe all Christians, it was to describe the particular brand of Christianity that is fascist confusing faith in God with faith in a country. It’s also meant to make fun of the oxymoronic word Islamofascism.
===I wonder if these two used the same vitriol but directed it at say, black people, if they’d get the same treatment.
This is akin claiming criticism of Farakhan for something he says is criticizing blacks. IOW, it’s another amazing example of your stupidity John.