I think Elizabeth Edwards is such a classy woman. John Edwards chose well when he asked her to marry him. Elizabeth responded to the Coulter remarks on the Edwards Blog with this entry. You can read the whole response at the link.
Elizabeth begins her comments with
When Miss Coulter spoke about John at the conservative convention in Washington yesterday, she used a word that she intended as a nasty and derogatory suggestion. John and I have long ago shrugged off the vile words of this person.
I think it is wise to "shrug off" the comments of attention seekers.
However Elizabeth then says
Although her words did not hurt us, they may have hurt some in the gay community. We are all sick and tired of anyone supporting or applauding or introducing hate words into the national dialogue, tired of people thinking that words that cause others pain are fair game.
She clearly condemns Coulter"s words and why.
Elizabeth then notes how John and she feel it is important to stand up to hate mongers.
John gave a graduation speech at NC State several years ago, and in it he said that none of us can stand by when words of bigotry and division are used. It is only when the rest of us stand up and say that this is not acceptable that we drum out the hate-mongers from amongst us.
Her conclusion is the best
Now it is our turn to drown out the hate. Find a way -- whether it is contribution here that sends a message to Miss Coulter and those who applauded her (which, of course, I prefer) or whether it is a statement on this blog or others or all of the above -- but please find a way not to sit silent in acceptance. It doesn't change until we say we will not be silent when this happens.
What will you do to stand up against Coulter and the Republicans that think this is amusing? We all have different ways of not staying silent. Read her whole responseat her blog.
UPDATED: John Edwards responds at his blog:
John Edwards released the following statement today:
Ann Coulter's use of an anti-gay slur yesterday was un-American and indefensible. In America, we strive for equality and embrace diversity. The kind of hateful language she used has no place in political debate or our society at large.
I believe it is our moral responsibility to speak out against that kind of bigotry and prejudice every time we encounter it.