Okay, so it's not surprising to learn that the odious Ann Coulter called John Edwards a "faggott" during her CPAC speech. But I wish I could say that I'm surprised about the dismal fact that the audience at the gathering of "chest-thumping conservatives" laughed and applauded.
Media Matters notes that Coulter "previously ridiculed Edwards" for talking about the death of his 16-year-old son. And, of course, the sweetheart of conservatism termed Al Gore "a total fag."
Andrew Sullivan observes that this sad lady "truly represents the heart and soul of contemporary conservative activism . . . The standing ovation for Romney was nothing like the eruption of enthusiasm that greeted her. . . She is the new Republicanism. The sooner people recognize this, the better."
Oh, so that's why Coulter continues to be invited to speak "at the same podium as the Vice President."
This is what the darling of the Republicans said in her speech to the annual gathering of conservatives:
"Oh, and I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards. But it turns out that you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I'm -- so I'm kind of at an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards." [video at Think Progress ]
Coulter was introduced by presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R-MA), thusly: "I am happy to hear that after you hear from me, you will hear from Ann Coulter. That is a good thing. Oh yeah!"
What an honor for Mitt Romney. He has actually been endorsed by Ann Coulter. How nice for him. He has the scum vote all sewed up.
Americablog has the statement issued by the Human Rights Campaign. Here's an excerpt:
"The Conservative Political Action Conference was attended by 2008 Republican Presidential candidates: Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO), Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and former Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Vice President Dick Cheney also attended the event."
"Make no doubt about it, these remarks go directly against what our Founding Fathers intended and have no place on the schoolyard, much less our country’s political arena. . . We demand that every single Presidential candidate in attendance at this conference, along with Vice President Cheney stand up and publicly condemn this type of gutter-style politics. If not, then their silence will be deafening to the vast majority of Americans who believe this type of language belongs no where near the discussions about the future of our country."
Howard Dean has also called for the Republican presidential candidates to denounce Coulter. [via]
Don't hold your breath. At least, not if you're looking for any kind of sincerity.
Photo via Bradblog
Ann Coulter Republicans News Gay Politics Conservative Bigots CPAC 2008 Mitt Romney John Edwards
