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Edwards
Uses Coulter 'Faggot' Remark
To Raise
Funds
By
365Gay.com from the Web, March 4, 2007
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Washington -- Democratic
presidential hopeful John Edwards is turning conservative commentator Ann
Coulter's description of him as a "faggot" into a fundraising tool.
Following a prepared speech Friday at the Conservative Political Action
Conference Coulter was asked about Edwards.
"It turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I'm
kind of at an impasse -- I can't really talk about Edwards," she said.
The use of "rehab" was reference to "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington
going into rehab following the firestorm reaction to his use of the word at the
Golden Globes in relation to co-star T.R. Knight.
Coulter's use of the word surprised many in the audience at the Conference -- a
far right GOP group that attracted Republican Presidential candidates from Mike
Huckabee to Mitt Romney to the same stage.
But while some were reportedly shocked by Coulter's use of "faggot" others
applauded.
The Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
demanded an immediate apology.
“Ann Coulter’s use of this anti-gay slur is vile and unacceptable,” said GLAAD
president Neil G. Giuliano, “and the applause from her audience is an important
reminder that Coulter’s ugly brand of bigotry is at the root of the
discriminatory policies being promoted at this gathering.”
But Coulter has no intention of apologizing.
"I'm so ashamed, I can't stop laughing!," she says on her website.
Two GOP candidates on the podium with Coulter when she made the remark issued
condemnations on Saturday.
“The comments were completely inappropriate and there should be no place for
such name-calling in political debate,” said Rudy Giuliani.
Romney issued his statement through his spokesperson.
“It was an offensive remark. Governor Romney believes all people should be
treated with dignity and respect," said press aid Kevin Madden.
John McCain who did not attend CPAC, also denounced Coulter's remarks.
“The comments were wildly inappropriate,” said his spokesperson, Brian Jones.
While the Political Action Conference and GOP have remained silent, DN C chair
Howard Dean called Coulter’s remarks "hate-filled and bigoted."
“While Democrats and Republicans may disagree on the issues, we should all be
able to agree that this kind of vile rhetoric is out of bounds. The
American people want a serious, thoughtful debate of the issues,” Dean said in a
statement.
But John Edwards has turned the issue into what his campaign hopes is a
positive.
On his campaign website Edwards is calling on supporters to "help us raise
$100,000 in 'Coulter Cash' this week to keep this campaign charging ahead and
fight back against the politics of bigotry"
Edwards is not the first Democrat Coulter has labeled a "faggot". In the
past she has used it to describe Vice President Al Gore, former President Bill
Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton.
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