Bloggers NOT Fired

The John Edwards blog just posted this a short while ago:

From John Edwards: The tone and the sentiment of some of Amanda Marcotte's and Melissa McEwan'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.

There is also a statement from each of the bloggers:

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 McEwan: 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.

Ok, we have the non-apologetic apology (Gee, sorry you took offense at my offensiveness) that is almost mandatory these days. My guess, and it only a guess right now, is that there will be a little interval here and then both bloggers will quietly "Leave for other opportunities", the usual politically graceful way out of a nasty bind. I rather suspect Edwards saw a buzz saw coming at him from the left and knew he had to cover himself fast.

As a number of people have pointed out in the past day, why in the world would people who don't want Edwards to win object to him keeping them both employed? It's like a personal whack-a-mole machine with them on board!