Edwards Blogger Flap Discomforts Religious Left  —  As the flap over alleged anti-Catholic writings by two John Edwards campaign bloggers devolves into a shouting match between conservative religious voices and liberal bloggers, some members of the "religious left" say they feel - again - shoved to the margins of the Democratic Party.

Edwards' Bloggers Regret Critical Posts  —  WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said Thursday he was personally offended by the provocative messages two of his campaign bloggers wrote criticizing the Catholic church, but he's not firing them.

Okay, so maybe a few more words on this whole Marcotte dustup.  Because Oprah tells me I need closure, and because, well, it dovetails nicely with some of my site themes (UPDATED)  —  Via Bumperstickerist, here is word from the Edwards campaign, which has decided to keep Marcotte and McEwan onboard the Edwards Express:

About My Personal Blog  —  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 …

Patriarchy thwarted!  Edwards to retain Marcotte, McEwan  —  He doesn't explicitly say so, but if they're on their way out, why bother with this?  —  Not since the Trump/Miss USA press conference have I felt so moved by redemption: … It wasn't their intention to malign anyone's faith?

The Trouble With Mary  —  (Graphics luv to commenter Andrea of the Huffington Post who sent this to Arianna.  Seemed so appropriate for today, somehow.)  —  It's just been one of those weeks for Mary Matalin, with all [Cheney's] her own words coming home to roost.