I hope this John Edwards statement is enough to put the blogger story to rest, but I have a feeling it won't be:

"The tone and the sentiment of some of Amanda Marcotte's and Melissa McEwen'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."

The media can declare this "asked and answered" -- or the media can continue to let William Donohue throw a fit until he's got his scalps. I hope it's the former, but I've seen too much manipulation of the press by too many full-time umbrage-takers on the right to want to bet the rent money on it. I don't think this will end until he either capitulates or tells his critics in no uncertain terms to take a flying leap. ("We can't let it be hijacked" really might not be strong enough.)