The controversy is that Ann Coulter called John Edwards a “faggot.”

Let’s go to the video tape:

I submit that Ann Coulter is a despicable, opportunistic media whore who says things simply for the shock value. This is just another example of her doing this, except this time it’s slightly funny.

I don’t think she was calling John Edwards gay. She knows he’s not gay and frankly I’d be surprised if she herself wasn’t a lesbian.

I believe she was using the word “faggot” the same way fifth graders use the word—to describe someone as a wuss. She was also making a pop culture reference to the actor from Grey’s Anatomy who went to rehab for calling a fellow cast member, who really was gay, a “faggot.”

Call me insane, call me insensitive but I really think she used some good comedic devices in that clip. She made fun of Edwards’ stance on Iraq and she made fun of the ridiculous reasons some celebrities (Isaiah Washington and Michael Richards) enter rehabilitation centers all in one joke. I think it was fairly well done. Plus, as any comedian would be impressed with, she knew her audience. She was speaking to the Conservative Political Action Committee and knew just what would make them laugh.

In this instance and this instance only, I defend her. You may think her joke wasn’t funny. You may think that she should leave the comedy to comedians. But I think she tried to make the audience laugh and judging by the clip, she succeeded.

Okay, now I’m ready for my flogging.