After a suspenseful day in which John Edwards weighed his response to conservative criticism of Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwen's "anti-Catholic" pre-Edwards blog posts, the candidate has reached a decision.
Contrary to what Salon reported yesterday, Marcotte and McEwen weren't fired by John Edwards. Although Edwards said he was "personally offended" by what Marcotte and McEwen wrote, he said they assured him it wasn't their intention to offend anyone.
From the press release and the Edwards blog:

Senator 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."

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 McEwen:

"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."

Now let's hope that this non-scandal can appropriately fade into the background.

Technorati Tags: edwards, marcotte, mcewen, pandagon