I agree there were a whole host of things that contributed to the loss in 2006 -- I just don't think Ann's perceived attacks on 9/11 widows did us any good.
As I recall, Ann's criticism of Cleland and her book implying the Democratic Party was filled with "traitors" pertained to criticism of their political behavior -- not personal insults. (Personally, I don't like the word "traitor" unless it applies to someone that is literally a traitor, but I understand that type of rhetoric happens in political discourse.)
In the past, when controversy about Ann came up, I just dismissed it as Ann being Ann. Yeah, she has a sharp tongue but, so what? In my eyes, she finally "jumped the shark", for lack of a better phrase, with the Jersey Girls stuff. (And perhaps there are other things she's said that were just as harsh that I never noticed because they didn't get that kind of press.)
The bottom line is, there are those who will defend Coulter as an asset to the conservative movement, no matter what. And there are those of us who are starting to see her as a liability. I can't change your opinion about her and you aren't going to change mine. More importantly, Ann isn't going to change no matter what anyone says. In that sense, it is a wasted argument. But I do think it is important for conservatives who object to Ann's words to go on record, so we aren't all painted with her brush. And I'm afraid that is tough spot many of our candidates are now in. They have to distance themselves from Ann's words, without alienating her loyal fans.
I appreciate your perspective. I also appreciate the fact that you, unlike some members of "The Coult," can engage in a civil discussion about Coulter's impact on conservatism without turning it into a battle in which criticism of Coulter makes you a RINO or troll or whatever.
It did give the left something to talk about. But -- and this is why I defend Ann -- anybody who tries is going to make a mistake, and I'd rather see her throwing punches than nobody throwing punches, and in many cases she's the only one willing to do so.
The Jersey Girls needed to be smacked. What they did concerning the 9/11 Commission, testifying before Congress, and asking for more money was very, very wrong on many levels, and far worse than anything Ann did.
And I think as time passes, this will come to be understood and soley because of what Ann wrote.
Granted, I wish she phrased it differently, but if we demand perfection nothing happens.
Concerning Edwards, that was just a joke that flopped. If the left makes too big a thing about it it's going to backfire. I suspect it is already hurting Edwards, despite his claims he's using it as fundraiser. Lots of people saw this video for instrance, who would not have without the controversy.