Republican presidential hopefuls have heeded HRC and John Amaechi's mutually beneficial calls for an Ann Coulter apology.

As the "faggot" stink became a stench, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney all issued denouncements. McCain and Giuliani's statements sound as if they were prepackaged for such an event. McCain spokesman Brian Jones said simply, "The comments were wildly inappropriate." Giuliani echoed the sentiment, but took the idea to a bit of higher level: "The comments were completely inappropriate and there should be no place for such name-calling in political debate." No way. Politics should be a friendly game of wit and skill.

Meanwhile, Mitt Romney - the former Massachusetts governor known for his politically opportunistic homophobia - and his campaign team had this to say: "It was an offensive remark. Governor Romney believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect." It should have continued, "But not of they're gay and want to marry. That's sinful."

Asked for a reaction to the Republican outcry, Ms. Coulter played down the brouhaha by employing some of her signature flippancy: "C’mon, it was a joke. I would never insult gays by suggesting that they are like John Edwards. That would be mean." Okay, that's pretty funny...

(Image courtesy Pretty On The Outside)