Firstly, Bill Maher isn't a liberal commentator. He is a comedian on HBO. Ann Coulter however is a conservative commentator. One, which works for (or at least appears on) an alleged reputable news organization... Fox Noise.
Secondly, not only does Coulter damage conservatism, she also cheapens the political debate in the entire nation, by turning it into a series have irrelevant personal attacks. This is largely the point Mrs. Edwards was trying to make. For more insight into the history between Elizabeth Edwards and that succubus Coulter, I urge people to check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBm22-mfABs as well.
Thirdly, The rift between Coulter and Edwards far surpass her appearance on Good Moring America. You criticize Mrs. Edwards for her responding to Coulter’s ungodly insults, but what do you want from her. Last I checked, family values was at the core of Conservatism. What demonstrates family values more than a mother defended her dead son or wife defending her slandered husband? Perhaps her taking on and Coulter was not the most professional thing to, but certainly it is what any strong woman should do.
Bush ignoring his criticism would be commendable if it weren’t for the fact he routinely rejects reality and reason routinely as well. Not to mention many of his insults are warranted at this point.