Facebook isn't hedging any bets, it's just not giving into the mob like behavior by the advertisers. Facebook knows that the advertisement dollars were anyways not going to be coming to FB due to the recession, and if they take a political stand at this moment, then they are inviting regulatory risks from the other side.

Facebook is staying neutral, and not giving into any pressure, mostly because Zuckerberg's job is safe and FB has plenty of cash!