I don't know how to set an environment variale in Mac OS but judging by what they are saying one way to do it is to edit this file they mention called .bash_profile.

"That variable was being set in my .bash_profile"

or Google it:

http://www.google.com/search?q=how+do+I+set+user+environment+variables+in+mac+os%3F&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

64-BIT SUPPORT
Versions 2.6 and 3.0 support 64-bit execution (which is on by default).
Version 2.5 only supports 32-bit execution.

Like the version of Python, the python command can select between 32 and
64-bit execution (when both are available). Use:

% defaults write com.apple.versioner.python Prefer-32-Bit -bool yes

to make 32-bit execution the user default (using
`/Library/Preferences/com.apple.versioner.python' will set the system-
wide default). The environment variable VERSIONER_PYTHON_PREFER_32_BIT
can also be used (has precedence over the preference file):

% export VERSIONER_PYTHON_PREFER_32_BIT=yes # Bourne-like shells
or
% setenv VERSIONER_PYTHON_PREFER_32_BIT yes # C-like shells

Again, the preference setting and environmental variable applies to both
python and pythonw.

>>> % defaults write com.apple.versioner.python Prefer-32-Bit -bool yes
File "<stdin>", line 1
% defaults write com.apple.versioner.python Prefer-32-Bit -bool yes
^
SyntaxError: invalid syntax

It would help if you told us what command you are running.

I do apologize for the lack of Mac support. Python helps Traipse achieve platform universality, however there are few Mac users. I am surprised Paul has not chimed in with some advice.

The command I've been using is "% defaults write com.apple.versioner.python Prefer-32-Bit -bool yes" just like "man python" said.

I haven't said anything because I haven't been sure about what to do.

I've never run across this problem before so I'm learning at the same rate you are but believe me you can get it running.

I do know this, leave the % off of the command line.

That only denotes the beginning of the command line.

I think some systems use it but mac does not.