“Taliban Dan” Webster Answers Alan Grayson’s “Anti-Woman” Charge

FactCheck.org has already debunked Rep. Alan Grayson’s “Taliban Dan” ad, which is quickly becoming the most controversial one of the midterm season. And today Daniel Webster decided to further his own case on Fox News, where he responded to Grayson’s attack.

Webster told viewers what the speech that Grayson edited was really about, explaining that he was originally “talking about the idea of praying for your wife, but don’t pray — don’t pray — the verses that say, ‘Submit to me.’ ” This echoes FactCheck’s assertion that Grayson “edited video to make his rival appear to be saying the opposite of what he really said.”

While some in the media cite previous smear campaigns that Republicans have used against Democrats (the swiftboating of John Kerry first comes to mind), Webster doesn’t see that as an excuse for Grayon’s attack. The Fox News reporter, however, seemed delighted by how Grayson has inadvertently “energized his opponent’s base.” She also brags that polls have Grayson “way behind” Webster with women voters.

Webster confirmed the FNC anchor’s comments, saying that Grayson’s attempts have indeed boosted his fundraising. “I wouldn’t want to try to help my campaign this way,” he said. “But it has helped.”

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!