Journalists and networks hyped the so-called Republican "war on women" during the 2012 election. But ABC and CBS on Wednesday skipped the claim that liberal Congressman Alan Grayson committed domestic abuse against his estranged wife. Only Today show journalist Kristen Welker on Wednesday revealed, "Democratic Congressman Alan Grayson is denying allegations that he shoved his wife, Lolita Grayson." [See video below. MP3 audio here.]
She continued, "According to court documents filed Monday and obtained by the Orlando Sentinel, Ms. Grayson accused her husband of showing up at her Florida home unannounced over the weekend and then deliberately and with force pushed her very hard against the door, causing her to fall to the ground." CBS This Morning and ABC's Good Morning America ignored the accusations. Tuesday night's evening newscasts did as well.
In the past, CBS journalist Nancy Giles has insisted that there is a GOP 'war on women."
In 2012, MSNBC anchor Chris Jansing pushed the "war on women" theme during International Women's Day.
Grayson, who is denying the domestic violence claims, previously lectured, "I will tell you that the war on women is being waged by one party in this country against all of the women in this country. And that party is the Republican Party."
A transcript of the March 5 Today segment is below:
7:06
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: Meantime, Natalie, you've got the story of a lawmaker facing some pretty serious accusations and denying them this morning.
NBC graphic: Domestic Violence Accusation: Rep. Grayson Denies Pushing His Estranged Wife
KRISTEN WELKER: Natalie, good morning to you. Congressman Grayson and his wife of more than two decades are in the middle of a bitter divorce. A private family matter until this week when the Congressman was accused of pushing his wife, accusations he strongly denies.
REP. ALAN GRAYSON: It's not true. It's not an incident at all. It simply isn't the way she described it.
WELKER: Democratic Congressman Alan Grayson is denying allegations that he shoved his wife, Lolita Grayson. According to court documents filed Monday and obtained by the Orlando Sentinel, Ms. Grayson accused her husband of showing up at her Florida home unannounced over the weekend and then deliberately and with force pushed her very hard against the door, causing her to fall to the ground. But Grayson tells a different story.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: So, then, what happened? What exactly happened?
GRAYSON: She hit me and I retreated. That's what happened.
WELKER: Congressman Grayson's office also released a statement saying witnesses at the scene during the time in question also reject Ms. Grayson's versions of events as an outright lie. Sadly, it was Ms. Grayson who physically attacked the Congressman as he attempted to visit with his children. This heavily redacted incident report shows authorities are investigating an allegation of battery and a spokesperson for the Orange County sheriff's office confirms they are conducting a domestic violence investigation with the Grayson family. The family drama comes as Grayson is seeking reelection. He was first elected in 2008, lost reelection in 2010 and then won again two years ago. When asked if he could put the incident behind him, the Congressman continued to defend himself.
GRAYSON: There's nothing to put behind. She's simply lying and I think our statement makes that clear.
WELKER: Now, the Congressman was not arrested and faces no charges. During a telephone conversation, a woman who identified herself as Lolita Grayson said no comment when asked about the incident. Ms. Grayson filed for divorce back in January. The couple has five children. Natalie?
MORALES: All right. Kristen Welker in Washington for us. Thank you, Kristen.
