Death Threats Against Sarah Palin at 'Unprecedented Level,' Aides Say

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Jan. 12, 2010

Palin's Use of the Term Blood Libel Stirs Emotions

When asked by ABC News why the former Alaska governor chose the term "blood libel," a Palin aide responded with Dershowitz's comments and a list compiled by the National Review of recent examples of the use of "blood libel" in the media.

Sarah Palin on the Hot Seat Watch Video

Palin on 'Blood Libel' Watch Video

The Washington Post's Karen Tumulty on 'Top Line' Watch Video

Conservative writer Glenn Reynolds first used the term Monday in a Wall Street Journal op-ed to defend Palin.

"So as the usual talking heads begin their 'have you no decency?' routine aimed at talk radio and Republican politicians, perhaps we should turn the question around," Reynolds wrote. "Where is the decency in blood libel?"

Politicians on both sides of the political aisle have been, for the most part, mum on the issue, although Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., did imply today that Palin likely didn't understand the implications of using such a heavy-handed term.

"Intellectually, she seems not to be able to understand what's going on here," Clyburn said in a radio interview.

ABC News' Mary Bruce contributed to the report.