In terms that resonate with today's news, DeLillo responded to Will's assertion that his novel was "an act of literary vandalism and bad citizenship":

She was challenged on Radio Scotland to respond to Ian Davidson's assertion that he had used the past tense.

In a court address, DeChristopher responded to Huber's assertion:

Aaron R. Marcu, assistant United States attorney, said the order prohibited him from responding to the judge's assertion that prosecutors encouraged the secrecy orders.

Rather than respond to the prosecution's assertion that General Noriega was a risk to flee the country, Mr. Rubino said the court had no jurisdiction.

Batman extinguishes the flame and responds to Nigma's assertion that they are now allies with hostile dismissal.

Asked to respond to Divac's assertion, Adelman declined to come up with a specific number, but said, "I know he had more than two in the first half."

P.B.A. officials declined to respond to the Mayor's assertion that their legal troubles had undermined the talks.

Responding to Bauer's assertion that he had never violated his wedding vows, another reporter cracked, "President Clinton said that too."

Instead of responding to the Master's assertion, she said obliquely, "That smog that yellow shroud.