Political Theater: Dem takes on Vitter for 'Forgotten Crimes'

In today's installment of AC360°'s Political Theater, Tom Foreman is looking at an ad from Louisiana Democratic Rep. Charlie Melancon who is challenging Sen. David Vitter, a Republican seeking re-election.

Here’s the script for Melancon's "Forgotten Crimes":

Charlie Melancon: "I’m Charlie Melancon, and I approve this message."

Narrator: "This time on 'Forgotten Crimes,' caught up with prostitution scandals in Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, a Louisiana politician has been let off the hook. Today we explore the case of the senator and the madame in 'Lawmaker, law breaker.'"

Narrator: "David Vitter won election to the United States Senate as a proud family values politician, but, under the surface, Vitter was battling his own demons."

Unidentified female voice (reporter?): “Things turned public for Vitter when his number appeared on the DC madame's phone list."

Narrator: "But it didn't end there. The scene shifts to New Orleans where a former French Quarter prostitute gave an interview exposing details about her sexual relationship with Vitter."

Prostitute: "He went in, took a shower. Spoke very little to me at first. He did his thing. He wasn't there 15, 20 minutes at that. I was $300."

Narrator: "But his constituents are speaking out. Their identities have been protected at their request."

Retired firefighter: "If you're writin' the laws, you should abide by the laws, and if you break the law, then you should suffer the consequences as a regular citizen."

Narrator: "But political analysts are quick to point out that this isn't over."

Journalist Chuck Todd: "Let's see what happens when David Vitter has to deal with a campaign for the very first time, defending his moral values."

Retired school teacher: "For me, it's not about hookers or cheating on his wife. The man broke the law and there ought to be consequences for that."

Narrator: "At 'Forgotten Crimes,' we get to the bottom of crimes that go unnoticed, but in David Vitter's case, we've only scratched the surface. Senator Vitter has never taken questions, let off the hook by powerful interests in Washington and Louisiana. The only thing that stands between him and re-election are the voters."

Small business owner: "I think voters will be the one that's going to hold him accountable."

Narrator: "But do they have enough information? At 'Forgotten Crimes,' we'll be leaving this file open."

Take a close look at the ad and the claims it makes then render your verdict in the comments section below. You have 4 choices: “Right on,” “It’s a stretch,” “Tall tale,” or “Big fat lie.” Be brief but please give us the evidence in support of your verdict. And two more things: CNN’s comment policy applies and be responsive to our request for help; only submit comments that will help us fact check the ad.