Today a federal judge denied Fox News Channel's request for an injunction to block liberal humorist Al Franken's new book. The judge said the claim was "wholly without merit, both factually and legally."

Franken, called the ruling a victory for the First Amendment and satirists everywhere -- "even bad satirists." He also said he was grateful for the publicity generated by the suit. Publisher Penguin Group added 50,000 copies to the original run of 270,000 after Fox filed suit.

"In addition to thanking my own lawyers," Franken said, "I'd like to thank Fox's lawyers for filing one of the stupidest briefs I've ever seen in my life."

Fox was seeking an injunction to bar Penguin from distributing copies of the book with its current cover, or any cover that featured the words "fair and balanced." The lawsuit described Franken as a "C-level political commentator" who is "increasingly unfunny." "He is not a well-respected voice in American politics; rather, he appears to be shrill and unstable," the suit said. "His views lack any serious depth or insight."