A Cringe Moment For Brown's 'Available' Daughter

from National Public Radio

During his acceptance speech Tuesday night, Massachusetts senator-elect Scott Brown thanked his daughters, 21-year-old Ayla and 19-year-old Arianna, and had this to say about them: "Just in case anybody who's watching throughout the country: Yes, they're both available!"

But Brown quickly corrected himself.

"Only kidding; only kidding," he said. "Arianna definitely is not available, but Ayla is."

To some, it was kind of sweet, one of those "Oh, Daaaaaaaadddddd" moments. To others, it was awkward, and to talk show host Glenn Beck, it was suspect.

"I want a chastity belt on this man. I want his every move watched in Washington," Beck said on his Fox News show. "I don't trust this guy."

Ayla said there was "nothing creepy" about her dad's comments, though she did admit to being slightly embarrassed.

Brown's eldest daughter is not new to the national stage: The former American Idol contestant plays basketball for Boston College. But these days, Ayla is also a little busy with her Facebook page.

She said she received more than 1,000 friend requests after her father's acceptance speech — mostly from single men.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, January 21, 2010