Al Franken Would Make a Great President

[MrPurple]

I was watching some video of him questioning Trump's appointees and he's fantastic - knowlegable, focused - he made Betsy DeVos look ridiculous. He never gets mentioned as a Presidential candiate, but I'd love to see him run. He's not owned by corporate interests, gets along with people on the other side of the aisle while advocating for his principles, is humorous, down to earth, and well versed in the issues.

I think there's the perception that as a former comedian, he wouldn't be saleable in a general election and I'm not sure if he could deliver the passionate oratory like Obama and Bill Clinton did, but he's a candidate I'd really feel good about.

[underpants]

1. Man he is on a lot of committees

And he did a great job.


This was flat out embarrassing

[Eliot Rosewater]

2. I disagree

in comparison to Trump he would not make a "great" president.

He would make a "monumentally wonderfully qualified president who is leaps and bounds better than Donald Trump in his wildest imaginations"

[andym]

71. His wit would really provoke Trump

which would be effective in a campaign.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

77. Wouldn't anybody?! haha

[Charles Bukowski]

80. I have old sweaters that would make for better presidents than

Donald Trump, but I get your point.

[BeyondGeography]

3. He should run

I want a big field in 2020 and he needs to be part of it.

[Greybnk48]

4. You forgot about Bonzo's daddy!

He was a comedian AND a joke!

Al Franken is brilliant and would make a fantastic President.

[Paladin]

5. He'll have my full support in 2020, if the opportunity presents itself.

This country will need a kind, intelligent hand guiding it back to normalcy after what Trump does to it---and Al Franken would be a wonderful choice.

[Tripper11]

6. I was just thinking as I was listening to him speak/question Price

Him and Warren, either or, any order would be a great team to take into 2020!

[MrPurple]

12. The right has successfully vilified Warren too much

I'm from Mass and support Eliz Warren, but although it might be sexist and for a lot of reasons not admirable, the right has generated a lot of energy caricaturing her. I'd fear that in a general election, they'd tee off on her with such intensity that it would be effective with their rubes and the result would be like with Hillary.

Franken, though, is so comfortable in his own skin and able to deflect attacks with genuineness and humor, without getting ruffled, that I think he'd be tougher for them to do that to. Against Trump on a debate stage, his wit, knowledge, authenticity and calm would be a really effective contrast.

[VoicesAcrossAmerica]

72. Turnout vs Republican behavior

So, this is something everyone needs to understand -- Trump didn't get any more votes. Clinton got fewer. What this means is that Democrats didn't vote in close to the same numbers that they voted for Obama.

We cannot concern ourselves about Republican behavior. Trump has proven that they will vote for anyone if he has an R by his name. In fact, Clinton's campaign lost in part due to its strategy of trying to appeal to Republican Women. They thought they could peel off Republicans rather than pushing their own voters to vote. Consequently, for a variety of reasons many fewer Democrats voted in this election in the battleground states.

Dems need to spend about 1/2 the money on TV that they spent in this election and throw all of that money into field and local newspapers/radio.

Enthusiasm makes a huge difference when 40% of the country doesn't vote and they skew overwhelmingly democrat.

[Warren DeMontague]

22. Franken's a deadhead, too.

So he has good taste in music.

[bettyellen]

7. I wonder if we're ready for him- we should be after this clown Trump where anything goes...

I like him and think he can think on his feet and be a wise as but is still a very genuine guy.

[loyalsister]

8. He'd be 69

We need candidates who are not quickly approaching average life expectancy. 76 for men. We need to have some sense about it. They will run a young candidate and when there is a measurable difference, the younger candidate wins. An exception being Reagan who was and actor and had no trouble casting an image of youth. But, of course he left the WH with the ordinary body brain failings that come with age. He was 69 when he got elected.

[colorado_ufo]

32. Averages can be deceiving.

In this case, it takes into account all men of every economic and education level, as well as every kind of lifestyle (e.g. smokers and non-smokers). At 69, and with good health, there's still a lot of tread on the tires.

[loyalsister]

54. Nevertheless

Age of onset for a multitude of conditions resulting from the obvious natural processes cut across demographics. We can be as dumb as republicans were in 1980, but it's probably best to avoid the obvious pitfalls. We are foolish to not learn from history and not pay attention to the world around us as baby boomers are aging.

[MrPurple]

33. 70 is the new 60

I'd agree that in 4 years, Bernie's age would be prohibitive. But, even though he's antichrist level horrendous, Trump's age wasn't an issue. Watching the clips of Franken grilling DeVos & Sessions, he could easily pass for someone 10 years younger than he is.

[loyalsister]

58. Measurable difference

There was non between Trump and Hillary. Meanwhile, Bush the elder, and Bob Dole were both old enough to be Bill Clinton's father. I don't know if the span was as great between Obama's opponents, but it was a very remarkable age difference.

70 seems younger because people are living longer with chronic conditions and illnesses. It doesn't mean that it is anything but completely ridiculous to nominate someone who is at the ripe age for developing them. The presidency is exhausting.

[TexasBushwhacker]

52. The average age of 76 is from birth

Once a man has made it to 69, his life expectancy is another 15 years (17 for females). If he's a non-smoker it's probably a little higher.

[loyalsister]

56. We would be ridiculously stupid

It's a formula that failed republicans in 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012.

[TexasBushwhacker]

60. I don't agree

George Bush lost in 1992 because Perot pulled 20% of the popular vote, disproportionately from the Republicans and right leaning Independents.

Dole's age may have been a factor in '96, but Jack Kemp was a pretty solid choice for VP. Perot was still in the mix with 8.4% of the popular vote.

I do agree that McCain's age may have been a factor in 2008, but choosing Palin for VP was catastrophic.

Romney was 65 in 2012 and had a solid choice for VP in Ryan. I think the fact that he's Mormon was more of a problem than his age. A lot of evangelicals consider Mormonism a cult and they just stayed home.

[loyalsister]

64. Are you going to claim that age had absolutely zero effect?

Just as it was irresponsible for office holders to not retire so that they can mentor someone to take over their seat, it's irresponsible to not pay attention to obviously influential dynamics.

[TexasBushwhacker]

65. Did I say zero?

I'm not saying it wasn't a factor at all, but I believe other things were bigger factors. I heard people mention McCain's age and cancer history, but they were truly frightened at the thought of Palin being a heartbeat from the presidency.

The thing that cooked Bush's goose was the "Read my lips. No new taxes." and then raising taxes. That and his horrible choice of Dan Quayle as VP.

The economy was recovering in '96, so it was an uphill battle for Dole under the best of circumstances. With Perot still in the mix, it wasn't the best of circumstances. Plus, Dole was chosen as the Republican nominee because it was "his turn". That rarely works out well for either party.

I absolutely did not hear anyone mentioning Romney's age as an issue. I did hear people having a problem with his Mormonism.

I think age isn't an issue much for Republican's because they are the party of old ideas, the status quo. With the Democrats, I think new ideas are more important than newer bodies.

[BlueStater]

59. How do you know they'll nominate a younger candidate?

Since 1976, the only nominee they've had who's actually been younger than 60 is GWB.

1976: Ford (63)
1980: Reagan (69)
1984: Reagan (73)
1988: Bush (64)
1992: Bush (68)
1996: Dole (73)
2000: Bush (54)
2004: Bush (58)
2008: McCain (72)
2012: Romney (65)
2016: Trump (70)

They had their chance to nominate somebody younger in 2016 and instead they gravitated towards the septuagenarian bigot with no political experience.

Since I strongly suspect that the orange turd is not going to last his whole term, chances are Pence will be the sitting president and nominee. He'll be 61 then.

[loyalsister]

62. There was no measurable age difference between W and either of his opponents

The GOP has been grooming younger candidates for a long time while we've been pretending ours will live forever. Look at governorships and other elected officials. Scott Walker, Paul Ryan, etc.

[colorado_ufo]

75. One more thing:

Other societies see the value in the wisdom acquired through age; ours tends to fixate on youth.

Wisdom is different from knowledge and is mostly acquired hard-won through experience. Through wisdom comes good judgment.

Years ago my flight instructor, Bill Lyddon (whom I revered for his simple common sense and wisdom), said that, to fly, you needed three things: Knowledge, skill, and judgment. He said, "You can actually fly without knowledge; you can also fly without skill; but if you fly without judgment, it's only a matter of time."

[loyalsister]

79. What good is it if a person is low on energy?

Valueing wisdom doesn't mean putting unrealistic demands on a person. The presidency is exhausting, and energy diminishes with age. Common sense - a person who is beginning to feel their age comprehends the disparity between their own energy and the demands of the job.

It would not be recommended that people who have had little sleep should be flying planes.

[MrPurple]

83. Martin Scorsese & Bernie Sanders aren't low on energy

I think it depends a lot on the individual. A good President also delegates and their wisdom judgment is key in deciding whose counsel to seek.

[loyalsister]

86. And you know this how?

What time do they go to bed and get up? Are they able to adjust to varying time zones quickly and easily? This is a dumb conversation and a silly idea. If we have any sense at all, we will find someone under 60 to run.

[ananda]

9. I'd vote for him.

I'd vote for Warren too.

[demmiblue]

10. He is likeable and seems like a very knowledgeable and astute person...

his grilling of DeVos was outstanding.

Plus, he can do this:

That being said, I would have to know more about his record in order to fully support him for such an important position.

[longship]

66. Like to see him do that on the senate floor during a filibuster.

It would hit the top of the news.



A man of many talents! A renaissance man!
Al Frankenstein! <== stupid iPhone spellcheck. I think I'll leave it that way.

[Orsino]

11. I wouldn't have said he was ready...

...but last November we buried the bar under forty feet of landfill.

[Warren DeMontague]

21. Obama was supposed to not be "ready", and he did a great job.

[MrPurple]

41. By 2020, he'll have served in the Senate 11 years

He'd have lots of genuine experience and an interest and knowledge of policy that exceeds many.

[malaise]

13. Why don't we all stop focusing on the lead actor for the party

and find the script/the philosophical underpinnings of the party.

[MrPurple]

14. We can do both. We need visible leaders to make the case & Franken's among the best

[NewJeffCT]

16. Whoever runs the more charismatic candidate

tends to win at the presidential level.

1980 - Ronald Reagan was more charismatic than Jimmy Carter, maybe the most charismatic Republican since Teddy Roosevelt? Wins handily against Carter.
1984 - Reagan again was more charismatic than the smart and competent Mondale.
1988 - Neither candidate was charismatic, but Dukakis was an epic stiff and Bush was riding Reagan's coattails.
1992 - Clinton was far more charismatic than Bush, maybe the most charismatic Democrat since JFK.
1996 - Clinton again was far more charismatic than the stiff and stern Bob Dole
2000 - Bush jr had a fake down home charm that led him to victory over the aloof and angry Gore
2004 - Bush Jr again, defeating the smart and competent Kerry
2008 - Obama was far more charismatic than the angry and bland McCain
2012 - Obama again vs the elitist and out of touch Romney
2016 - Trump has that smarmy con-man charisma and barely beat the smart and competent Clinton.

[MrPurple]

31. Agree, this usually outweighs everything

This has probably been true since the JFK/Nixon debate because of television.

[kimbutgar]

51. Looking back I wish Hillary had won in 2008 picked Obama as her VP

And then we would have got President Obama in 2016 for the next 8 years.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

61. I'm not sure that she would've won in 2008.

April 2008:

http://abcnews.go.com/images/PollingUnit/1063a3The08Race.pdf
Obama 49%
McCain 44%

Clinton 45%
McCain 48%

The number of Americans who see Clinton unfavorably overall has risen to a record high in ABC/Post polling, 54 percent – up 14 points since January. Obama’s unfavorable score has reached a new high as well, up 9 points, but to a lower 39 percent. A favorability rating is the most basic measure of any public figure’s popularity; it’s trouble when unfavorable views outscore favorable ones. That’s now the case for Clinton, alone among the current candidates

[malaise]

17. You need visible leaders who believe in something

not a reality TV leader who says one thing and does another.
Note I make no judge of Al Franken who is way ahead of many intellectually and in terms of his media skills - he's very likeable but what does he believe

[LanternWaste]

23. I found his top seven issues in 14 seconds.

"he's very likeable (sic) but what does he believe..."

I found his top seven issues in 14 seconds. Maybe I simply find the internet more convenient to use than other people, but 99% of the questions I ask in sincerity, I can find without issue.

I will however, rationalize my lack of responsibility to find, and/or my inability to locate answers to any insincere queries I pose.

[malaise]

63. Al Franken who is way ahead of many intellectually and in terms of his media skills n/t

[Behind the Aegis]

15. I agree.

But, I can foresee some problems from our side should he decide to run. 6 guesses.

[demmiblue]

57. Yes, our side is not immune to anti-Semitism (saw that during the primaries).

Or to anti-Muslim rhetoric disguised as concern regarding Rep. Ellison.

[Behind the Aegis]

70. Almost always admitted begrudgingly. n/t

[progressoid]

18. I love Al, but I'm not sure he'd resonate with the rest of the country.

IMHO.

[ProfessorPlum]

19. He's already written the book

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dhafUGywL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[grantcart]

20. my first choice

[IronLionZion]

24. Oh like a former reality TV personality?

Trump, Reagan, Arnold, oh yeah Hollywood is so liberal that the GOP is the only party to actually run and elect actors into office.

America has no problem electing a former comedian.

He's a great Senator and I caucused for him in Minnesota, but not sure if he'd even want to run for President. Very few on our side want it.

[MrPurple]

43. The fact that he doesn't seem to aspire to being President makes him even stronger

If he did run, the fact that he isn't someone who seems like he's been clocking the Presidency as his ultimate ambition could make him more desirable. Part of the negative perception of Hillary was that her ambition was to be President from the day she first ran for the Senate.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

25. I love him. He's brilliant!

And funny...wonderfully self deprecating, cool... I think many people would like his vibe. And he values liberal/progressive values.

The Nazis would go on attack..we'd get to see anti Semitic front and center as we see misogyny and racism against Hillary and Obama.

[MrPurple]

29. I don't think the anti-semitism would lose votes

I think some potentially Democratic votes shifted over racism/sexism with Obama & Hillary (and those traits helped turn out some voters for them), but my perception is that fewer of the Jew haters are likely to vote Democrat anyway. It didn't seem to be much of a factor when Lieberman was the VP nominee.

The stereotype of Jews being competent/smart is pervasive and those that buy into the Zionist conspiracy for global domination are head over heels Trump voters already. Where I think Fox and the right would try to characterize Franken would be with the Hollywood elite limosine liberal thing, which is insane when their populist alternative is a billionaire living in a gold plated palace atop a skyscraper, but I'd think that would be their angle.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

35. Hmmmm....good points

I see what you mean, yes. And anti-semitism isn't as widespread in the U.S. as racism and misogyny are.

They'd want to stay fairly close to the well tended fires of hatred already consuming us here. The pukes have been stacking wood (and coal. And crude oil) for that bonfire for many decades.

[Behind the Aegis]

47. Don't be so certain.

Anti-Semitism is more prevalent than many wish to believe. Also, it was a factor with Lieberman, as it was with Sanders. Would it cost us a huge amount of votes? I doubt it, but it would be a factor and it wouldn't be just the right!

[MrPurple]

81. Just saying it would be a lesser factor than race/sex & mostly regional

I don't think Lieberman or Schumer lost many votes in CT & NY because of it. I know anti-semitism exists, but if it was an electoral factor, I think it would be more regional. Societally, I'd argue that there's also a lot of philosemitism in America. Look at the mass success of things that are seen as culturally Jewish, like Seinfeld. If Al was a candidate, sure, there'd be some anti-semitism, but I'm pretty sure that the identity politics (pro & con) would be less of a driving factor than with Booker, Castro or Warren.

[Behind the Aegis]

82. But a factor nonetheless.

While it would certainly be regional, it would also fall on other lines as well. I'd disagree with your assertion there is " lot of philosemitism in America" because I sure don't see it. You aren't conflating "support" for Israel as "philosemitism" are you?

Look at the mass success of things that are seen as culturally Jewish, like Seinfeld.

Seriously?! I know you are being sincere, at least that is my feeling in reading your posts, but that remark is as absurd as saying we are in a post-racial America because he have a black president.

I am sure there would be many things people would attack him for, his age for one (just look above and see the person complaining he will be 69, though H. Clinton is 69, but that was acceptable). The would likely attack his comedic background too. But, c'mon now, for fuck's sake, they used anti-Semitism in the campaign against CLINTON and she ain't even a Jew!

[MrPurple]

85. We've probably had different experiences

It appears that we're both Jewish, and part of this may be that we've had different experiences with it. Living near the city around Boston/NY, I've seen it mostly perceived as another ethnicity in multiethnic areas. If I lived in rural Michigan or Ohio (not counting the deep southern states that a Dem President couldn't carry), I'd probably have a different perspective.

I remember Farrakhan & Jesse Jackson calling NY hymietown and know that it's not just the right wing that has anti-semitism. But, also, even though Trump played to antisemitism, he said that he likes his accountants to be little guys who wear yamulkes. There are positive stereotypes of competence that offset some of the negative ones. Some people disliked Romney being Mormon. Not saying anti-semitism doesn't come into play for politicians, just that I think it's less of a factor than you do.

And I don't think Seinfeld & support for Israel are meaningless examples. Other than Israel, the US is probably the least anti-semitic country in history.

[Behind the Aegis]

87. Vastly different.

I grew up in the South. My father was military, so I grew up all over. Also, my father was a lay rabbi, as many places we went had no rabbi. I have had my life threatened because I was a Jew on a number of occasions, not to mention the number of times I have endured anti-Semitic rhetoric, stupidity, and hate. Also, "Dem presidents" have, in fact, carried Southern states.

You are correct in that anti-Semitism isn't just a scourge of the right, it is a problem on the left too. As for stereotypes, there is no such thing as a truly "positive" stereotype. The use of "positive" stereotypes is not a compliment and, generally, those who use them will also be hiding a few negative ones too. While my personal experience is different from you, I am willing to assert I may also have an educational edge. I studied anti-Semitism for years, still do on occasion. It was part of my master's degree, along with general diversity training and specializing in LGBT issues, too.

I didn't say, nor imply, Seinfeld and Israel were "meaningless", I think, however, you are assigning value to them which is misplaced. I know plenty of people who enjoy Jazz and rap, but hate black people. I know scads of people who are married to women, but are raging sexists. I have encountered more than few people who enjoy "gay" things, but don't like gay people and think "gay" marriage is an abomination (some in our own party). So, to claim that people's "love" for Israel and Seinfeld is some sort of predictor of philosemitism is misleading.

Also, the US is not the least anti-Semitic country in the world. Not according to recent surveys done by the ADL. Shockingly, in an updated survey of several countries, it appears anti-Semitism has risen and in the US, by a percentage point, to 10%. More: http://global100.adl.org/

Should Franken choose to run, anti-Semitism will be an issue. How big will it be? I am not completely certain, but I would guess it will play more of a part than it does in campaigns against those who aren't Jews, and, sadly, that will also include those on the left and democrats.

[Zoonart]

26. Awesome

Stewart Smalley saves the world. Love Al.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

37. Awwwww!

I like that.

He and Elizabeth are the only people I can think of at the moment who really make me smile. Other than my wonderful President Obama. Who I'm crying about now.

[Initech]

27. Now he's the kind of star that the Democrats need right now!

I would volunteer on his campaign if he ran in 2020!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

39. Me too!!!! Totally!

Love him! When I read, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot, I was cracking up AND blown away by how smart and diligent with research he is.

And he's courageous. Not afraid to jab gasbags.

[byronius]

28. Unknown Al Franken Fact: He's a quick-draw champion. Seriously. With a gun.

I always loved Al Franken. His show on Air America was superb.

It was there I learned that it is his hobby to compete in quick-draw contests, and that he's won several.

Odd, but cool.

[HarmonyRockets]

67. He can also quick draw

the United States

At 7 minutes.

[BadgerMom]

30. Great idea!

I'm in!

[matelize]

34. AGREE

I agree, as he is intelligent, thoughtful, progressive, and has work hard at the job with no drama. Just dedication and always keeping the best interest of the American People at the forefront. He is anything but a lightweight .

[Akamai]

36. He would be a very good candidate. Thoughtful, learned, concerned, a true progressive.

I remember when Air America started, and I was very, very happy to hear him on the air. He was interviewing James Fallows and his article, "Blind into Baghdad."

Al Franken does not hide his progressive tendencies at all. I think he would be a superb president.

[Nonhlanhla]

38. I was actually thinking the same thing earlier today.

After all, if they can elect a joke, we can elect a comedian.

(Seriously, though, Franken would be great.)

[murielm99]

40. Don't worry about his speaking ability,

or his ability to deliver the oratory like Obama or Clinton. I heard him speak a few years ago at an Illinois governor's day event. He speaks quite well. And I assume you have seen him handle committee assignments. He is very knowledgeable and very good.

An excellent choice!

[TransitJohn]

42. Plus, he's musically literate.

[GoCubsGo]

44. He also has a degree in political science from Harvard.

And, he was a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government when he was there. He's probably one of the smartest people in the Senate. I think he'd make a good president, too.

[uponit7771]

45. Franken willl cough wrong, RT will make up some bullshit meme and LPC DU members will repeat it ofte

... enough to make folk believe there's a better left leaning candidate to run against him.

wash rince repeat

[shelshaw]

46. Franken-Stein 2020

[kenfrequed]

48. I like him

He is more reliably progressive than most of the names put forward, save Bernie.

He is someone I would enthusiastically vote for.

[Angry Dragon]

49. I do not think he has any interest in being president

[kentuck]

50. Hell yeah!

I'd vote for Al Franken.

[BobTheSubgenius]

53. A RWNJ once snapped at me "Al Franken!??!"

"What's that idiot ever done?"

My answer was: "Graduated cum laude from Harvard, has a fellowship with the Kennedy School of Government at the same university, has been nominated for 11 Emmy awards and won 5, nominated for 2 Grammy awards, written several best-selling books that are not only hilarious, but impeccably researched and sourced, and, as a little bonus, has been elected to the US Senate not just once, but re-elected, as well."

"And you? What have you done?"

One of the oldest sayings in the legal profession is "Don't ask a question you don't already know the answer to."

[dionysus]

55. He'd be fun to watch. He has the chops to debate and fight. He isn't *percieved*

as havi g the gravitas for the job, but trump just stood conventional wisdom on it's head.

Pre-snifler i'd say nobway.. today might be a different story.

[AtheistCrusader]

68. Well, the RNC has established that a reality tv host and a con man can win, so why not a comedian.

Comedians, in the grand tradition of Fools, are philosophers and often historians. Cross intellectual swords with them at your peril.

[nadine_mn]

69. Anyone that holds an annual Hotdish competition has my vote

Seriously, he is smart, engaging and he truly cares about his constituents. I have been a big fan for years and was so happy to vote for him.

And he takes his role seriously - when he is going to question someone who appears before a committee - he is ready and prepared.

I think early on (maybe still) he was underestimated because of his comedic background, but listen to him on any issue and you see how serious he is.

[pressbox69]

73. Does anyone remember the old SNL political sketch with

Franken and Davis conducting a mudslinging campaign against each other. At the end of the sketch Davis was broken and drunk but promised to spill the beans about Franken and suddenly Franken breaks in and shoots Davis dead. Back in those days it was considered satire. I'd vote for Al in a New York minute.

[applegrove]

74. He reminds me of Ted Kennedy. He would make a great candidate

for President.

[DFW]

76. Compared to Trump, even I could be a better president

And I haven't the first clue how to do the job (but I'd be on the phone to Obama a lot asking for help, whereas Trump's ego won't let him).

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

78. He'd be wonderful, but I don't get any sense that he

wants to be President.

[AwakeAtLast]

84. I thought the very same thing yesterday

He was fabulous!