Al Franken(D) Storms Senate Floor To Destroy Republicans and TrumpCare

[NCTraveler]

And it seems to be a trend for him.

In Speech, Sen. Franken Blasts Republican Health Care Bill: “This Bill Is Literally Sickening. It Is Vicious, It Is Cruel, and It Should Never Be Passed into Law.”

"The Republican plan covers fewer people, costs too many people more, and provides worse coverage. And it's being sold by misleading people on each of those points," said Sen. Franken. Later in his speech, he added, "This bill would take us back in time and roll back our progress. It is up to us, here in the Senate, to stop that from happening. This bill is literally sickening. It is vicious, it is cruel, and it should never be passed into law. I urge my Republican colleagues to walk away from this cruel effort. And work with us to actually improve health care for Americans. And I urge everyone considering this bill to be straight with the American people about exactly what this bill would do to them."

https://www.franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3707

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I love my senator!

[DesertRat]

47. I'm jealous! I love both of your senators!

#Senatorenvy

[avebury]

2. Why aren't any of the Democrats pointing out the the Republicans

are acting like this was Russia or North Korea. The Republican Health Care will provide Americans with the same level of medical coverage that Otto Warmbier received in North Korea. In the United States out government is not supposed to operate secretly behind closed doors.

[NCTraveler]

3. You should watch the video. nt.

[avebury]

8. I did. It is a decent speech.

But I am waiting for someone to get a lot more blunt then even Senator Franken. Someone needs to tie the behavior of the Republicans to the behavior of dictators in other countries, including North Korea and Russia.

[Hekate]

33. Stop waiting, and call/ write your Senator and Representative. Show up at their local office.

You know the drill.

[avebury]

48. Oh I do, but with Lankford and Inhoffe for my

Senators and Tom Cole for my Rep it is always a futile effort.

[Beartracks]

78. I feel your pain.

Same state.

=============

[Demsrule86]

14. Why didn't they think of that? Merely pointing out that millions of people will lose their

coverage including those with work based plans, Medicaid is cut as is medicare(throw Granny and Gramps out of those nursing homes the rich need a tax cut...), people in New York and New Jersey won't get tax credits as they have the nerve to include abortion in their coverage,and that people including babies will die seems kind of a lame attack when you bring up the Russians and the North Koreans...so important to people living in Iowa and the rust belt...How do I know all this you ask? Why I heard it from the Democrats.

[nikibatts]

39. How does he know if no one has seen the Bill?

[Alice11111]

81. Good idea! ALL the Dems need to stand up. If we lose, go down fighting! Thank you Al! Al in 2020!

I dont live anywhere near Minnesota, but 5hat was the first out of state campaign I ever contributed to. It was long, and the Repubs tried everything to cheat their way in. Al didn't let them through.
He's honest, compassionate, bright, sees right through Repubs, and he's a fighter. He can take the Repubs and DT on, and he will call out their dirty tricks for what they are, just as he so eloquently did here.

[jalan48]

4. Good to see-we need more storming if we are going to save our democracy.

[underpants]

5. Lots of storming going on today

Lots of storming.

[NCTraveler]

6. I live in Florida.

Everyday for over a week. It's been nasty.

[MineralMan]

7. Yes. A number of Democrats are vocally attacking that secret bill.

Bravi!

[Wawannabe]

9. Go stormin

If you are going! I say!

Stormin Franken!
Woop woop battle cry!

[superpatriotman]

10. The next President of the United States -

Al Franken.

[NastyRiffraff]

20. I'd support him

in a heartbeat. Thank you, Al Franken!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

62. Me too. He's the real deal.

His books are what caused me to start really paying attention.

Unfortunately, both he and his wife said no way no how is he going to run. Maybe he'll change his mind.

[moonscape]

27. If only he had any interest n/t

[BigmanPigman]

40. Just saw him on MSNBC and laughed out loud several times.

He is so funny and sarcastic he makes the horrific news laughable, for a few moments anyway.

[MontanaMama]

41. I've been saying the same thing...

He's on the shows an awful lot. I love him. I wonder if this is a calculated move towards the White House.

[bettyellen]

42. He recently said he'd been advised not to be funny for six years so he could build credibility....

And I guess it's been six years? So now he feels free to be sarcastic. I like that aside from the humor, that he is tough talking but a realist at heart.

[maddiemom]

53. Pretty much what I thought he'd been advised.

He was not only suppressing his humor, but fairly quiet publicly during his first term (unlike presidential-aspiring first-termers I won't name). I know he was serving his state, however. In his second term, it's good to see him becoming a leader. Sen. Franken actually has more educational and political service background in politics than many others in Congress, certainly more than the present occupant of the White House. My maternal grandfather was a native of Minnesota, and many relatives are still there. They love Franken and loved Wellstone before him--although they actually were further left. Apparently the Gen Xers, with whom I'm not in contact, have gotten a bit conservative.

[bettyellen]

55. I think it was a Lawrence OD interview... but I could be wrong as I've seen him often the

Last few weeks, but those two have a silly thing where says "thank you Lawrence" and then "it is Lawrence, isn't it?". It's like their long running private joke. They're a charming pair, who also help me keep my sanity!

[MontanaMama]

54. I heard him say that

in an interview he did on MSNBC. I believe he's built plenty of credibility. He seems to know more about the rules of congressional engagement than a lot of the yahoos I see interviewed.

[bettyellen]

56. I was impressed at how serious he took the advice and how disciplined he's been!

[Warren DeMontague]

82. He has excellent taste in music, too.

[bettyellen]

85. Whut?

[Warren DeMontague]

86. Are you kidding?

Al probably has as many lossless soundboards on his ipod as I do. Maybe more.

[bettyellen]

87. Ohhhh. LOL. Whatever happened to Davis?

[Warren DeMontague]

88. He passed away, sadly.

Al talks about it in his book.

I'm about halfway through- it's a very good read.

[bettyellen]

89. I met him in an elevator years ago, after an appearance at the Museum of Television....

Unfortunately I instead focused on gushing about this comedienne who was in an obscure Norman Lear show I loved when I was little. I sang her the theme song. Franken got a good laugh at that. So that was nice.
I actually went to that w a DUer.

[maddiemom]

60. I'd rather not see Franken, Warren, nor several others frequently mentioned, pushing toward a

presidential nomination. At least could we put that on hold until after the 2018 election? They are needed right where they are in the presently Republican-dominated government. What the Democrats are sadly lacking are some real "Giants of the Senate"... and the House. We used to have them...Sam Rayburn, Lyndon Johnson (served him well as POTUS), in the House: Tip O,Neill, etc. We need STRONG people in Congress and it's been a long time.. Look at the damage that the very partisan, influential, and totally despicable Mitch McConnell has been causing for nearly a decade. He's PROUD of slowing the nation to a standstill if it hurts the Democrats. This was NOT the way our government was supposed to work! McConnell definitely has wielded more power than the last couple of presidents.

[Warren DeMontague]

83. I dont think he wants it, which is probably one of the biggest endorsements of the guy for the job.

Still, I doubt he's interested in putting himself and his family through that.

[Nitram]

11. The problem is that Fox News and the GOP said all of these things about Obamacare.

And Trump voters still believe it's true.

[Demsrule86]

15. That is not true...many Trump supporters ant to keep the ACA...and they were promised better

health insurance by Trump ...if this bill passes, we take the Senate...but I still don't want it to pass...somethings are more important than politics.

[HughBeaumont]

12. May I remind everyone . . . .

. . . . that this sickening, cruel bill is being written by men with lots of money at the behest of men with 250 times more money than them.

This isn't advancing conservative policy.

This is being an asshole JUST BECAUSE.

[Cosmocat]

26. 100% correct

I have spent the last 6 years confidently telling everyone that republicans will never repeal and replace ACA because it was THEIR VERSION of health care reform.

As is the case, the only time I am wrong about things is when I give them too much credit.

I suppose I should have seen it coming, but I didn't think they would come up with something this mean spirited and hateful, much less actually get behind it.

The slide continues, at a now exponential pace.

[SharonAnn]

49. It's a tax cut bill, not a health care bill. That's why it's so cruel.

[maddiemom]

50. As Bill Maher has said (loosely quoted):

"These guys wake up in the morning and ask themselves, 'How can I be a prick today?'"

[rockfordfile]

71. TrumpCare is Conservative policy

[HughBeaumont]

74. The ACA was conservative policy.

The AHCA is just being a dick so the wealthy can get wealthier at our expense.

These aren't conservatives running the government, they're neo-Fascists.

[Tom Rinaldo]

13. I officially welcome and praise all "storming" by Senators opposing Trump

I also do not object to them "destroying" or "demolishing" Republican positions, or "calling for" opposition to them whether or not they were the first Senator to actually do so. It's all good.

Yea for Senator Franken!

[ailsagirl]

16. GO AL!!!

[Lotusflower70]

17. Ah yeah!

My Senator is so awesome. I love his passion and intelligence. Fight on Senator Franken fight on!

[mcar]

18. Go Al!

He is a great senator.

[Permanut]

19. Okay, so let's see.

- Covers fewer people - check
- Costs more for many people - check
- Provides worse coverage - check
- Misleading - check
- Rolls back progress - check
- Sickening, vicious and cruel - check

So all we need is a "reasonable "lifetime limit, high deductibles and copays, elimination of pre-existing conditions coverage, cancel all prenatal and ob-gyn provisions, take out the preventive care, eliminate coverage for accidental injuries, diseases, conditions, syndromes and disabilities, and I think we're there.

Okay, let's add a provision preventing negotiating for drug prices, and another to cancel all vaccine programs. Everything else would be covered.

[Eyeball_Kid]

77. The big winners-- Undertakers.

[smirkymonkey]

21. Thank you Senator Franken!

[lunamagica]

22. WTG, Sen. Franken!

[George II]

23. All of the Democratic Senators did a great job last night, and luckily we got a double dose....

....of the organizer and facilitator, Senator Cory Booker. His closing speech was moving.

[NurseJackie]

36. True DEMOCRATS like Franken and Booker make me PROUD!!

[red dog 1]

24. K&R

[Cha]

25. Kick for Senator Franklin!

[Cyrano]

28. HEY REPUBLICANS! This is what decency sounds and looks like

[bucolic_frolic]

29. Wow, give it to 'em, Al!

Love the end ... "... thank you, Mr. President, for your attention. And I yield the floor."
With a glance of controlled and profound dislike. Senator Franken has captured the way
we feel!!

[FakeNoose]

30. I'm not your constituent Senator Franken

... but I'll be happy to vote for you when you run for President.

Thank you for fighting for all of us!

[PassingFair]

64. That would be great.

But it's probably not his "turn"

[GoCubsGo]

31. Wait! How could that be???

The Democrats aren't doing anything! They're sitting on their hands and letting the republicans run rough-shod over everything!!! At least that's what some here keep insisting.

Sarcasm aside, I wish he was my Senator.

[workinclasszero]

32. I love Al!!

Why is this man not President?

[Bengus81]

34. HELL YES...Thank you Senator! KICK KICK KICK n/t

[NurseJackie]

35. AL FRANKEN totally ROCKS!! He's one of us: A TRUE DEMOCRAT! He makes me PROUD...

... to be a Democrat!

[NCTraveler]

68. I have looked closer at him as you have been posting more about him.

He is extremely intelligent a joy to listen to. He is also very grounded. One of us.

[NurseJackie]

70. Passion without rage. Folksy homespun humor...

... with a healthy dose of humility and honesty.

[sheshe2]

37. I love this man.

Thank you Senator Franken!

[murielm99]

38. We have true Democratic leadership

in Al Franken.

Way to go, Al!

[Duppers]

43. K & R

[DFW]

44. All the pundits who say our eadership is "rudderless"

They listen to nothing this man says, obviously. He just spoke up, loudly, forcefully and eloquently, in defense of the more the 20 MILLION of our fellow citizens who would get screwed (at best) or even slowly murdered (at worst) by this heartless bill.

He is not my Senator, but then it has been a LONG time since any Texas Democrat has been able to be proud of his Senator. I send Al Franken money twice a year because I want his voice to continue to be heard on the Senate floor for as long as he has a breath in him.

(He also happens to be a HELL of a nice guy)

[Scruffy1]

45. I'm so glad I spent a whole summer canvassing for this man.

He's truly a fine replacement for Paul Wellstone.

[VOX]

72. Thank you for that. Much appreciated! n/t

[zentrum]

46. On the Bench for 2020

With Schiff, Warren, Harris, in any order.

[Gothmog]

51. Yeah for Senator Al Franken

[ehrnst]

52. Franken is the future of the Democratic party. (nt)

[riversedge]

57. Good for you AL.

[phylny]

58. Is he addressing Trump as Mr. President or Pence as the President of the Senate? n/t

[NCTraveler]

59. Neither.

He is addressing the senates president pro tempore.

[phylny]

61. Thank you :) n/t

[BlancheSplanchnik]

63. Would love to see eddie munster's and comrade fatass' reaction to that.

Righteous, Al Franken!

[sprinkleeninow]

80. Hahah. Brought back a memory.

My step-father was British. Still had that delightful accent after all those years. He would say: "Faht Ahss"! Elegant sounding.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

90. My Dad was British. Came over during WWII. Sad to say he lost his accent--

He'd been a London cockney!


I'm cracking up at "sprinkleeninow" because I call my puppy woofer, Sprinkles sometimes!!!

[sprinkleeninow]

91. Cool about your dad! Step-dad from Sheffield. I loved him so dearly.

He came over in early fifties.
He'd say 'tomahtoes'. My mom started saying 'tomahtoes'. I go, maa, stop that!
Even if Brits cuss, it sounds elegant and classy!

*drumpft and his entourage SUCKS
I try not to give in to hate which is toxic. But it's there.

(I was on DU when shrub got in then curtailed due to my mom and her medical emergency. We had to get her up here. I made up a new name connoting 'spring cleaning now' (or OW!) Hoping to see the peoples' White House decontaminated in the spring of twenty-seventeen.) 😤

Oh and, hi Sprinkles! I just know you are sweeet!

Other posters will go, GET A ROOM! (PM)
Sorry if I wuz outta line. 🙄

[dalton99a]

65. Fantastic job.

[bresue]

66. I love this man...he cuts right to the matter...ty for posting

[Honeycombe8]

67. He is turning out to be the voice of America. Well done, Al! nt

[sellitman]

69. Save Henry

Franken is amazing. That made me well up.

Have they no shame?

[alfredo]

73. What if the secrecy was just a ruse? What if it is Medicare for all?

Ok, the Shrooms are wearing off. I hope I didn't say anything stupid.

[R B Garr]

75. Kick for a great Democrat!

He is so genuine.

[betsuni]

76. K&R!

[Doodley]

79. Great speech, but talk doesn't change men who won't listen.