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pintobean

(18,101 posts)
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:06 PM Nov 2017

New England Elected Official Says Al Franken Tried to Give Her A 'Wet, Open-Mouthed Kiss' Onstage

A former elected official in New England who has requested anonymity tells Jezebel that Al Franken attempted to give her a “wet, open-mouthed kiss” onstage at an event in 2006, shortly before he ran for Senate. The woman says the encounter left her “stunned and incredulous.”

In recent weeks, five women have said Franken touched them inappropriately, most notably broadcaster and model Leeann Tweeden, who described him forcibly kissing her with tongue during a USO tour and “jokingly” groping her breasts for a photo while she slept. Four women have also said that Franken groped them during photo ops, including the latest, Stephanie Kemplin, on Thursday morning. (Three women say Franken groped them while taking campaign photos, while Kemplin says he touched her breast while posing for a photo during a USO tour in 2003.) After a brief apology tour, Franken returned to work in the Senate on Monday.

The New England woman told Jezebel she came forward in an effort to encourage Franken to take responsbility for his actions, but didn’t wish to be named.

“I want my name associated with my own accomplishments,” she told us, “and not publicly linked to a man’s bad behavior.”


More: https://theslot.jezebel.com/new-england-elected-official-says-al-franken-tried-to-g-1820849687
117 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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New England Elected Official Says Al Franken Tried to Give Her A 'Wet, Open-Mouthed Kiss' Onstage (Original Post) pintobean Nov 2017 OP
Not looking good for Franken. nt LexVegas Nov 2017 #1
Such bullshit...another anonymous liar... Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #3
Yeah this one looks like a liar, or simply made up (nonexistent) lagomorph777 Nov 2017 #14
Theyre really after him. Cracklin Charlie Nov 2017 #47
SCREW THAT! Elected to what by which party...anonymous indeed! angstlessk Nov 2017 #4
bingo Champion Jack Nov 2017 #104
You posted this on the other thread which makes me wonder once more why you believe this shit...in Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #5
PT Barnum gives us insight into why people believe these things. BannonsLiver Nov 2017 #21
Ironically there is no evidence that PT Barnum ever said it lol. grantcart Nov 2017 #64
Well, you know what I mean ;) BannonsLiver Nov 2017 #94
Very true...you have to want to believe this to give it any credence. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #113
WILL YOU PLEASEE STOP POSTING DUPLICATE POSTS !!!!! trueblue2007 Nov 2017 #111
Oh BULLSHIT. A kiss on STAGE in front of countless people. Give me a break. That is NOT a problem. LBM20 Nov 2017 #91
I agree, this accusation seems silly. InAbLuEsTaTe Nov 2017 #110
Lol Dem2 Nov 2017 #109
I'm so over this JustAnotherGen Nov 2017 #2
I disagree about Conyers rockfordfile Nov 2017 #7
agreed highmindedhavi Nov 2017 #84
For pitys sake wryter2000 Nov 2017 #6
Yeah, the "onstage" part negates the rest of it. On stage means in front of people. R B Garr Nov 2017 #23
Really. He kissed her on the cheek, so she felt "demeaned & put in her place"? Demit Nov 2017 #24
Jezebel is FULL of repugnican supporters angstlessk Nov 2017 #8
Such a ludicrous claim mythology Nov 2017 #18
I am referring to this post only angstlessk Nov 2017 #44
Jezebel is trash Loki Liesmith Nov 2017 #55
Coordinated confusion. rainin Nov 2017 #9
Yep. There is definitely a playbook at work. And they aren't calling out the GrOPer-in-Chief. L. Coyote Nov 2017 #39
you hit it right on the head bluestarone Nov 2017 #93
I'm having HUGE problems with this... LenaBaby61 Nov 2017 #10
And we want a name associated with a smear campaign to destroy a Guilded Lilly Nov 2017 #11
Anonymous accusations do not deserve attention. MineralMan Nov 2017 #12
Yup. Go on the record or STFU n/t TexasBushwhacker Nov 2017 #108
I thought he was going to be able to ride this out; now I'm not so sure. WhiskeyGrinder Nov 2017 #13
If we allow the GOP to do this...none of our elected will ever be safe from their lies. Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #22
I'm a little dismayed that reports of women reporting their unpleasant experiences with Democrats WhiskeyGrinder Nov 2017 #32
Evidence or I dont care Loki Liesmith Nov 2017 #59
This is a coordinated attack...the 'reporting' is of lies. We cannot allow this. Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #62
The women need to be willing to put their names to their accusations. Sophia4 Nov 2017 #78
You're on a mission it seems ornotna Nov 2017 #15
Yes, and it's very noticeable for quite a while. nt R B Garr Nov 2017 #26
It's very obvious. nt ornotna Nov 2017 #33
Do you want DU to be uninformed? pintobean Nov 2017 #46
Lol ornotna Nov 2017 #56
Informed? This informs no one. Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #63
Staying anonymous is not "coming forward." Demit Nov 2017 #16
Unless you're a victim. pintobean Nov 2017 #17
A victim of an opened mouthed kiss? Sure...it never happened. We need to stop this stuff cold or Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #25
I made no such assumption pintobean Nov 2017 #30
Speaking of paying attention kcr Nov 2017 #49
+1, It would be great if there was this much concern over police shooting victims R B Garr Nov 2017 #38
Isn't that the truth. My daughter's Fiance who is a person of color complained to his bosses about Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #71
Sorry to hear about that, but it sounds like he's handling it well. I swear R B Garr Dec 2017 #115
I am so angry... we are moving to the Cleveland area...much better up there. Demsrule86 Dec 2017 #116
Victim of an "attempted" open mouthed kiss Bettie Nov 2017 #87
A victim of being kissed on the cheek. Yeah, okay. Demit Nov 2017 #28
The ones who give their names are called liars, right-wingers, etc. oberliner Nov 2017 #20
Why shouldn't their motives be questioned? Demit Nov 2017 #37
Does this standard apply to everyone who makes such an accusation? oberliner Nov 2017 #50
No. Demit Nov 2017 #57
Thank you for your honesty oberliner Nov 2017 #66
Not sure why you'd expect dishonesty, but you're welcome. Demit Nov 2017 #79
I question the honesty of those that supported DONALD TRUMP, a person who caters to anti-Jewish, still_one Nov 2017 #81
Because they are lies easily verified. Drahthaardogs Nov 2017 #70
The skit involves Franken kissing whatever woman he is paired with oberliner Nov 2017 #72
That's bullshit. Drahthaardogs Nov 2017 #75
Wow, you are really running out of material... R B Garr Dec 2017 #114
Well, they ARE trump voters, and fox contributors, but angstlessk Nov 2017 #106
This is definitely not OK oberliner Nov 2017 #19
If true. It is NOT okay Horse with no Name Nov 2017 #31
Murder is not OK. Grand Larceny is not OK. Neither is bank robbery. ollie10 Nov 2017 #34
Agreed oberliner Nov 2017 #48
I thought you were talking about Franken ollie10 Nov 2017 #52
Oops - I mixed this up with the post about Matt Lauer oberliner Nov 2017 #67
Huh? OilemFirchen Nov 2017 #53
Mixed up two different posts oberliner Nov 2017 #68
'Kay. (n/t) OilemFirchen Nov 2017 #69
Oh fucking please with this shit already. The_Casual_Observer Nov 2017 #27
a panel on m$nbc just said that they believe roy moore has weathered the battle of his accusations spanone Nov 2017 #29
Pretty easy to get rid of political opponents these days. Accuse them of unprovable actions and blimablam Nov 2017 #35
Only if they're Democrats maxrandb Nov 2017 #89
he kissed her on the cheek... onstage? bigtree Nov 2017 #36
I don't care about MFM008 Nov 2017 #40
The slippery slope to women wearing burkas to not tempt men may be just around the corner. L. Coyote Nov 2017 #41
Anonymous claim. beaglelover Nov 2017 #42
anonymous complaint - no merit at all nt msongs Nov 2017 #43
So she runs to Jezebel? kcr Nov 2017 #45
So she runs to Jezebel? Mandos the Judge Nov 2017 #95
Hey Anonymous - seriously - you were stunned and incredulous??????????????????????? Nanjeanne Nov 2017 #51
Let me guess: this anonymous accuser is spooky3 Nov 2017 #54
I love this tidbit: OilemFirchen Nov 2017 #58
Al Franken forced me to watch BootinUp Nov 2017 #60
Are you suffering from PTSD? Call Fox/Hannity immediately or run to jezebal...or someone. Demsrule86 Nov 2017 #65
nice hitjob but it was a fail like the last one ....... stonecutter357 Nov 2017 #61
Could the new anonymous Franken wet kiss report... magicarpet Nov 2017 #73
how did she know what kind of a kiss he might have given her, since it was an "attempt"? BoneyardDem Nov 2017 #74
Surely she's a Republican ... GeorgeGist Nov 2017 #76
But you repeat yourself. JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 2017 #98
"who has requested anonymity" "didn't wish to be named" left-of-center2012 Nov 2017 #77
Russian propaganda succeeds by creating confusion about what is true or not. VOX Nov 2017 #80
LOL Suuure, sounds super trustworthy Kimchijeon Nov 2017 #82
Stone and Project Veritas must think Franken will cave....until known otherwise I do not Ninga Nov 2017 #83
I Alerted on this maxrandb Nov 2017 #85
Well, it's being covered by Huffpost, Slate, and Time. pintobean Nov 2017 #88
Anonymous people can say anything. jalan48 Nov 2017 #86
prove to me these anonymous people are not really Boris from Russia. :) blimablam Nov 2017 #90
Vladimir Putin, not Boris. marble falls Nov 2017 #97
Variety investigated Lauer for months Nevernose Nov 2017 #92
Another anonymous accusation? Mandos the Judge Nov 2017 #96
Anonymous accusations and invisible evidence Farmer-Rick Nov 2017 #107
If this happened there's video Generic Other Nov 2017 #99
I'm not too keen on anonymous accusations, but her story Blue_Tires Nov 2017 #100
Isn't jezebel a celebrity gossip rag? .99center Nov 2017 #101
New England Woman RhodeIslandOne Nov 2017 #102
I was candlepin bowlin and Senatahh Franken tried wicked haahd to kiss me. Caliman73 Dec 2017 #117
Yeah, well Al tried to wet kiss me too. pangaia Nov 2017 #103
Well, she is now associated with the name Jezebel Deb Nov 2017 #105
The 'circus' now includes a 'Sexy New Sideshow' that has captivated the worlds media, Vilis Veritas Nov 2017 #112

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
3. Such bullshit...another anonymous liar...
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:16 PM
Nov 2017

No doubt a right winger or paid. Boy...they are really making an effort with Franken...he must be really effective.

Cracklin Charlie

(12,904 posts)
47. Theyre really after him.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:27 PM
Nov 2017

I think the right wing animosity to Franken is at the least at a level 6 on the Clinton scale.

They’re terrified of Al Franken. For some reason.

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)
4. SCREW THAT! Elected to what by which party...anonymous indeed!
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:16 PM
Nov 2017

A coordinated effort is EXACTLY that COORDINATED...3 anonymous women and three REPUBLICAN WOMEN...do the math!

They are trying to cover for moore AND trump!

P.S. OH, and two of the photos each claims as proof shows both women UNMOLESTED and GRINNING! The third was a PRANK by a comedian!

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
5. You posted this on the other thread which makes me wonder once more why you believe this shit...in
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:17 PM
Nov 2017

fact to me, it proves it is all a big fat right wing lie.

 

LBM20

(1,580 posts)
91. Oh BULLSHIT. A kiss on STAGE in front of countless people. Give me a break. That is NOT a problem.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 05:08 PM
Nov 2017

This is getting STUPID. Such BULLSHIT. My god, enough of this nonsense. These are FAKE complaints.

R B Garr

(17,984 posts)
23. Yeah, the "onstage" part negates the rest of it. On stage means in front of people.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:50 PM
Nov 2017

And pictures. Pictures in front of other people, in front of husbands.

 

Demit

(11,238 posts)
24. Really. He kissed her on the cheek, so she felt "demeaned & put in her place"?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:50 PM
Nov 2017

I mean, that reaction doesn't sound plausible to me. It sounds tailored to fit the current climate.

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)
8. Jezebel is FULL of repugnican supporters
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:23 PM
Nov 2017

Conyers and Feanken should resign, but NOTHING about moore or trump?

rainin

(3,246 posts)
9. Coordinated confusion.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:23 PM
Nov 2017

Throw out so much sh*t that people don't know who to believe. Confuse everybody. This is playbook stuff here. Franken is the target for one reason: He is one of our strongest members.

L. Coyote

(51,134 posts)
39. Yep. There is definitely a playbook at work. And they aren't calling out the GrOPer-in-Chief.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:01 PM
Nov 2017
They don't even care that he is mentally ill.

LenaBaby61

(6,991 posts)
10. I'm having HUGE problems with this...
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:24 PM
Nov 2017

Anonymous accusation stuff.

Franken DESERVES to know who his accusers are, and ESPECIALLY so after that right-winged coup attempt sting that the Washington Post foiled concerning Project Veritas, James O'Keefe & that lying Phillips woman.

Dems WILL and ARE being targeted by right-wingers looking to pick them off. NO doubt about it.

Guilded Lilly

(5,591 posts)
11. And we want a name associated with a smear campaign to destroy a
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:25 PM
Nov 2017

Senator’s reputation.
One who is particularly effective at destroying the bullshit of Republican vermin.

To the anonymous claimant: You claim it, give it your name. Take responsibility for YOUR actions.

MineralMan

(151,269 posts)
12. Anonymous accusations do not deserve attention.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:25 PM
Nov 2017

As far as I know, that has always been the rule. If this person is not willing to openly accuse as herself, then we should pay no attention whatever to what she says.

In a rational society, anonymous accusations are ignored.

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
22. If we allow the GOP to do this...none of our elected will ever be safe from their lies.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:47 PM
Nov 2017

WE have to support Franken. Conyers is not running again so as long as Trump and Moore and the other Texas GOP asshat with the nudies are in office...leave Conyers alone.

WhiskeyGrinder

(26,955 posts)
32. I'm a little dismayed that reports of women reporting their unpleasant experiences with Democrats
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:54 PM
Nov 2017

as something "the GOP" is "doing." There are plenty of handsy jerks, narcissistic opportunists and charming predators on "our side," because that's how toxic masculinity works, and the sooner we come to terms with it, the sooner we can address it and move on. There's no "good time" to do it.

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
62. This is a coordinated attack...the 'reporting' is of lies. We cannot allow this.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:53 PM
Nov 2017

And Franken is not a charming predator...and the things he is accused of are laughable...three are anonymous.

 

Sophia4

(3,515 posts)
78. The women need to be willing to put their names to their accusations.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:44 PM
Nov 2017

Otherwise, even if something happened, we are justified in suspecting they are exaggerating or lying.

Accusing someone of sexual impropriety is a serious matter. If it was just some overzealous, over-reaching and there was no sexual innuendo involved, it is one thing. If it was even a small action that was done for a sexual purpose, it is another.

We need to know because we went through years of Hillary bashing over Benghazi, an event that was in no way her fault.

 

pintobean

(18,101 posts)
46. Do you want DU to be uninformed?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:26 PM
Nov 2017

It's just an article up for discussion. Attacking the messenger won't change the fact that there's another accusation.

 

Demit

(11,238 posts)
16. Staying anonymous is not "coming forward."
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:31 PM
Nov 2017

Coming forward is a brave act. Staying in the shadows to make accusations is not.

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
25. A victim of an opened mouthed kiss? Sure...it never happened. We need to stop this stuff cold or
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:50 PM
Nov 2017

we will have a target on our backs...none of our elected will be safe...and you immediately assume an anonymous accuser with no other details is a 'victim'. Really? Why would you do that?

 

pintobean

(18,101 posts)
30. I made no such assumption
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:53 PM
Nov 2017

I replied to this statement - "Coming forward is a brave act. Staying in the shadows to make accusations is not."

Pay attention.

kcr

(15,522 posts)
49. Speaking of paying attention
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:29 PM
Nov 2017

Do you remember what thread you're in? The topic of the discussion? Because that is relevant.

R B Garr

(17,984 posts)
38. +1, It would be great if there was this much concern over police shooting victims
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:01 PM
Nov 2017

from those so concerned about something that happens to a "victim" on stage.

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
71. Isn't that the truth. My daughter's Fiance who is a person of color complained to his bosses about
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:15 PM
Nov 2017

another employer who used the "N" word. Even with witnesses, the bosses said they didn't believe him. He resigned and will find a new job. He is finishing up college. I was so angry. This is a nice young man and he is treated like dirt by these racist scum sucking asshat bosses and some fellow employees. This isn't the first time either. In his previous job, no one (all white ) spoke to him. This is what we must fight...and these women are not believable...it is a right wing operation ...they want to take down Franken and we need to fight like hell to stop them. I think my daughters fiance gets treated worse than some because he is in college and they think he thinks he is better than them. Well he is better than they are...my dog is better than they are. ...so angry, I want to fight them.

R B Garr

(17,984 posts)
115. Sorry to hear about that, but it sounds like he's handling it well. I swear
Fri Dec 1, 2017, 12:23 PM
Dec 2017

there is a whole atmosphere of heightened racial tension because of what Trump has ushered in, but that's stating the obvious at this point.

That's one thing I love about the Los Angeles area. For instance, when I go into the Ikea in Burbank, you can hear multiple languages from all over the world just walking through there, and the diversity is just a given. I know it's not the same in most of the Midwest, so it's a shame that a young man has to endure that. Sounds like he just wants to work and get ahead and has to put up with those ignorant attacks. I don't blame you for wanting to give them a piece of your mind.

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
116. I am so angry... we are moving to the Cleveland area...much better up there.
Fri Dec 1, 2017, 12:26 PM
Dec 2017

I think they will end up in Cleveland.

Bettie

(19,704 posts)
87. Victim of an "attempted" open mouthed kiss
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 04:34 PM
Nov 2017

that was actually a kiss on the cheek.

Nothingburger. And yet, there are a lot of folks around here who are all too ready to toss Franken under the bus.

 

oberliner

(58,724 posts)
20. The ones who give their names are called liars, right-wingers, etc.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:46 PM
Nov 2017

And their motives are questioned.

 

Demit

(11,238 posts)
37. Why shouldn't their motives be questioned?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:01 PM
Nov 2017

A kiss on the cheek in front of a live theater audience...why should anyone *not* raise an eyebrow, that a benign act like that is being represented as lecherous 11 years later?

 

oberliner

(58,724 posts)
50. Does this standard apply to everyone who makes such an accusation?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:31 PM
Nov 2017

Your first reaction is to question their motives?

 

still_one

(98,883 posts)
81. I question the honesty of those that supported DONALD TRUMP, a person who caters to anti-Jewish,
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 04:02 PM
Nov 2017

anti-minority, anti-women bigotry

I also have a problem with "anonymous" accusers. That is Joe McCarthy garbage

Franken is calling for a Congressional investigation of himself. Will they do it? I sincerely doubt it, because people will have to testify before Congress, and lying to Congress is a crime.

Except for the Twendem, Franken has clearly stated that if he did any inappropriate touching it was unintentional. He also FLATLY denied one of the "anonymous" accusers who said he propositioned her to go to the restroom with her.

Let me ask you a question Obe. Do you believe it is out of the realm of possibility that this could be a republican hit job on him?

Let's ask John Kerry and the Swift Boaters about that. Let's ask Dan Rather? How about the 25-30% of the American populace that believe that President Obama is NOT an American? Let's ask John McCain about the South Carolina primary, and how many people there believed he had an illegitimate African American child. Let's ask how many people believe that CNN is "fake news", and Hillary should be locked up for Benghazi, the emails, or killing Vince Foster.

Lee Atwater is alive and well in the republican party.

Why am I skeptical?

Let's ask James O'keefe, Dinesh D'Souza, Roger Stone, and Karl Rove.

Ashley Todd is the poster child for this type of activity:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Todd_mugging_hoax

The recent Project Veritas attempted con-job to setup the Washington Post to print a made up story in order to say Roy Moore's accusers were not credible highlights just how dishonest THEY ARE.


Drahthaardogs

(6,843 posts)
70. Because they are lies easily verified.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:12 PM
Nov 2017

The question is, why are you defending someone who obviously and unarguably lied to discredit a Democratic Senator?

The 2003 skit on TAPE clearly PROVES no skit was written so "Al could kiss her" as she claims.

That is unless Al has mastered time travel (he is pretty smart).

Why do you continue to defend lies made by a Republican Operative against a Democratic Senator?

 

oberliner

(58,724 posts)
72. The skit involves Franken kissing whatever woman he is paired with
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:17 PM
Nov 2017

It is reasonable to think that part of the motivation behind writing such a skit would be so that he could kiss beautiful women.

The fact that Franken is a Democratic Senator is the reason why these now six different allegations are especially troubling.

Drahthaardogs

(6,843 posts)
75. That's bullshit.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:22 PM
Nov 2017

She SPECIFICALLY said he was WRITING the skit because he wanted an excuse to kiss her.

So, answer the question

R B Garr

(17,984 posts)
114. Wow, you are really running out of material...
Fri Dec 1, 2017, 12:16 PM
Dec 2017

"part of the motivation behind writing such a skit would be so that he could kiss beautiful women."

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)
106. Well, they ARE trump voters, and fox contributors, but
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 07:25 PM
Nov 2017

we should take THEM at their word and IGNORE ALL the women who came to his defense?

HE wants an investigation to put them ALL under oath!

 

ollie10

(2,091 posts)
34. Murder is not OK. Grand Larceny is not OK. Neither is bank robbery.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:57 PM
Nov 2017

However, there is such a thing as due process, and we don't assume that just because something is not OK that everyone accussed of it is therefore guilty.....

Just sayin'

 

oberliner

(58,724 posts)
48. Agreed
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:28 PM
Nov 2017

Last edited Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:07 PM - Edit history (1)

But in this case, there was an investigation and the company determined there was grounds to fire this very high-profile individual.

Edit to add: Oops - the above comment was with respect to Matt Lauer - mixed up posts. Apologies.

spanone

(141,615 posts)
29. a panel on m$nbc just said that they believe roy moore has weathered the battle of his accusations
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:53 PM
Nov 2017

if that's the case, hang in there Al.

blimablam

(121 posts)
35. Pretty easy to get rid of political opponents these days. Accuse them of unprovable actions and
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 01:59 PM
Nov 2017

demand they resign.


maxrandb

(17,428 posts)
89. Only if they're Democrats
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 05:04 PM
Nov 2017

The Nazis know that in order to get their fucked up shit done, THEY NEED THE VOTES. If we keep going the way this country is going in 2017...SOON THEY WON'T EVEN NEED THE VOTES

Hell, they already act like they have some kind of super fucking mandate to do 100% of whatever the fuck they want to do.

Jesus H Fucking Christ.

Facts:

- Some men are scum when it comes to their sex lives

- Some great leaders in American History...hell, in all of history...have had shitty personal lives

- Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment ARE NEVER OK, OR SHOULD BE EXCUSED

- People that are "morally bankrupt" in their personal lives, CAN AND DO HAVE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

- Bill Clinton was a philanderer. I'd take him every time over Bob Dole, or John McCain when it comes to actually doing shit to make woman's equality, empowerment and protection from harassment the law of the land

- JKF slept around, but I'd choose him 1,000,000 over Nixon during the Cuban Missile Crisis

- FDR was rumored to sleep around, and Eleanor was rumored to be a lesbian, but I'd take them over any god damned Republicans for getting shit done to empower and protect the Middle Class, Working Poor and discarded in our society.

And I was abused at the age of 9 (I mean real abuse, not someone's hand brushed my ass during a photo shoot), by a friend of my older brothers...and that abuse lasted 2 years until I found the courage to stop it,

so any of you fuckers say some shit about me "supporting abusers", please take the advise of Donnie Short Fingers and GO FUCK YOURSELVES.

In order to stop this fucking train wreck and save our country, WE NEED TO WIN ELECTIONS. We don't do that by throwing good people overboard because of some anonymous claim.

Every God Damned thread that starts with a "Franken accused of _____" should be responded to with; "When are the Trump victims going to get justice"

Short of that, all you're doing by posting these "anonymous" claims is harming and demeaning those that actually HAVE experienced abuse.

L. Coyote

(51,134 posts)
41. The slippery slope to women wearing burkas to not tempt men may be just around the corner.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:06 PM
Nov 2017

Fundamentalists are getting away with sexual assault and assault on liberal politicians. Wake me up when one of these accusers calls on trump to resign.

kcr

(15,522 posts)
45. So she runs to Jezebel?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:25 PM
Nov 2017

Please. Why are we even paying attention to an anonymous claim of a kiss on a cheek onstage, to Jezebel?

Mandos the Judge

(24 posts)
95. So she runs to Jezebel?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 05:59 PM
Nov 2017

Because the people at Jezebel would readily believe the story and print it.

Nanjeanne

(6,589 posts)
51. Hey Anonymous - seriously - you were stunned and incredulous???????????????????????
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:34 PM
Nov 2017

Onstage in front of an audience . . . Franken put his opened mouth on yours and what????? Forced his wet slimy tongue into your closed mouth? Licked you? Why didn't you offer him your cheek? How'd he get so close to your mouth? Were you being introduced to him and instead of shaking your hand - he slimed you? She said he landed his big open mouth kiss on her cheek and she felt "put in her place"?
Dear Heavens! That woman needs a fainting couch.

These accusations are seriously reaching the point of absurdity and, while I can't speak for real victims of abuse as I am not one - I do feel as if the Franken accusations diminish the impact of those victims of true sexual harrassment and assault.

Oh - and as for you Ms. Tweeden . . . as a former actor - I have rehearsed any number of scenes with male actors that have attempted to actually try to force an open-mouthed tongue kiss on me. I never felt powerless or frightened -- and I was always capable of saying - "Whoa . . . stick it back in your mouth buddy".

spooky3

(38,634 posts)
54. Let me guess: this anonymous accuser is
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:41 PM
Nov 2017

A Republican elected official, and the photos taken, and eyewitnesses at the time provide NO evidence in support of the claim.

Like the other accusers who claimed to be “liberal” she is unnamed.

The accusers in the cases of Trump, Moore, Conyers, etc. are far more credible.

OilemFirchen

(7,288 posts)
58. I love this tidbit:
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:44 PM
Nov 2017
The woman says she was in disbelief. “I was stunned and incredulous. I felt demeaned. I felt put in my place.” She says, too, that although they were in an extremely public place, no one noticed: “It was onstage in front of a full theater... It was insidious. It was in plain sight and yet nobody saw it.”


BootinUp

(51,323 posts)
60. Al Franken forced me to watch
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 02:45 PM
Nov 2017

Some really bad comedy. I was quite upset for some time after.

Demsrule86

(71,542 posts)
65. Are you suffering from PTSD? Call Fox/Hannity immediately or run to jezebal...or someone.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:05 PM
Nov 2017

magicarpet

(18,511 posts)
73. Could the new anonymous Franken wet kiss report...
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:18 PM
Nov 2017

..... be former New Hampshire rabid Rethug Senator Kelly Ayotte ?

Who reports this sort of thing to Jezebel, why not report to the grocery tabloid Star, Globe, or National Inquirer ? Jezebel is a right wing smut web site.

 

BoneyardDem

(1,202 posts)
74. how did she know what kind of a kiss he might have given her, since it was an "attempt"?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:21 PM
Nov 2017

that's just wierd.

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
77. "who has requested anonymity" "didn't wish to be named"
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 03:36 PM
Nov 2017

Why is this even newsworthy?

Am I allowed to say 'bullsht'?

VOX

(22,976 posts)
80. Russian propaganda succeeds by creating confusion about what is true or not.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 04:00 PM
Nov 2017

Russians are experts at this technique: flood the media with waves (in calculated, coordinated attacks) of negative messaging. Keep it coming, relentlessly. Make noise with it. Break down morale. Make it difficult to separate truth from the lie. Eventually, even a reasonable person can give in, if only to make the brain-fogging messaging stop.

The Russians screwed with our election (one of several national elections in which they’ve meddled, along with “Brexit”). They haven’t gone away. They’re still open for business. This is an arena of conflict in which they excel. And the Al Franken stories are rolling out in measured intervals, to keep up the heat.

I can see right through most propaganda, but even I’m feeling disappointed with Franken (although I IMPLORE him to stand fast). That’s how effective this technique really is in sowing doubt and distrust.

Ninga

(9,012 posts)
83. Stone and Project Veritas must think Franken will cave....until known otherwise I do not
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 04:02 PM
Nov 2017

give credence to anonymous and Republican claims.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029903146#post24

maxrandb

(17,428 posts)
85. I Alerted on this
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 04:18 PM
Nov 2017

MODs, I know it's a pain in the ass, but if the media is not going to do a better job of researching and vetting stories like this, I think the DU Mods will need to do the job.

This is the second one of these posts about Franken that were published in "questionable" blogs, twitter feeds, or sources that have ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY nothing but an anonymous person's claim.

Are we going to have to see posts from every "potato-chips-for-the-brain.com" website that has someone contact them saying "hey, he did this...I've got nothing but my word, but 'believe me', he did this"

Just because someone pulls a story from the internet, it doesn't mean that it warrants space on DU.

It would be like me saying "I shot JFK from the Grassy Knoll", and then someone posting a story that "Maxrandb admits to shooting JFK...told his brother about it at the time"

and then have 400 responses to the thread, 197 that are "sure I did it", and 203 that say it's bullshit.

Guess what...the 203 are RIGHT!

 

pintobean

(18,101 posts)
88. Well, it's being covered by Huffpost, Slate, and Time.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 04:38 PM
Nov 2017

The OP here is the original source.

And, we haven't had mods here since 2011, but it was never their job to fact check the media. .

blimablam

(121 posts)
90. prove to me these anonymous people are not really Boris from Russia. :)
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 05:07 PM
Nov 2017

Last edited Thu Nov 30, 2017, 06:38 PM - Edit history (1)

Nevernose

(13,081 posts)
92. Variety investigated Lauer for months
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 05:15 PM
Nov 2017

The WP investigates Moore for months. Both outlets approached the victims; they didn’t arise from nowhere.

Conyers was well documented by the Congress bureaucracy, so there was plenty of proof.

The NYT investigated Weinstein for months before reporting on him (and it was a detail in a story mainly about the NYC DA).

Franken’s case isn’t like the others, and not all accusations are the same. It’s entirely possible they’re entirely true, but it’s all very coincidental and not journalistic best practices.

Mandos the Judge

(24 posts)
96. Another anonymous accusation?
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 06:17 PM
Nov 2017

Another anonymous accusation? Let me quote Trajan here:

"... Sine auctore vero propositi libelli in nullo crimine locum habere debent. Nam et pessimi exempli nec nostri saeculi est..."

"...But anonymously posted accusations ought to have no place in any prosecution. For this is both a dangerous kind of precedent and out of keeping with the spirit of our age..."

Even in the second century AD people knew anonymous accusations are bullshit, so I see absolutely no reason to starting paying attention to them now.

Farmer-Rick

(12,667 posts)
107. Anonymous accusations and invisible evidence
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 07:43 PM
Nov 2017

Next up spirit accusations and magical truth tellers.

This is so ridiculous. We got an admitted serial sexual assaulter as the president and leader of the RepubliCONS but that's ok. It's sketchy vague accusations against a Democratic senator that we are concerned about.

Unless Trump is held accountable, all the rest is window dressing.

 

Blue_Tires

(57,596 posts)
100. I'm not too keen on anonymous accusations, but her story
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 06:37 PM
Nov 2017

should be easy enough to verify

Caliman73

(11,767 posts)
117. I was candlepin bowlin and Senatahh Franken tried wicked haahd to kiss me.
Fri Dec 1, 2017, 12:29 PM
Dec 2017


I think that accusations of misconduct and assault should be taken very seriously. We have to start from a place of respecting potential victims, unlike in the past where they were simply ignored or attacked. We also need to expend effort to find out as much fact and evidence as we can, for both accuser and accused. That is due process. Finally, I also think that anonymous accusations have no place in the discussion.

This mysterious official said that she did not want her name associated with a man's bad behaviors, that she wanted to go by her own merits, well, calling out sexual misconduct and facing your attacker is of merit and will help people now and future generations of women and men to find courage to do so. Making anonymous accusations sends a bad message in this time frame where many powerful people are actually being held accountable because women and men are actually exposing themselves to attack by coming out into the open to tell their stories.

I think that if the stories of Franken and his inappropriate behaviors are true, then he is not fit to be a leader in Congress, but he is continuing to ask for the investigation and is willing to face the consequences, and that says a great deal.

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
103. Yeah, well Al tried to wet kiss me too.
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 06:58 PM
Nov 2017

But, I refuse to give my name.


"You can callll meee Aaaal. Baaa bop bop ... bop...... baaaa bop bop... bop"

Deb

(3,744 posts)
105. Well, she is now associated with the name Jezebel
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 07:21 PM
Nov 2017

and I don't even know what/who that is.

Vilis Veritas

(2,405 posts)
112. The 'circus' now includes a 'Sexy New Sideshow' that has captivated the worlds media,
Thu Nov 30, 2017, 11:47 PM
Nov 2017

whilst they role us for all we got, offshore their winnings and send us off to fight the New American Centuries perpetual war for Dominion.

Nice.

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