Franken on Senate resignation: 'They made it impossible for me to get due process'

[left-of-center2012]

Source: The Hill

Former Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) in an interview on Wednesday criticized how allegations of sexual misconduct against him were handled, saying “they made it impossible for me to get due process.” Franken resigned from the Senate in December 2017 following sexual misconduct accusations made by several women ...

Colleagues pressured him to step down, but Franken denied any wrongdoing even after he announced he would resign. In an interview with Washington Post Live on Thursday, he said that news outlets had not immediately investigated the claims made by the accusers and that lawmakers had denied him due process.

“No one investigated this. No one at The Washington Post investigated it. No one at The New York Times investigated — no one did any investigation of this at all. And I had 36 of my colleagues demand that I leave, and I didn't get due process,” Franken said. “And it was a pretty awful experience for me and my family.”

The magazine also noted that seven current or former senators have publicly regretted pushing for Franken’s resignation without more information: Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in addition to former Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.).

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/593717-franken-on-senate-resignation-they-made-it-impossible-for-me-to-get-due

---

Link to tweet

?s=20&t=7SdrBrtI4k47EYUvn9sHtw

[JohnSJ]

1. That is absolutely true

[ificandream]

2. Al, we love ya....

[NurseJackie]

3. Yes! This! Franken's supporters here have been saying this for YEARS!!

[PoliticAverse]

4. Report: Al Franken Mulling Another Run At Public Office

From September 14, 2021...

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Former Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, who was forced to resign in 2018 following a string of sexual misconduct allegations, is considering another run at public office.

In an interview published Monday by the Massachusetts-based newspaper The Republican, Franken said he has a political action committee and is “keeping his options open.”

The 70-year-old noted that there have been nine public apologies from former colleagues who now believe he was pushed out too abruptly at the height of the #MeToo movement.

“I wanted due process, but I had 36 colleagues and a majority leader who wouldn’t give it to me, so it was impossible,” the former Democratic lawmaker told the newspaper. “But you do have some regrets. It was a very weird, tough situation at that moment. I love the Senate. I love the work that I did.”

Read the rest at: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/09/14/report-al-franken-mulling-another-run-at-public-office/

[PoliticAverse]

10. It's from 4 months, 28 days ago. n/t

[left-of-center2012]

13. sorry ... my bad math

[ColinC]

45. This one is even more recent (i guess from the same interview in the op)

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/593595-al-franken-it-would-be-tempting-to-run-for-office-again

my question is... what would he run for and where?

[Hugh_Lebowski]

5. I'm still perturbed I can tell ya that, and damn I wish we'd had him throughout IQ45 regime

And even more so now ... he'd be lighting Trump up about the insurrection/attempted theft from a Senator's seat in a way I don't think any other of our Senators could quite match.

And the media likes having him on, in part because he's a trained professional at appearing on camera, but he also has a solid charisma to him, and he's funny as shit.

Still bitter.

[slightlv]

16. I'm with you

I can't quite figure out his charisma, but you're right... he's got it! I always felt he was railroaded out of Congress. Glad to know my senses were right on. I'd love to see him run and win, as much for our country's sake as for ours. We need him, but our country needs him even more, especially now.

Imagine how many times he could have gotten under *rump's skin in those four years and since! Not one thing could *rump have gotten away with... whatever it was, it would have been brought up over and over and over again in a thousand different ways and not all of them comedic.

This was one of the first blasts of the R's sticks of dynamites. And too many played right into their hands, I'm ashamed to say. I believe their hearts were in the right place, but...

[keithbvadu2]

92. "played right into their hands"

BINGO!

[KS Toronado]

23. Very well said

[MontanaMama]

37. Boy howdy. I'm still bitter too.

He was the most effective Senator during the hearings that ended with the Keebler Elf (Sessions) resigning. He is a formidable questioner.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

40. Great point I should've mentioned ... the dude is pretty brilliant

Many times you'd watch him as a Senator you'd think he's a Harvard Law grad ... not 'just' a cum laude Harvard Political Science undergraduate ... and comedian.

He can argue circles around people with ostensibly much loftier credentials/educations in the field of debate.

[Paladin]

39. My sentiments exactly.

Our having to do without an anti-trump weapon like Franken is one of the great political sins of my lifetime. I want him back in the Senate, pronto.

[pazzyanne]

56. Al Franken was my Senator, and...

I am still mad as hell at what happened to him!

[True Blue American]

93. You think you are angry, Pazzyanne?

I made my thoughts known to our Senator. We had quite a few emails back and forth. I did not back down from how I felt. Just happen to have a Senator who actually answers his email. One I am very proud of, but disagreed on the rail roading.

Governor Cuomo was pushed out the same way. I believe in equal rights but also see a vendetta, probably orchestrated by some one.

[pazzyanne]

96. Agree!!! nt

[Lunabell]

7. He was railroaded.

The picture in question was a setup. Maybe it was a little juvenile humor, but the woman in the photo was a willing participant, not a victim. I miss Franken and hope he runs again.

[NurseJackie]

11. Yes... indeed it was a setup.

Everyone knew it... but there were others who probably thought it would "help their political aspirations" if they were able to take-down one of their own.

Clearly, that didn't work out as planned for ANY of his adversaries and antagonists.

Al Franken is a national treasure. We are all the poorer for the selfish actions of a handful of short-sighted people.

[Lunabell]

38. I belive it was his progressive views that made him a target.

And his friendly ability and keen mind and insight to compromise and get things done that did him in.

[NurseJackie]

55. He's much more intelligent that most other senators. His wit and wisdom were...

... strong weapons that helped him to connect with people, and to put his adversaries at ease while he went in for the kill (so to speak).

38. I belive it was his progressive views that made him a target.

Absolutely.

[DENVERPOPS]

44. Thank you NJ

It just goes to show you, how Republicans aren't the only ones who hear something and then just repeat it over and over..............

People should have recognized a submarine/torpedo job right from the get go. After all, they had witnessed the massive "Swift Boating" of Gore and other false character assassinations of others.............

[pazzyanne]

57. + 1 nt

[orleans]

79. you mean john kerry?

The term swiftboating (also swift-boating or swift boating) is a pejorative American neologism used to describe an unfair or untrue political attack. The term is derived from the name of the organization "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" (SBVT, later the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth) because of their widely publicized—and later discredited—campaign against 2004 U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry.[1][2][3][4]

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

[DENVERPOPS]

80. You are so right, thank you

sorry, I am getting really old!!!!!!! Thx

[orleans]

82. no problem. there has been so much shit that republicans pull

it is hard to keep it all straight.

[stopdiggin]

101. I agree. We do too much of it too.

And it's a (human) tendency that should be guarded against.
(if you can't look in the mirror from time to time - you're really not getting the full picture)

Democrats did this to their own (to their shame and eventual considerable misgivings) - although let's not forget that the 'hit' originated with rat-f**king right press (bought and paid for, and with very specific intent).

[NurseJackie]

8. Franken was railroaded. He should run again.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

20. Agreed. And agreed. . . . nt

[mahina]

9. Such a shame and really unjust

Hearings would’ve gone much differently with him on the Senate and for the better by far. This was a great injustice that was done to a smart and reliable progressive. My oe n senator chimed in on this too. Sadly.

I felt at the time that he was being picked off by the right wing in the very cynical bait that our senators stupidly and predictably, reactively, took.
We can’t be trapped like that again to sabotage our best or even our just ok electeds.

Im off to find the New Yorker article

[PoliticAverse]

12. That's the real reason they got rid of him...

He was getting too much favorable publicity for what he was doing in the Senate and outshining other Senators (and making them look bad) so he had to go.

[maddiemom]

50. AND he'd just gotten "warmed up" to the job.

When he first took his seat, he was pretty quiet and deferential. You could tell he was anxious NOT to be accused of wanting attention as a celebrity senator.

[betsuni]

76. He describes it as the "Hillary Model" in his book: "Be a workhorse, not a showhorse. Go to all your

hearings. Come early, stay late. Do your homework. Don't do national press. Be accessible to your state media and to your constituents."

[mudstump]

42. The wingers got the democrats to do their work for them.

[mahina]

53. Yes

💧

[mzmolly]

14. My Senator deserved

better.

I'm still angry.

[orleans]

81. i'm still angry about it too. i was furious when that bandwagon started to run him out of dodge

and heartbroken when he decided to leave.

(yep, still "not over it" )

i think about what an incredible difference he could have/would have made and would still be making.

(my 2 senators jumped on that fucking bandwagon--durbin & duckworth; apparently they ignored my emails)

[mzmolly]

89. I agree.

I sure miss him in the Senate.

[Ford_Prefect]

15. The whole thing was Roger Stone and Vlad Putin covering Trump and Co's ass.

They took the #Me Too movement and pointed them at the one senator who wouldn't ever have that rep. They stalled the movement and ended the career of a very effective Senate opponent of the Trump Regime and its conniving toadies with one stroke.

I'll say that there are those Democrats today who walk the halls and speak the woke who don't deserve my time or money. I'm not speaking of those like AOC who've lived it and speak sincerely. I mean the ones we might in other circumstances define as suburban liberals who talk the talk until its time to stand up and be counted. They hid behind rhetoric when Al was crucified. We may need all democratic votes but we also need democrats who will stand up for the truth, not just for their benefactors.

I've been a working class progressive democrat my entire life. I have no patience left for those who are too afraid to get off the wall and make it count. I worked too damn hard for what I have, for those I love, and for this country to watch some fool give it away, or some other fools say "We shouldn't ask those questions".

It has been said that Democracy is messy and imprecise. That it takes all kinds of eggs to make that omelet. It's also been said that the truth will set you free. If we are gonna make through the future that is staring us in the face anyone calling themselves a Democrat had better belt up and be ready to stand up. It's going to be a very bumpy ride.

[gopiscrap]

85. thank you for this post

[Joinfortmill]

17. I love this dude.

Bet they miss him now.

[jalan48]

18. Franken was one of our strongest and most effective voices.

Somebody wanted him gone.

[SergeStorms]

21. It was at the height of the "MeToo" movement...

and certain people, within the Democratic party wanted blood. Men's blood.

Now, the "MeToo" movement was totally justified in most cases, but some people - including right-wing operatives and a certain junior Senator from New York - thought this would be a magnificent chance to get rid of a powerful and articulate Democratic Senator, and further their own political agenda.

Didn't work out very well for you, did it certain junior Senator from New York?

But it certainly worked to the benefit of the right-wing ratfuckers who framed him. I want Roger Stone's twisted, demented ass in prison just as much as a certain ex-president's ass in prison, who happened to benefit from Stone's sick, evil tricks.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

41. That's about how I size it up as well Serge (nt)

[gopiscrap]

86. exactly

[DFW]

100. Here's my take on Roger Stone

And if I never hear the phrase "came forward" again, it will be too soon.

[mudstump]

22. Democrats...the only party who willingly eats their own stalwart warriors. SHAME

[Wuddles440]

24. So true...

and so very depressing!

[llashram]

25. Sen. Franken

they were afraid of your sharp, incisive intellect. And they are trying to keep you from being POTUS...IF you had a chance to run.

[brooklynite]

26. Who was "they"?

[llashram]

27. it is obvious

especially since Sen. Franken was not given a chance to defend himself against the pitchfork tar and feather mob.

[brooklynite]

29. The Democratic Caucus and Indivisible are a "tar and feather mob"?

[llashram]

34. You are entitled

to your opinion about Sen. Franken. Unfair and unjust dismissal at a time where he was invaluable in my estimation. The denial of due process was just wrong.

I'm not here to nitpick. Just my opinion and I will remain steadfast with it. Sen. Franken got a rotten deal.

[brooklynite]

35. I have no objection to people who are unhappy about his leaving...

What I have a problem with is the continued assertion, without evidence that "they" set up fake accusations, and "she" intentionally went after him for her Presidential ambitions.

[llashram]

36. he still was denied

due process. Done with this, it's in the past.

[Polly Hennessey]

28. Perhaps the word Gillibrand will strike a cord of remembrance.

[brooklynite]

32. Unless you're arguing that all of the accusations were fake...

...it really doesn't matter if Franken was a prospective Presidential candidate or not. And why was Franken a greater risk to Gillibrand's Presidential campaign than, say, Joe Biden? Bernie Sanders? Michael Bennet? Pete Buttigieg?

As much as I supported Franken in his campaigns, I never saw him as "Presidential" material (any more than the many other candidates from the Senate). Biting questions in Committee hearings plays well with political activists but it isn't a driving element of Presidential campaign.

[Layzeebeaver]

61. What is it about due process that is difficult to understand?

Innocent until proven guilty.

[brooklynite]

62. Nobody forced Franken to leave; they can't

Short of a 2/3 vote to expel, he could have held his seat until the Ethics Committee review was done.

The problem was that AFTER he had apologized for some of his behavior, more accusations came out. Not the same as proclaiming innocence.

[Layzeebeaver]

70. Ok...

Let’s parse this…

Nobody forced him to leave - true, however, he left because he perceived there was never going to be any due process.

Short of a vote to expel he could have stayed until the ethics review was conducted - also true, however, the right wing media and republican spin machine would have used the elapsed time to Jin up all kinds of messaging in the public eye to further undermine the left. Regardless of guilt or innocence, Franken did the right thing to kill the narrative.

Apologies and accusations are not equal - he might have apologised for inappropriate behaviour that was not actual sexual “harassment”, but still inappropriate. Any “further accusations” should still be considered as part of the innocent until proven guilty foundation of our legal system.

Franken NEVER proclaimed innocence. He apologised, and yet was not offered any effective path for due process - only demands that he should resign.

Regardless of what happened, what was said, what “further accusations” are made, or EVEN IF someone resigns, THEY STILL DESERVE DUE PROCESS.

[pazzyanne]

98. Thank you!

[stopdiggin]

103. the 'further' accusations

(while not to be discounted) turned out to be a lot of "I felt uncomfortable" - "just seemed a little weird" sort of deal which was quite prevalent with the height of the #metoo movement at the time. Women all over were discussing this kind of thing (with justification, and to some benefit). Franken is and was a touchy, handsy, huggy sort of character - and like a lot of people should learn to tone it down. But let's also not forget that Biden (who's about as innocuous as a person could possibly be) was also subject to similar accusations of "handsy" and "uncomfortable" during a similar time frame.

[DLCWIdem]

90. That's disingenuous

There were 34 Democratic Senators against him. With the Republicans they could have Indeed "forced him out". He was ostracized before he e enough had a hearing.

[PatrickforB]

72. I'll go with that. Franken never would have run for POTUS. And if he did,

I doubt he'd have gone 'deep' in the primaries.

He was not a potential opponent removed through baseless accusations, rather he was a stepping stone for a few ambitious people, Gillibrand included, who misread the situation and underestimated the blowback. It was a horror to see it play out, courtesy of that jerk with the Nixon tattoo on his back.

You know, I can remember when I read a lengthy piece - not sure where it was, maybe Rolling Stone - about how a young woman who was one of Franken's constituents, Jamie Leigh Jones, went overseas to work for Haliburton, and ended up getting gang-raped and then locked in one of those freight containers, seriously injured, under armed guard. It was horrible.

Franken acted immediately upon hearing of the situation, got her out of there, helped her and her family all he could, and later guided a law through Congress that got rid of binding arbitration clauses with employees alleging sexual assault for companies that have military contracts. In 2010, Jones got her day in court. She lost, but Franken made it possible for her to press her case in civil court instead of with some industry-paid arbitrator.

Bottom line, Franken is a stand up guy, and was a really good, caring Senator. I wish this would not have happened to him, because whether those accusations were credible or not, he did not get due process.

The whole thing smacked of a right-wing hit job. That is why, Brooklynite, I agree this was not dirty Dem politics nearly as much as the right wing using baseless Rovian smear tactics to get rid of a too-formidable opponent in the Senate.

[brooklynite]

73. I find Roger Stone even less compelling as a presumed villain...

Last edited Fri Feb 11, 2022, 05:32 PM - Edit history (2)

Franken wasn’t brining Medicare for all or a wealth tax to passage. I find it hard to believe anyone would plot to bring down someone who’s primary strength was embarrassing witnesses at a Senate Hearing. Add to which, there were multiple accusers, including Democratic Congressiinal aides.

[pazzyanne]

97. And no due process!!!!!! nt

[Layzeebeaver]

107. He was and still is a democratic icon and thought leader

A perfect target for the hard right.

Franken’s presidential ambitions (if they existed) are not relevant.

In my opinion it was a perfect trial run to test the “he touched me” attack vector in advance of a potential Biden presidential run.

Thankfully it didn’t get traction with Biden.

[SouthBayDem]

111. Is this the article about Franken and Jones?

http://web.archive.org/web/20131023190833/www.washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/november_december_2013/features/the_war_of_rape047355.php?page=all

[DLCWIdem]

91. The first one was an obvious hit job as per the New York article.

Did you read the article in question. The accusations were mostly about inappropriate behavior. Even Gillibrand they "were different" from typical molestation and harassment charges. Once she investigated the article made it known that Franken was devoted to his wife and not one to even look around at other women. BTW That last accusation that you are referring about from the Senate intern, according to the article when she was asked about whether it was a "sexual advance or a clumsy thank you she said it didn't matter". The intern then said she didn't end Franken's career, he did" Imo, If this was a serious allegation then it would have mattered whether it was sexual advance or clumsy thank you. IMO, such cheapens the experience of those of us who have put up with of real harassment.

One remark stands out from the article that put this in perspective for me. It said that standards change. What is acceptable behavior in 2003 may not be acceptable in 2015. Such as off color jokes. The crux of the matter is that most of the behavior did happen in the past.

The article also made clear that Gillibrand was the driving force behind ousting him. While I agree with you that he wasn't Presidential material (he would have been too abrasive with his humor, imo) he made a great senator. BTW, that legislation that Gillibrand got passed on sexual harassment was actually Franken's, according to the article. That legislation may not have been medicare for all but Imo it was important for women.

[True Blue American]

94. Oh, yes, I remember

It well!

[LymphocyteLover]

30. Such a shame but he shouldn't have resigned if he thought the charges were false

Basically he got caught in a perfect storm during the #MeToo moment.

[AZLD4Candidate]

31. Guilt upon accusation and innuendo has always bothered me.

[FreepFryer]

33. Come back and bring tough friends (Nt)

[hamsterjill]

43. This is why Democrats need to learn not to be so quick

To condemn their own. Several here continually insist on due process for accused. It should be the same for every case - we should not think our own do not deserve the same treatment.

[LakeArenal]

48. Talk about trashing a Democrat.

Sure will never forget.

I wish there was published list of the 9 that “apologized” which was a little too late for me.

[hamsterjill]

74. Agreed.

Franken’s treatment was just wrong. And while this may not be popular on DU, I feel somewhat the same about Andrew Cuomo. Yes, I know there was an investigation. But that was one sided and he hasn’t had the opportunity to refute any claims because every charge against him has been dropped. If he’s guilty, then charge him and have enough confidence in your case to believe he will be convicted. Simply ruining someone’s reputation with accusations alone is getting out of hand.

I’ll shut up now… this just hits a nerve with me.

[LakeArenal]

75. Yes. I think Cuomo was pushed.

Ruining his and Chris’ careers.

[gopiscrap]

87. thank you I agree

[LiberatedUSA]

46. Yes...

…that #BelieveAllWomen sure got weaponized, especially if one side decides to believe or not accusers depending on who is being accused.

[dixiechiken1]

47. Bitter is the word...

I was soooo pissed off when Al Franken resigned. And a lot of that anger was focused on the Dems who were calling for his head, even before any investigations were carried out. We allowed the Repubs to bully us & control the narrative. Again.

It is in large part because of Senator Franken that AG Jeff Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation. We lost an incredibly effective Senator and one of our Party's most powerful spokesmen when he resigned.

I would love to see him back in office.

[calimary]

51. Damn you, Merkley!

Has he ever issued a public apology for railroading Al Franken outta there without ANY chance at anything remotely resembling due process.

Pissed off at “my” Senator. He should have known better. And DAMMIT, he should have DONE better. Fucking Merkley! Hung Al Franken out to dry.

[onecaliberal]

52. But the 39 time rapist was free to serve and damn near blow up democracy.

[liberalla]

54. I wish he was still in the Senate... and I harbor ill feelings toward Gillibrand for her

role in the handling of the matter.

[hippywife]

58. What, no comment of regret from

Kirsten E. Gillibrand?

[BigmanPigman]

60. I definitely noticed that too.

[brooklynite]

63. Why should she?

She's always been a strong advocate for women and opposed to sexual harassment of any kind. And New York's voters strongly support her.

As for Franker's absence, not to worry; the people of Minnesota are being well-represented by Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar.

[hippywife]

64. Because, she was the one that pushed so hard

to get him out without due process. Note the last few words there.

And his name is Franken, not Franker.

[brooklynite]

65. She was the face of multiple female Senators who felt the same way.

Funny how Amy Klobuchar also was running for President but isn't tarred as an opportunist.

“Today Senator Franken acknowledged that he could no longer serve in the Senate and resigned. As he and I discussed yesterday, this is the right decision. Senator Franken has worked for years on behalf of the people of Minnesota and he has been a leader on issues that are fundamental to Americans’ lives, including education, privacy, healthcare and mental health. He has been a friend to me and to many in our state.

https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/klobuchar-statement-on-the-resignation-of-senator-al-franken

[hippywife]

67. As the OP states...

some who have also publicly state they regret the stance they took at the time. I really don't care if you want to kiss Gilibrand's ass, she put herself out there as that face and denied him his most important right, due fucking process.

[brooklynite]

68. But that's the whole point; I don't fan-boy ANY politicians.

I support candidates who can get elected and who can be effective in office. And when they can't, I drop them and find someone else.

[hippywife]

69. I don't have my nose up any of their asses, either.

But to deny someone due process is the issue here and it's wrong.

[xxqqqzme]

59. It was pretty awful

out here too.
llibrand
I only donate to local candidates. Senator Franken was my only exception. I didn't vote for Harris in the California primary because she was no.2 in the gillibrand parade.

[brooklynite]

66. Who's going to put their money where their mouth is?

Chuck Schumer is up for re-election. He has Primary opponents. He led the Caucus when Franken was called on to resign. Who's going to back one of his opponents to "send a message"?

[pazzyanne]

99. I have respected you posts for years.

Today is not your finest hour.

[stopdiggin]

104. You serious? (damn, I hope not) -(nt)-

[PatrickforB]

71. Gosh darned right he didn't get due process. I still boil about this right-wing hatchet job

on one of our best people.

While I was quite gratified to see Kirsten Gillibrand fall hard early in the presidential primaries, I would much rather Franken was still in the Senate. As to the other 35 of Franken's colleagues (et tu Bruti?), seven have recanted. I'd love to see the others express this same regret.

[DFW]

109. I hadn't seen that Duckworth had apologized

I will take her off my "no-contribute" list. Merkley should have known better, I want to see the details before I start contributing to him again. I have to assume Rhode Island's Sheldon Whitehouse has apologized, since he has been on Al's podcast, singing Al's praises.

I find it significant that NONE of the former presidential candidates of the 2020 race--that were Democratic Senators at the time--have said a peep about apologizing. One, I happen to know, showed up at an event held for Al, only to admit that the reason for coming (uninvited) was to try to meet with some heavy donors, whose attendance had somehow been announced, and not to apologize to Al, not to even try to meet with him. I still value the reliable vote in the Senate, but, needless to say, any requests for contributions (and they come regularly) are immediately tossed in the trash here. More than four years on, and I am still so angry, I could spit.

[Blue Owl]

77. I'm still fucking pissed off about this.

With everything the former fat fuck has been allowed to get away with, this just shows how crooked, corrupt, unjust, and rigged American politics is…

[BootinUp]

78. Franken was one of our best in every way, period. nt

[Martin68]

83. The dude was railroaded out of office. He was an excellent Senator.

[Skittles]

84. it made me sick that some DUers were A-OK with this

[grantcart]

95. Yep, disgraceful.

[stopdiggin]

105. "further accusations" --- "but the emails!" -(nt)-

[Loki Liesmith]

88. They sold him down the river.

[zentrum]

102. Need and miss Al so much.....

I see that Gillibrand is not on the list even though she was perceived as a main culprit--trying to help herself be nominated for Democratic President.

Will never forgive her and have told her so.

Come back Al!

[tonekat]

106. Good Example of Democrats Eating Their Own

And why they can't stand up to the GQP.

[nvme]

108. Al Franken was the bomb!

He f---ed up with the snapshot, and was rightly pilloried for the immature photo. He was also a comedian/writer so he took liberties that most of us would not take. With that said. We need someone like Franken in the who can be bombastic. We need advocates like him. He was unfairly treated and grouped in with the Cosby/Weinstein crowd. He is someone who is deserving of a second chance. IMHO

[LiberalLovinLug]

110. He was perceived to have an advantage, coming from an entertainment background

I think Republicans feared Al more than almost any Democrat. Because they knew the power of celebrity, and how it gives candidates instant recognition, and credibility. Add in a seering comedic wit and he'd be unstoppable. Based on their experience with Reagan, R's knew he was a threat. And now that power of celebrity has played out with Trump. I think Al would have only gotten more popular, more confident, as his experience grew in Washington. Combined with appearances on network news shows.

All Republicans had to do was set the table, use Tweeden to set it off. Taking advantage of the state of the country in the height of the MeToo movement. They knew that the other side of the aisle would take the bait, or enough of them. Because of a combination of keeping up appearances of supporting the MeToo for their own constituents, plus clearing a path for their own ambitions.

I think Al was looked at as a maverick, and someone who couldn't be bottled. He was a little unmanagable. And a threat to compete against because of his celebrity, a sore spot for other Democrats who no doubt thought of it as an unfair advantage. I'm not accusing other Democrats of anything sinister or colluding with R's, just that many top Dems went along and didn't dig too deep and didn't say anything in his defence because the silver lining was a clearer path without this unpredictable free radical populist to compete against.

There is a disdain by those more to the left for a populist candidate. These are looked at as dangerous. I assume because of how power can then go to their heads, and it paves the road to authoritarianism.

But Obama was a kind of populist. So was Bill Clinton. We need that element to win decisively. This is a new era of social media and influencers etc... We should be embracing those like Al Franken. He checks all the boxes in todays world. There's a reason why McConnell etc...are going along with Trump running again for them....he's the most populist celebrity candidate they have. They don't want us to have one too.

[ck4829]

112. K&R

[SKKY]

113. Given what we have been forced to endure these past 4 years...

...it does make the allegations against Franken seem rather quaint.