I saw a video of Leeann Tweeden at the USO tour, it must have been linked on DU. Among other bawdy behaviors, I remember her onstage rubbing her backside against a singer who looked annoyed and embarrassed. I also remember that Leeann Tweeden did not want an investigation. To my mind, those things do not support her claims of victimization by Franken.

I am female and worked in male dominated professions for much of my adult life. I have experienced harassment and assault. I know that people react differently to these crimes, but everything I read and saw of her just seemed not to support her allegations against Franken. Yes, the photo of him pretending to touch her breasts was in poor taste, was he even actually touching her? It didn't look like it to me. It looked like he was pretending to for the photo.

All of the other allegations apparently happened at state fairs and other public places. Although I have never met him, Franken always seemed like a hugging, personable person. I remember the one interview of another person who made allegations, probably also linked on DU. This person mentioned that she had gained a lot of weight recently and was embarrassed when he squeezed her waist when they were taking the photo she had requested. That doesn't count as assault in my book.

This country very much needs a public discussion of what is and is not acceptable as far as behavior between men and women. An actual investigation of the allegations against Senator Franken would have helped the country move forward, although I am sure it would have been brutal for his family. I have never been a hugger, but I am well aware that there are people for whom such behavior is natural and not meant to intimidate or offend. I have no doubt that in the end, Franken would have been vindicated of all allegations.

No way in hell will I ever work for or vote for Gillibrand in any campaign. Fortunately, we will have plenty of other excellent candidates and I won't have to.