McConnell to Franken: "This Isn't SNL"

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Just before Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan was confirmed yesterday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was making his case against her -- a case Democratic Sen. Al Franken seemed to find quite comical.

According to the Associated Press, Franken, who was presiding over the Senate at the time, whispered and made wild gestures as the minority leader laid out his argument.

It was distracting enough that McConnell approached Franken afterward to say, "This isn't 'Saturday Night Live,' Al."

Franken, a former comedian who used to work on the late-night comedy show, immediately went to McConnell's office following Kagan's confirmation in an attempt to apologize, but McConnell wasn't there. According to the AP, Franken delivered a handwritten apology instead, and issued a statement saying McConnell had a right "to give his speech with the presiding officer just listening respectfully."

This wasn't the first dust up Franken has had with another senator while serving as the Senate's presiding officer. Last year, he was chided for cutting off Sen. Joe Lieberman's comments during the health care debate.

Franken's past experience on SNL is unusual for a senator, but he has tried to tone down his comedic inclinations in Congress.

[CarloCaraluzzo]

HEY MCCONNEL!!! It isnt the Reichtag EITHER!! Where were you when the republican called the president a liar during a joint session of Congress?

[CarloCaraluzzo]

But when a Republican calls the president a liar during a joint session of congress he is just passionate?

[kahrc]

How does this IDIOT get to "preside" over the Senate??

[starleo146]

The same way Michelle Bachmann resides over in the House a downright lunatic

[1renegade]

Many of these Senators should live by this motto: "It is better to let people think you are ignorant than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"

[rockcutr]

MitchMac might be a bit less tongue in cheek when trying to be seriously cutting down those he deems lesser humans. It sounds like he is a tripple dry martini where the humor is assumed and needless to express. Dishing it out without rebuttal is the arrogance of sen. MMac. Who could be a little less thin skinned. But, when spewing absurd notions it is really hard to be taken seriously with a mug like that. 4" risers in his shoes are a dead giveaway to his insecurity. Mitchie might be a little kinder to the junior sen from Mn. He may be Pelosis replacement. Then it is game on. Al can stand toe to toe with any scholar or political rant and win. So, go ahead and underestimate Al all ya want. Be very very careful whom you choose to tromp on or scutenize.

[Jassco72]

I see... So, SENATOR Franken may take over as Speaker of the HOUSE. Ignorant much? Refer to the Twain quote in the post above.

[retm-w]

You better go back to civics class.

[kookfringe]

Liberalism is a mental disorder!The U.S.political system is going to hell,how could we get franken and obama at the same time.

[pasmalltown]

So "baby killer" is O.K. with you? Both sides need to "get serious" - and you are confusing "mental disorder" with a sense of humor....and at least Franken whispered, and didn't shout "you lie".................Both Franken's response and those from the "right" are unacceptable, yet in true "FOX fashion" you show just one side of the real story which leads one to believe you are the "unbalanced" one.....

[OldGrouch46]

Did Franken ever pass 5th grade?

[ocinmn65]

Interesting how polarized our politics has become. This is an issue of simple good manners and civility. Breathes there not a liberal in the land who can say, "I agree with Franken's positions on the issues, but his immature behavior in this case was an embarrassment."

[b1bob]

I neither agree with Al Frankens position or his recent behavior.

Neither do I agree with the legacy of GOP lack of civility and arrogance, viz. Bob Dordan, Newt Gingrich, Dick Armey, Dick Cheney, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robinson (just kidding, those last 2 were just RICO (republicans in the closet only!, they were just "christian").

I assume you must have been waiting in line to chastise this legacy list of virtuous civil gop partisans.

[b1bob]

I'm still breathing... Is there NOT a reply?

[ckurtz2010]

Unfortunately, the entire Congress is a joke these days, not just Al Franken. These idiots are destroying this country!

[flatspots479]

Al Franken needs to be ousted. He's probably just really happy about prop 8 in Ca.

[rickstas]

No, McConnel needs to be ousted.