Ex-Comic Franken Wins Senate Endorsement

Former Funnyman Al Franken Gains Nod From Minnesota Democrats Despite Uproar Over Past Jokes

(AP)  Former comedian Al Franken won a resounding endorsement for the U.S. Senate on Saturday from Minnesota Democrats, quickly dispatching with concerns about jokes that offended some and promising a tough challenge to Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.

"To the people of Minnesota, let me say this: I'm not a perfect person," said Franken, a former writer and performer for the "Saturday Night Live" TV comedy show. "I'm not going to pretend to have all the answers. But I'll tell the truth, I will keep my spine, and I will work for you."

Franken's only competitor, college professor and peace activist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, withdrew after Franken passed the necessary 60 percent threshold on the first ballot. Nelson-Pallmeyer proposed that delegates unanimously back Franken, putting him over the top.

Franken's show of strength came as something of a surprise after a rocky few weeks in which some Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, criticized a racy column he wrote for Playboy magazine in 2000 and, earlier this week, joking comments he was reported to have made about rape that were included in a 1995 New York magazine article about "Saturday Night Live."

Rumors flew that Franken's support was collapsing, and that other candidates were considering a late entry into the endorsement stakes. Franken finally tackled the controversy head-on in his nomination speech to delegates, where he said some of the things he said and wrote over 35 years as a writer were "downright offensive."

"I understand that," said Franken. "And I understand that the people of Minnesota deserve a senator who won't say things that make them feel uncomfortable."

As a best-selling satirist and commentator for a liberal talk radio network, Franken was known for lampooning conservative commentators like Rush Limbaugh and President George W. Bush.

Nelson-Pallmeyer said he would work for Franken's election and won't run in the Democratic primary in September, and for now Franken is facing no opposition. But trial attorney Mike Ciresi, who dropped out of the endorsement race several months ago, has said in recent days that he is considering running in the primary.

Republicans have also hammered Franken for months on some of the more outrageous comments and writing from his years as a comedian, as well as problems with his personal finances. They promised to keep up the heat now that he is the chosen Democratic candidate.

Coleman campaign manager Cullen Sheehan attacked Franken as "unqualified, unfit and unprepared to be a United States senator." He said the campaign will employ old Franken material.

"Al Franken wants to wants to talk about Norm Coleman's record. We're not going to be shy about talking about Al Franken's record," Sheehan said.

As he wooed delegates throughout the day, Franken used the Republican assault as a badge of honor and touted himself as someone who can take the fight right back to the Republicans.

"The Republicans don't want me to be the nominee," Franken said. "But guess what? Thanks to you, I'm going to be, and guess what? I'm going to beat Norm Coleman by holding him accountable."

On Saturday morning, Franken took a key step in quelling controversy over his past jokes when he earned the endorsement of the feminist caucus of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, as the Democratic Party is known in Minnesota.

Jackie Stevenson, the group's leader, said the caucus was impressed with his direct answers on issues critical to members, including domestic violence. She said the group was willing to look past salacious material from Franken's past that some have considered degrading to women.

"At the time he didn't realize how it would affect him later in life," Stevenson said. "He wouldn't do it again today."

[pesojoe]

He should have ran for president. Al is more qualified than BHO and not a racist with a wife that thinks she is better than everyone else

[unclereggie2]

Franken is a brilliant man. He will make Minnesota proud.

[demwatcher]

Democrats are such entertaining people. First, they nominate an inexperienced, racist liar as their candidate for President, and now they push for another joker for Congress.

Dipping to the bottom of the barrel and coming up with scum.

[haoli25]

It''s the end of the world!

[rafterman1]

===Democrats are such entertaining people. First, they nominate an inexperienced, racist liar as their candidate for President, and now they push for another joker for Congress. Dipping to the bottom of the barrel and coming up with scum.===
Posted by DemWatcher

You forgot the biggest joker to ever run for office, George W. Bush - who failed at every job he''s ever had.

[cyndilu9]

Congratulations Al Franken!!! THe more Democrats in office, the better. For these Republicans.....enough harm has been done to the US people....go home!!!

Go Barack!!! (and hopefully, Hillary too) We need Unviversal Health Care NOW

[republic1776]

Former comedian Al Franken?
He can lead his state like he did for Air America!

He is a sad sad joke!

[mcvet]

He is a sad sad joke!



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Posted by republic1776 at 08:55 PM : Jun 07, 2008
+ report abuse

No he''s an AMERICAN Citizen who doen''t belong to the "Party"! A Sad joke is Shooter Cheney, the head of the American Gestapo! SIEG HEIL BUSH!!

[republic1776]

cyndilu9 SAID:
Go Barack!!! (and hopefully, Hillary too) We need Unviversal Health Care NOW
-----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Well get off your a s s and go buy it.
You want a socialist system, move to Russia!
Our Govenment is not good at anything, but stealing from us!

[pipemajor2]

I''ve read most of Franken''s books and listened once in awhile to his show. He is a passionate spokesperson for the middle class, the strongest supporter of veterans'' rights and was willing to stand up to Bush/Cheney/Rove when everyone else was afraid to.

He''ll make an outstanding U.S. Senator.

[patriot12436]

Why not elect a comedian, the senate is a joke anyway

[patriot12436]

pesojoe
And i bet his wife doesn''t need rabies shots either

[patriot12436]

His platform sounds like what we need, someone from the working class representing us. I hope he does what he says he will. Our country is on the verge of collapse now. We need strong leadership. If obama gets ito office we will be hurting even more.

[dremn1]

Coleman is going to crush this clown!!!

[fireceos]

MCVet''s over here trying to pick a fight because she lost the one on the other board.

[patriot12436]

libsluvtospit
Did you ever know a politician that didn''t ?

[patriot12436]

McVet is right. Check the facts.

[fireceos]

If Jesse Ventura can be governor, why couldn''t Al Franken be senator?

[fireceos]

Posted by patriot12436 at 09:50 PM : Jun 07, 2008

Right about WHAT? He''s not talking facts, he''s talking anti-American rhetoric, and bashing good Americans who oppose the war, or occupation, in Iraq, but support our troops for their service. What good is that doing?

[coco0331]

He was Definitely the best left wing talk radio host, that''s why the right wing commies made sure he was off the air. They had no one as good. Unfortunately the left has no one really good other than him. He would make an excellent V.P. He is the best I ever heard on talk radio, I''m all for him.

[bobgee_1999]

Actually I thought he sucked on radio, but his book "Lies," while set in a joking format, was quite good. The great thing about Franken is that he''s not a politician, and doesn''t know that as a politician you''re not supposed to get in someone''s face when they are lying and expose the truth. Right on, Al.

[stn_sage]

My advice to Franken is this:

1. Don''t forget WHO put you in office---the people, NOT the corporations!

2. Don''t forget WHY you''re there---to do the peoples'' business, NOT to party, take brides, or loiter!

3. Don''t forget WHAT happens if you blunder badly---people get hurt and NOT what happens when all is calm.

4. Don''t forget WHAT happens if you disgrace the office---you''ll be voted out---and NOT what happens if things remain static---you''ll retain it.

5. Don''t forget to think for yourself and NOT to ''go along'' with the ''party line'', if the party line doesn''t make sense!

6. Don''t forget to report the truth to your constituents, and NOT withhold it! If you do, you''ll be one of the very few in American history who has done that!

7. Don''t forget WHO you are---a man, an elected official, and NOT a god or an immortal! Remember to act like it. Check the ego at the door, for the public''s sake, if not for your own!

Finally, refrain from the urge to ''crack jokes'', in these troubled times, such jokes almost always offends a good portion of the public, due to being under stress from various responsibilities!

[down-ndirty]

To all these people that say that liberals "don''''t support the troops"...I am a liberal and am currently forward deployed "downrange". I support Franken. Nothing he says effects morale here. Heck, he used to do USO shows over here. What have you people done to "support the troops"? I can post recruitment information if any of you chickenhawks want it. ;)
Posted by sail0r at 10:13 PM : Jun 07, 2008
____________________________

I''m with you, Sailor!! I too, am a "liberal" and spent almost half of my adult life "in the Navy." Much of that time was aboard four aircraft carriers.

For those who NEVER served their country (in the military), our Armed Forces are comprised of the same ratio of Democrats and Republicans as is the general population.

[down-ndirty]

It''s about time Al got into a position where his voice, which is also my voice, can really make a difference.

[ringading3]

Once again Minnesota will be the laughing stock of America. This is the state that elected Jesse, a washed out fake wresler as Governor! What a bunch of losers.

[galloglaigh]

Democrats are such entertaining people. First, they nominate an inexperienced, racist liar as their candidate for President, and now they push for another joker for Congress.
Posted by DemWatcher at 08:01 PM : Jun 07, 2008
_ _ _ _ _ _ _

Republican are such entertaining people. They elect an inexperienced, religious liar, who butchered the English language, as their President, simply because he was from an "wealthy and influencial family." And now they think America is dumb enough to elect another joke, his clone McShame, for POTUS.

Rethuglicans are always "bottom fishing."

"RepWatcher" galloglaigh

[sgtrds-e4]

Al is a shoo in the beat Coleman who only got the seat because the great Liberal Paul Welstone died just before the election. Hell he''s the guy Jesse Ventura beat for Governor too! Al will make a great Senator in Minnesota''s liberal tradition.

[galloglaigh]

Once again Minnesota will be the laughing stock of America.
Posted by RingADing3 at 10:39 PM : Jun 07, 2008
_ _ _ _ _ _ _


Actually, Texas is the laughing stock of America.

Oh, no, wait!! There''s absolutely NOTHING FUNNY about the last two major CONFLICTS that the U.S. has been involved; conflicts that were started by presidents who were from Texas.

And, oh yes, Dicckless Cheney is also from Texas.

[sgtrds-e4]

Track Al''s opposition here.


http://www.mnblue.com/norm_coleman_weasel_meter

[haoli25]

First a wrestler, now a comedian. What''s next Minnesota, a midget? Call me when they elect a female porn actress.

[randynason]

Good for Al. He does have an uncompromising sense of decency and that, in itself, is a rare commodity these days, as the Republican Party has showed us over and over again. So, save your breath when it comes to debating that one candidate has it over another. The only thing that matters to me is the utter destruction and total disembodiment of the GOP.

[fake-id-2009]

First a wrestler, now a comedian. What''''s next Minnesota, a midget? Call me when they elect a female porn actress.
Posted by haoli25 at 11:05 PM : Jun 07, 2008


You probably qualify for the midget category...mental midget, that is.


What is a "haoli?"

[sgtrds-e4]

Call me when they elect a female porn actress.


Posted by haoli25 at 11:05 PM : Jun 07, 2008

Why? Are you qualified as a female porn actress?

[thcarson-2009]

Actually, Texas is the laughing stock of America.

Oh, no, wait!! There''''s absolutely NOTHING FUNNY about the last two major CONFLICTS that the U.S. has been involved; conflicts that were started by presidents who were from Texas.

And, oh yes, Dicckless Cheney is also from Texas.




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Posted by galloglaigh


Cheney was born in Nebraska and grew up in Wyoming, Bush was born in Connecticut, neither is an actual native Texan.

[joe1022joe]

Aren''t the Dems a gas???? Obama for president and Al Franken for senator from Minnesota. What next???? These guys are clowns.

[haoli25]

Are you qualified as a female porn actress?
Posted by SgtRDS-E4

Turnaround and bend over and I''ll show you.

[haoli25]

What is a "haoli"? Posted by fake-id

If you had any brains you would know, @sswipe.

[nojoy01]

"At the time he didn''t realize how it would affect him later in life," Stevenson said. "He wouldn''t do it again today."

I guess that means now that he is running for office instead of telling you what he thinks, he''ll tell you what he thinks you want to hear.

[patriot12436]

gallolaigh
Talk about bottom feeding, the dems came up with obama.

[patriot12436]

fireceo
McVet was talking about the healthcare in this country. He was right about tha. I disagree with him about obama being the right choie for president but believe in giving credit where it is due.

[patriot12436]

sailor
I applaud you for your service. I do support the troops all the way. I do not support the war in Iraq. I amm 100%disabled Vietnam vet, myoldest son was hurt in army rangers and is 100% disabled, my youngest daughter and her fiancee were both just med evac''ed fom Iraq for medical conditions. My youngest so is getting ready to enlist in army rangers.

[o_nolan1]

Al Franken is a force that the republicans just don''t want to deal with, so they will do whatever they can to keep him out. He holds those in public office accountable and he does it with eloquent speaking and cold hard facts. As for his past, he was a comedian. Do you know any comedians who have not said something offensive? Reagan was an actor and he managed to be elected president despite this. He just wasn''t under the media spotlight that there is today.

[ajaxtheleast]

Franken has to RUN to be a Senator.

A few Senators, not excluding Joe

Lieberman, would merely have

to leisurely stroll to fill

Franken''s previous employ.

[jackp32]

The people of MN deserve this guy. He is and always will be an embarrassment to your state.

Another comedian democrat in office. Works for me.

[carlylaine]

Al? When politicos spew venom in lieu of a coherent enunciations, I cease to listen. Al is a spewer.

[perceptions5]

"Franken''s show of strength came as something of a surprise after a rocky few weeks in which some Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, criticized a racy column he wrote for Playboy magazine in 2000 and, earlier this week, joking comments he was reported to have made about rape that were included in a 1995 New York magazine article about Saturday Night Live." - AP

Well Franken sure does represent a Democrat running for office.

No experience ...................except for Hollywood and the left-wing hate radio show "Air America" which our mostly liberal MSM wolfpack press OFTENS fails to mention in their "stories".

I sure with all these qualifications the liberals will flock to the polls to vote for this law breaking, porno loving, tax evading, liberal Democrat.................................sad.

[cockapoo8]

We''re gonna see a lot of new legislation with "um.." in it.

[skyk-2009]

I think Al will make a good senator. ANYONE would be an improvement over what they have.

[skyk-2009]

Al Franken is a fat *** *******.


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Posted by vbnvbnvbn at 05:50 AM : Jun 08, 2008
+ report abuse

Oh! Now THIS is going to make me rush right out and vote for the Republican! LOL If we do NOT send a strong message to these small minded losers that we EXPECT them to DEFEND their records instead of calling the Other guy silly childish name''s then we deserve to have the WORST Government in our history.