# Now, Al Franken **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 16, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770 "2017-11-16T15:42:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 66
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1302 "2017-12-07T15:24:01Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > Not only do I think he said it, but I think he actually thought that. It’s remarkably similar to the Trump “when you’re the star they let you grab them by the pussy” remark. > > I think entertainers are more prone to this mindset than others. Partly because they live in a world where sexual-oriented behavior is presented as entertainment, and the line between entertainment and reality can get blurred, but partly because the star power frequently creates some level of acquiescence, quasi-acquiescence, or imagined acquiescence. You could say Trump himself had been more a part of the world of the “professional media celebrity” ( = form of entertainment) than of the plain old business community since the 1980s, and very much enjoyed the “rewards” of being a star (you don’t get a NY Post headline reading “BEST SEX I EVER HAD” for your work at leveraged buyouts…) ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1303 "2017-12-07T15:29:39Z")
From Franken’s Twitter: > [@](#): > > [Senator Franken is scheduled to deliver a speech from the Senate floor at 11:45 AM ET.](https://twitter.com/SenFranken/status/938774239477403648) That’s just over an hour away. ETA: I’m guessing he’s going to need a new Twitter handle. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1304 "2017-12-07T15:33:21Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > You could say Trump himself had been more a part of the world of the “professional media celebrity” ( = form of entertainment) than of the plain old business community since the 1980s, and very much enjoyed the “rewards” of being a star (you don’t get a NY Post headline reading “BEST SEX I EVER HAD” for your work at leveraged buyouts…) That’s exactly what I was saying. It’s also what Trump himself was saying in that infamous quote. My point was that Franken and Trump are similar in that regard, and it makes sense that they shared the same mindset. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1305 "2017-12-07T15:35:28Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > How so? > > This thread is about senator Al Franken. How is he as morally bankrupt as Donald Trump or Roy Moore? I think it could destroy a person’s reputation. For a moment they step into the spotlight, where senators kind of live, get exposed as huge liars, then go back to their world. I can’t imagine having an albatross like that around my neck in My life. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1306 "2017-12-07T15:38:02Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > Trying to forcibly kiss an assistant, and saying, “It’s my right as an entertainer”? Can anyone imagine Franken actually saying this? My bullshit meter just _yelled._ I believe that Franken did do some groping and it’s fitting that he resign, but I’m skeptical of that particular accusation too, or at least the quote. It sounds too much like a right-wing caricature of what a Godless show biz liberal might say. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1307 "2017-12-07T15:43:28Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > I believe that Franken did do some groping and it’s fitting that he resign, but I’m skeptical of that particular accusation too, or at least the quote. It sounds too much like a right-wing caricature of what a Godless show biz liberal might say. I thought that particular accusation was from a Democratic aide. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1308 "2017-12-07T15:44:17Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > I believe that Franken did do some groping and it’s fitting that he resign, but I’m skeptical of that particular accusation too, or at least the quote. It sounds too much like a right-wing caricature of what a Godless show biz liberal might say. In a moment like that, it would be easy for her to get frazzled and not remember everything exactly perfectly. I believe the gist of the story. Franken went in for a hug/kiss (on cheek? lips?) and she rebuked him. As she left, he tried to be funny and said something to justify his actions that mentioned “entertainment” (e.g. it’s how we say goodbye in the entertainment industry). She built the memory through her own perspective of the stressful encounter. I don’t expect it to have the accuracy of a video recording. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1309 "2017-12-07T15:48:10Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I thought that particular accusation was from a Democratic aide. The real question is why are the Democrats willing to weed out their trash yet the Republican’s want to keep their filthy trash, like Moore? That alone makes it appear as if Democrats have climbed higher on the evolutionary ladder than the Republican politicians. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1310 "2017-12-07T15:56:15Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1311 "2017-12-07T16:13:03Z")
In case anyone cares to watch, Franken’s address will be livestreamed here: [https://www.c-span.org/video/?438270-1/senator-al-franken-colleagues-1145-am&live](https://www.c-span.org/video/?438270-1/senator-al-franken-colleagues-1145-am&live) In an interesting juxtaposition, Senator Luther Strange R-AL, is currently giving his farewell address. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1312 "2017-12-07T16:46:47Z")
Al has a simple solution available. Just switch parties and all is good. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1313 "2017-12-07T16:50:37Z")
> [@Fuzzy\_wuzzy](#): > > It has everything to do with where this thread had been heading though. Only the other week the Dems were just as morally bankrupt as the Republicans on this matter. This week the Dems may be marginally better than the Repubs. There’s not a whole lot to distinguish between the parties here other than one party was thrown into turmoil over an upcoming election, the other party has a years worth of breathing space. Not even close. Franken had some disputed _harassmen_t issues with adults. Moore committed \*\*Felony Sexual assault \*\*vs minors. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1314 "2017-12-07T16:51:22Z")
And we’re live! ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1315 "2017-12-07T16:54:31Z")
Franken will be resigning “in the coming weeks” ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1316 "2017-12-07T17:15:48Z")
And Al “The Lying Groper” Franken is gone. Since I hated that sanctimonious, smug douche, I’m perfectly happy with this result. That said, I’d be happier if Roy Moore was on trial for child rape and Trump was being dealt with as the predator he is too. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1317 "2017-12-07T17:21:30Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > The real question is why are the Democrats willing to weed out their trash yet the Republican’s want to keep their filthy trash, like Moore? That alone makes it appear as if Democrats have climbed higher on the evolutionary ladder than the Republican politicians. Only if their reaction would have been exactly the same if there was a Republican in the Wisconsin Governor’s Mansion. My cynical viewpoint is that for either political party the number of Senators they have in Congress is more important than any misconduct. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1318 "2017-12-07T17:27:24Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > … My cynical viewpoint is that for either political party the number of Senators they have in Congress is more important than any misconduct. I share this view. I suspect that in the late 2020’s or early 2030’s, after the risk of any real political cost is passed, Republicans will grow remorseful for having supported Trump. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1319 "2017-12-07T17:37:32Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I share this view. I suspect that in the late 2020’s or early 2030’s, after the risk of any real political cost is passed, Republicans will grow remorseful for having supported Trump. I take it you’re not there yet? ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1320 "2017-12-07T17:40:02Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > I share this view. I suspect that in the late 2020’s or early 2030’s, after the risk of any real political cost is passed, Republicans will grow remorseful for having supported Trump. The retirement age ones who are subsisting on cat food and living in cardboard boxes because they got duped into voting away their Social Security in exchange for seeing mean things said about immigrants and Muslims on TV probably will. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770/1321 "2017-12-07T17:42:43Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > I take it you’re not there yet? There are things Trump has done, and does, and is accused of doing, that I dislike. OTOH, he has supported and advocated for actions and policies that I like. He just removed ~2 million acres from national monuments in Utah. I’m having a hard time getting my dander up at him this week. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770.md?page=65) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-al-franken/801770.md?page=67)