This I simply don’t understand. Why will these alleged instances of inappropriate conduct render him ineffective? What Senator is going to think/act differently towards him than they did before? What else will cause him to be ineffective? Will anyone else refuse to cooperate with him?
I also don’t see how resigning is honorable. Why stop there? Why not seppuku? Why is an apology insufficient? As someone who agrees with most of his positions, I contend it would be DISHONORABLE for him to give up his current position. As a senator for at least the remainder of his term, he can act in ways that positively and significantly benefit many people. Far more than he could as a private citizen. Moreover, he would be doing a disservice to everyone else who is accused of - IMO - relatively minor transgressions. For him to respect the process available is - IMO - more honorable than giving up and going away.
Yes. Franken should stand up for the principle that accusations should receive full and fair hearings, and comprehensive investigation. For him to quit before that investigation can take place would be contrary to respect for due process.
Again, yes. Congressional Republicans have proven time and again that they are utterly scruple-free. They will exploit whatever Democrats permit them to exploit.
For one thing, which official in MN or fellow Senator is going to ask Franken to help him/her campaign? But like I said, I’m OK if he waits until after the ethics investigation to decide. This is something I think reasonable people can disagree on.
The article does not mention Ms Tweeden, and does not specifically say that the event was dedicated to Al Franken, only that he was awarded.
The second: Ms Tweeden heavily implies that Al Franken wrote the “kissing” sketch with the intent of trapping her. In fact, it was a repeat of a sketch done several times before. Think “killer bees” and “landshark”.
Be advised, liberal cooties do not bother me, others may need to proceed Shields Up. Your correspondent does not testify as to veracity. But people are saying…
Indeed it is but in this case the senate is controlled by his opponents who have every reason to string him up if they can. Presumably the republican zeal to take down Franken if at all possible will lend it some measure of not being a perfunctory process.
Perhaps not “every reason”. They have at least one reason not to string him up, and it’s pretty much the same reason that led the process to be thought of as a joke in the first place: they might one day find themselves on the wrong end of the stringing up, so most everyone in Washington seems to tacitly agree to sweep these sort of things under the rug, for everybody, or at least everybody called “Senator”. Just take a look at the articles about harassment by federal elected officials. Almost none of them are willing to name names. There’s a whole lot of “one time I was in an elevator with a Representative, and he did X, Y, and Z” or “we have a perv list we warn all the girls about”, but almost no one seems willing to tell a reporter WHO the gropey Congressman was or WHO is on the perv list.
I’m going to ask you to verify that your first question is a serious one before I answer it.
He can say whatever the likes in his defense. However, it will not bode well for him if he contradicts things he said in his apology.
But I’m not sure the committee will be so concerned with something that happened before he became a Senator. And, AFAICT, the committee is 3 Dems and 3 GOP, so if it comes down to party politics, it’s deadlocked. There is, however, one female Senator (Jeanne Shaheen D-NH) on the committee. That might affect things.
I think he’ll be resigning soon. Don’t know when exactly, but there’s a limit, and I think it’s been crossed. Should have been after credible allegation #1, but it will still be the right thing, both morally and politically, even if it’s late.
This is based on personal (online) conversations I’ve had with a party insider (no one particularly famous).
4 accusers is OK and he can stay with 4? What about 6 , 8 , 10 etc?
I can see Moore winning the race and then the GOP only agreeing to vote out Moore if Franken quits. It will be quid pro quo. So maybe Franken should hope Moore loses.
What? I have no idea what you are talking about. But if I assume the worse, are you saying that if I criticize a defense, I’m saying that the person deserves no defense? Because that would be really weird.
Anyway, can you please quote what you are talking about and explain why whatever I said would imply that I don’t think Franken shouldn’t be allowed a defense.
Why is an apology insufficient? As someone who agrees with most of his positions, I contend it would be DISHONORABLE for him to give up his current position. As a senator for at least the remainder of his term, he can act in ways that positively and significantly benefit many people. Far more than he could as a private citizen. Moreover, he would be doing a disservice to everyone else who is accused of - IMO - relatively minor transgressions. For him to respect the process available is - IMO - more honorable than giving up and going away.