Realizing that the U.S. Congress needs a little humor, Al Franken is set to announce that he will run for the United States Senate seat now held by Norm Coleman.
Sen. Coleman is one of the most vulnerable Republican senators up for re-election in 2008, but I am not sure that Franken is the right person to unseat him. Coleman ran for governor several years ago but lost to Jesse Ventura. Coleman has also belonged to both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Franken has a political PAC, and last year raised over $1 million. He spread it around to some successful Democratic nominees in other states. They will probably come to Minnesota to help him out.
Even if he loses, there should be a lot of laughs in this campaign.
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 4)
31. You guys are a bunch of whiners. Just say you disagree with his views and here's a thought...say what you disagree with. Franken is intelligent, knowledgable, and successful so all the belly-aching is just silly. And, um, if you don't get Franken's humor, it's understandable...his wit goes right over many people's heads. When you state he is not funny it sorta advertises to the world that your sense of humor is not very evolved...
kelly at 3:43PM on Feb 1st 2007
32. funny, calling him a member of the Al Qaeda. I've always thought that jewish people had a strong affinity for the Al Qaeda.
as to unfunny? as a comedian he may no have been funny, but considering that he was the primary writer for most of it's early successful run (1975-1995 with a five year hiatus) If you ever thought snl was funny then you have to admit he is funny.
Al Franken would definately make a better congressperson than the current person in the white house, I mean I know that america is pandering to the low intellect but do we really need them as our president?
jim at 3:56PM on Feb 1st 2007
33. Frankin is only one of the reasons Air America is going broke and will take down a lot of people when it does. Frankin will only do the same with the state if given a chance. Why do we need someone who thinks they are more important than the poeopl he wants to follow him!
Dave B at 4:00PM on Feb 1st 2007
34. Thank God for Al Franken!!!! He has done a real service to our country with Air America. He will be a wonderful senator--bright, witty & sensible.
Laura at 4:07PM on Feb 1st 2007
35. He's never run for public office, not even dog catcher. His claim to fame is a stint at SNL and on Air America (which is tanking as we speak). He can throw rocks, but what has he done to really try and improve the public debate? I guess when they tilted the country on end, Al did not quite make it to California with all the other nuts and bolts. Go for it Al, it might even be interesting to see how you handle "the rocks of criticism" on the campaign trail.
Usual Suspect at 4:07PM on Feb 1st 2007
36. Ya'll are so SERIOUS, lighten up already. AOL is such a patsy for right wing Republicans! All the moaning and groaning!
Maria C. at 4:22PM on Feb 1st 2007
37. If the naysayers had been paying attention they would realize Al Frankin has been involved in Democratic Politics for a long time now, he is well educated on the issues.
Brain Child at 4:26PM on Feb 1st 2007
38. What was the name of the song back in the 70s by Joan Biaz "Send in the Clowns" Al Franklin will fit right in with the other clowns. Maybe we can get Jon Stewart and his sidekick Colbert to run too. Boy, Canada is sure looking better and better.......Eh Veteran of Viet Nam and ashamed of our Government (again).
Don Kane at 4:26PM on Feb 1st 2007
39. I would consider moving to the frozen north to vote for Al!
Reed at 4:30PM on Feb 1st 2007
40. People who vote for candidates that get elected
deserve who they get. Al Franken is a complete waste. Elect him and suffer.
Maybe the USA could trade him for one of the unfortunate people kidnapped by the terrorists so that when they behead him, he'd be giving his life for something worthwhile.
coppercolt at 4:42PM on Feb 1st 2007
41. I am glad he is running. It is time for him to quit flapping his gums and see how he does. If he is a disaster or caught up in a scandal, his legacy and legitimacy as a political commentator will be completely destroyed. I want to see if the intoxicating power inside the beltway turns him into one of the power-drunk meglomaniacs he claims to despise but often embraces in his own party.
Kagami at 4:43PM on Feb 1st 2007
42. Al Franken is awesome. I love this guy- and I could care less what the right wingers have to say about anything, much less how funny Al Franken is.
Al should win because he is smart and honest, unlike GW.
On the other side- Norm C.is attempting to make it appear as if he has had his lips removed from Bush's butt. Good luck Norm- there are a lot of lips next to yours, and the only "liberal" ones belong to Joe Leiberman.
Edmund at 5:02PM on Feb 1st 2007
43. Another candidate for the left-wing media to shout songs of praise about from the hill tops!!! Isn't Hillary and Obama enough???
Rob R. at 6:17PM on Feb 1st 2007
44. If Al Franken does run He will not get elected, ut then again I thought the same about Ronald Reagan
Ronald Harris at 6:32PM on Feb 1st 2007
45. To Mr. Nelson:
I think you should seriously reconsider nicknaming Al Franken Aljeezera. If you will not, I should hope that you job the likes of Pat Roberson in a hell far worse than anyone could imagine. Do you realize just how offensive you are being. And insensitive to boot?
JoeCooter at 6:36PM on Feb 1st 2007