The first part appears to be a done deal:
Ok, those of you who have stopped laughing at the thought of self-help guru Stuart Smalley running for senate have probably remembered another way-out-of-mainstream entertainer doing quite well in Minnesota Politics: Jesse Ventura.Comedian Al Franken said yesterday that he will run for the Senate in Minnesota, giving Democrats the possibility of a celebrity candidate to face Sen. Norm Coleman, considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans in 2008.
"Minnesotans have a right to be skeptical about whether I'm ready for this challenge, and to wonder how seriously I would take the responsibility that I'm asking you to give me," Franken said in a video on his Web site. "I want you to know: Nothing means more to me than making government work better for the working families of this state, and over the next 20 months, I look forward to proving to you that I take these issues seriously," he said.
But Jesse had a couple things going for him that Stuart, er, Al Franken does not. Jesse was able to motivate a whole section of the populace that usually does not vote by rallying them around him. He was also able to cultivate an image of toughness, backed up by SEAL Training. In a translation to a political career, this is a whole lot better than being a self-mocking book author and SNL Comedian. Of Al Franken, your average Minnesotan will say, "He's a little different."
Norm Coleman was able to win, remember, by not being the candidate who participated in a tacky memorial service for Paul Wellstone that was hijacked into a political rally. If Al Franken wins the Democratic primary, Norm will win this time by not being the tacky comedian.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I disagree. I think Al Franken will do quite well. If you've ever listened to his show, he is well informed and offers his position on issues. I think people will respond to him. Many probably think of him more as a political radio show host rather than an SNL alumnus/comedien (as media outlets such as this one is pigeon holing him).
Bob in Savannah GA at 2:58PM on Feb 15th 2007
2. I think Al Franken is both serious and brilliant. I am pleased he is running and feel certain he would bring a breath of Fresh Air to the 'hallowed halls of hypocrites.' Adding humor to the dizzy dialog debates might keep some of them awake, or even inclined to show up for work. GO AL!!!
Helen Callis at 10:18PM on Feb 15th 2007
3. I also disagree. Al Franken is informed, listens to facts and reason and is sincere. He is sure to generate alot of interest and support because of this. He can also raise money. He will be a force to be reckoned with, and he will be an informed debater about policy in what for many is a central issue, the Iraqi debacle.
Melissa in Laredo, Texas
Melissa R Cigarroa at 1:01PM on Feb 15th 2007
4. "Nothing means more to me than making goverment work better for the working families of this state" If that is not the definition of more government and liberal socialism, I do not know what is. More government interference to help us from ourselves. Send me that free money Al. We all will vote for you. I hope and pray, yes pray that the good people of Minnesota are smart enough not to elect an unexperienced person to the halls of the Senate of the United States of America. In this current political environment all you have to do is run against what the other person has been doing. An idiot could do that. Please give us your plan and ideas to help this great state of Minnesota. I hope you are not just another "they are doing everything wrong politican". Not having any record or experience in politics, I guess we will get one liners and politically correct statements based on the polls. If that brings on attacks from the right and moderates, you can always use your comedic background to say you were just joking. Maybe we should get Rosie to run for the Senate. She seems to get more Media time than you do. I always have been amazed that you feel liars are only to the right of the sectrum.
Jim Steel at 1:17PM on Feb 15th 2007
5. I think Al Franken knows the issues, knows the questions to ask, is willing to learn, and can see through the smoke and spin that has prevailed in Washington the last six years. Minnesotans will surely give Al a chance when they hear what he has to say. They will base their vote on substance not silly smear campaigns.
Steve at 1:23PM on Feb 15th 2007
6. I think the whole country is realizing that a government that actually works is essential to a successful nation. Al Franken is bright, insightful and has been educating himself on the failures and the causes of failure in America's government. He would be a positive addition to the Senate unlike so many of the arrogant drudges that are there right now.
Dave Ramsey at 1:49PM on Feb 15th 2007
7. I loved Al Franken's show on Air America, and I will miss him, and his regular guests, very much. Still, I wish him all the best in his run for the Senate. I think Minnesotans will be lucky to have him as their representative. He is smart and funny, and has the respect of many, including people who have great insight into politics and the issues we face.
Dianna at 7:15PM on Feb 26th 2007
8. Anyone who has listened to his show or read his books knows that the man is brilliant. He is a cum laude graduate of Harvard University. The current occupant of the White House was a C student Yale, and Franken didn't have any family connections that helped him get into school. He is very attuned politically unlike W who has to get his daddy's buddies to either help him get into the White House or try to get out of Iraq.
Keith Mixer at 2:09PM on Feb 15th 2007
9. There is a big difference in being educated and being knowledgable. Al Franken is nothing more than a Socialist Liberal with no plan of his own. He will only serve to bash the current political base to prop himself up. Rest assured...he will have no other plan but to grow the government, increase taxes, push gun control and all the other worthless agendas of the far left nuts.
David T. at 4:12PM on Feb 15th 2007
10. I think is GREAT> Al is very up on what is going on in Washington and is well connected. We need a good clear head to reresent us. Carol in MA
Carol Callow at 3:10PM on Feb 15th 2007
11. Stuart Smalley for Senate? While the country is crying out for people who will get along and work with members from the other side of the aisle, Stuart throws his hat in the ring. This guy is so far left (definitely not mainstream) that if elected, would require a name change to the state of Minnesota, to "The Peoples Republic of 10,000 Lakes!"
Greg Brown at 9:14AM on Feb 16th 2007
12. Neoconservative homophobes like NixGuy refer to Al Franken as "Stuart Smalley" in order to immasculate him and portray him in a moderately homosexual way, so readers and viewers (O'Reilly calls him Stuart, too) visualize an imasculine homosexual when they think of Al Franken.
That said, I think it's important for you to understand the truth about the Wellstone Memorial. Go out and look up what really happened, and then ask yourself if it really did turn into a "Political Rally," especially since the "Political" part is mainly related to the speech given by Wellstone's son.
To get Franken's own account of it (He was there, unlike most neoconservatives who comment about it to this day), go here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/al-franken/reflections-on-the-wellst_b_15459.html
For those of you who think Senator Coleman can beat Franken, consider this:
Coleman was one of the idiots who voted in favor of prologning Terri Schiavo's life.
Coleman votes in line with President Bush 98 percent of the time.
Coleman was the lead defender of the Bush Administration after it leaked the name of a CIA operative to the press to intentionally discredit her war critic husband.
Coleman is VERY beatable, and Minnesota can definitely do better.
Ken Brosky at 7:20PM on Feb 15th 2007
13. Al Franken for Senate... If elected we should give Minnesota to Canada
Robert P. at 6:09PM on Feb 16th 2007