Senator Al Franken Kissed and Groped Me Without My Consent, And Theres Nothing Funny About It

[oberliner]

Source: KABC

When I saw the script, Franken had written a moment when his character comes at me for a ‘kiss’. I suspected what he was after, but I figured I could turn my head at the last minute, or put my hand over his mouth, to get more laughs from the crowd.

On the day of the show Franken and I were alone backstage going over our lines one last time. He said to me, “We need to rehearse the kiss.” I laughed and ignored him. Then he said it again. I said something like, ‘Relax Al, this isn’t SNL…we don’t need to rehearse the kiss.’

He continued to insist, and I was beginning to get uncomfortable.

He repeated that actors really need to rehearse everything and that we must practice the kiss. I said ‘OK’ so he would stop badgering me. We did the line leading up to the kiss and then he came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth.

Read more: http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/

[PearliePoo2]

1. Oh CRAP!

[FarPoint]

89. See...

Feeding into this Trial by Media...has consequences....turns into a self serving Lynch Mob mentality....

[Boilingpots]

92. Sen. Franken

Sen. Franken apologized. This was a long time ago. He is a champion for women and PoC in the Senate. Let's move on.

[GatoGordo]

110. The problem being, a lot of these incidents occurred a long time ago

and there have been apologies galore.

We can't gaze the stink-eye at Group A for their misdeeds, then excuse Group B for the same misdeeds just because they are on our side. We can't be hypocritical if we want people to take our arguments seriously.

[Eliot Rosewater]

113. Accuser is lying, this much we now know.

[samnsara]

2. no no no no no no no no no!

[Eliot Rosewater]

114. Accuser is lying, this much we now know.

[nycbos]

3. If we believe the women who have accused Trump and Moore we also have to believe this woman.

We must stand up to sexual assault. It doesn't matter if Franken is a "good liberal"


Given I am such a big fan of his this allegation is extremely upsetting.

[Eliot Rosewater]

115. Accuser is lying, this much we now know.

[GatoGordo]

125. Why the spamming?

[moda253]

134. He's replying to the spamming.

[Oneironaut]

142. Did you say the same about Moores accusers?

If not, that is hypocrisy.

[Dorn]

188. Should we believe Tara Reade?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/joe-biden-when-a-woman-alleges-sexual-assault-presume-she-is-telling-the-truth/2018/09/17/7718c532-badd-11e8-a8aa-860695e7f3fc_story.html

[get the red out]

4. As I said on another of these threads

at least Minnesota has a Dem Governor.

[Botany]

5. Consider the source, Leeann Tweeden

From wiki

Tweeden was a correspondent for Fox Sports Net's Best Damn Sports Show Period from 2001 to 2007. In 2008, Tweeden became the third hostess of the NBC late night television series Poker After Dark.[3] She has also appeared on the political discussion series Hannity, as a member of the "Great American Panel" and occasionally appeared on the panel of Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld.[4]

[enough]

7. There's a picture. NT

[pnwmom]

30. So whoever took it can conform whether it was real or part of a skit. n/t

[George II]

56. Edit: Franken has acknowledged the photograph and apologized immediately.

[Oneironaut]

146. Franken already acknowledged the picture is real.

He said it was “supposed to be a joke.” Disgusting!

[7962]

8. So the picture of him doing it doesn't matter?

Or does it depend on who's being groped whether its believable.

[Botany]

12. The picture looked pretty much staged to me. Al was a comedian and an actor.

If Al was wrong then he should get what he has coming but my spidey senses
tell me that this is a right wing hit job.

[Pale Blue Dot]

13. So women should only be believed if they accuse right-wingers.

Good. Got it.

[Botany]

16. No! If Al did something(s) wrong then he deserves what he gets but ....

.... this story seems a little to convenient to me.

[DetlefK]

19. The pic DOES look staged. Let's wait for his response.

[Jarqui]

38. It looks like a staged joke to me

Not in good taste - particularly with what has come out of late.

But I'll wait until Al or the photographer comments ...

[Control-Z]

84. Is that the pic?

Or something different? That one looks completely posed to me.

[mn9driver]

127. This picture was taken on an aircraft of some type.

The emergency exit cut outs are a giveaway.

[SandyZ]

156. She looks asleep to me and the guys thought it would be funny.

[pnwmom]

31. Whoever took it can clear up whether it was real or part of a skit. nt

[Initech]

22. Yeah there's something about this that stinks.

I mean if Al has to resign and they elect Roy Moore, then absolutely we need to raise holy hell about this.

[Botany]

41. I would be looking at Creative Response Concepts ... think Swift Boats for Truth .... right now

Again if Franken did something wrong then he should get his due but this does not pass my
smell test one bit. Ms. Tweeden has worked at Fox w/Hannity and Greg Outfield in the past.

[Initech]

46. It doesn't pass my smell test either.

I've been on the internet and used Photoshop long enough that I can spot a bad Photoshop job from a mile away. This just looks like a bad Photoshop job. Nice try, right wing.

[Botany]

57. What in that picture tell you that it is a photoshop?

Thanx.

BTW I see this thing being debunked w/in 24 hours.

[Initech]

65. There is a ton wrong with this picture.

Someone could have easily pulled that pic of Al from just about anywhere and Photoshopped it onto that picture, but in order to make it look convincing you'd have to remove all of the background noise from the previous picture and blend it into the background picture. Also, the lighting on the picture of Al does not match the lighting on the picture of the background of the soldier. That's what makes it stand out to me, at least. The shadows don't match up either - that shadow of Al is way too big for it to have looked realistic, in real life, his shadow would have been much further away. Also - if you look closer, there's another person directly behind Al, you can see the uniform. There's so much about this picture that doesn't add up.

[canetoad]

95. Agree

I've got it open in PS and clearly the shadows under Al's fingers, wrist and face are brushed in. Look at the part of his cheek and glasses frame that is over the black shadow. Not even a good job.

[greyl]

185. Why mention having it open in Photoshop?

Doesn't matter much what you use to view it with, it's a real photo. If you want to actually use some of the tools in Photoshop that can help identify a fake, why not do that then show us your work. If you change your mind about it being fake, that will suffice.

[canetoad]

186. Did I say Photoshop?

You must have meant Picture Selector.

[greyl]

187. Oh brother, that's funny. Adios. nt

[George II]

69. Edit: Franken has acknowledged the photograph and apologized immediately.

Last edited Thu Nov 16, 2017, 02:30 PM - Edit history (1)

[Denzil_DC]

72. Franken's not denying the photo's real.

Franken apologized to Tweeden in a statement obtained by TPM: “I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.”

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/woman-accuses-al-franken-of-kissing-groping-her-in-2006

[Initech]

73. You can also see someone behind Al.

Look closely - there is another uniform under Al's arm. The shadows, lighting, everything else just doesn't add up. I can't believe there isn't a news outlet out there that wouldn't fact check this before posting the article.

[oberliner]

102. Franken apologized for the photo

And has not questioned its authenticity.

[ancianita]

77. Whew. Thanks. I hope someone informs Al of this.

[greyl]

184. No, you can't. nt

[rockfordfile]

129. She worked for Fox News?

[Boilingpots]

100. How do you know

How do you know she did not consent?

[Kingofalldems]

103. Oops:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029850032

[Le Gaucher]

62. I was hoping Franken would run for President. I am not going to hope anymore.

Sad day.

I am ashamed of being a Male.

[awesomerwb1]

120. Overraction.

[moda253]

135. You are ashamed of being a male? A bit melodramatic don't ya think?

[Botany]

152. Drama much?

How is the weather in St. Pete today?

[Dream Girl]

183. You seem absolutely crushed Le Gaucher

I feel fo you

[Eliot Rosewater]

116. Accuser is lying, this much we now know.

[UpInArms]

6. Hold trump to the same standard ...

Only if trumps resigns, should Franken even flinch

[The Genealogist]

9. No

He should do the right thing.

[rockfordfile]

130. Actually Trumpf really did do something

[Chasstev365]

29. YES!

[n2doc]

10. Ready for another round of Whataboutism

[knightmaar]

11. there's a history of male comedians pulling this shit

I remember a story of a female comedian who did a lot of improv - her colleagues often "improvised" ways to grope her in some way or another.

Dammit, Franken.

[DetlefK]

42. There's a weird SNL-skit with Vanessa Bayer and Russel Brand.

She's hosting a show for women who are single and loving it. He's the guest and his hands are all over her.

The skit is right on the border between funny and creepy.

[7962]

173. Brand likely wrote that skit, because he IS creepy & a scumbag.

[Hoyt]

14. Not good, but it should not be used to rationalize Roy Moore's assault of women, including grabbing

their neck, locking the car door, underaged girls, and perhaps worse. I'm sure Moore supporters will try to use this to rationalize his behavior. It ain't the same.

But, what is described by the lady in the OP is no laughing matter as she apparently saw it, and Franken may have meant it (which would be quite disappointing).

[Mr.Bill]

15. Since he's playing to the camera,

I'd say it's obviously a joke, albeit in bad taste. From that picture I can't even tell if he's even touching her. I also can't tell if she's actually asleep and isn't actually playing along with the joke.

[Hoyt]

18. Yeah, but read the article. It's more than just that photo.

[Mr.Bill]

33. I read the article.

Anyone can say anything. The point is the photo doesn't back up the article. If he was molesting women, he wouldn't do it knowing there was a camera on him.

[Hoyt]

43. The question is -- what is appropriate behavior. I don't think joking about molesting women sends

the proper message.

I think the world of Franken, but it's time to stop this kind of stuff, even if in fun unless it is clearly meant to illustrate such behavior is wrong.

[pnwmom]

36. There's a WITNESS -- the photographer. We need that person to tell us what happened.

Otherwise, it's just one person's account of an unwanted kiss -- unless Franken confesses, of course.

[pnwmom]

49. According to the woman. But there's a witness in this case -- the photographer.

I think we need to hear from that person.

[Denzil_DC]

58. Would Franken do (my bold)?

Franken apologized to Tweeden in a statement obtained by TPM: “I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.”

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/woman-accuses-al-franken-of-kissing-groping-her-in-2006

[pnwmom]

96. So he said it was part of a skit. And the shadows makes it appear he wasn't really touching her.

But there is a witness, the photographer, so we need to talk to that person.

[Denzil_DC]

133. Oh, for heaven's sake.

Franken's as good a witness as you're likely to get! So far, he says it was a stupid jokey antic that in retrospect, he shouldn't have gotten up to.

I respect him, I've followed his career and read his books for many years and I have high hopes for him, but we do him no favors by circling the wagons and looking for excuses for him that he isn't deploying himself.

Let's treat him like an adult and let him apologize or defend himself in the terms he chooses. If he's anything like the sort of human being I think he is, he'll do the right thing, whatever it is.

None of this touches on the allegations about his "rehearsal" behavior which have nothing to do with the photo, but again, I trust him to handle it like an adult.

[pnwmom]

140. He said he didn't remember. And it's unclear from the photo whether he was touching her or hovering

and whether she was asleep or pretending for the photo.

I think the photographer could clear that up, since Franken doesn't remember.

The picture would have been inappropriate no matter what since groping a sleeping woman isn't a laughing matter. So Franken should have apologized, as he did.

[Denzil_DC]

149. What a contradictory response.

As you say, he's clearly apologized for the photo, so he's not defending it, so why quibble whether he was play-acting or actually did make contact? You've said yourself it was "inappropriate".

It's unclear whether his hazy memory refers to that or the "rehearsal" kiss.

It's also unclear, after all this time, that whoever the photographer was would have a clearer memory of the occasion!

[pnwmom]

162. No, it's not contradictory. His apology says he doesn't remember

and asks for an investigation.

There is a significant difference between an assault and "play-acting" that should be distinguished, if possible.

[Denzil_DC]

163. My reading is that he doesn't remember the "rehearsal"

in the same way the accuser does. That's the more serious allegation.

I've not seen him dispute the photo or its circumstances.

His official statement indicates that he thinks it doesn't really matter whether he did grope her or just made it look like he was doing so. If that's his stance, I choose to respect it, not make excuses for it.

[pnwmom]

164. I'm not making excuses. As I noted, the idea of groping a woman isn't a laughing matter,

whether or not it turns out that he actually did so or was just "play-acting" -- and he appropriately apologized.

[lunamagica]

165. "As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasnt. I shouldnt have done it.

Perhaps he means that even thought the picture was staged, it wasn't funny and he shouldn't have done it.

[Denzil_DC]

181. Perhaps.

To me, he seems to be saying it doesn't matter whether it was staged or not, it wasn't funny and he shouldn't have done it.

[Eliot Rosewater]

119. Accuser is lying, this much we now know.

[UT_democrat]

126. quick question

is the accuser a liar?

[Hoyt]

136. Franken's response does not indicate she is lying. Franken's actions are not like Moore's or Trump's

But Franken's joke would only be funny in the future if it is designed to show improper behavior or ridicule someone like Moore, Trump, etc.

I really like Franken, and don't think he had bad intentions. But the woman did appear to take it as such. That's what counts. Franken is handling it correctly and there should be no repercussions on this matter as I understand it.

[Eliot Rosewater]

137. What most here are not understanding is the story she is telling about him forcing himself on her

when nobody was around.

It is a lie, of course, but that is the part most here are not aware of I guess.

[Hoyt]

138. I think you are missing the point.

[hueymahl]

17. This will be an unpopular comment

She was not "groped" based on the picture. He at best touched the outside of a flack jacket, which is about an inch thick and contains kevlar and steel inserts (depending on the model). It was immature, but not groping, assault or anything like that.

The kiss incident, if true, is a little more troubling, but hardly "without her consent" as she states.

Was it classy? no. Appropriate? no. But it is a false equivalence to compare this to what Moore, Trump, Spacey or any of the other shitbags did.

And with her history as a Fox personality, I smell a rat.

[Freethinker65]

23. I just posted the same thing below!

[Pale Blue Dot]

24. So if someone grabs my crotch while I'm sleeping,

If makes a difference how much fabric lies between me and the hand? Interesting.

[rzemanfl]

112. You sleep in Kevlar and steel jammies? n/t

[7962]

172. If you're wearing a cup, apparently its just fine

I mean, I see what people are saying, but its the optics of the action.

[Mr.Bill]

35. I would add, re comaring this to Roy Moore,

she looks a bit older than 14.

[Initech]

53. Yeah, Spacey, Weinstein, Piven, Louis CK, and Moore are all serial predators.

With a history of harassment, abuse, and other horrifying crimes. They absolutely 100% deserved what they got and should be in prison. If we find out that Al Franken had a history of this, then yes, he deserves to join that club.

Otherwise I'm with you in that there is something about this that doesn't pass the smell test. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Roger Stone or Alex Jones were behind this.

[katmondoo]

64. This is in response to Al Frankin going after Sessions at the hearings

[orangecrush]

167. My thought exactly.

They have been waiting for the best time to use this.

Probably been sitting on it for years.

[Dawson Leery]

78. There certainly is a rat.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

93. Agreed. And calling this "groping" tells me this woman is full of shit.

That's a tasteless joke. No way is that a grope.

[rockfordfile]

131. This would be the same people that would fall for the Russian crap.

[Freethinker65]

20. Honestly the picture is not all that upsetting to me

It looks like a photo op where he barely touches the flak jacket. A stupid comedic prank that he was obviously posing for. In poor taste, you bet.

The rehearsal of the kiss is more troubling to me. I can see that sort of thing happening. While perhaps a comedian may find it funny and a big nothing (afterall, he had been in entertainment for a long time) such an aggressive action IS an assault. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say about it. One thing is for sure, Franken cannot pull a Sessions and say “I do not recall...”

[John1956PA]

34. +1 n/t

[yallerdawg]

21. Ridiculous.

Republicans promote themselves as the Moral Majority, perfect in every way. One word - "Pence."

Democrats - we're just everyday people, who are liable to do just about anything - just like everybody!

We hold Republicans to a higher standard. Justifiably so!

And now - "former" comedians? What could be more baked in the cake!

Puh lease.

[Bengus81]

25. Who would do something like that and look RIGHT into a camera?

Ummm,need all the facts here instead of a staged pic. Hell,he's not even touching her. If you get caught looking at a womans ass does that make you guilty of sexual assault??

[Lazy Daisy]

67. An entitled man, that's who

I'm also very disappointed by all the "ifs" in the responses. I think Al is great, but I don't doubt this woman's story. There are plenty of men who think they're being funny or cute when they're actually being creepy and harassing. Should Al step down? That's a tough one to answer. He needs to do some serious soul searching and definitely needs to make this right with his accuser.

And BTW, depending on HOW you're looking at a woman's ass when caught looking would define assault or not. Everyone (including women) will give a glance at an attractive person. More than a glance and it rattles a person. We all know the difference and shouldn't act like we don't

[rzemanfl]

118. I, on the other hand, doubt anything said by anyone who ever was on Faux. n/t

[EX500rider]

169. Anyone?

[rzemanfl]

170. Good one. n/t

[moda253]

147. How you look at someone constitutes assault?

I don't think so.

[Lazy Daisy]

155. That's fine

But there have been plenty of times I've felt dirty and violated by the way a man has looked at me. The message in his eyes, his body language, the vibe in the air felt creepy and dangerous.

Most people will see an attractive person and look an extra second or two, that includes women. But predatory glares feel like an assault.

[Little Star]

27. Although this is really bad behavior......

we must differentiate it from Moore's pedophilia. Pedophilia is another whole can of worms and I sincerely doubt Al Franken is a pedophile like Roy Moore is.

[mountain grammy]

28. Its a posed picture

I call bullshit

[MosheFeingold]

59. She's asleep

It may be posed, but it's gross.

I am tired of people defending perverts because they have a "D" next to their name.

Predators are predators.

This is not a sports team where we support the "blue team" no matter what.

Treating a woman like this -- heck treating any person like this -- is immoral, scummy, and an abuse of power and position.

[Kingofalldems]

121. You sure she's asleep?

[moda253]

148. Rush to judge much?

How do you know she is asleep?

Here's what I think. I think that sexual assault, sexual harassment is a terrible thing. I think there are a lot of guys that are getting their due now. And for good reason. But I think that this is something that is being weaponized and used to throw at political enemies as well. And look how we are falling for it. An accusation is made and we are damning people before we even have any context surrounding it other than a person's allegation. Without any supporting evidence of a pattern of behavior even though this incident supposedly took place how long ago?

I'd be careful to rush to judgement so quickly

[oberliner]

104. Franken has apologized for his behavior in the photo

"As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn't. I shouldn't have done it.”

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360669-franken-apologizes-after-groping-allegation-it-was-clearly-intended-to-be

[lunamagica]

166. But that doesn't mean it wasn't posed. Even if posed, it was intended to be funny, but it wasn't

[Kingofalldems]

32. Interesting thread.

[underthematrix]

37. GOP is working on their backup plan in case Jones wins AL seat.

Sen Franken needs to own his shit. If the woman sues him then he needs to settle.

But no he does not need to resign from the US senate. He's NOT a pedophile like Roy Moore

However, I do want all the Russian agents and assets out of our govt beginning with the big fat ugly one in the WH

[Bengus81]

39. Hmmm....comes out the day of the Republican tax SHAM vote...who'd a thunk it?

[Kingofalldems]

40. I smell a rat as well.

In more ways than one.

[oberliner]

106. Franken apologizes after groping allegation: 'It was clearly intended to be funny but wasnt'

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360669-franken-apologizes-after-groping-allegation-it-was-clearly-intended-to-be

[Kingofalldems]

107. ....

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029850032

[uppityperson]

128. Thank you

[Texin]

44. We had to know something along these lines was going to drop soon.

Realistically, this was bound to happen. It's common knowledge that this has gone on across the aisle in politics since forever. Like everyone else here, I'm disappointed. All I can keep thinking about is what happened to Anthony Weiner (who is psychologically damaged). I'm disappointed someone as talented and valuable to the Senate as Franken has been dragged into this net, but what happened, well it happened (purportedly). He should apologize and (be allowed to) move on. What he did was repugnant and improper, but comparing this in context to the allegations growing against Roy Moore is wrong. Moore was a serial child molester, or at least he was in one case we know of, but there may have been more we won't ever know about, and he repeatedly went after teen girls who may have been legally considered adults, but does anyone really think a girl in high school makes reasonable and considered decisions? From the accounts of most of these young women - girls, really - they were frightened and appalled by what he tried to do to them. There's something going on there that's more than skeevish. There's an underlying psychopathology about this that's seriously disturbing.

Again, Franken should apologize and put it behind him and forge ahead. If this is going to be a serious circular firing squad from now on out, nothing is ever going to be accomplished anywhere, but that may be where we're headed because the rethugs are underwater in every way and they could keep this up until we're all dead and buried.

[pnwmom]

45. The picture doesn't appear to show contact. There are shadow marks visible under his hands,

when the picture is enlarged. So this picture appears to show his hands hovering over her. A stupid thing to do, to be sure.

We need the photographer to come forward to explain what happened. Whether the woman was really asleep, whether real contact was made, and what was the context.

[PatSeg]

51. Yes

It looks like a tasteless joke or prank, not something you'd do for the camera if it was real.

[Mr.Bill]

52. SNL has always been full of edgy humor

about topics that go outside the box. Everyone knows Al Franken was a writer and performer on that show.

It was for an adult audience, and it was nine years ago.

Context, for pete's sake. It was acting.

[ancianita]

90. In the context of a USO tour, it would be impossible to prove Al's intent beyond reasonable doubt,

even if she lawyered up.

I don't even think there will be a lawyer or a charge, just a lame media attempt to build a right wing consensus or cast doubt -- quite the Russian thing, too -- to lower Franken's political status and credibility in Senate investigations.

It's a a good thing reality isn't by public consensus.

Let's just hope she accepts Franken's apology, all things weighed.

[populistdriven]

97. Franken needs to explain exactly what do shadows have to do with comedy!

[oberliner]

108. Franken apologized for the photo

No one needs to come forwward to explain anything.

[pnwmom]

117. The photo should be apologized for, whether or not he actually touched her. But that isn't clear.

The photographer would probably know.

[oberliner]

141. In his statement, he takes responsibility for his actions

And acknowledges that they were wrong.

I encourage you to read it.

[pnwmom]

144. I read it and it's a good statement. But it doesn't say he remembers exactly what transpired.

He is right to apologize because, whether he actually groped her or only pretended to (i.e., hovered) for a joke, and whether she was asleep or only pretending to be asleep, the idea of groping a sleeping woman isn't a laughing matter.

[Kingofalldems]

123. .....

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029850108

[stonecutter357]

47. #fakenews.

[Denzil_DC]

48. Statement from Franken:

Franken apologized to Tweeden in a statement obtained by TPM: “I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.”

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/woman-accuses-al-franken-of-kissing-groping-her-in-2006

Franken's statement is carried by a number of outlets, so is presumably legit.

[Mr.Bill]

54. End of story. n/t

[Denzil_DC]

55. Unfortunately, probably not.

But it may stop people chasing round in circles about photoshops etc.

[Gore1FL]

50. If it is in a script and both professional actors are aware of the script, that sounds like consent.

One could argue the script isn't funny, but it's a little difficult to suggest that accepting the part is accepting the script and the activities described therein.

[janterry]

60. People make mistakes

Not everything can come under this umbrella. Some mistakes are worse than others.

But, in the service of humor and a skit - he crossed a line. That's going to happen in life.

It's okay, Al, I still like you!

[jalan48]

61. I'm sure Fox is going to turn this into an instant crisis to deflect from their Roy Moore problem.

[Chakaconcarne]

76. ..and played (out) all day long.....

[jalan48]

82. And on and on, interspersed with videos of Bill Clinton hugging Monica Lewinsky.

Meanwhile, millions struggle to make ends meet, wealth inequality grows, the climate continues to decline..............

[Le Gaucher]

63. I was hoping Franken would run for President. I am not going to hope anymore.

We men are bastards.

[Mr.Bill]

66. Speak for yourself.

[Mr.Bill]

74. What I'm not ashamed of

is my own behavior. And since you've never even met me, I'll thank you to stop the personal insults.

[Le Gaucher]

75. Why are you taking this personally?

This ain't about you.

[mac56]

79. "Why are you taking this personally? This ain't about you."

"If YOU are a Man and are not ashamed of YOUR gender at this point YOU are part of the problem."

Pick a side and stay on it, okay?

[Mr.Bill]

80. Exactly. n/t

[Le Gaucher]

83. that was a reaction to your post.

When you say 'speak for yourself'.. You are denying the collective responsibility we have as men.

[mac56]

87. A faulty reaction, when you contradict your own statement.

You seem to be flailing around, trying to make a point.

[Le Gaucher]

88. ok you win.

[emulatorloo]

101. Yes he did.

The majority of men know how to behave around a woman and know that no means no.

[moda253]

150. +++++++++++++ Everything

[Mr.Bill]

81. Because you made it personal. n/t

[LakeArenal]

91. OMG, men who aren't ashamed are part of the problem????

What is this, original sin or something? My husband isn't ashamed. He's a great guy that would never grope anything. He has nothing to be ashamed in Roy Moore being a child molester.. He had nothing to do with Al Franken being a groper at worst and at least a stupid young man years ago.

[populistdriven]

94. Because of all men she can no longer go outside except at high noon?

For fear of shadow puppets?

[Saviolo]

68. Dammit, Franken

Regardless whether or not he's actually touching her in this photo (and it's not clear, the far hand is obviously not touching her), this is pretty intensely creepy to pose for a photo like this. It's belittling to women.

Al, you're supposed to be one of the good guys, dammit!

But I agree 100% with everyone else in this thread saying that if we're calling out the creeps on the right, we've got to call out our own creeps, too.

[Chakaconcarne]

70. Just now hit CNN news alert.....

Here we go....

[LakeArenal]

85. Come on people...

I'm not saying this isn't serious. I definitely have a bias for Franken.. I know one woman is as bad as ten women.

But don't jump the gun. If it is a fake or part fake or whatever, overreaction is exactly what the fakers are hoping...

Let's wait and see if more women come forward. Franken made his comment and apologized. Let's wait to see if this is a snowball or not.

[oberliner]

145. It's not a fake

He has addressed it here:

:large

[LakeArenal]

182. I said he made a statement...

I am talking about the picture being staged or real.. I opted for let's see if this is a snowball or a stupid mistake. I asked we not overreact for now. That's all.

[4139]

86. And Roy Molester Moore is starting his election victory party!

[bleedinglib]

98. "She said"

They were on a c-17 cargo plane?
the back ground looks more like a doctors office or some kind of office or small business ??? It sure as hell ain't no c-17 ????

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

105. It's a C-17

Having been in the back of one a few times, that is definitely taken in the back of C-17.

[emulatorloo]

99. Franken's statement:

Franken apologized to Tweeden in a statement obtained by TPM: “I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.”

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/woman-accuses-al-franken-of-kissing-groping-her-in-2006

[oberliner]

111. People who are claiming the photo was fake or staged will hopefully read that statement

Thanks for adding.

[pnwmom]

122. What about the photographer who says it was staged?

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029850108#post3

And Franken says it was a SKIT that he doesn't remember -- not that he groped her.

[emulatorloo]

124. Yeah I saw that tweet as well

[Denzil_DC]

157. What photographer?

That's a partisan low-follower Twitter account which doesn't even name the photographer, let alone quote him or her!

[pnwmom]

158. So that might be fake. But there is a real photographer out there somewhere

and we should hear from that person.

Franken has called for an investigation, so hopefully we'll figure this out.

[Denzil_DC]

159. I reckon we'd all do well to trust Franken and let him handle this in his own way.

Many DUers' immediate response to this hasn't exactly been a decent reflection of the values he tries to live up to.

[pnwmom]

160. He's asked for an investigation, so that should uncover the photographer. n/t

[Denzil_DC]

161. I think he's handling this as well as he could. n/t

[oberliner]

179. That message was deleted

Do you know why?

[Eliot Rosewater]

109. She is a trump supporting liar, photos and those who were there prove that already.

I am not surprised though that your title has him guilty already.

Not one bit.

The accuser is a liar. This thread should be reworded since the title is not true.

[oberliner]

139. Al Franken has apologized

And given a very heartfelt statement.

He did not accuse the person of being a liar, as you have.

[Marengo]

153. What is she lying about, and what is your proof?

[7962]

171. Wow, replace "Franken" with "Moore" and you sound just like HIS supporters

They're all calling Moore's accusers lairs & democrats.
Are we to only believe the "right" women or all?

[residentcynic]

132. Clearly a joke, but horrible timing

Unfortunately, this is what we men thought was funny a short while ago. We were wrong. I question whether it traumatized her at all, and it certainly doesn't rise to the accusations against Moore or Trump, but, jeez, what horrible timing. On the other hand, it's not likke this is going to sway anyone who doesn't support Trump or Moore to flip. Fox News will run wild with this, but it's not like they were about to air an apology for supporting other sex offenders. It's all just noise.

[GatoGordo]

177. Clearly it was sexual harrassment, and that is no joke. It wasn't/isn't funny.

Timing has nothing to do with sexual harassment.

We cannot excuse this type of misogynistic behavior just because its our guy who is doing it.

If we excuse this from Franken, that we forfeit our right to be indignant about every other instance of harassment.

It wasn't and it isn't funny.

[oberliner]

143. Here is Al Franken's full statement in response to this

:large

[Denzil_DC]

151. That's the Franken I assumed I knew and respected. n/t

[Oneironaut]

154. The sheer hypocrisy shown here is incredible.

I guess sexual harassment is okay if the perpetrator is someone that you like. This is after everybody was jumping on Roy Moore (and rightfully so).

What Franken did is not funny. It’s wrong. Women want to be taken seriously - especially in professions like journalism. This wasn’t “playful” or “funny” - it was sexual harassment, plain and simple.

I find the allegations of Franken’s forced kiss even more troubling. If this were a Republican accused of these actions, DU would be collectively demanding their resignation. If you do not demand action against Franken for his actions, you have absolutely no right to criticize Roy Moore. Your ethics are based on party allegiance more than doing what is right.

You either take sexual harassment seriously, or you don’t. You can’t have different standards for different people. This isn’t a Democrat vs. Republican issue.

[MosheFeingold]

174. Well said n/t

[GatoGordo]

176. I recall the Gloria Steinem op-ed in the NYT

"Even if the allegations are true, the President (Clinton) is not guilty of sexual harassment. He is accused of having made a gross, dumb, and reckless pass at a supporter (Kathleen Willey)"

I wondered then if this might come back and bite us.

It has.

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/reckoning-with-bill-clintons-sex-crimes/545729/

[bluestarone]

168. two differences tho

1)Al was joking! (bad Joke) 2) Moore was molestering YOUNG UNDER AGE GIRLS!! THAT's a HELL OF A DIFFERENCE

[Kimchijeon]

178. Nice try from a known Hannity suck up Trump supporter...

I guess even blatant bullshit like this gets eaten up by the gullible masses... Gotta say that's disappointing. Jeez. What now, any goofy gag involving tits = Pearl clutching and hand wringing ? Fuck that. Just wish peeps would use their fuckin brains. If we are going to fall for such obvious fake shit, then well I guess we deserve what we have coming to us.

Next up, "Bernie touched my butt and my fee fees were hurted! Hillary wouldn't take no for an answer and groped me! ".

Betcha a good chunk of suckers would fall for it, too. Lol get some common sense man!!

[oberliner]

180. Franken apologized for the photo

And has called for an ethics investigation.