UPDATED: Al Franken announces he will resign from the Senate

[DonViejo]

Source: The Washington Post



By Ed O'Keefe, Elise Viebeck and Karen Tumulty December 7 at 11:58 AM

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced on the Senate floor Thursday that he is resigning in the coming weeks following multiple allegations that he sexually harassed women.

Franken’s decision comes a day after a majority of Senate Democrats called for his resignation after determining that they could no longer tolerate his presence.

They turned on one of their party’s most popular figures with stunning swiftness, led by the Senate’s Democratic women, who were joined in short order by more than half of the Democratic caucus.

Franken struck a defiant tone during his remarks on the Senate floor.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/franken-announcement-expected-thursday-as-fellow-democrats-demand-his-resignation/2017/12/07/61b60df2-db4b-11e7-b1a8-62589434a581_story.html?utm_term=.2e30933d24f7&wpisrc=al_news__alert-politics--alert-nationa

---

UPDATE:

BREAKING: Franken Resigns In Emotional Speech, Denies Some Allegations

By ALICE OLLSTEIN Published DECEMBER 7, 2017 11:56 AM
0Views
After eight women came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment over the past few weeks, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) took to the Senate floor Thursday morning announcing his resignation from his Senate in the “coming weeks.”

“Serving in the United States Senate has been the honor of my life,” Franken said, choking up as he read his remarks, and vowing to stay active in public life. “I may be resigning my seat, but I’m not giving up my voice.”

With his staff lining the wall of the Senate chamber, waving at him in support, and several of his Democratic colleagues watching his remarks with grim expressions, Franken noted that “all women deserve to be heard and their experiences taken seriously,” but defiantly claimed that some of the allegations against him are “simply not true.”

Of his previous apologies, Franken said: “I think it gave some people the false impression that I was admitting to doing things that, in fact, I haven’t done. Some of the allegations against me are simply not true. Others I remember very different.”

“I know who I really am,” he declared.

more
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/breaking-franken-resigns-in-emotional-speech-denies-some-allegations

[rainin]

1. Defiant, but empty.

He's leaving but he says he won't stop fighting. Today was the day to fight. I don't blame him, I blame the Dems who went after him without making his resignation contingent upon the resignation of Trump or the removal of Moore, if he wins. Great job Dems! You really know how to get people to vote?

[FBaggins]

4. How on earth could Democrats make his resignation contingent of someone else?

Besides... if Moore actually wins next week, I'd prefer that Republicans not be able to dodge the issue by kicking him out (allowing the governor to appoint yet another republican until the next special election makes it permanent).

[rainin]

7. Easy, ask Republicans to put up or shut up!

[sandensea]

16. If he wins, the GOPee will hand Roy Moore several chairmanships once the dust settles.

They stand by their own, you gotta give'em that.

[Kimchijeon]

19. Right, I don't blame him, I blame the idiots who went after him.

[FBaggins]

2. Despite the topic... a great speech

Not just delivery... but what punches at the opposition!

[msdogi]

3. So sad

And I am betting his replacement will not be seated if mcturtle has his way

[AlexSFCA]

10. not only wont be seated but we may lose

to a republican in 2018. Franken barey won in 2008

[riversedge]

37. I do not understand. WHY or how could Repugs not swear in Frankin Replacement?

[wisteria]

46. Oh yeah, the seat should remain enpty until the next election.

[orleans]

5. i am fucking heartbroken

and so pissed/disgusted at those dem senators who called for him to resign

[eissa]

6. I'm so fucking angry

Make Al the sacrificial lamb while the other side laughs its ass off. Fuck Tom Perez, Kristin Gillibrand, and every holier-than-thou piece of shit for taking away one of our strongest voices in the Senate based on flimsy, mostly anonymous, accusers. I'm fucking tired of "going high."

[hamsterjill]

11. Exactly.

We cannot continue to "go high" when our opponent operates in the gutter. We're going to have to get down and dirty with them in order to properly engage and do battle.

And I want to WIN for a change.

[Kimchijeon]

21. I agree with you

[harun]

25. Agree 100%, we will not forget they did this.

Ever

[califootman]

29. Agree, and will add...

...that railroading is NOT "going high"! If the Dems wanted to go high, they should have followed due process and let the Senate Ethics Committee investigate.

[wisteria]

47. Yes, good point.

[Luciferous]

39. I agree. It's one thing when there are credible accusations, but this is ridiculous.

[R B Garr]

57. I am so angry too and agree with everything you said.

Every bit of it. There is no excuse for this.

[rainin]

8. Another sad day for America.

Thanks Dems for kicking out one of your best. Glad we can keep the compliant ones, the ones who are better at not making waves, the ones who don't challenge the Republicans or call Trump out, except in diplomatic speak - not naming names, our friends on the other side of the aisle...blah blah blah.

Thanks!

[Aviation Pro]

9. Want to know why Democrats can demand their leaders step down

Versus Republicants?

How many Democratic members of Congress are women? Answer 15D Senate, 62D House.

How many Republicant members of Congress are women? Answer 5R Senate, 21R House.

[earthside]

12. Every male U.S. Senator now has a target on his back.

The Trumpians will be agitating for accusers to accuse.

And how will Senate Democrats argue that the 'Franken standard' not apply to all accused?
Sen. Gillibrand has been satisfied and now expulsion is apparently the only acceptable 'punishment' for these transgressions.

Democrats don't look morally courageous today, they look like a fearful cadre who would rather have mob rule than due process.

[CanonRay]

13. Sad, and stupid.

[Lonestarblue]

14. Beginning of the end of the Democratic Party

I watched the speech and I am saddened at this decision. I believe it is a huge mistake. A recent poll showed that 71% of millenials want a third party. In spite of recent Democratic wins, I do not believe that we will see Democrats retake the majority in either the House or the Senate in 2018 (though I fervently hope I’m wrong!). Republicans feel free to run candidates like Roy Moore because they know there are voters who will never vote for anyone but a Republican no matter what he or she has done. Democrats insist on a level of purity that rarely exists—and if it does exist, Republicans will smear those candidates with fake allegations. They’ve just learned that anonymous allegations of sexual assault work against Democrats (but Republicans can’t be smeared in the same way—just fake news). This tactic is now part of their playbook. Democrats will continue to win for awhile in blue states, but even this oldster is beginning to join the millenials and wish for a viable third party. I think it will happen.

[wisteria]

48. I think so too. It is just a matter of time.

The Democrats don’t really fight for anything or anyone , they sit around a hope the other party’s candidate is worse than ours. There are no stars, or even likable people left. And, if Gillibrand is going to lead the women’s march, I say no thank you. She probably has just managed to set women back by years.

[Demit]

15. There will be no good to come of this.

I don't know who the Dems think is going to give them brownie points, but it's not the GOP, it's not independent voters, and it's not the base. Creating a scapegoat on such flimsy charges will not advance the #metoo cause in any way, plus it's giving the finger to due process. Bad bad bad move.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

17. That makes a good sig line

"They turned on one of their party’s most popular figures with stunning swiftness"

[old guy]

18. Bye bye Miss American Pie.

Today the music died again.

[spiderpig]

20. The Repukes stop at nothing to advance their agenda.

Once again, they've waved their shiny object and screwed the opposition.

I'm totally sick and disgusted.

[Bengus81]

22. Republicans: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!

Using Dems as SUCKERS and they took the bait hook,line and sinker. Now for the next one...........

[Kimchijeon]

23. Wonder why 70% of millenials (and many others) want a third party?

I was happy in the fact that I had Franken represent me as my Senator. This witch hunt pretty much signals we are a fascist state now (not that it wasn't there already for the most part)

Let the oligarchy continue, long live the representative republic for the corporations. Who would want to stick their neck out anymore for the Democrats? Knowing this will be the result for even the most transparent of fake horseshit "allegations?"

Nope. As far as "morals and high ground" goes, yeah. I have that. And guess fuckin' what- having a lynch mob mentality like this lacks that moral high ground, it's merely enabling fascism. What complete and utter shamefulness.

Franken called for an investigation himself! Knowing full well the allegations were flimsy, I am sure. The immediate bandwagon witch hunt was a shameful move, and shows what kind of country/party we are now. It is not looking good, is it? Nope.

If there had been an investigation, he'd be there, if only Dems had some spines to let it play out. Expose the baloney. Nahhh can't have that. Look forward to more of the same, and worse.

So, who is next? Remember, any anonymous allegations must be true, if there's a bunch of em right? Absolutely, utterly shameful.

[Muneravenmn]

24. It Needed to Happen, but Sad

Three things sunk Franken: The photo, his mishandling of allegations he says were false, and just the newness of this new environment where men are being called out for behaviors that were previously accepted.

The photo just flat-out was embarrassing as heck, and he was way past the age where that kind of thing was funny.

He didn’t come out and fight further allegations strongly. He was worried about disrespecting women, but women who lie deserve no respect. His saying “I don’t remember” made many people wonder how a guy couldn’t be SURE he didn’t grab women inappropriately. He bungled responding to the further charges.

And everyone is trying to understand how to handle this stuff. Women are just discovering that ALL their friends have stories and that it wasn’t just them, and they are angry. They are angry with the injustice of decades of hurt and shame and fear and anger. Men must feel like reality is shifting like it did in “The Matrix.”

Did Franken get a fair shake? Well, I think if all this hadn’t happened at this moment, he should have been embarrassed by the photo and scolded, but not kicked out. But in this weird moment? It was the right thing to step aside. He lost his effectiveness in this moment in time.

I will always like him. People make mistakes, and he owned his. But I believe that the future of the Democratic Party is female-led, and younger, so I won’t despair over the Party because Franken resigned.

[Steerpike]

27. Bullshit

Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit,

[Muneravenmn]

38. Stay Classy

That you can’t discuss something rationally just makes you Trump-like.

I stated my opinion calmly and without insulting anyone.

You are just an angry, ranting, part of the problem. That you wear a blue hat doesn’t exempt you.

[Steerpike]

41. Don't call me trump like

at least i don't throw dems under the bus in a knee jerk reaction I call bullshit....

[Muneravenmn]

58. Then Dont Act Trump-like

“Screaming” the word “bullshit” over and over at me because you disagree with my ideas is decidedly Trump-like. If you don’t want to be called that, then respond to posts you disagree with by crafting a civil response rather than a tantrum.

I mean, honestly, can you not see how perfectly you would fit in at a Trump rally when you act like that? How are you that different from the fools chanting “lock her up”? It’s the same raging, unthinking response to ideas you don’t like.

You and I probably believe a lot of the same things given that we are both here. If we can’t disagree civilly then something is truly wrong. I put an opinion out there. I will respectfully read your opinions but typing “bullshit” over and over isn’t stating an opinion, it’s a simple online insult.

[kwalter66]

35. LOL

Women are just now discovering. Really? What sunk Franken was a lynch mob of Democratic women who fell hook line and sinker for the ramblings of a wannabe actress friend of Hannity and Trump Jr. Makes it perfectly clear why the diagnosis of "hysterical" was used a lot in the past.

[Muneravenmn]

40. It is Telling That you Blame Women

You quote a Republican shill and say the women were a lynch mob. The women. Even though there were plenty of men involved in calling for Franken to step down.

Those uppity women. How dare they.

And yes, tons of women are saying “I didn’t know it was so widespread” and “I thought it was just me” and “You, too?” Why does that shock you?

Yeah, this is one of those sea change cultural moments for both women and men. And women are trying to negotiate these changes just like men.

I am sorry Al Franken is leaving, but I think he is doing the right thing. You are totally free to disagree. You may have valid points to argue against me. But quoting a Republican and calling Democratic women a lynch mob is nutty. If all you have is that, you have nothing to say.

[Steerpike]

42. are you prone to self destruct in your personal life

or are you just prone to the destruction of the democratic party?

[Muneravenmn]

45. Personal Attacks? Really?

I’m sorry you can’t disagree without getting into someone’s “personal life.”

Losing Franken isn’t going to destroy the Democratic Party. But acting just like gleefully angry Republicans spewing outrage everywhere might. I think the Dems have a whole lot more to fear from you than from me.

And by the way: My personal life is stellar, thanks. I am bad at many things, but I am top notch when it comes to a happy personal life. Thanks for asking.

[rockfordfile]

43. No it didn't

I think the democratic Senators asking for him to resign did it.

Those Senators will have zero cred if they don't come out for Trump to resign. People will remember those Senators. If they try to run for higher office.

[wisteria]

49. Enjoy your purity.

That and the leaders of this lynch mob, will get you know where.

[LiberalLovinLug]

26. No words

[heaven05]

28. Well

all the franken must resign people? Happy now? This was a goddamn lynching. can't say anymore since the 'bitter fruit' is swinging in the metaphorical tree. SAD.

[justgamma]

30. Somewhat encouraged.

I've already cancelled my contributions. Dems just don't know when or how to fight.

Oth, Franken will stay for a few weeks. Long enough to fight for us. Long enough to let this bs die down. Maybe long enough to change his mind. We still have time to fight for him.

[sprinkleeninow]

52. 'Long enough to change his mind." Hmmm. 🤔

[groundloop]

31. Maybe he has a future as Governor - oh wait, that only works for Georgia repubs

I'm referring, of course, to the current Georgia Governor Nathan Deal who resigned his seat in Congress in order to avoid an ethics investigation and managed to get elected to the governorship.

Deal was as dirty and unscrupulous as they come, whereas Senator Franken was a true voice for working Americans. I'm certain Senator Franken was railroaded and IMO shouldn't have resigned and let the ethics investigation look into allegations against him. Also, the allegations against Senator Franken come nowhere close to a man in his 30s taking advantage of teenage girls. And just watch, if somehow we manage to elect Crazy Roy he'll be welcomed by his new repub colleagues because he'll reliably vote with them.

[IronLionZion]

32. Our side is so bad at this

[Stuart G]

33. .............................NOW, TRUMP MUST RESIGN..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rockfordfile]

44. I agree

[RussBLib]

34. I predict a big GOP'er will be next to be accused

but he won't resign, and his party won't abandon him.

So Dems take the high ground, and get crushed again.

[kwalter66]

36. Already happened

A literal BIG GOP'er, yet not a peep. What a joke this is. Nothing like rolling over EVERY SINGLE TIME! And then wonder why you are the MINORITY party.

[bluestarone]

50. i'm really Frickin MAD that Al resigned but

there's gotta be MORE to this story!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot believe he would do this with the way it's standing now?????????? SOMETHING SMELLS BAD

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

51. Yeah, it sure does seem there must be more to this story...

but then, why not come out with it to avoid all the dissention that was sure to follow the lack of due process?

[bluestarone]

53. exactly

this is how i feel

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

54. Would feel better knowing the rest of the story... if there is one.

Couldn't sleep last night over this debacle.

[tazkcmo]

55. Yes

You did lose your voice and so did millions of Americans. This is a very sad day. One Republican supermajority coming right up.

[tavernier]

56. How damn dumb is this party????

What a cockamamie, stupid thing to do!!!

I’m seriously thinking about going independent because this is just too embarrassing.