Franken gets nasty … again
posted at 9:35 am on October 17, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Anyone following the public career of washed-up comedian, washed-up radio host, and washed-up pundit Al Franken should not be surprised to see him lose his cool in public. Almost predictably, Franken got into Norm Coleman’s face after apparently losing a debate last night in Minnesota. Michael Brodkorb has video, an explanation, and the world’s longest URLs:
Franken, visibly upset, continues to get in Senator Coleman’s face. Franken is seen on film staring Coleman down as he finally recognizes that Mrs. Franken is trying to get his attention. I slowed down the final few second so you can really see Franken’s anger. Please note Franken staring at Coleman at the end. Franken was cleary upset. …
My sources said that Franken was very upset and was speaking with a raised voice. Mrs. Franken reportedly ran on stage to get Franken away from Coleman.
Not Al Franken! Not the man who had to be pulled away from Laura Ingraham’s producer at the 2004 Republican convention after trying to pick a fight. Not the man who tackled a heckler at a Democratic rally. Not the one who laced his on-stage political tirades with f-bombs, at least until he ran for office.
Franken doesn’t go wild in this video, but he’s clearly trying to intimidate Coleman, and just as clearly failing. His wife has to come around the table to get his attention away from Coleman. It’s not the most egregious moment of Franken’s captured on video, but it does show a man with an unsuitable temperament for public office. At best, Franken is too immature to be taken seriously. He just conducted a debate with Coleman — why not make his arguments then to the public, rather than act out childishly like some sawed-off playground bully?
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
How in the world is this clown ahead in the polls and the sober Norm is losing?
promachus on October 17, 2008 at 9:38 AM
I apologize for the DFL candidates my state always nominates.
Bishop on October 17, 2008 at 9:38 AM
He’s falling apart, like Obama.
Vashta.Nerada on October 17, 2008 at 9:39 AM
I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, I’ll kick your @$$ if you cross me …
GoHskrs on October 17, 2008 at 9:40 AM
The closer it gets to Halloween, the more monstrous Franken_____ becomes!
jgapinoy on October 17, 2008 at 9:40 AM
Imo, the video, without sound, doesn’t show, in and of itself, what the comments suggest.
JiangxiDad on October 17, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Perhaps because that’s all he is. A sawed-off playground bully.
MarkTheGreat on October 17, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Maybe Franken thinks Algore was successful when he tried this garbage with GW in their debates. Maybe Franken wants to be an Alpha male.
AubieJon on October 17, 2008 at 9:41 AM
This is Minnesota, we have a tradition of finding the biggest liberal ding-dongs and proclaiming them the second coming of JFK.
You know all that liberal hyperventilating about Mac’s supposed temper? Those same people will and do say that Franken’s very real temper is a good thing, that we need more fire in our politicians.
BTW, our state bird is the Loon.
Bishop on October 17, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Obama said to get in people’s faces. Well, he’s just following orders.
JammieWearingFool on October 17, 2008 at 9:43 AM
It’s just typical of this failed hack. Look at the “comedy” video he put promoting his book on Amazon. Pure crap.
Torch on October 17, 2008 at 9:44 AM
He is lame and a jerk.
jencab on October 17, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Can you imagine if these shameless lying lunatics get a supermajority? VOTE, PEOPLE!!!
marklmail on October 17, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Well,the way the Liberals are going these
days,I bet Franken runs an Anger Management
class,and he’s the teacher!
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Ah…he’s a Dhem, and the “polls” lie.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 17, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Any clips of this debate somewhere?
Western_Civ on October 17, 2008 at 9:48 AM
I hope he gets grounded.
bloggless on October 17, 2008 at 9:50 AM
I am no fan of Fraken but I see nothing in this video that supports the comments attributed to it.
Rod on October 17, 2008 at 9:50 AM
If McCain gets angry — oh no, he’s senile. If Franken gets angry, he’s just passionate.
You can’t make this stuff up.
Richard Romano on October 17, 2008 at 9:51 AM
I don’t see it. Without audio that has what was said, the tone, etc, this just looks like he’s talking to Coleman, up close (it’s loud in there). Sorry, this is grasping at straws, imo (and i’m no Franken-fan, mind you).
Midas on October 17, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Any poor sick society that selects the likes of Franken for high government office cannot be long for this world. This country could well be terminal.
rplat on October 17, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Please go click. Do it for Sarah.
http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html
Bishop on October 17, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Al who? Oh yeah,that little dweeb from SNL….is that show still on? I thought he kicked the bucket years ago!
Vntnrse on October 17, 2008 at 9:55 AM
If the voters of MN elect this clown – they deserve everything they get. Over the cliff, man. Over the cliff.
warriorlawyer on October 17, 2008 at 9:56 AM
I hope the independent wins. Coleman sucks.
lodge on October 17, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Where is the poll on whether Obama is qualified? I hate this bias.
By the way, the reason that poll is skewed is because /b/ (4-chan) has been raiding that exact poll for the past week.
carbon_footprint on October 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
By the way, the reason that poll is skewed is because /b/ (4-chan) has been raiding that exact poll for the past week.
carbon_footprint on October 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Yes, and the MSM will report on it to try and depress turnout.
Go click people, do it for Sarah.
http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html
Bishop on October 17, 2008 at 9:59 AM
warriorlawyer on October 17, 2008 at 9:56 AM
That’s all well and good but do the rest of us deserve a filibuster proof senate? What the hell did I do?
Cindy Munford on October 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I hope the independent wins. Coleman sucks.
He just might win, the votes are being drained right into his lap lately.
Bishop on October 17, 2008 at 10:01 AM
“Bam” “Pow” “Boom” , picture those words big and colorful inside a star burst as Norms fist crunches down squarely in the middle of Al’s glasses while they’re still on His face.
abinitioadinfinitum on October 17, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Answer:
I’m glad you said that before I had to.
csdeven on October 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
stewie is a tool
custer on October 17, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Anyone even slightly considering voting for this complete idiot is themselves a complete idiot.
No further debate is necessary.
NoDonkey on October 17, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Stewie’s showing off his thug thizzle.
AubieJon on October 17, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Better headline:
Franken remains nasty … still.
BKennedy on October 17, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Please go click…
Bishop on Oct 17,2008 at 9:55AM.
Bishop: Sumpin ain’t right,both are stuck at 49!:)
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Nothing about Franken’s thuggish behavior is surprising. He’s avoided paying taxes (hey, how come the media isn’t hounding him about that the way they’ve pounced on Joe the Plumber?) in multiple states. He’s boorish, and my wife nearly got trampled by him in NYC a while back – and never apologized.
lawhawk on October 17, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Adding to our legitimate reasons to be angry, reports of vandalism to McCain/Palin campaign headquarters keep rolling in (latest in PA).
jgapinoy on October 17, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Al Franken is a washed-up unfunny has-been comedian who is now becoming something of a loose cannon at the wrong time in the wrong place. How can anyone harbor so much anger is beyond me. The guy has to me mentally disturbed or bi-polar or something. He clearly is not tbe best choice for public office in Minnesota, or anywhere else for that matter; though Vermont may be the exception, but even up there, they have their limits.
pilamaye on October 17, 2008 at 10:14 AM
This video really doesn’t show much. I was expecting to see something more after reading the above description. It looks to me like they are just talking..
And I can’t stand Franken!
Mojoski on October 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Franken pretty much encompasses everything that an unhinged liberal is. He is the embodiment of the average Kos Kid.
Grafted on October 17, 2008 at 10:18 AM
…and Coleman is a sitting senator. Next time the secret service should take down Franken and then really see him come unhinged.
Grafted on October 17, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Norm ain’t perfect, but he’s waaaay better than Franken. And Dean Barkley is a doofus who would caucus with the Democrats. I’d rather have a guy who is with us 65-70% of the time (Norm) than a guy who would be with us 20% of the time (Barkley) or 0% of the time (Franken).
Mr. D on October 17, 2008 at 10:23 AM
It would be helpful to know why Franken was so angry. What set him off?
rockhauler on October 17, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Maybe Sarah Palin has a place for Franken’s wife in her administration. Stock in dog collars just went up 15%.
Rovin on October 17, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Are you suggesting that a liberal politician might try to muscle an opponent into silence? That’s like saying they’d go after an average Joe, or a radio show interviewee, or a group that puts out an ad against them with lawsuits, or…
Wait.
MadisonConservative on October 17, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Minnesota, if you vote Franken into office, you deserve him. Love you up there in the great white north, but you’ll deserve him.
And that goes for any potential Democrat supermajority. If we’re dumb enough to elect these stooges, then we deserve them–and everything that comes with them, like a deep recession, higher taxation, more government intrusion, the Fairness Doctrine, card check, “universal” health coverage, a neutered foreign policy. No one but America to blame.
If you need me, I’ll be in my basement drinking heavily on Nov. 4. God help me, I hope I’m wrong…
Pope Linus on October 17, 2008 at 10:28 AM
But gee dear little sweet old Al just got his endorsement from ACORN.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifVfCSj1zaA
CommentGuy on October 17, 2008 at 10:31 AM
If the odd unlikely circumstance ever came about, that Stewy Smally ever got in my face; they would be cleaning his puddle off the floor with a giant wet-vac.
I wouldn’t stop until he cried like the little that he is.
…it’d take about 30 seconds……
FiveWays on October 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM
ACORN endorsement..
CommentGuy on Oct 17,2008 at 10:31AM.
CommentGuy:Outstanding intel work!
Al recieves(ACORNS)KISS OF POLITICAL DEATH!:)
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM
What set him off???
rockhauler 0n Oct 17,2008 at 10:24AM.
rockhauler: Probably a Republican,or hearing SarahCuda’s
gig on SNL!
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 10:43 AM
He should pick a fight with Joe the Plumber.
Hening on October 17, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I think it show that libs are in reality are angry ignorant people
grapeknutz on October 17, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Meet your Senator?
Buy Danish on October 17, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I recall hearing Franken being interviewed on one of those NPR leftist programs a few years ago. What stuck with me is that he said, in all seriousness, that conservatives could only be conservatives because they’re basically stupid.
NNtrancer on October 17, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Ed, you’re in Minn., please stay on this and keep Coleman in and make sure Franken stays out! What could be more important to your state in the next 18 days? Get the truth out about Franken. This video is a little too subtle. It probably illustrates for you just what’s wrong w/ Franken, but you’re a wonk. Get another, clearer, simpler angle on Franken and show everyone in MN who he is. Well, you survived Wellstone, I guess you can survive Franken. To me Franken epitomes the attitude of the left — if you disagree with me you’re an idiot, no, you’re evil, and I will do what I have to do to destroy you. He can’t even imagine that he might be wrong. While you’re one of the most level-headed, thoughtful conservatives out there.
Paul-Cincy on October 17, 2008 at 11:05 AM
The most pathetic commercial here, (laughable, in fact) is Mrs. Al Franken talking about how her husband stood by her when she went through rehab. Isn’t that what your hubby is supposed to do? sad sad sad
foxforce91 on October 17, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I knew Minnesota was The Land of Lakes, but I didn’t realize until now they were filled with Kool-aid.
Jesse Ventura, Al Franken, who’s next …. Madonna?
fogw on October 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Invaded Coleman’s personal space there a little, didn’t he? “And darn it, people
like mewish they could kill me.”Akzed on October 17, 2008 at 11:18 AM
A.J. shoulda beat him down when he had the chance.
- The Cat
MirCat on October 17, 2008 at 11:19 AM
P.S. Sorry, got a little playground there
MirCat on October 17, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Oh man, you just insulted playground bullies everywhere.
Speakup on October 17, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I can’t believe that guy is a viable candidate for the U.S. Senate, of course, then there’s Obama, so…
CP on October 17, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Al Franken’s a DUMB-ASS.
An undisciplined dope like him, doesn’t belong in any kind of government.
byteshredder on October 17, 2008 at 11:45 AM
If you listen, you can hear a woman in the crowd shouting “Fight, Fight, Fight” within the first five seconds.
I can’t wait till MSNBC and Krazy Keith do his Special Comments tonight about the violence and anger that’s within the …Deomocratic….constituents…and…
Sorry, I was laughing too hard!!!
HarryStar on October 17, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I enlarged the video of YouTube to get a closer look at the lips of Senator Coleman and repeatedly played it back in loops of what he said in trying to read his lips and his body language that would suggest highly on what he likely may have said.
As soon as Senator Coleman raised his hands he said,
“Oooh!” and then he said something else after that. Can’t tell. But the “Oooh!” comment was definitely said and Coleman did so in a mocking manner towards Franken. That’s what probably pissed him off. No one can be the condescending comedian except for Al Franken!
Kokonut on October 17, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Preston Brooks Franken
Elizabetty on October 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
For the sake of your sanity, IGNORE THE POLLS.
Having said that, the local paper seems to suggest the race is tight:
Poll shows Franken, Coleman running nearly even in Minnesota
Quinnipiac shows Coleman and Franken in a dead heat, with Barkley still looming.
By KEVIN DUCHSCHERE, Star Tribune
Last update: October 14, 2008 – 10:30 AM
Y-not on October 17, 2008 at 1:04 PM
This is embarrassing… we’re supposed to pretend that two guys talking in close proximity while carrying legal pads is some sort of scandal?
DaveS on October 17, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Be careful Ed, thats soon to be Senator Franken!
All Hail….
dmann on October 17, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Already did and e-mailed the link to all in my address book!
Liberty or Death on October 17, 2008 at 1:20 PM
I thought so, initially, too, but when you take into account Franken’s well-documented history as a thug and a bully, it’s consistent. The body language is pretty indicting: see how close he gets to Coleman. The invasion of personal space alone is aggressive.
Kensington on October 17, 2008 at 1:32 PM
What? You mean there’s a female Mrs. Franken?
Huh. Imagine that…
FlatFoot on October 17, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Franken is doomed either way:
If he wins, he is a one termer, guaranteed to screw up with that magic “Air America Radio” touch of his. Everything he comes in contact with fails, so maybe he is the poison pill we need to send to Washington to destroy the Democratic majority.
If he loses, as I’m sure he will, he goes back to being citizen Franken, bitter as always, more comfortable with defeat than success.
He’ll write a book about his failure, and maybe, just maybe, in his book, he wins.
Al Franken: born to lose.
Doug on October 17, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Dems are the only ones ALLOWED to be mean-spirited, unlike that mean old man McCain!
ammo john on October 17, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Give him a break, Stuart Smalley didn’t have his mirror with him to validate his “I’m OK” feelings and just wanted to see his reflection in Coleman’s eyes. Maybe if Stuart had worn his argyle sweater his wife wouldn’t have had to calm him down…
Gohawgs on October 17, 2008 at 3:54 PM
In 2004 Al wrestled a 64 year old man to the ground for heckling John Kerry. Later, he bragged about being on his school’s wrestling team. He uses his wife’s alcohol problems in his ads,and it does not surprise me that she acts as his keeper when he loses control.
Much worse than this is the stuff Keith Ellison,Minnesota’s muslim 5th district Rep to DC., has been saying lately, (search on you tube for his latest.) Ellison mentions the Reischstag fire–hmmm.
We are so screwed.Doomed as doomed can be,maybe?
Tune in tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5As0Zt36Oqs
lizzee on October 17, 2008 at 7:27 PM
I knew Minnesota was The Land of Lakes, but I didn’t realize until now they were filled with Kool-aid.
Jesse Ventura, Al Franken, who’s next …. Madonna?
fogw on October 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Nah, Prince is next up. Madonna, after marrying A-Rod, will run for office from Michigan…
Gohawgs on October 17, 2008 at 7:43 PM