Does anyone realize that if Al Franken resigns:

[Chasstev365]

A. You will embolden the right wing smear machine to take out other Democrats in the near future.

B. Due process is unimportant.

C. Fewer good people will want to run for office.

D. People will remember Al Franken resigned in 2018 over sexual harassment, but gradually forget about Senator Moore's predatory behavior.

E. Once again, Republicans get away with rank hypocrisy.

[spooky3]

1. Please vote in my poll:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029937862

[BobTheSubgenius]

53. I think the current standings in your poll speak for themselves.

Loud and clear. I just wish there was something more tangible to help Al in a tangible way.

I voted with the (vast) majority. btw.

[LiberalLovinLug]

61. I wonder do any prominent Democrats read DU?

And I'm sure other liberal sites are rife with the same sentiment.
Are they this blinded to their own base?

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. True, but we don't want to offend our friends across the aisle.

This it utter, total bullshit.

When are we going to get real some Democratic party leadership? When??!!?

[Baitball Blogger]

3. It's so obvious that it will embolden the right wing. And it shows that Democrats can't

finesse the details. Too many moving parts, I guess.

[ollie10]

21. Like...one?

[delisen]

4. It shows us how Dems could have mobilized against Trump

but haven't.

This is an authoritarian move on the part of these Senate Dems.

Wonder what else about Franken they don't like?

[Willie Pep]

7. The thing is Republicans don't care.

Roy Moore, who has significantly worse accusations against him than Franken, may very well win his race. Republicans were going to vote for Trump no matter what.

This brings up an important difference between the parties. Republican voters are much more loyal and are willing to look past many, many deficiencies in candidates while Democratic voters don't and often seem to need extra motivation to go to the polls. This is a big Republican advantage.

[onit2day]

47. Another distraction. Moore could have raped a 10yr'old

and repubs would still support him 'cause they need the vote. Dems senators better wake up because we need the votes and yet they are so quick to judge. Criminal sexual misconduct is not the same as sexual misconduct. I lost a lot of respect for those who railroaded Franken. They show themselves to be shortsighted. I'm just sick about this because we are fighting against an American take over and we needed Franken.

[questionseverything]

37. franken had proved sessions a liar in hearings

and he dared count the votes

[Hugin]

38. Not to mention this latest accusation came about on THE SAME DAY as...

Trump Jr (aka Uday) refused to testify citing a ludicrous and non-existent client privilege.

It's beyond credulity for this to me a mere coincidence.

[questionseverything]

39. and he has been great fighting for net neutrality

I am disgusted with the senate dems

[oasis]

5. I expect Franken to expose his accusers at news conference.

He also should have choice words for "friends" who tossed him under the bus.

[dewsgirl]

6. I pray your expectations are spot on.

[questionseverything]

40. i hope he says..i promised an investigation and i am staying for it

[onit2day]

48. If he leaves office they won't do an investigation

[Willie Pep]

8. Sexual harassment allegations will now be part of political warfare going forward.

I expect this to be a new form of ratfucking and as usual the Republicans will master it and deploy it very effectively.

[spotthebird]

9. What is really going on?

It isn't possible that that no one is looking at the charges critically.

What is the subtext?

[Perseus]

15. Yes, that is correct

I understand that five of the accusers are anonymous, could one of those be O'Keefe? have they sat down to think before they act? Obviously not!

Those five women need to come out and show their faces, otherwise it could be five Russian men just throwing trash at Franken.

It is very frustrating that these democratic women don't follow the rule of law, which demands that you are innocent until proven guilty. Shame on them. Are they republicans passing as democrats?

[sinkingfeeling]

10. F. People (like me) will resign from the Democratic Party and end contributions.

[Perseus]

14. Although I feel the same way, in my view, it is the wrong move

It is the same as not voting...when we don't vote we automatically give the republicans a vote, and more than ever, today the country needs to get rid of them through voting, so please reconsider.

[ollie10]

22. You have a point

But then again why don't our leaders want to EARN our votes and support? Fact is they don't care at all, not in the slightest. They need to get withe program...or we will lose. Then you can debate who lost first... but the idea is we lose.

[onenote]

50. Because that's what Al Franken would want -- Democrats to stop fighting Republicans. NOT.

I hate that Franken was forced from office, but let's stop with the cutting off our noses to spite our faces.

[Perseus]

11. And all that list

is aided by some democrats thinking they are making points with I don't know who...maybe they think that if they use Franken as an example the republicans will follow? They couldn't be more wrong...

[YOHABLO]

12. We shouldn't be railroading Franken out of the Senate. He deserves due process.

[Turbineguy]

13. This is a test run.

If we help get rid of Franken, we can be counted on to get rid of Mueller.

Trump won't have to fire Mueller if the Democrats do it for him.

[ollie10]

23. Nobody is safe

Look how easy it is!

[FiveGoodMen]

45. Look how easy, indeed!

"Yeah, I just talked to someone who said some bad things about Al but they don't want their names published so ... just take my word for it and fire him."

[ollie10]

46. In a nut shell....

[keithbvadu2]

16. It's ok if you're a republican

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10141931579

Republicans say man who attacked woman with hammer can keep post as secretary

------------------------

New republican meme for abusing women... 'let it go'

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10141931211

[pansypoo53219]

17. INDEED. PROVE IT!meanwhile. elect moore!

[pandr32]

18. Completely agree

[catchnrelease]

19. It is just too fishy

I feel like whoever is spearheading these attacks/allegations is just trying to take Franken down because he is so effective. It's like the first one with the USO woman didn't work and things kind of quieted down. Ok, lets send out another one. (The photo at the fair woman) That didn't take him down, so lets send in a couple more. (The first anonymous ones, who claim to be Democrats but won't say who they are) Now another anon claim. Like they will just keep finding women to make claims until he gives up and leaves.

The poor guy keeps taking shots but with little or no proof, and now his own party doesn't even want him to get a chance to defend himself in the ethics committee. I think that the accusers in this case need to come forward. Franken has no power over their lives in any way, so they should not be fearful of repercussions from him. (I am a woman, and don't feel that proof is required in all cases. Depends on each specific situation.)

I hope he sticks it out.

[oasis]

42. +1

[Lonestarblue]

20. Has Blake Farenthold resigned?

No. There are photos of him naked (need eye bleach! Yuk!), and he used taxpayer money to settle claims. He has said he will pay it back, but why is he not being harrassed the way Franken is? Republicans just shrug and say let’s get back to business. Why are Democrats self destructing over this? If an investigation happens and Franken’s accusers have proof, that’s the time to consider resignation—not now.

[Initech]

24. We also lose a key voice in the Net Neutrality movement.

Al is one Senator who has been instrumental in keeping Net Neutrality alive. Without him, we're done.

[Snotcicles]

25. B. nt

[brooklynite]

26. You should let Al Franken know; he probably hasnt thought of any of this...

[gristy]

29. no doubt

[The Wielding Truth]

27. I agree.

[zentrum]

28. Please don't resign Al!

[Mr. Evil]

30. I just thought about this.

Why are certain people in such a hurry to get rid of Al Franken? He has never had a reputation for this kind of behavior. No behind the scenes rumors or snickering cafeteria banter. No innuendo whatsoever. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has had plenty. Rumors abound about his 'conquests.' He's even admitted in the presence of several people what he does and how he treats women. We even have an audio recording of him personally describing his tactics (with Tic Tacs) on how he overwhelms them. No rush to rid the public of him. Why is that? Harvey Weinstein, abominable behavior. Roy Moore is now gaining support with detailed descriptions of his sick behavior with minors. What the fuck is wrong with this picture?!!!

[BlueIdaho]

31. Anyone that thinks that this will give Democrats a leg up

Thanks to our purity has a hole in their head. The Lee Atwater school of political trickery is laughing it’s collective ass off over the hand wringing and flaming hair exhibited by Democratic Senators today.

If we really want to show the world what Democracy looks like - we would insist on making sure that EVERYONE’S due process rights are protected. If, in the end, wrong-doing is found then and only then should the appropriate actions be taken.

[Chasstev365]

32. Well Said!

[kairos12]

33. Rethugs will send out a zombie army of accusers to wipe out Dems.

[ladym55]

34. I'm puzzled

I guess if Al Franken needs to resign, then it should come the day AFTER Donald Trump and Clarence Thomas resign ... and Roy Moore retires to go fishing.

I keep feeling manipulated.

[Green Line]

35. Thank you for this

I just copied it and sent it to my Senators and Reps.

[Meowmee]

36. Yes

I realize all of that. Dems calling for him to resign are crazy and I’m alarmed and very disappointed to say the least in all of them. They are playing into the hands of those who want to destroy what’s left of this democracy. Who will be next to be accused and pushed out of office without any real evidence and without due process.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

41. I saw a weird historical marker in a ghost town when I was a kid

Something along the lines of "On this spot Sheriff Smith was hanged on his own gallows for robbery". I couldn't even tell you where it was maybe Oregon or Eastern Washington.

We made the rules in which accusations of a sexual nature were to be held to a much lower standard of evidence or require no evidence at all, and now they're being used against us.

Our leadership is fragging a highly effective senator because they can't just bring themselves to be in contradiction of the brave new world of they are so proud of establishing.

[Locrian]

43. this is a win win for them

He resigns - they win: dems are weak, reps are strong, "see he admitted it", etc
He doesn't resign - they win: dems don't resign why should anyone else.

If it's "real" they win: Franken resigns, dems are as bad as rep, etc
If it's "fake" they win: "look how easy it is to make stuff up, fake news, etc"

[Demsrule86]

44. And we may not have whoever replaces Franken seated at all.

[onenote]

51. Because? Care to explain that assertion?

[Demsrule86]

55. They don't have to seat Franken's replacement...and they can let the 'voters decide' as in Garland.

There is some legal protection for those who are elected...none for appointees.


"Both houses of the United States Congress have refused to seat new members based on Article I, Section 5 of the United States Constitution which states that, "Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each House may provide." This had been interpreted that members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate could refuse to recognize the election or appointment of a new representative or senator for any reason, often political heterodoxy or criminal record. Powell v. McCormack (1969) limited the powers of the Congress to refuse to seat an elected member to when the individual does not meet the specific constitutional requirements of age, citizenship or residency. From the decision by Chief Justice Earl Warren: "Therefore, we hold that, since Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., was duly elected by the voters of the 18th Congressional District of New York and was not ineligible to serve under any provision of the Constitution, the House was without power to exclude him from its membership."

[DownriverDem]

49. Do you realize what this is about?

1) The Dems will attack trump and moore with credibility since Conyers and Franken are gone.

2) Politics has nothing to do with due process. It is down in the dirt mean and dirty.

3) Tons of women and men are running as Dems now.

4) No one will forget moore because if the Dems win control of either the House or Senate in 2018 they will investigate
him.

5) Please realize that the Dems are playing long ball. You are playing today.

[benld74]

52. Choir here

[AllaN01Bear]

54. thanks for posting.my internal alarms have been going like crazy since this appeared .

i smell a rat. plain and simple. funny that this was done to bill clinton, has been done to others. i always thought that there was a statute of limitations. and WHY now? alarm alarm. alarm.

[MrPurple]

56. Al was railroaded, but he didn't have a choice once his Democratic colleagues denounced him

If Al had made a speech today announcing that he was staying, the division in the party would have become a lead story and a major distraction. It stinks. I hate seeing someone of Al's talent and dedication forced out over charges that are likely made up and are too minor (he put his hand on my waist while taking a picture) to warrant resignation.

History will show that he resigned due to a sex scandal, which is absurd.

Also, this wouldn't be possible without the joke photo on the USO tour. That gave the illusion that there was substance for the other made up accusations to add onto. I wish the Democrats had stood their ground on this one because they haven't really gained anything and have banished one of their most valuable players.

Also, Tim Pawlenty or some Republican could possibly pick up this seat in the special election in the coming year.

[Duppers]

57. These Dems are reinforcing an old adage

About Dems being wimps. They've folded. Talk about bringing a butter knife to a gun fight, they have capitulated to railroading and bullying!

What one DUer posted yesterday truly applies:
"These people (Rethugians) climbed out of the sewer. We may want to consider going into the gutter to fight them"
- Mississippi Burning

Al's leaving is so infuriating and fucking sad. How the HELL could they do this to him when TRump is in the WH planning to go nuclear to draw attention away from his pending prosecutions and Alabama is going to elect Roy Moore! What the FUCK!!

[Dalton Mac]

58. And it was Dem Sens who pressured him to go

[lame54]

59. I think everyone realises that...

Hence the hullabaloo

[libtodeath]

60. Plus might lead to a repuke supermajority that will take womens and minorities rights back to 1800.

[idahoblue]

62. The Dems have a purity test

that no person with a previous life can pass, man or woman. Ever touched a butt? You’re out. Brushed a breast? Out! Gave a friendly squeeze to a friend? Out! Tina Dupuy complains he grabbed her fat? Give me a break. They were posing for a picture in a room full of people and she was grinning ear to ear. Accuser #4 took her talking point directly from the Billy Bush tape. She really smells like a liar.

This is bullshit and Democrats fell right in it.