Dear Democratic Senators, Walk it back.

[mountain grammy]

You can do it. Admit you made a mistake and move on. No shame.

A rush to judgement in a heated atmosphere. It can happen to anyone. You've heard from thousands of us.

Al Franken is NOT a predator. He is NOT an abuser. Investigate!

Al Franken has been one of our strongest voices against the evil of this administration.That put a big target on his back. Why don't you see that?

I've got to add one more thing because, well, it's my heritage. Al Franken is Jewish.

#persecution

[Lifelong Protester]

1. Borrowed and sent to my Senator

Tammy Baldwin.

[HelenWheels]

60. Tammy is my senator also

I have called her office and emailed her twice.

[Lifelong Protester]

61. I email her so much

I've forgotten more times then I've emailed!

[BigmanPigman]

2. They are using him politcally...

I hope he uses them politically too (to his, and our benefit). I have a dim hope that there is a plan and this is not the end of Al and this issue.

[Pachamama]

3. I honestly wish that he will declare himself an Independent - Minnesota has a history of Independent

....politicians....think Jesse Ventura their former Governor.

I think he should leave the Democratic Party (especially after what they just did to him) and they technically have no power over him and can say as they wish. He then remains in the Senate and let there be an Ethics investigation. It will find nothing is my guess. And if the Senate censures him....so be it. And if they hold a vote to remove him, then so be it and let the record show what they removed him for and then they can start cleaning house - especially if Roy Moore becomes a colleague....

My guess is that if Al was to be an Independent who would caucus with the Dems (like Bernie Sanders) that he would not be removed and he could serve out his term till 2020 and be very effective and an excellent Senator.

I don't believe that Al is done.

[BigmanPigman]

6. If he were to do that now,

when and how would it go into effect? I am not familiar with the details and do not know about this. Would he have to go through with the resignation and then run again as an Independent and when would this occur, immediately, 2018 mid-terms, 2020, ????

[Pachamama]

8. No - he hasn't resigned yet. He merely would declare that he is no longer a Democratic Party member

....and that he is now Independent.

Its happened in Congress and Senate and it wouldn't require him to run again...he was elected and his term is until 2020. He could either retire then or run again as an Independent.

Meanwhile the Democratic Party would hold no "power" over him and since he is Independent and would caucus with them, the balance of the Senate doesn't change.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jeffords

[BigmanPigman]

9. Really?! That is promising info!

If Jeffords could do it so recently (and if McConnell hasn't changed the rules to suit his agenda) then that would be the way to go. He must know this...have you read anything that this may be a realistic consideration by him?

[Pachamama]

11. Bernie Sanders followed Jim Jeffords....

I have no info that this would ever be considered or done by Al Franken.

But if I were to sit down with Al and talk about what had just happened, I would advise him to do just this. I believe that he would not only survive, but even be re-elected in the future.

And the Dems who called for his resignation and all took turns with the knife would regret ever having done this to him.

Al Franken isn't done and there is much good for him to do in the Senate even if its just till 2020.

The Democratic Party made a huge mistake and what they don't realize is that the future of the party is someone like an Al Franken.

If anyone hasn't read any of his books, I suggest they do. Al is the real deal and is smart and a true Progressive Democrat.

I would love it if he declared being Independent and did this. And ironically, it might in the end be what saves the Democratic Party IMHO.

[JimBeard]

25. This really, really sounds good to me!

Start a thread about it!

[Wwcd]

35. Why did Indy's Sanders & Ellison both ask for Franken's resignation?

No one made them, this was their own decision.
They are no different than those Dems you're post disses, as far as their decision to tell Franken to take a hike.

Why did they both do it? 🤔

[Pachamama]

38. Because that was their decision?

[Wwcd]

43. As it was the decision of the Dems also.

Why would Franken change to an Indy when both big dog Indy's agreed with those Dems?

[Pachamama]

44. Because he is independent?

[Jakes Progress]

65. Look up the word Independent.

[mountain grammy]

70. "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot"

has had a prominent place on my bookshelf since it was published around 20 years ago. I always thought he should run for office and was ecstatic when he did.
I'm raging and need a shot of Bill Maher and he's on vacation. Maybe a shot of Deep Eddy's instead.

[regnaD kciN]

12. You realize, of course...

...that, if he were to do so and run as an independent, you could be tombstoned here for supporting him over the Democrat in that race.

[Pachamama]

20. Does that make Bernie supporters not welcome at DU?

Because while I never was a Bernie supporter, there are many People on DU and in the Democratic Party who supported him and he is an a independent.

Your suggestion that I would be tombstoned from DU is funny... And if it were to happen for the reason you suggested, then I would wear it as a badge of honor because it would only be proof of what I am suggesting is happening within the Democratic Party in what they just did to Al Franken which was knifing their own in the back. And when any entity starts turning in their own, it’s the end of its existence.

[Wwcd]

34. The Independants, Sanders & Ellison, BOTH ALSO told Franken to resign.

Appears he isn't welcome as an Indy either.

[Jakes Progress]

64. Look up the word Independent.

It isn't a party. Ellison doesn't caucus with Sanders. Sanders doesn't answer the Ellison.

Hence the name: Independent.

[Demsrule86]

50. I am sure if he caucused with the Dems he would also be protected just like Bernie Sanders.

[brooklynite]

13. If he became an Independent and wasn't affiliated with the Democratic Caucus...

...he would have no influence at all in the Senate. And if he tried to join the Democratic Caucus, the Democrats would be in the same situation as if he were still a Democrat.

The Caucus isn't changing its mind. Franken isn't changing his mind. This is over. There will be a new Democratic Senator. If dreaming of other outcomes makes you happy, enjoy. But remember that people who dream eventually wake up.

[LakeArenal]

15. Youve tried nothing....

And you’re all out of ideas.

[Pachamama]

19. If what you believe is true then its truly over - for the Democratic Party

What they did to Franken wasn’t merely the political end of his career and they can just continue on as if all is going to be fine and a new female Democrat Senator comes in....

I see this very differently and in time we shall see which of our views comes to reveal itself....

[mountain grammy]

71. Agree!

[DeminPennswoods]

24. If Ds were either a small minority or solid majority

your comment makes sense. But with such a closely divided senate, Independent/non-affiliated senators are a hot commodity. They can make or break a majority. I'm sure it's a big reason Dems are happy to have Bernie Sanders caucus with them even though he requires a lot ego stroking.

In reality, if just a few more senators (ex, Collins, Murkowski, Flake) in addition to Sanders and King, switched their party registration to I, they could actually decide who would be the senate majority leader as neither party would have 50 votes for either McConnell or Schumer. Theoretically they could make any one of their group Senate leader.

[Egnever]

28. Wow what a great idea.

I like it don't know if it is feasible but I think it is just what we need. The behave caucus with no allegiance and willing to split whichever way was needed.

Yea I like that a lot.

[DeminPennswoods]

36. Can't take credit for the idea

I heard someone say it on one of the cable (MSNBC/CNN) talk shows, but it is a great idea. If you think about it, Murkowski actually ran as a write-in and won, so she's not beholden to the Alaska GOP. Collins is from Maine and they seem to have an affinity for independent/3rd party candidates. I don't think changing party registration would hurt either of them when they run for re-election. Flake's retiring and is a libertarian, so he should just become an "L" and "caucus" with the "I"s.

[Wwcd]

45. L's are funded by the Kochs. As are the Tea Partyists.

Kochs would love this. Put an end to that Dem Party they've hated for their social causes all these yrs.
Indy's can become the new Koch Party. Yippee

[questionseverything]

59. we are funded by some jerks too

[mountain grammy]

72. Wow, I'm loving that idea..

[LisaL]

31. This new Democratic Senator isn't a guarantee.

Could very well end up a new Republican Senator in 2018.

[Wwcd]

33. Sanders & Ellison made it clear Franken isn't welcome as one of them either!

Did you forget that Sanders & Ellison BOTH called for Franken to resign.
They are no better a friend than any other on the list.

Why would he want to go where he is clearly not welcome?
The divine leaders of the Indy's, those righteous progressives, told him to go away also.

Perhaps he should start a brand new Party of his own.

[Pachamama]

41. Being Independent means your exactly that...

Independent...



Your suggesting a new party? I never suggested that.....seems like you think that’s a pretty nifty idea....

[Wwcd]

46. 8ndy means they have no set platform & can never be trusted.

Put all the fringes in a room & guess how united they'll be.
Money buys their influence also, as in any party.
Indy defines nothing you can rely on.
My opinion.

[Pachamama]

48. Well, that explains a lot of where you are...

But that is not what it means to be Independent...

[mountain grammy]

73. That was once my opinion.

I can't even believe I once felt so strongly about it, kind of like union loyalty in my mind. But guess I lived too long and saw too much. I'm over it.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

53. That's a terrible idea, and Franken wouldn't do it.

The election of Jesse Ventura occurred only because the two major party candidates were weak and uninspiring, and Ventura ran a quirky but very clever campaign. It was a fluke, and it is not likely to happen ever again, not in small part because after a fairly good start he went off the rails and turned out to be a terrible governor. Apart from Ventura, Minnesota has had no more successful third-party candidates than any other state.

Furthermore - and more importantly - his changing parties wouldn't change the situation a bit. He would still have to caucus with people who stabbed him in the back.

[Sneederbunk]

4. If Moore is elected, Franken will not go unless Moore expelled.

Franken has put the Senate in a box.

[flamingdem]

7. Do you think he'd do that??

Seems he doesn't have the support to do so. I hope he does

[rzemanfl]

79. What support? All the knives in has back are holding him upright?

He most certainly can say "If Moore comes in, I don't go." He will have the support of the country and Gillibrand, Schumer, et al will have to deal with it.

[populistdriven]

5. Trump bought a lot of favors in DC with the Jerusalem policy change

among both Democratic and Republican senators and many that claim to be against it now have pushed for it even after Trump was elected. So the question is, who is next?

http://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Trump-s-actions-on-Jerusalem-come-with-12414559.php

[GoCubsGo]

10. I have a hunch that if Pedophiile Roy is elected,

and the republicans seat him, they very well might. Also, if they do nothing about Fahrenholt.

[Lucinda]

14. ...

[Roy Rolling]

16. Franken's An Asset to a Democratic America

Wherever he works, he will do good. For the Democratic Party to ask him to perform a political publicity stunt is unwise.

[Mr. Evil]

17. My name is Melissa and I don't know if i'm in the right place

but my boyfriend tried to make a staetement earlier about his support for Al Franken and he was made out to be a fool on this site. Mike is the most generous nicest man i've ever been with and he is involved with politics as i am. But, I was with him as he posted a comment here and the people attacked him for defending AlFranken and that is horrible. He tried so hard to correct or explain why he posted but he was attacked vicisously. Why would you attack him for doing the same thing you did the day before? Defiending Al Franken. He's beside himself. He thinks you all hate him. what kind of people are you? One momemt he thinlks he's helping an d the next moment he's hated. He's the most generous, nicest man i''ve ever known. Who are you people to slam him and insult him? He thought he was helping. Now he thinksyou all hate him. How dare you!

[Omaha Steve]

18. He is a fine man and welcome here

We have a few devil's advocates etc.

K&R for the post.

OS

[renate]

21. Im so sorry that happened

If I’d seen it I would have been on his side. I think a lot of people would have been. I hope he forgives us and posts again.

[smirkymonkey]

22. Who would do that? As far as I have seen almost everyone here supports Senator Franken.

I am sorry that your boyfriend had that experience, but that is not typical of the average DU'er. Please don't judge all of us from that one unfortunate encounter. Most of us strongly agree with him on this matter. And of course we don't hate him. If someone was abusive to him, he should alert on that post and let the jury decide if it should be removed.

[bagelsforbreakfast]

27. There were at least 4 trolls/okeefes I just put on full ignore about Franken! 😀

[Phentex]

42. some merely pointed out that it was posted in LBN

and should have been posted elsewhere.

[wishstar]

26. The "Mr. Evil" post was about Rachel Maddow's email blocking him

I saw the post that drew the critical comments. As I recall most of the critical comments in response to the "Mr Evil" post were not because of support for Al Franken that he expressed, but because "Mr Evil" specifically questioned/complained about being blocked by Rachel Maddow's email after several attempts to email her about Franken situation. Basically posters thought it was not unreasonable that he would have been blocked after repeatedly sending rather inflammatory demanding emails to her account.

[Phentex]

40. Yes it was explained

but apparently not accepted by the poster. I get what the poster was saying but I think this is one of those times where being too sensitive does not work on DU.

[uppityperson]

54. It was a lbn OP, and they got a post hidden for swearing insult, which was

rightfully hidden.

LBN has specific guidelines for posting op's, which shows up when you start a thread.

This person didn't follow them, even when it was pointed out. Then they posted a nasty insult.

[Heartstrings]

49. You are absolutely in the right place, as is your boyfriend!

There are some relentless and redundant du'ers....quite possibly trolls who slipped through the cracks. Put any negative responders on ignore and get on with the rest of us in the #resistence.

[uppityperson]

56. That thread was started in the wrong forum. And a nasty insulting post was hidden .

LBN has specific posting guidelines which that OP didn't follow. Those guidelines show up when you start a thread. This was also pointed out. It was suggested to you that you repost it as a thread in GD. You haven't done that but are instead replying in other threads.

Your hidden post was rightfully hidden as cursing insults usually are. DU Terms of Service, link found at the bottom of every single page on du, says

No personal attacks or flaming
Do not personally attack, insult, flame, threaten, bully, harass, stalk, negatively call-out, ascribe ugly ulterior motives to, or make baseless claims about any member of this community. Do not post in a manner that is hostile, abusive, or aggressive toward any member of this community.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=termsofservice

[questionseverything]

58. tell him du has "infiltrators" just like any other web page,don't take it personally

it won't take him long to figure out who they are

[Tipperary]

84. Believe me, it is not worth it for him to leave. Lots of people attack and are attacked.

Words on a screen cannot hurt anyone. Ignore the meanies.

[DeminPennswoods]

23. In in ironic twist, got a call

from Dem senate majority pac last evening. I told them because the senate Dems went along with Franken being railroaded, they weren't getting a penny from me and that they should scratch my name off their call list. From the sound of the caller's voice, I sort of got the impression it wasn't the first time he'd heard something similar.

[MoonRiver]

32. Money is the ONLY thing that will wake them up.

Oh, and being successfully primaried, which I hope happens to every one of them.

[mountain grammy]

30. Link?

[MineralMan]

37. Link to that poll. I insist.

[MineralMan]

47. That poll was taken last month.

It was a Morning Consult poll commissioned by politico.com, which is not a site friendly to Democrats. It is meaningless.

You're new here. If you post something containing facts from a source, you should always post a link to your source.

[parkerMcDavis]

51. agreed, he's not gone yet!

[FarPoint]

52. This severe disrespectful, disregard for Senator Franken....

Mirrors how little they think of we the grassroots worker bees...we are tools for free...

They have thrown Al Franken under the semi truck without any due process as we must provide in a Democracy....So, what happened to Al refects just how little we actually matter....I unsubscribed to all DNC emails and mailings.

[whathehell]

55. I like your letter, -- would love to see it happen, but .

one thing I have to ask:. What does his being Jewish have to do with anything?

[mountain grammy]

57. Nothing really

I just remember my mom's Jewish family.. loud, funny, huggy, kissy, pinchy. Kind of a cultural thing.

Also, much of the trump team is antisemitic and I think that's making a comeback. Al's a target, and the fact he's Jewish doesn't hurt with the trumpers.

[whathehell]

82. Yeah, I'm very fond of

my family and my Irish cultural heritage too...In fact, I could describe them in virtually the same terms you've used for your family...Warm, funny, loud and affectionate.

As for the anti-Semitism in the Trump team, I find it confusing..He did respond deplorably to the Nazis in Charlottesville..On the other hand, his daughter & son - in law are both Jewish as is his chief policy advisor, Stephen Miller.

Trump is so awful, so entirely "anti" anything a decent person would aspire to be, it's hard to know exactly where the specifics lie.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

62. Excellent. Thank you mg...Im going to copy and send to my senators too

Gillibrand and Schumer.

I never thought they’d disappoint me this badly.

[Jakes Progress]

63. If MSNBC could admit they jumped the gun

surely you can.

[marble falls]

66. Walk it back on next Wednesday.

[mountain grammy]

67. Yes!

[George II]

68. "I've got to add one more thing because, well, it's my heritage. Al Franken is Jewish."....

...I wouldn't be surprised if that played into it a little, too. But on the other hand, so is Schumer.

[mountain grammy]

69. Yeah, I know,

I mentioned it because all my Jewish relatives were so demonstrative. Hugging, kissing, squeezing.. I loved my family more than anything and Al, with his grin and sense of humor reminds me of them. Also, if my dear mom was alive, she would yell antisemitism so that was for her too.

Schumer, I'm afraid, might have Israel and Jerushlum (can't resist) on his mind.

[BaileyBill]

74. Just curious...

How many of his Senate non-allies would be in line for his plum committee assignments, especially those that have gotten him a lot of TV time?

They could still take them away if he was independent, but he would hold the one thing they are apparently desperate for--a single vote in the Senate.

[Pepsidog]

75. You are absolutely correct. Walk it back

[Progressive dog]

76. Franken resigned

He wasn't kicked out, he was asked to leave. His choice was to stay and fight or quit. He quit.

[rzemanfl]

80. In the coming weeks I will die. I am seventy years old. Maybe a lot of weeks will come,

maybe not. Nonetheless it is a true statement.

[Progressive dog]

81. You are right, only Franken knows when he's leaving

Of course then there are no reasons for OP's like the one I replied to. The OP should ask Franken to not resign, not blame others for his choice.

[brewens]

77. As soon as Hannity blew up Tweeden's story, I said the description of the kiss was to

give the alt-right base the image of "The Dirty Jew". It reminded me of the WWII Nazi propaganda. What was it, "big greasy lips"? I any of the pics she sure doesn't seem to be repulsed by him. That was before he was an enemy Senator though.

[mountain grammy]

78. Yeah, that went through my mind too.

[cwydro]

83. Yes.