Al Franken's Leaving Air America Radio...for Iraq

[NYCGirl]

News of Leaving Air America, Premature

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-young/frankens-leaving-alright_b_34403.html

Right Wing media outlets in the know about liberal talk, reported the breaking "news" that Al Franken would be leaving Air America on 12/8. Newsbusters, Brian Maloney's Radioequalizer, and a number of other sites all gleefully reported Al's departure from AA.

One right wing site announced that they only reported on the story because it could be "verified via the affiliates." Perhaps they got the info from the same guy at the Quake in San Francisco who has posted premature and inaccurate news of Al's departure in the past.

Even an idjut from Huffington Post, who sometimes uses my body, took off with the story.

Yessir, they were right on the money. Except for a couple little things.

REST OF STORY AT LINK

[XOKCowboy]

1. This answers a lot of questions...

The "rumors" just didn't sound credible after listening to Al's show all last week. I haven't been able to listen this week and something smelled fishy all week.

So Al's "leaving AAR" for another USO tour. Good for him and I hope he keeps safe over there.

[mandyky]

2. He visits troops every holiday season!

He went last year and shamed the heck outta of Rush and OLiely

[wryter2000]

3. That does it

I fucking hate KQKE. They've screwed up their programming so thoroughly I only listen to Stephanie Miller now. When they started, I had the radio on every waking moment when I was at home. Then, Schultz pissed me off too much, so it went off when he was on. Then, the infomercials showed up on the weekends, so it went off two days a week. Then, they delayed everything because their local morning guys couldn't get up early enough to start at 6. Then, they dumped Franken and put Randi on at night.

At least, I thought they gave accurate information about AAR. I wouldn't trust them now if they said Tuesday followed Monday.

[stepnw1f]

4. ahhh... so This is Where it Came From

somebody here posted a thread on this very rumour.

[EVDebs]

5. Isn't Al Franken running for Senate ? nt

[NYCGirl]

7. He hasn't decided yet. He's said all along that if he felt he could do more for

Democrats where he is, he wouldn't run for office.

[NYCGirl]

6. If I was a tin-foil type, I'd say that the right wingnuts started the rumor because

AAR is courting buyers. Franken gets the highest ratings for the station, and if he was no longer in the picture, the value of AAR would be lessened.

[stepnw1f]

10. Didn't Know He Had the Highest Ratings

for that reason alone, they should keep him. If he is reaching a big audience ever better for all of us. We have no "liberal/Progressive Media" except for a handful of stations willing to air "Liberals/Progressives". Can you imagine if America had balance in the media?

[NYCGirl]

11. He does; Randi is second. NT

[Beelzebud]

8. Someone needs to go rain on the Hannity forum's Al bashing parade.

I would do it, but I was banned from posting there for calling Rush Limbaugh a "scumbag". :D

[NYCGirl]

9. I would, but I haven't had my shots.

:evilgrin:

[samplegirl]

12. Good for Al

unlike Rush who should go because all the soldiers love him.

[hsher]

13. I love Al

He's another one I'd love to marry. But, I'm sure... taken. Haven't Wiki-ed him, so I don't know, but... they're all taken.

Hey, I'M cool... why aren't I taken??? :wtf:

[NYCGirl]

14. Al and Franni have been together since their first year of college —

they've been married since 1975. Yep, her name is Franni Franken.

You can see her in some of the clips here (the documentary film about Al):

http://www.godspokefilm.com/

[hsher]

15. How do I find MY Al Franken? (Jon Stewart? Keith Olbermann? Bill Maher?...)

And here I am JEWISH and can't find a guy like these. The guys at my synagogue are either old and wonderful, or middle-aged and putzes. Comedian Richard Lewis's brother Robert attends my synagogue here in Albuquerque, and he had the hots for me for a second, but then I learned he had a girlfriend already while he was flirting with me. I became rather cool towards him and now he hates me. We were seated next to each other in choir. Well, that's over; but that shouldn't even start, y'know.

NYCGirl, have you found YOUR Al Franken? Where can I find mine? The men I meet have no aspirations, are not courageous and just aren't interesting! I attract guys, just none that I want!

I'M out here busting butt, doing the Leibowitz (which see - http://www.yourmorningleibowitz.blogspot.com), doing TV shows, furthering the Dem cause - but the men I meet have no interest in joining me. They're obsessed with trivia. Nobody's "the next Stewart, the next Franken, the next Olbermann". Where can I find those guys? Should I move to NY? (I'm from New Jersey, so it won't be that great a culture shock)

How's the dating world for you up there?

[NYCGirl]

16. Obviously, NYC is a good place for Franken types — I'm divorced, so

I guess I have at least once met MY "Franken"; and after that I lived for a few years with a Jewish guy who was a comedian! (Now, for some reason, this Jewish girl seems to go out more with Italian guys.) Just keep doing what you're doing and when you're not looking, he'll show up.

Cute pic of Al and Franni:

[hsher]

18. Awwww? They're cute together

Besherts, without doubt. OK, you're from the "stop looking and he'll show up" school - so am I. My problem is, I stopped looking and the guys who showed up were all PUTZIM! Ah well. Mom says I'm being picky and wants me to pick out a Hebrew name for my first child and have a grandkid for her NOW. I may in January. Still thinking about it. The cost is not the question, it's that I have a ton of publicity stuff to do next year and "looking pregnant in PR photos" may detract from my heat index. (Isn't that a cynical mouthful of stuff to say.) I've given my Al/Jon/Keith/Bill/Whomever enough time to show up. If he's THIS much a procrastinator, it'll never hold between us. Sigh.

Oh well. Guess my sister is right and the next wave is cool WOMEN changing the world. Just wish I had that mensch beside me to make it even better.

PS, my Hebrew name is Ruach. Yeahright. Let's hope a divine breath blows into my freakin' love life. Thanks for answering me. I'm just whining right now. Spoilt, lonely and angry. :nopity:

[njtechguy]

19. not just a jewish girl problem.....

being a 28 Jewish Male finding a girl that at least knows what is going on the world is difficult. Let alone finding a jewish girl that does. I am so sick of meeting girls, and they ask me what I am interested in....as soon as I bring up news/politics they look at me like I have 3 eyes.

I have lurked here for years, figure it is time to join the conversation.

[hsher]

21. They're not interested in news and politics? Who are these girls?

All the girls I sit around and gab with in girltalk sessions are totally into these things! I am sorry to hear you've gone through that! I figured we gals were a dime a dozen and you guys were just picking over us selecting the apolitical shiksehs. My profuse, intense apologies. Well, I'm a Sephardic Portuguese-Jewish girl looking for a NOT-rich, NOT-famous, ordinary-looking, but smart, news-loving, politics-aware Jewish guy who WANTS to be rich and famous because I want to be, too - just not on your coattails. I've got my own nice thing going very well here thanks. I just want a guy who won't be put off by my aspirations, who wants to rise alongside me - me helping him, him helping me, us supporting each other side by side as A TEAM! You sound interesting enough; anyone here want to play yenta? :)

[njtechguy]

22. hmmm...

well i need to sit around with the people you sit around and yab with, hehe. I can't deal with the apolitical one's. Nothing drives me more crazy then hearing people talk about how voting and politics doesn't matter anyway, while we sit and watch the world crumble around us. Keep your head up, someone lucky is bound to come your way!

[hsher]

24. Thanks, NJTech - I hope so!

Fingers crossed and not looking. It'll come I guess.

[njtechguy]

28. NM?

Is there a Jewish population where you are? It just seems that we live in clusters in this country.

[hsher]

30. Yes and very close-knit

There's I think about four synagogues out here. I attend a Conservative one, but not attending would be impossible, since the synagogue President's wife is my very best friend. The guilt from them for not attending would be catastrophic; although here I sit at home typing on Shabbat ;)

I'd say there's several thousand Jews here in Albuquerque. We have a large and vibrant community center, regular meetings and events, and are hugely supported by other communities out here like the Christian one, who threw a big bash for us a couple weeks ago. (Now THAT was interesting. They were very right-wing, conservative and Republican evangelists, supporting us because as you well know, they love Israel for certain political reasons. All us Jews sat in a little special section up front like VIPs and "felt the love". Then the organizer, evangelist John Hagee, made a slur against the Democrats and every Jew in the place burst out laughing - all of us are LIBERAL DEMOCRATS of course, a thing RW evangelists just don't seem to grasp or understand.) But yes, it's a big community, and very close-knit. Everybody knows each other... almost. Albuquerque is just large enough a city to preclude the small-town thing of everybody QUITE knowing each other. There's still enough big city mystery to remain anonymous if one wants to. As a former NJ resident and Los Angeles resident who has been and stayed in NYC longterm many times, I have a healthy respect for big city anonymity.

[njtechguy]

32. interesting

That sounds pretty interesting. As someone who has always lived in areas of this nation where there are large amounts of Jewish people, it must be nice to kind of move as a group like that. We have done those interfaith events here as well, though not many evangelicals in this area, so it pretty much was apolitical. No matter what the reason or cause it is still nice when people of different backgrounds can find common ground and come together.

[hsher]

37. True

I like hanging out with conservatives. (Mostly. Sometimes.) Just for that "something different" fix. Boy do they think differently from us. It's like a whole different energy bandwidth.

[NYCGirl]

20. BTW, as Al has talked about a number of time, Franni is Catholic...

so unless your family is dead set against it or you are, maybe it might help to "broaden your options."

P.S. My Hebrew name is Shayna.

[hsher]

23. You're probably right

Shalom, Shayna. I've thought about dating and marrying a sheygetz; many times. Heck, I had a very sad crush on supreme blue-blooded son-of-a-socialite-heiress sheygetz Tucker Carlson at one time, and the married jerk had the discourtesy to return that crush... avoiding that was like avoiding a car crash, but somehow we did it... I was a good girl and he was a good boy, so nobody got hurt (except my heart). I've considered it... but there is this guilt of "What about the wedding? Will he convert? Will he care? What will his family think? How will they treat me, what stuff will they say about me, about Jews, about Israel when I'm not there?" and the tremendous one of, "If I have a kid, the kid is Jewish and is going to be raised a Torah Jew. How will that sit with future husband?"

It's terrible to think all this stuff ahead in advance, but... what else can you do? It's reality. I prefer to engage reality. My reality insistence, though, is killing the dream, imagination, innocence and fantasy necessary for love to take wing. I am *way* too pragmatic.

I have to admit I was quite miffed for a few seconds that Jon Stewart, that Prince of Us All, married a non-Jewish woman. I see pics of his kids in the news and catch myself thinking, "How sad. That little boy is not Jewish; his mom is not, therefore." But then, Stewart changed his name from Leibowitz for The Usual Reasons. I on the other hand changed my name from my father's Irish surname to Ferreira when my mother's family came out of the closet and we learned we were Jewish. I did a name change to reflect and honor my Sephardim ancestors. Jon opted in the opposite direction. Ah well.

I'm unsure how to go about this. I could broaden my options, yes. Yet I keep in my heart this dream of marrying a Jewish man, so no explanations need to be given, everything is understood, all the terminology he already knows and is familiar with, and when I say my son or daughter will be raised Torah, he'll nod and agree.*

*IRONIC DISCLAIMER: the last man I dated was in fact Jewish but won't set foot in a shul. Instead, he is very into Native American traditions and spirituality and considered me a troglodyte throwback to "oppressive patriarchal religion". Needless to say THAT date didn't get to date two. Sigh. :(

[XOKCowboy]

25. Nope...

From what I'm reading it sounds like you better stay within your religion because it means so much to you.

Don't know why I'm putting in my $.02 worth. I've got a lot in common with your last date! :) I am enjoying this thread though. I think you and NJTech oughta do lunch or something.

[njtechguy]

26. ya know

While I was always raised to Marry a Jewish girl, I do stray from that thought line a lot. However, if I were to Marry someone who is not Jewish I cannot Marry someone who is religous then. I can never see myself or my children walking into another religous building. I am not a very religous Jew, more cultural then anything else............

In today's world with so many problems sprouting up from the religous core, i have thought many times of just leaving it all. However, what keeps me sort of interested is that holidays seem to be the only time that all of our family get together. I would love to have my kids experience the same thing.

[hsher]

27. If it's beshert it'll happen

Up to him. My photo is up on my blog, so the world can see it. I'm certainly not your average Jewish girl! My father was African-American and had an Irish last name, and my mother, while Jewish, is also part East Indian. So I have what can safely be called "that exotic look". Guys regularly think I'm either Bangladeshi, Thai or Black Puerto Rican. None of the above! Portuguese and Jewish!

We'll see if I make the cut :)

[njtechguy]

29. long drive :)

That would be a hell of a long drive from NJ to NM.........though sure you would be worth it, hehe!

[hsher]

31. Well, be sure to check me out fully first!

My pic is on my blog. I could answer many questions for you. I'm also dead honest, so I'll omit nothing scary, and omit nothing cool either. Mine has been a pretty complex life, but the worst thing I've ever done is get cyberstalked by a crazy lady for getting involved in her favorite TV show. No drugs, no diseases, celibate for ten years, pretty spiritual, and very committed to making positive changes in America. PS, I'll also be famous one day. If that doesn't scare you off, I'm here!

[njtechguy]

33. cool

as long as you use your fame for good, it's a positive :)

[njtechguy]

34. ya know

i was going to send you a private message on here, but I don't have enough posts :)

[hsher]

35. Why not try THIS

Send me a comment at my blog with your email address in it, and I can email you from my private email address. My blog's comments are moderated, so I'm the only person who will see your email address. It will never hit the screen, because I can then delete it ("disapprove it for posting" and prevent it from being posted or seen), and no one will ever have seen it but me.

My blog is: http://www.yourmorningleibowitz.blogspot.com

That way you don't have to worry about DU's inbox thing again.

[hsher]

36. Oh thank you!

I see you're already there!

[CTyankee]

38. Well, if you have a child you can look around at Parents without Partners.

That's how I met my Jewish guy, a liberal progressive from the midwest. We've been married now for 20 years. He and I were both looking for politically compatible partners. This was down in the D.C. area. PWP was pretty big there so there were lots of guys to pick from. And the activities were quite varied, e.g., not just nightime stuff. I met him at one of their brunches, hosted by fellow PWP members. You paid a nominal fee to go and they were really good.

Also, have you tried the "Jewish singles" ads? I never did but in some cities you might have a good shot...

Just my little 2 cents worth...

[hsher]

39. I've dipped my toe in the ads

I'm just so scared of it. I put up an ad and get overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I've also always had the stupid fantasy of "an ad? But my prince wouldn't be reading ads" - really dumb of me. Lots of princes and princesses read and answer ads. They also post them. I guess I've just been too scared. Believing the fantasy that magic and serendipity will bring you together. I love the idea of Parents Without Partners, though. I still haven't decided if I'm going to even have a baby next year. It's a strong idea, but hasn't quite clicked YES yet. I'm scared. I keep thinking, wait a while, the right guy is coming, don't have a kid before him yet. Wait... wait...

So I'm torn between wanting to believe and needing to be pragmatic. Did you ever feel this way? Am I the only one torn like this? :(

Glad and happy to hear your good news, though. 20 YEARS!!!!! Yours is a dream come true most people don't even imagine anymore. We're all so skeptical. Look at you! I am proud of both of you! I know it took so much love and compromise... a hug to you... mazeltov!!!! :hug:

You both earned it!!!!

[CTyankee]

40. Thanks so much. You sound like a wonderful person so I think

it is only a matter of time. I had had a few bad experiences right after I got out of my marriage but I was determined to meet the right person. So I just set out to maximize my chances of doing that. I did answer ads in "The Washingtonian" because it was a higher level type of publication, read by a professional group of people. I was very selective about that. PWP happened to have a nice group of people in it at that time so I was lucky. You need to find a group that is looking for you as intently as you are looking for them. That is where you will have the most success, IMHO. You might also try political groups. They would at least by like minded, but again, maybe not looking for a partner.

No singles group at your synagogue?

[hsher]

42. No singles group!

Can you believe it? There aren't enough young singles, everyone there is a senior! Where do we find the shul-going thirtysomethings and twentysomethings???

[CTyankee]

44. Have you looked around? I don't know where you live but

if it is in a big city you might try calling different synagogues to find out.

Maybe just call other synagogues to find out if they have singles groups? Explain what you are after and let them advise you accordingly? I would think that they would want to do that!

Is there a JCC in town? You might be able to find some activities there for singles or atleast some gym stuff (altho when I was at the JCC locally the exercise classes were all for women only!).

The only other alternative I could recommend is something that you would gravitate to anyway, like a political group or an nonprofit organization that benefits a group or organization that you deem worthy. Volunteer time can be great for this kind of thing, depending on the organization. Maybe Habitat for Humanity, if you are a hammer and nails type of person. Or a soup kitchen. You never can tell.

The only other alternative I can recommend is a vacation tour. I just took one to Italy and was traveling with a recently widowed friend. A single man in our group became smitten with her and hovered around us for days. She wasn't interested in him (and I am married, but my husband couldn't make the trip), so it didn't work out for him but at least it was an opportunity. How about a trip to Israel?

Good luck to you!

[njtechguy]

17. take him with you

I think our friend Al should invite Mr. how to be a patriot hannity with him. Let's see how he reacts to put up or shut up time. I mean it's easy to have a little patriotic party at Six Flags in Jackson, NJ. Go show some balls and show up in Baghdad.

Btw, way to go Al........shows the real way to support the troops!

[NYCGirl]

41. Kick

[KharmaTrain]

43. I Enjoy Listening To Al...However...

Al's fought a great fight on the airwaves. I know he has tons of detractors here, but it's a far preferable alternative to one driving in the car during the day to what's on the other stations. He helped put Progressive Talk radio on the map and got it some much needed PR that is one of the greatest success stories and proved there wasn't only a place for Progressive Talk, but a real need. This is his and AAR's legacy that should be applauded.

AAR overcame a lot of obstacles...from Evan Cohen's fraud to the worst radio economy ever to its own artistic and other internal problems. The network just has hit one higher mountain after another...without additional sources of revenue, it's never had a chance to breathe and stagnated. Al, Janeane, Randi, Rachel, Sam...even Mike, Marc Maron (remember him) and every associated with this network made big sacrafices and still do...but it's now time to move onto the next level.

Al's all set to run for the Senate and he alluded in interviews over the years that the radio gig was just another stop on a long career from a very creative and highly driven person. The same can be said for the others as new opportunities now are presenting themselves and could lead to bigger and better things for us all.

Note the Quake isn't changing formats...just reshuffling the deck. If I were a right wing hack, I'd be watching over my shoulder as the falling ratings and poor revenue performance of hate radio stations will soon be creating the financial hardships that AAR has had to endure. Many of these goons will be on the outside looking in as the beancounters and bill collectors force changes that are long overdue.

Al may be moving on, but behind him are many others who are chomping to get their turn at the golden microphone. We have several such folks here on DU who have fought hard fight...almost all in the shadows and at a big emotional and financial toll. My hopes are there's a way we can work to harness all this energy, talent and dedication and do to radio what the blogs have done to the print media. There's great opportunities ahead...it's just lining up ducks, learning from past mistakes and being ready to seize the opportunities that will be coming up.

Thanks Al and the best of luck in turning Normie into the next Santorum.